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Not getting any younger…
No one ever gets any younger… I have now been on this crazy planet for a few days over 50 years. I look back to when I was a child; completely care free with no concern of my own mortality. I had a great childhood. I can thank my parents for that. I was loved…
Blood, water and piss
I have thought about this for a quite a few weeks now and now I think that I am ready to try and rationalise it. A friend of mine, worried about me, sent me a message saying that they had I seen a FB post by a certain someone and asked if I am OK.…
Old photos…
I went through a pile of old photographs last night. Sat on my own, in the cold, with not a soul to share them with. It was really lovely. The ones of my mum and dad with my children bought a tear to my eye. For so many reasons. I wasn’t sad. I was happy…
Awake…
For the first time in a while I feel mentally awake (I could still sleep like a baby at any point in time however). 2 weeks of relaxing and switching off from almost everything has been just what we needed. You do not realise how much chatter goes on between your ears until you have…
Two wheels heal …
A few weeks ago (this was written in early September but I forgot to publish it 🙄) I took my partner out on my bike. She enjoyed it, I think. I loved it although I was quite nervous. Time is short at the moment, however a few hours focusing on staying upright and making sure…
12 months…
Just over 12 months ago I started to get to know someone new. Initially it was just text chat. I was so intrigued. She was so funny, easy to talk to and she fascinated me. After a few weeks or more we decided to meet. I was so nervous, yet I knew that I would…
Deep breaths… If only
Sometimes you are faced with situations and exposed to information that makes you question many many things. Your initial reaction is to want to scream and kick out. Mine certainly was. However, with the calming words of those that you value more than anything and some internal mental wrestling you can see the situation from…
22 years is even longer…
22 years ago today I heard the news on the radio that Joey Dunlop had been killed racing in Estonia. I was away in Devon. If you do nothing else after reading this Google Joey Dunlop if you are unaware. He was an incredible man. Road racing legend and very much loved by all who…
2 years is a very long time – from despair to a happy place
Only a handful of people know this and writing it has been difficult, however when I realised the date today I felt compelled – After the back of a great solo motorcycle trip we were forced in to a covid induced lock down. Lock down was hard for many, my family included. My son went…
Sunshine and smiles, mostly…
Summer is coming!!! I have secured the lockup mini garage for my bike as previously mentioned. Got a solar trickle charger and some 12v lights. Security is as good as it will ever be. Got a ground anchor just for extra measure however. Just need time to sort it all out and move my bike…
Bessy Boo
It dawned on me today that after some devastating news that I have never mentioned my k9 soul mate Bess in my blog. Bess is a 16 year old border collie. She is not in good health and has struggled on for the last 3 or months. In 8 hours time she will be free…
The time is now …
Things can change quickly. 2 years ago we had just gone into covid lockdown. Just before then I had been scratching around Spain and Portugal as free as a bird. Plans of more travels, bike related business ideas, excitement in general. The now is a very different place… Read back through previous posts to get…
Time to get wise …
Things can change pretty fast. Trying to control and plan is sometimes futile. One has to just react, like a ship sailing through icebergs … Did I mention that the captain of the Titanic came from my home town. We also have zero control over people’s reactions and emotions … Again we need to empathise…
Summer is coming … Following the rainbow
The thought of hot balmy days, mooching around with people who are fun to be with, is something to really look forward to. Forget about the bullshit for a few hours and soak up the sun. “Calm waters never made the best sailors” Life is changing pretty fast at the moment for lots of people…
Inner peace and the jigsaw puzzle that is life …
I have had a few conversations with various people about this recently. The old me would always be ready to fight and argue until the issue under discussion was exhausted and the other person probably as frustrated as I was. Through lack of emotional energy, self preservation and the realisation that I need to make…
A lovely tribute
So we met at the crematorium and paid our respects to a legend that the world is worse off without. Soon after we gathered in a near by pub. Lots of photos showed and stories shared. One thing is for sure, John was very much loved. He touched the heart and souls of those that…
30 and 20 years ago … and a rant
30 years ago today (5th December), I crashed an Austin Mini, which I had rebuilt from the chassis up, into a telegraph pole. I spent all summer welding, repairing, engine refurbishment, modifying, painting etc. Then, on route to my first official date, with a girl I would marry and have 3 wonderful children, I skidded…
Europe part 2
We meandered through eastern Europe, if memory serves, next stop was Bucharest. We found a small holiday park with cheap apartments which had a swimming pool. We got food on the site and had a few beers. I remember having a tantrum over something and grabbed the train timetable book and said to John and…
Europe part 1
Sometimes you meet people who change you. They might not play a life long role, however they shape your thinking, create memories or make you feel alive. Sometimes all 3. Nothing wrong with being vanilla, however triple choc chip with popping candy and amphetamines makes for a more exciting experience. John had the ability to…
In memory of …
In the article included in the previous blog it mentions the purchase of an RD200DX which I purchased from an absolute legend and very good friend, sadly no longer with us, who I will simply refer to as John. Although I got into bikes before I knew John, he was a fellow bike lover. I…
A long time ago …
I was reminded the other day, whilst chatting to a good friend, that I once wrote an article for small motorcycle publication. Over 19 years ago apparently. I was a regular reader of such magazines as it was just ordinary people talking about their motorcycling shenanigans. A welcome change from the journalist with the latest…
Work life balance …
The term work life balance has been used for a long time to describe how much of your life you give to work. Looking back over most of my career my life was dominated by work. Why ? The need to provide all the things that we are led to believe make us happy, the…
Almost 3 months …
My new life, living on my own for the first time ever, is almost 3 months old. Initial impression is, it will be OK. When I started this blog I had no idea the title ‘Lone’ Rider would have such depth. Good days and bad days … Just have to roll with them I guess.…
A week to go …
In one weeks time I will, hopefully, be in my new home. A 1950s 2.5 bed semi. Lots to do on the DIY front, slightly overwhelming but all manageable, time and cash permitting The biggest issue is the lack of garage, needed to house my my motorcycle and tools etc. In my simple mind a…
What a difference a year makes …
12 months almost to the day that I bought a my new bike ready for my mini adventure to Espanol. I have never been overly attached to anything material. The experience and adventure of riding has always been the ‘Thing’ not the bike itself (Same with most other things – I much prefer the experience…
Shots Fired!!!
Where do I start? The US, the home of capitalism is falling apart it seems. All my suspicions over what an abhorrent and dangerous man Donald Trump is had now been confirmed, yet he has a strong following … willing to storm the Capitol with an intent to harm others and “take our country back”.…
2020 What a Year!
Well as 2020 draws to a close in a few weeks it is only natural to reflect, especially given the events. Covid has certainly shown many people in their real light. People looking after the vulnerable and being so very brave and selfless (I am so grateful for such beautiful souls), yet others being utterly…
World Suicide Prevention Day
Today is World suicide prevention day.2020 has been particularly hard for many people. Advances in technology and global capitalism are in general not making us any happier. Social media distorts reality. People living ‘their best life’ and bombardment of tragedies. What you follow becomes an echo chamber to the point of overload. There are also…
That black dog…
It has been a while… The trip to the Isle of Man was obviously cancelled. The trip to France obviously cancelled. The work on the CB500 has come to a halt. Too busy and no motivation. Work is like a long drawn out disaster movie most days. Glimmers of a plot twist and a happy…
A different route
74 days. 74 days without booze if I exclude one night a few weeks ago. I didn’t see that as a fail. There are no rules. It was confirmation that when things get a bit too much alcohol is not the solution. Real people, family and genuine friends are the comfort you need. They make…
Stir Crazy…
The lockdown, although essential, is a strain. It is a strain listening to lying politicians, watching idiots flout the rules and just living in a surreal environment. Worried about your family, vulnerable loved ones, your sanity, your income. This is on top of all the other things that sometimes cause a traffic jam on your…
The Apocalypse
Just less than 3 weeks since my return from Spain and the world has changed (forever). To think that I almost went to Northern Italy. I could have been at the epicenter of Europe’s Corona outbreak. Flights to Bergamo were looked into. Another blessings counted! There is so much suffering and fear of the future.…
Published …
A very popular motorcycle publication often asks for content so like the fame hungry wannabe that I am, I obliged … For the record … Day 1 – Santander – (N621) PotesDay 2 – Potes -(N621) Riano – AstorgaDay 3 – Astorga – Santiago de CompostellaDay 4 – Santiago de Compostella – Vigo – (N304-1)Lindoso -…
Adiós
With about 7 hours left on the ferry I am pondering, reflecting, thinking. Have I enjoyed my mini adventure? Immensely! Memories made. 29 years ago I traveled across Europe by rail with two close friends. One of which is sadly no longer with us in person. I wish I had kept a journal. The memories…
Some bullet points …
General Always check your passport!! Learn the road signs of the country you are traveling inIt is safer to ride on the correct side of the roadYou really don’t need many clothes or much else to be honest Travel lighter. Books – use a kindle instead (I have read 10 pages of my books so…
Gatos y perros (cats and dogs)
The predicted rain started about 20 minutes into my journey. Basically a straight line along motorways through Valladolid to Santander. Now with lashing rain. With little to focus on, the rain, wind, cold, thoughts of work, tax bills and corrupt, disenguinous government all start to darken the mood. I can feel the black dog nipping…
The road to Salamanca and the close shave
I am not proud. I strolled into breakfast with a sandwich bag full of English tea bags asking for agua caliente. I was desperate. Two brews down and I was ready for the day. Before leaving I asked the proprietor where she was born. Portugal she said. I followed up by saying that she sounds…
Three little ducks …
Braga was cool and damp as I left. Better watch out for slippy roads. As today’s mission was to ride the infamous N-222 (one of the worlds best roads apparently), I head straight for it just east of Porto via the toll motorway. Approaching the toll barriers there are cars on my left. They are…
Crossing Borders
Leaving Santiago was odd. I didn’t want to leave. It is so lovely. However, a journey is not a journey if you stay in the same place. Given the time limitations I thought I would blast down to Vigo on the motorway, about 6 euro for the privilege. All good until, unlike the forecast suggest,…
The Rain in Spain … And getting dry.
It started well. Black tea and cold milk with breakfast. Checked out and headed North. Stopping for petrol and making use of the jet wash. A few stared with a puzzled look. Fairy liquid and a tooth brush to scrub the oily back tyre before giving it a hose off. I left them to wonder.…
Room 101 and the Guardia
I woke up this morning and saw blue skies. I thought a trip on the cable car in the Picos and then head to Astorga the long way around would be great. As I was leaving I noticed my room was 101 (see George Orwell for explanation). No tea at breakfast was surely the worst…
Picos de Europa …
Leaving the ferry was quite uneventful. Headed out on the local roads to get used to the steering wheel being on the opposite side. The mountain roads towards the picos are tiny, twisty roads, smoother than a teflon coated smooth thing. Better suited to cyclists, or motorcyclists who can actually ride properly. Besides being held…
Riding the waves and the ups and downs of life
The ferry got very hairy. Quite amusing watching drinks flying off tables and people walking like they’ve been on the mamba, until that is you would like to sleep. A long term regular passenger (truck driver) said to me it was pretty bad. Much calmer this morning thankfully. A bit of inside info for you…
“Take me to Portugal, take me to Spain …” Jim Morrison – circa ages ago
It’s Saturday morning and I am on the ferry to Santander (the port, not the high street bank). Quick update on the previous post – Ditched the bum bag and got a small tank bag. Fits my phone in the top so can use sat nav for about 30mins before my battery dies. Love technology.…
Preparation H
‘H’ as in Honda 😉 Yesterday I fitted some crash bars. I know I should think positive, however riding on to ferries and short legs are a potential recipe for a messy start. I also gave the Honda a coating of ACF50. An oily rust inhibitoring coating, used in the aviation industry, that will protect…
Spain on the brain …
After coming to the end of long stressful hours for a significant period at work and needing to take unused holiday my wife says “why don’t you nip off on your bike somewhere?” I thought that a week’s camping in say Ireland on my 20yr old CBR 600 f4 would be great. However the weather…
Why …
The world is a crazy place. We are bombarded with information from all angles (by design). Driven to distraction. I needed an outlet. To focus on what makes me happy. I love motorcycles and traveling. Most the people I know are not interested in motorcycles so it is a solo interest. So, I will mostly…
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