tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35054345950269829292024-03-13T11:58:43.589+00:00Flies in your TeethOriginally called 'USA Tour on a Harley-Davidson', the blog records my motorcycling adventures and travels.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-4919323595938346882016-10-18T17:16:00.000+01:002016-10-18T17:16:27.726+01:00Why one-way motorcycle touring on your own bike makes sense<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCfeIfL8jmw/WAZJ8sIj9HI/AAAAAAAAITM/Amwqhxz44MoCH3O34SPsyaHHnDNqJ0mZwCLcB/s1600/Portoroz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCfeIfL8jmw/WAZJ8sIj9HI/AAAAAAAAITM/Amwqhxz44MoCH3O34SPsyaHHnDNqJ0mZwCLcB/s320/Portoroz.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, this isn’t a crafty plan to relieve you of your
pride-and-joy at the end of a tour, but a clever way of letting you maximise
the great times you have riding your motorcycle. Many of the tours
operated by Harley-Davidson authorised tour provider Tour1 go to
Harley-Davidson European rallies, and here is the odd thing, you ride your own
bike there, but the tours are one-way. Since starting these tours a few
years ago, they have been sold-out, so we asked Gary France, who runs Tour1,
about these one-way tours and why they are so popular.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What exactly is a one-way tour on your own bike?</b>
The one-way tours all start in the UK and we ride across Europe to a
Harley-Davidson motorcycle rally. These are fully-guided tours that use
some of the best roads Europe has to offer. We take six days to ride to
the rally, then spend 3 days there enjoying the sights and sounds of that
rally. Our customers then fly back to the UK on the Sunday afternoon as
the rally ends and your bikes are bought back to the UK on a truck. You
get your bike back less than a week later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where do you run these tours to?</b> In 2017, these
tours go to the rallies in St Tropez (May), to the main HOG European Rally (June) and European Bike Week at Faaker See (September).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUTGKPF93YE/WAZKFLMvInI/AAAAAAAAITQ/2YEtd_7Lze4of3BScL_cOzXisEQndFAFACLcB/s1600/2017%2Bn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUTGKPF93YE/WAZKFLMvInI/AAAAAAAAITQ/2YEtd_7Lze4of3BScL_cOzXisEQndFAFACLcB/s320/2017%2Bn3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Why do riders like one-way tours so much?</b>
Riders love the ride to a rally, as they are full of anticipation for what is
ahead. The roads are terrific and generally they are heading south into
better weather. We stay in good quality three and four-star hotels and
the sense of adventure, riding in a group across Europe is exciting.
Riding back from a rally however is generally dull, often ridden on motorways,
heading back to worse weather and nearly always done in a rush.
Eliminating that slog of a ride home is a real benefit as it allows riders to
travel back comfortably, to be at home just a few hours later on Sunday
evening, refreshed and ready for work the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pJAfX9W2ho/WAZKK5kqWfI/AAAAAAAAITU/X1cDwYeS6Qkm7-8tKycjE2iJKMiCFW2IgCLcB/s1600/Line%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pJAfX9W2ho/WAZKK5kqWfI/AAAAAAAAITU/X1cDwYeS6Qkm7-8tKycjE2iJKMiCFW2IgCLcB/s320/Line%2BUp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How long do the tours take?</b> Most of our tours
leave on a Saturday morning and last 9 days, so finish when people fly home on
the following Sunday. For most people, that means they take just 5 days
off work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you ride a direct route to the rallies?</b>
No. Direct routes are often not the most exciting, nor the most
scenic. Take our route to St Tropez for example. The direct route
from Calais is about 730 miles of boring riding, but our tour is 1,200 miles to
get there. We ride fantastic roads in Belgium and Luxembourg, then two of
the very best motorcycling roads in Germany, over parts of The Alps and
finally, through some amazing gorges in France on our route. We chose
roads because they are spectacular, not simply because they get you there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSdL_xT9I4Y/WAZKQHmVsdI/AAAAAAAAITY/6397i91VnJwofXrtObwlRql_PO8NMQTYwCLcB/s1600/Karersee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSdL_xT9I4Y/WAZKQHmVsdI/AAAAAAAAITY/6397i91VnJwofXrtObwlRql_PO8NMQTYwCLcB/s320/Karersee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How do the motorcycles get back to the UK?</b>
There is a company called ‘<i>We Move Bikes’</i> who transport Harley-Davidson
demonstrator bikes to events across Europe, for people to test-ride at the
rallies. They are an authorised logistics partner of Harley-Davidson, who
use specially designed trucks and cradles to move the bikes. We use those
same facilities to bring our customers bikes back to the UK. WMB are
highly professional and fully insured for moving Harley-Davidsons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, a one-way tour allows people to ride across Europe for
six days, on fantastic roads, stay in good quality hotels, then spend 3 days at
a Harley-Davidson rally, and then be back home on the Sunday night, ready for
work the next day. What’s not to love! <a href="http://www.tour1.co.uk/">www.tour1.co.uk</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-79864056957497041862016-03-23T16:27:00.000+00:002016-03-23T16:27:01.896+00:00There must be some bends here somewhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With my son Charlie, we flew across the Atlantic so we could ride at Daytona Bike Week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFUrVRRmmPs/VvLDJsn7J-I/AAAAAAAAIKc/5XRq7n0P_xEfRFOEHzLTt46W-aE2lh1tA/s1600/Daytona%2BTwitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFUrVRRmmPs/VvLDJsn7J-I/AAAAAAAAIKc/5XRq7n0P_xEfRFOEHzLTt46W-aE2lh1tA/s400/Daytona%2BTwitter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is our video we made.<br />
<br />
We wanted to make a record of our trip, not just what happens at Bike Week. We hope you like the results. The benefit of videos like this is they help you remember the trip, so I am sure to look at this in years to come.<br />
<br />
Happy riding everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="251" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/159533190?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe>Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-55491396003461173832016-03-18T17:40:00.000+00:002016-03-18T17:40:47.249+00:00Essential riding items - The ResultsI recently asked what are the five things riders cannot leave behind when on a long ride. The answers came in via a number of different social media platforms and here are the results.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to the people that contributed to this. We all might learn something from it and maybe this will make us think about what additional thing(s) we might want to carry ourselves.<br />
<br />
The answers were interesting, with some items being the things many riders like to carry and other things being somewhat more unusual. I have collated the answers as best as I could into five categories.<br />
<br />
The answers in each category are in order, with the most popular being at the top in each category, working downwards....<br />
<u><br />
</u> <b><u>FOR YOUR BIKE</u></b><br />
Puncture repair kit <i>(way out in front in this category)</i><br />
Leatherman / multi-purpose knife<br />
Mini compressor<br />
Spare fuel<br />
Small tool bag<br />
Spare key<br />
Fuses, bulbs, etc.<br />
Micro-fibre cloth<br />
Givi tail bag<br />
Maxima Chain Wax.<br />
Grip buddies<br />
<u><br />
</u> <b><u>SOMETHING YOU WEAR WHEN RIDING</u></b><br />
Rain gear <i>(top answer in this category, by a long way)</i><br />
Riding trousers<br />
Sunglasses<br />
Hi-vis jacket<br />
Buff<br />
Comfortable socks<br />
Icebreaker brand merino layers<br />
Club patch vest<br />
High hiking gaiters (for off road riding)<br />
Silk underwear (really)<br />
Rain gear<br />
<br />
<b><u>TECHNICAL STUFF</u></b><br />
<i>(People were encourage not to vote for a phone, as we all carry those)</i><br />
Camera (the most voted for item, in all categories)<br />
GPS / Sat Nav<br />
i-Pad / laptop<br />
Helmet intercom<br />
<br />
<b><u>ESSENTIAL ITEM TO CARRY WITH YOU</u></b><br />
Earplugs<i> (equal first in this category)</i><br />
Water <i>(top answer, along with earplugs)</i><br />
Maps<br />
Sunscreen<br />
Camelbak<br />
Heated Gloves<br />
Disc lock<br />
Roadside assistance card<br />
Tent<br />
Emergency contact details<br />
Notebook and pen<br />
Toilet paper<br />
Insulated coffee cup<br />
<br />
<b><u>A LUXURY ITEM</u></b><br />
Comfortable shoes for after riding <i>(easily the top item in this category)</i><br />
Lip balm / lipstick<br />
Credit card<br />
Sleeping bag / pad<br />
Alcohol / Wine<br />
Custom moulded ear plug speakers<br />
Cigars<br />
Seat cover / gel padding<br />
Monarch butterfly chair for camping<br />
Comfortable shoes for after riding<br />
Lip balm / lipstick<br />
Credit card<br />
Sleeping bag / pad<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwBpmOXAKwo/VsRfIQTk2dI/AAAAAAAAIKA/Ta3V7UlApJQWPsch2s44VX1B4QRpyeGdg/s1600/Fav%2BThings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwBpmOXAKwo/VsRfIQTk2dI/AAAAAAAAIKA/Ta3V7UlApJQWPsch2s44VX1B4QRpyeGdg/s320/Fav%2BThings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-16875744863789188502016-02-18T10:08:00.000+00:002016-02-18T10:09:42.173+00:00You cannot ride without...... what?All of us have favourite items we like to take with us on long distance motorcycle rides, or tours.<br />
<br />
Just for fun, I am putting together a list of the top essential items riders take with them. What are the five things you CANNOT leave behind?<br />
<br />
Please give one answer for each category below and I will collate the answers into an essential motorcycling items guide......<br />
<br />
<b>1. For your bike.</b> It could be a particular tool, cable ties, oil, or a puncture repair kit. What won't you travel without?<br />
<br />
<b>2. Something you wear when riding.</b> A favourite pair of gloves perhaps, a heated jacket, a certain pair of boots, or kevlar jeans maybe?<br />
<br />
<b>3. Technical stuff</b>. Maybe you won't go without a camera, music, a GPS or a laptop. What item MUST you take? Don't list a phone, as we all carry those!<br />
<br />
<b>4. Essential item to carry with you.</b> That could be water, sunscreen, paper maps or something else?<br />
<br />
<b>5. A luxury item</b> - Cigars, a favourite hat, shoes, an expensive watch?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwBpmOXAKwo/VsRfIQTk2dI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/1VjJ7skqn2I/s1600/Fav%2BThings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwBpmOXAKwo/VsRfIQTk2dI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/1VjJ7skqn2I/s400/Fav%2BThings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-69202706347512694492016-01-20T11:33:00.000+00:002016-01-20T11:35:54.725+00:00PLEASE MAKE IT LESS PERFECTOne of the things I have tried to avoid about riding motorcycles is any form of prejudice for one brand over another. To me, it is important to treat all motorcyclists equally and to treat them all as is they were a brother, no matter what the name badge on the tank says. I have tried to always respect the choice we all have when choosing which brand we each ride and so I really don’t like the “my bike is better than you bike” brigade who are so blind as to not be able to see anything beyond their own handlebars.<br />
<br />
However, those principles took a bit of a shaking today when I visited a BMW dealership.<br />
<br />
I must have seen my local BMW motorcycle dealership dozens of times as I rode / drove past, but until today, I just kept going. This morning however, curiosity got the better of me and I swung around and went to see what it was all about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ACKMOOcQKA/Vp9xDZ3VUMI/AAAAAAAAIJs/MEHHiye0pRs/s1600/bmw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ACKMOOcQKA/Vp9xDZ3VUMI/AAAAAAAAIJs/MEHHiye0pRs/s400/bmw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The motorcycles were stunning. <br />
<br />
With different types of bike to suit every form of riding, be that on-road, off-road, commuting, race bike lookalikes, scooters and even a few with sidecars, every taste was catered for. I marveled at the technology, the sweeping lines, the clean and crisp designs and the cleanliness of just about every aspect of the bikes. Deep down, each one is probably exceeding well designed, with handing, power and performance that is unequaled. It was very impressive stuff.<br />
<br />
The sales person who spoke to me knew everything there was to know about every motorcycle – a real powerhouse of information.<br />
<br />
Then it struck me.<br />
<br />
Everything about the dealership was so perfect, it was dull. The bikes were displayed in an order that made perfect sense. The marketing materials were absolutely factual. Even the china coffee cups were laid out in a symmetrical pattern that likely needed a surveyors tape to be so precise. The clothing department (really just a few rails) had only really dull t-shirts and the same suits that all GS riders seem to wear. The range of helmets on sale were boring, with just a teaspoon of design flair added to each one.<br />
<br />
What was missing was any sense of fun or enjoyment. There was no music playing. I was the only customer in the building. Nobody was smiling and there was no banter, but each member of staff had an immaculate desk and a shiny computer that they were fixated to. Groan.<br />
<br />
The place had as much character as the local branch of my bank. I couldn’t wait to leave.<br />
<br />
I walked outside and noticed about fifteen of the nearest car parking spaces to the building entrance were all marked as reserved for staff. All of those spaces were full, meaning the building was full of people working there. I had needed to park furthest away from the building. Does the dealership really mean to annoy its customers like this even before they park?<br />
<br />
I have to say that everything about the place was depressing.<br />
<br />
I am so glad I ride a Harley.<br />
<br />
Yes, BMW riders can and probably do claim that their motorcycles are superior in many ways to the ones that I ride, but that isn’t the point. Motorcycling should be fun, embracing, inclusive and dealerships should be inviting places where you are made to feel welcome and can fit in whatever your background. So, I say this to BMW. Even if you want to make one of the best performing motorcycles in the world, please make your dealerships less perfect, then you will get more people walking through your doors.<br />
<br />
<br />
I won’t be going back soon.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-65553257404804089022015-12-27T10:18:00.000+00:002016-01-03T07:32:29.720+00:00Best 20 Motorcycle Roads<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many reasons why a road might be considered as being
very good for motorcycling. It may be
because it is twisty, fast, scenic, or with great places to see along its
route.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some roads are famous and well less well known. Some are found by accident, but however you
came across your favourite roads, they are likely to remain in your memory for
a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, I can only consider a road to be worthy of ‘best’ if
I have personally ridden it. Here are my
top 20 roads, and the reasons why I like them so much. The lower the number, the more I like it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>20. Almost any road in Cuba<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKsk8gX8eI/Vn-ywu3wFjI/AAAAAAAAIGA/tVvAHxd414k/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B20%2BCuba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKsk8gX8eI/Vn-ywu3wFjI/AAAAAAAAIGA/tVvAHxd414k/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B20%2BCuba.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cuba is one of the most remarkable places I have been lucky
enough to ride. Despite being a very
poor country, it is rich in culture and the warmth of its people is incredible
to experience. Its communist regime has
no doubt hurt the country and its people, as has the trading blockade put in
place by the USA in 1960. The road
surfaces are terrible and accommodation is generally of a poor quality, but
riding a motorcycle around this remarkable country was both eye-opening and a
real pleasure. I saw a way of life that
I haven’t experienced anywhere else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>19. St Gotthard Pass, Switzerland<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqoKMWIwHoI/Vn-zRTUR8BI/AAAAAAAAIGI/jFYCWC9ZJ-Q/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B19%2BSt%2BGotthard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqoKMWIwHoI/Vn-zRTUR8BI/AAAAAAAAIGI/jFYCWC9ZJ-Q/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B19%2BSt%2BGotthard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many parts to St Gotthard Pass, but my favourite
is the old road, called Tremola, to the south of Lago della Piazza. This is a twisting, cobbled road that snakes
its way northwards, up through a series of tight hairpin bends to the lake at
the top of the road. Due to its rough
and bumpy surface the road has to be ridden slowly, but the excitement level is
high. The best view of the road is from
the later built highway 2 which runs to the west of the old road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>18. N-621 / C-I 627, Picos de Europa, Spain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5v1ep1HNf4/Vn-4WRiGpZI/AAAAAAAAIII/gaUCF_2IqZw/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B18%2BPicos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5v1ep1HNf4/Vn-4WRiGpZI/AAAAAAAAIII/gaUCF_2IqZw/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B18%2BPicos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many good riding roads in the Picos, with my
favourite being a road that follows the River Deva as it flows through an impressive
canyon. The road starts at Penamellera
Baja and heads south. The town of Potes
makes a good halfway stopping point before continuing onto Cervera de Pisuerga. The scenery is impressive and the road
narrow. Try to avoid at weekends when
the traffic can get heavy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>17. Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbqFgYMnutY/Vn-4ljYyIZI/AAAAAAAAIIU/HvhkDDNucGk/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B17%2BPikes%2BPeak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbqFgYMnutY/Vn-4ljYyIZI/AAAAAAAAIIU/HvhkDDNucGk/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B17%2BPikes%2BPeak.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 14,115 feet, this is the second highest paved road in the
USA. It twists and turns its way up this
spectacular and steep mountain. Much of
the edge of the road is un-guarded, with steep drop-offs, meaning the road is
not for everyone. It is a toll road, but
the fee payable is worth every penny, and it sees an annual motorcycle and car
race to reach its summit. It is so
steep, on the way down, all vehicles are subject to a brake heat check, as it
would be very easy to overheat your brakes unless the gears are used regularly
to slow your vehicle down. The road is
closed in winter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>16. Atlas Mountains, Morocco<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBk3WHGsogE/Vn-4JB1x52I/AAAAAAAAIIE/kU9ibeQhPJg/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B16%2BDades%2BGorge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBk3WHGsogE/Vn-4JB1x52I/AAAAAAAAIIE/kU9ibeQhPJg/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B16%2BDades%2BGorge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While no single road stands out as being excellent, there
are a few really good roads which together make the Atlas Mountains worth
riding. One of these is <span style="background: white; color: #333333;">the Tizi-n-Test Pass, situated to the
south west of Marrakech. This is shown
on maps as a ‘difficult or dangerous section of road’, but it really isn’t.
Narrow and with gravel or sand covering the road in places, the road twists and
turns through some glorious mountain scenery.
The Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and the road in Dades Gorge (pictured) is more
well-known.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>15. Verdun Gorge, France<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbV8RHOycB4/Vn-41SQ_X4I/AAAAAAAAIIc/fBOoESzK6RY/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B15%2BVerdun%2BGorge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbV8RHOycB4/Vn-41SQ_X4I/AAAAAAAAIIc/fBOoESzK6RY/s320/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B15%2BVerdun%2BGorge.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes a road is considered very good because of the
scenery. The road through Verdun Gorge
is certainly one of them. Verdun Gorge
is a river canyon <span style="background: white; color: #252525;">that is often considered to be one of Europe's most
beautiful. The river is a stunning<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">turquoise<span style="color: #252525;">-green colour and the view of the river from the bridge
at the western end as it flows into the Sainte-Croix lake of the gorge is
wonderful. There are two roads that
follow the canyon and the better one is on the north side of the river.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #252525;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>14. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado, USA</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_smCxgWQ0Vw/Vn-36zmlztI/AAAAAAAAIH0/mh9ySZIhKjM/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B14%2BMillion%2BDollar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_smCxgWQ0Vw/Vn-36zmlztI/AAAAAAAAIH0/mh9ySZIhKjM/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B14%2BMillion%2BDollar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Otherwise known as US 550, the best part of this road runs
from Durango to Ouray. A diversion into
Silverton is also worthwhile. There are
a number of reasons why this road may have obtained its unusual name, with the
most popular being how much it cost to build and how much silver was contained
within the rocks used under the road. As
you leave Durango and head north the road gets more and more spectacular. The first part of the road has terrific
scenery, the next part as it approaches Silverton sweeps around wonderfully
long bends and the northern part, nearer to Ouray, is dramatic as the road is
carved into the side of a mountain with no guard rail to protect wayward
riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>13. Triglavski Narodni Park, Slovenia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqh3n__k1wA/Vn-3G5qQKeI/AAAAAAAAIHk/asD4G8-zyLw/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B13%2BTriglavski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqh3n__k1wA/Vn-3G5qQKeI/AAAAAAAAIHk/asD4G8-zyLw/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B13%2BTriglavski.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525;">In the very northernmost part of Slovenia, road 206 runs
broadly south west from Kranjska Gora through the </span>Triglavski Narodni
Park. This is a mountainous area with
the road following the contours of the rugged nature of the mountains. The road is narrow, with certain parts
cobbled, but it is certainly good enough to ride and enjoy. The views from the road are excellent. Another excellent nearby road is number 902
within the park. It is a dead-end toll
road with spectacular scenery. The road
is to the east of Cave del Predil, across the border in northern Italy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>12. Needles Highway, South Dakota, USA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syWfkVJNGFQ/Vn-36zy5CII/AAAAAAAAIH8/_znNqZmyipo/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B12%2BNeedles%2BHighway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syWfkVJNGFQ/Vn-36zy5CII/AAAAAAAAIH8/_znNqZmyipo/s320/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B12%2BNeedles%2BHighway.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
South Dakota Highway 87 is a road running through the Black
Hills in South Dakota. The highway runs
through the Custer State Park and it is the northern 14 miles of the road that
are known as the Needles Highway. The
‘needles’ are jagged spire shaped rocks that rise out of the wooded hills. The road is best ridden on a weekday, well
away from the August Sturgis Rally which is held nearby and draws hundreds of
thousands of motorcyclists. The road
twists and turns through the hills and makes for challenging riding. The northern end of the road is at its
junction with US 385, about 3 miles south of Hill City. The road has several dramatic tunnels cut
through the rocks, including one part that is narrow and often
photographed. The road has a relatively
slow speed limit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>11. Furka, Grimsel and Susten Passes loop,
Switzerland<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw7xnAbiFKQ/Vn-2ymdQ-hI/AAAAAAAAIHU/HApO_7bEe-A/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B11%2BFurka%2BPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw7xnAbiFKQ/Vn-2ymdQ-hI/AAAAAAAAIHU/HApO_7bEe-A/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B11%2BFurka%2BPass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although four separate roads, these connect to form a 75
mile loop road high up in the Swiss Alps.
Running west out of Andermatt is road 19 which features both the Rhone
Glacier and Furka Pass [7,969 ft]. Just
beyond Furka you turn northward on road 6 and immediately ride up Grimsel Pass
[7,100 ft]. At Innertkirchen, turn eastward
on road 11 and ride Susten Pass [7,427 ft], before turning south on road 2 back
to Andermatt. These are three of the
best pass roads in the Alps and feature some wonderful views and terrific
riding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>10. Grossglockner Pass, Austria</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dzSEefXziM/Vn-36b60Q-I/AAAAAAAAIH4/dinxAzLbmIA/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B10%2BGrossglockner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dzSEefXziM/Vn-36b60Q-I/AAAAAAAAIH4/dinxAzLbmIA/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B10%2BGrossglockner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a stunning road set amongst very dramatic scenery. Grossglockner Pass is a toll road that rises
up to 8,215 ft in the Alps. Near the top
of the pass is a spur road up to the Edelweisspitze viewpoint. The road to the viewpoint has tight hairpin
bends and part cobbled, but it is worth the ride up as the view from the top is
one of the best in the Alps. Another
spur road takes riders to the longest glacier in the eastern Alps, the Pasterze. Grossglockner Pass is closed in winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>9. Highway 1, California, USA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp7BYYLcI80/Vn-2nsx5SNI/AAAAAAAAIHM/bwGXe63o2MI/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B09%2BPCH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp7BYYLcI80/Vn-2nsx5SNI/AAAAAAAAIHM/bwGXe63o2MI/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B09%2BPCH.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While not a great riding road, Highway 1 is full of character
and it feels like a part of history. The
road runs along the west coast of America, through the states of Washington,
Oregon and California, although the best part of the road is starting in San
Francisco, heading south and takes in Big Sur, Half Moon Bay, Sanat Cruz,
Monterey, Carmel, Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu and the
Ventura Highway before reaching Las Angeles.
There are well-known names guaranteed to give you about 350 miles of
great memories!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>8. Combe Laval, France<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mho5rHS2VS4/Vn-15VNA4OI/AAAAAAAAIHE/1LLwGzUYvy4/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B08%2BCombe%2BLaval.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mho5rHS2VS4/Vn-15VNA4OI/AAAAAAAAIHE/1LLwGzUYvy4/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B08%2BCombe%2BLaval.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Built as part of the local logging industry between 1861 and
1898, the road at Combe Laval is stunning.
The most spectacular section of the road is cut into the cliff that
forms one side of a deep canyon and runs through a series of short tunnels cut
into the rock. The drop to the side of
the road is sheer and it is a very long way down, so this road is not for those
afraid of heights. The rest of us though
have a great time on this very exciting road.
The most dramatic section is the D76 to the southeast of
Saint-Jean-En-Royans as far as Chamaloc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>7. Monument Valley, Utah / Arizona, USA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--X-k-77Idqk/Vn-1S-_Fp0I/AAAAAAAAIG0/eSIr0zBr-AE/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B07%2BMonument%2BValley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--X-k-77Idqk/Vn-1S-_Fp0I/AAAAAAAAIG0/eSIr0zBr-AE/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B07%2BMonument%2BValley.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have included Monument Valley in my list due only to one
thing. The scenery is amazing. Is it really a top 20 motorcycle road? Its straight roads would lead me to say no,
but this is more than made up for by the glorious nature of the geography. The view in the picture is US 163 in Utah,
perhaps one of the most iconic road images from anywhere in the world. It certainly makes the hairs on the back of
your neck stand up when you see it from the seat of a motorcycle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>6. Beartooth Pass, Wyoming / Montana , USA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQC8Ey98EcQ/Vn-1ZcyXpXI/AAAAAAAAIG8/ReCDOfnXRdE/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B06%2BBeartooth%2BPass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQC8Ey98EcQ/Vn-1ZcyXpXI/AAAAAAAAIG8/ReCDOfnXRdE/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B06%2BBeartooth%2BPass.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the Wyoming / Montana border, this is US Highway 212
which runs 69 miles between Red Lodge in Wyoming and Cooke City in Montana.
Rising up to 10,947 feet / 3,337 metres, the road climbs and falls quickly.
Even though I rode the Beartooth Pass in August, it was cold and very windy on
the top of the mountains, with a dramatic wind-chill factor. Occasionally you hear people say they are
“feeling on top of the world.” On Beartooth Pass, you really do feel that way,
as the view looking down on other mountains is amazing. The road is good with long fast bends. To make my top six, each road needs to have
the ‘wow’ factor and Beartooth Pass certainly has that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>5. Stelvio Pass, Italy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIy6AQ7RXlo/Vn-0cijdH9I/AAAAAAAAIGs/n7DcED_sb8U/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B05%2BStelvio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIy6AQ7RXlo/Vn-0cijdH9I/AAAAAAAAIGs/n7DcED_sb8U/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B05%2BStelvio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What list of the world’s best roads would be complete
without Stelvio Pass? It is dramatic,
stunning and with 75 hairpins bends, somewhat challenging. Split into two ramps, the west side of the
pass road is wider, with easy hairpins and less steep. The east side is more difficult with tighter
bends on a significantly narrower road.
The second highest paved road in the Alps, Stelvio is closed by
significant snowfall every winter.
Sometime the road doesn’t re-open until May or even June, so check if it
is open before you set out. The road has
become very busy in recent years and the best time to ride it is early morning
on a weekday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4. D8 coastline road, northern Croatia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9qg8BCzwos/Vn-0bY0N1VI/AAAAAAAAIGk/bUchvr-Izl4/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B04%2BCroatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9qg8BCzwos/Vn-0bY0N1VI/AAAAAAAAIGk/bUchvr-Izl4/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B04%2BCroatia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a pure riders road, with no frills, but plenty of
thrills. It follows the Adriatic coast
for 130 miles of wonderfully twisty enjoyment.
The road rises and falls as it hugs the coast with the beautiful
turquoise colour of the sea being a constant companion at your side. The best part of the road is from Rijeka to
Rovanjska, although there are very few good places to stay or good restaurants
to eat at, so take your chance when you see somewhere. The weather is normally very good too. What’s not to like?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Sella Group Ring, Dolomites, Italy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK5yHcHmNE/Vn-0Shy6MtI/AAAAAAAAIGc/P0UwIiyojfQ/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B03%2BDolomites.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK5yHcHmNE/Vn-0Shy6MtI/AAAAAAAAIGc/P0UwIiyojfQ/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B03%2BDolomites.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Sella group is a plateau-shaped rock massif in the
Dolomites Mountains of northern Italy. There are four roads surrounding
this rock formation that are a joy to ride.
Starting at Canazei and working clockwise, the four roads are the SS48 /
SS242, which includes Sella Pass, the SS243, which includes Gardena Pass, the SS244,
which includes Campolongo Pass and the SS48, which includes Pordoi Pass. The road is fantastic, the bends amazing and
the scenery magnificent. What a series
of roads!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. B500, Germany<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYCUal2amjQ/Vn-0QE7ex4I/AAAAAAAAIGU/M2-T8ZZwyQQ/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B02%2BB500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYCUal2amjQ/Vn-0QE7ex4I/AAAAAAAAIGU/M2-T8ZZwyQQ/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B02%2BB500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running through the Black Forest in a north-south direction,
the B500 is a stunning road for motorcycles.
It doesn’t have many great views, but the sheer excitement of the road
more than makes up for that. The road
was intended as a tourist route when it was conceived in the 1930’s, but it was
never completed and today there are two sections of the road, with the centre
piece still missing. The northern part
runs from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt and has a length of about 29 miles
and the southern part is between Triberg and Waldshut, a length of 56 miles. The road is fast in places, with long
sweeping bends and an absolute joy to ride on a motorcycle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> Gavia
Pass, Italy</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdQRbzwH-AY/Vn-26TMEHlI/AAAAAAAAIHc/1_fZUDWg_w8/s1600/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B01%2BGavia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdQRbzwH-AY/Vn-26TMEHlI/AAAAAAAAIHc/1_fZUDWg_w8/s400/Best%2Bmotorcycle%2Broads%2B01%2BGavia.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost everyone has heard of Stelvio Pass in Italy, but very
few know about, or have ridden Gavia Pass, which is very near to Stelvio. The SS300 runs south from Bormio to Ponte di
Legno for about 26 miles and has just about everything a biker can ask for in a
road. It is high at 8,701 feet, it has
some fast sweeping bends as well as some tight hairpins. It has a glacier and it has magnificent
views. It has a narrow, tight section as
well as a few long straights. But the
best reason I rank it as number 1 is it has very little traffic as most riders
/ drivers are drawn towards nearby Stelvio Pass, leaving Gavia relatively
quiet. Although the road surface is not
great, it is one of the most exciting roads I have ridden that continues to put
a smile on my face every time I ride it.
It is my favourite road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is your favourite road and why?</div>
Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-32042646547084589572015-05-25T11:30:00.001+01:002015-05-26T06:28:54.752+01:00Sometimes, things don’t work out like you planned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The doorbell rang and the courier stood there, holding a shoe-box size package with my name on it. I knew what was inside.<br />
<br />
I carefully opened the box and took out the contents. It was a wooden model of a scooter. Most people would not give it a second glance, but it meant a lot to me. This had been half-way around the world and held by many people who all had one thing in common. We all liked and respected the man this model had come to represent. That man was Bob, who also went by the name of BobScoot.<br />
<br />
Like many, I first met Bob electronically, when he either found my own blog, or I found his. Soon, we starting reading each other’s writings and probably like many, I was drawn to not just what he wrote, but the way he wrote it. Bob poured his heart and soul into his blog. Interesting, funny, moving and always full of pictures both good and ordinary, his blog postings told us about the man, what he liked, how he felt, his travels, and of course the odd things peculiar to Bob, like his pink Crocs, plus his wish to nearly always include a picture of his feet.<br />
<br />
Many people followed Bobs blog. He seemed to be at the centre of like-minded people who enjoyed writing about their motorcycle travels. He was the one person we all read about, as his words and pictures were eagerly read many around the world.<br />
<br />
Bob often offered his help. I remember I was about to go on a long motorcycle trip and wanting to film and then edit some videos, then this near stranger called Bob who lived thousands of miles away in Canada, offered his advice which was very gratefully accepted. I think that was typical of the man – he helped anybody that he could. He certainly helped me on a few occasions.<br />
<br />
Bob died nearly a year ago. It was sudden and a shock. No doubt it hit his family very hard as I think there was no clue he was ill. I remember hearing the news and sitting there numb, as a good friend had been taken from us. Bobs last post on his blog was very typical – on holiday with his wife Yvonne, he posted pictures and words about the two of them driving his Corvette around Kentucky. I really miss reading his posts.<br />
<br />
I met Bob just once. When I rode around the USA I didn’t go near to Vancouver where Bob lived, but I regretted that and afterwards made a special trip, renting a bike in Seattle, and rode to his house. Bob and Yvonne were as kind as I had expected, showing me around, taking me to dinner, letting me stay at their house and genuinely wanting to spend some time with another road traveller. Bob did that a lot. I enjoyed reading about his meetings with other moto-bloggers all over America. Not only did Bob read others’ blogs, but he wanted to meet the people as well. What a thoroughly nice guy he was. I remember he laughed when I arrived in Vancouver wearing a copy of his trademark footwear – pink crocs. Bob and I walked around Vancouver both wearing our amusing pink crocs. I am not sure what people thought, but I can imagine!<br />
<br />
So, in honour of the man by those that knew him, this model, appropriately called ScooterBob, has been travelling around the world and has been taken to various places to be photographed with and by the people that knew Bob. It is a terrific idea and I really enjoyed seeing the mementos that people have also placed in ScooterBob’s box.<br />
<br />
It seemed obvious to me what picture I should include first on this posting – here I am with one of my bikes, wearing my pink crocs, of course…..<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvMJHCjrj6k/VWLvueWUagI/AAAAAAAAID8/2o4Mu4dGDgE/s1600/Gary%252C%2BAmelia%2Band%2BScooterBob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvMJHCjrj6k/VWLvueWUagI/AAAAAAAAID8/2o4Mu4dGDgE/s400/Gary%252C%2BAmelia%2Band%2BScooterBob.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ScooterBob, just outside London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I live near London in England, I took ScooterBob to St Tropez in France on a motorcycle trip as that seemed the right thing to do. We rode from London through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and back into France to reach the Mediterranean Sea. On the way, Sonja (who knew Bob as well as most as she also lived in Vancouver for a while) joined our group as we made our way through Germany. I had intended to post many pictures of ScooterBob in these countries, but as the title of the post says, sometimes, things don’t work out like you planned. Rather embarrassingly, I managed to accidently delete most of my photographs of the trip. Initially, I was horrified, but in hindsight, that is not a bad thing, as it has allowed me to concentrate on writing something about Bob and remember him, rather than show pictures of where ScooterBob was taken.<br />
<br />
So, here are just a few pictures, that don’t do justice to the Bob who took such great pictures himself.<br />
<br />
Bless you Bob, you are missed by many.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7WMD5XAuSY/VWLxCnJkKyI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/5TsxrWg_R0M/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7WMD5XAuSY/VWLxCnJkKyI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/5TsxrWg_R0M/s400/IMG_5132.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ScooterBob meets the Leading Ladies<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y5RZWFLJjQ/VWLyBzZvMcI/AAAAAAAAIEc/-VHW5sHIPOM/s1600/P1010111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y5RZWFLJjQ/VWLyBzZvMcI/AAAAAAAAIEc/-VHW5sHIPOM/s400/P1010111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ScooterBob with Sonja, myself, and some new friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1rXQwzQBf8/VWLyphYLJhI/AAAAAAAAIEk/nEiE9qqGPpw/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1rXQwzQBf8/VWLyphYLJhI/AAAAAAAAIEk/nEiE9qqGPpw/s400/Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would have been a great picture. Thanks to Sonja for snapping me, snapping ScooterBob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ0AqBH_1Ak/VWLzk9dIEXI/AAAAAAAAIEw/HzBjg3NErDI/s1600/Rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ0AqBH_1Ak/VWLzk9dIEXI/AAAAAAAAIEw/HzBjg3NErDI/s400/Rally.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ScooterBob at the H-D rally in St Stopez, picture courtesy of Sonja </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
ScooterBob is now travelling once more, on his way to Shelia.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-8258890524153771172015-05-19T07:36:00.000+01:002015-05-19T07:36:03.206+01:00Project Livewire Test Ride<br />
I was very fortunate to be able to test-ride the new Harley-Davidson prototype electric motorcycle, called Project Livewire. Along with son Charlie, we had been invited to go to the Millbrook Proving Track to be one of the first to ride this bike in the UK.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGWCUK-qwGk/VVrXt-EfnsI/AAAAAAAAIBo/ZsWa3hFQO60/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGWCUK-qwGk/VVrXt-EfnsI/AAAAAAAAIBo/ZsWa3hFQO60/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son Charlie, on the electric Harley-Davidson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
First off, I have to say what an amazing experience it was riding this bike. It’s power and acceleration are amazing. 0-60mph on a motorcycle is pretty quick and the 300 volt battery certainly provides enough power to get you up to its restricted top speed of 91mph very quickly. The power is delivered very smoothly, with a constant rate of acceleration throughout the power range – it accelerates as quickly from 50-80 as is does from 20-50 mph – meaning you have to be prepared to hold on tight at any speed when you crank the throttle open.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pVD942pkfI/VVrYAhNUaxI/AAAAAAAAIBw/aRl_4ykB7-s/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pVD942pkfI/VVrYAhNUaxI/AAAAAAAAIBw/aRl_4ykB7-s/s320/1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie setting off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The bike has no gears, no clutch, just a twist-and-go throttle that launches you surprisingly quickly. Of course, the bike is nearly silent, although Harley-Davidson have introduced some noise that is pretty reasonable at reminding you the motor is working hard. Having previously ridden somewhat odd completely silent electric motorcycles, this was a welcome addition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hUsFWatvGg/VVrYVdnSh1I/AAAAAAAAIB4/Hy8aaaiwtY4/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hUsFWatvGg/VVrYVdnSh1I/AAAAAAAAIB4/Hy8aaaiwtY4/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The bike weighs 210kg or 463lbs, but it feels light and agile. It handles well and can certainly be thrown into the bends. We rode the bike for about 15 minutes and in just that short amount of time, it was easy to feel at ease with its handling. We were glad it was a gloriously sunny day which enabled us to enjoy the dry track to the full. We first took the bikes over Millbrook's Alpine course with steep inclines and both positive and negative cambered fast bends, before unleashing its power on the 2 mile circular speed track, where it was easy to ride the bike at its top speed quickly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-fEBIAtg4/VVrY584RdcI/AAAAAAAAICI/_fLywVMVtZw/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-fEBIAtg4/VVrY584RdcI/AAAAAAAAICI/_fLywVMVtZw/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOVLs1OGmJg/VVrY5g_rskI/AAAAAAAAICM/J97QETtJfGU/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOVLs1OGmJg/VVrY5g_rskI/AAAAAAAAICM/J97QETtJfGU/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSx8ifj4muo/VVrY3U2WXoI/AAAAAAAAICA/TNaib9fehLw/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSx8ifj4muo/VVrY3U2WXoI/AAAAAAAAICA/TNaib9fehLw/s400/12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Range is the limiting issue with the bike at the moment. I am sure that Harley-Davidson will wait until the battery technology improves so that a 100+ mile range is possible before fully launching the motorcycle. That is, if they ever do. It is by no means certain that they will, but I for one would certainly be disappointed if they don’t.<br />
<br />
Part of the purpose of the test-rides was for Harley-Davidson to solicit feedback on what riders thought of the bike and there was a good process in place to allow that to happen. Now, they wouldn't go to all that trouble if they were not going to take forward the manufacture an electric bike, would they?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0comRUgdt8/VVrZZDms0kI/AAAAAAAAICg/EMgSp7_WKoY/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0comRUgdt8/VVrZZDms0kI/AAAAAAAAICg/EMgSp7_WKoY/s320/15.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My turn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCMXitE18gQ/VVrZVwB2ZFI/AAAAAAAAICY/q-crngtYPUE/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCMXitE18gQ/VVrZVwB2ZFI/AAAAAAAAICY/q-crngtYPUE/s400/14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What a bike! Would I want one? Err, yes! I know many will say this is not like a traditional Harley-Davidson and they want to retain their petrol-engined bikes and I would want to do that as well. But, this bike is so special, it will attract a new type of rider and certainly some of those who would like both petrol and electric Harley-Davidson's in their garage.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-70686166114749211922015-04-04T08:48:00.000+01:002015-04-04T09:00:03.451+01:00Riding through Spain to the H-D Rally in Jerez in June?<br />
If you are, you might want to consider this law regarding listening to music or communications systems, which includes motorcycle communications systems.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1JdOSpTCvo/VR-W-JKbMiI/AAAAAAAAIBQ/2nU0bUxdRu8/s1600/Bike%2BTo%2BBike%2BComms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1JdOSpTCvo/VR-W-JKbMiI/AAAAAAAAIBQ/2nU0bUxdRu8/s1600/Bike%2BTo%2BBike%2BComms.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Basically, the use of any music or communication system with headphones or earphones is illegal. That means ear-buds for listening to music, or even speakers inside your helmet for talking to pillions or to other riders, is prohibited. You might want to consider this before riding in Spain. <br />
<br />
This is the relevant part of the law, translated by Google…..<br />
<br />
<i>23514 Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21, by which approves the General Regulation Circulation for the implementation and development articulated text of the Law on traffic, circulation motor vehicles and road safety, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 339/1990 of 2 March.<br />
<br />
Article 18, says: Article 18. Other duties of drivers. 1. The driver of a vehicle must maintain their freedom of movement, the required field vision and ongoing attention to driving, to ensure their own safety, the rest of the vehicle occupants and other users of route. For this purpose , you must take special care maintain proper position and that maintain other passengers, and proper placement of the objects or animals transported for no interference between the driver and any of them ( Article 11.2 articulated text). It is considered incompatible with compulsory attendance driving permanent use by the driver with the vehicle moving devices such as screens with Internet access , television monitors and VCR or DVD. Exceptions to these effects, the use of screens that are in view of driver and whose use is necessary for vision Access or down pedestrians or vision vehicles with rear camera manoeuvres and GPS device. 2. It is prohibited to drive and use headphones or earphones connected to receivers or sound players, except for the corresponding teaching and conducting aptitude tests open for obtaining driving licenses circuit two-wheeled motorcycle when so required by the Regulations on Drivers. Use is prohibited while driving mobile devices and other means system or communication, unless the development Communication takes place without using hands or use headphones, earphones or similar instruments (Article 11.3, second paragraph of text articles). Exempted from this prohibition agents authority in the exercise of the functions that have entrusted (Article 11.3, third paragraph of text Articulated). 3. It is prohibited in vehicles mechanisms are installed<br />
or systems, instruments are carried or upgraded manner designed to evade surveillance the traffic police, or to be issued or made signs for this purpose, and the use of mechanisms radar detection.</i><br />
<br />
So, the law is quite clear and you mustn’t do this. <br />
<br />
A few years back, a friend and I were riding through Spain and we were using a bike-to-bike communications system to talk to each other as we rode. Early one morning, we were stopped by the Guarda Civil who, having seen the cables leading into our helmets, told us we must disconnect these and stop using them. They were very polite and told us it was illegal and didn’t prosecute us and we clearly were surprised by this unusual law.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-24194637995797787232015-03-09T10:11:00.001+00:002015-03-09T10:11:35.517+00:00He’s a talented motorcycle artist – and now I go behind the canvas to discover more.I met a young artist called Albie Espinola last month and was blown away by his work. He is concentrating on painting riders and their motorcycles and he creates pictures that are very impressive. <br />
<br />
I chatted with him and learnt how he has turned his dream into reality.<br />
<br />
Aside from Albie’s artistic abilities – he’s also a dab hand with videography, as he creates time-lapse films of himself painting his works. Here are a couple of his paintings and some of you may recognise the rider and bike in the second video: <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tu4WowiZZzQ" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6D8Hwps_i1c" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Born in London, Albie has been painting since he was a child. Now in his early thirties, his love for painting has led him to leave his job so he can pursue his dreams as an artist. Albie says: “Logically it’s a crazy thing to do, to leave a job but in my illogical mind, it makes perfect sense. I have brought two of my life’s passions together, motorcycles and painting, and now I’m working towards making a living out of selling my artwork." <br />
<br />
There are seven layers of paint in an Albie Espinola painting. He tells me the basic composition is done using two layers of Gesso paint. A light wash of colour is then painted over the dried Gesso where he then uses 3 layers of oil paints to bring the painting to life. Each painting can take 4 to 5 days each to complete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b81YLbJQ85U/VP1wrXPvXvI/AAAAAAAAIAg/6JC5zHe2N_w/s1600/Mark%2BGriffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b81YLbJQ85U/VP1wrXPvXvI/AAAAAAAAIAg/6JC5zHe2N_w/s1600/Mark%2BGriffin.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VPHwl38Z0A/VP1xEX-2LAI/AAAAAAAAIAo/mhukee94Rm8/s1600/Martyn%2BHughes%2B(Copy).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VPHwl38Z0A/VP1xEX-2LAI/AAAAAAAAIAo/mhukee94Rm8/s1600/Martyn%2BHughes%2B(Copy).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lj0DdymKlY/VP1xbkHq7CI/AAAAAAAAIA4/sSqoDOrcno0/s1600/Gary%2BFrance%2BHarley%2BPainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lj0DdymKlY/VP1xbkHq7CI/AAAAAAAAIA4/sSqoDOrcno0/s1600/Gary%2BFrance%2BHarley%2BPainting.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Albie currently rides a custom Harley-Davidson Sportster. He started riding on a Vespa ten years ago and then fell in love with riding motorcycles. <br />
<br />
He found inspiration to paint motorcycles when he saw the work of Dave Mann, the California-based artist, who celebrated motorcycles and the biker lifestyle through his paintings. Albie wants to do the same. He says: “I love the narratives in Dave Mann’s pictures. People designed bikes based on his art and to me, that’s incredible.” <br />
<br />
I predict Albie will become a famous motorcycle artist, so get in quick to get your own custom made painting. Before he puts paintbrush to canvas Albie personally meets with each of his clients, so he can get to you and your bike. He takes photos of you and explores how you want to be portrayed in your painting. He can travel to anywhere in the UK and hopes to make regular trips to the U.S. to paint. <br />
<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.albieespinola.co.uk/">www.albieespinola.co.uk</a> to find out more about Albie and his artwork. I predict he will become a very well-known artist.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-23411017973341061592015-03-01T07:46:00.000+00:002015-03-01T07:58:25.913+00:00Can You Go Touring on a Chopper?<br />
This is a question I have heard people discussing recently, plus they were saying choppers look uncomfortable and are torture to ride. I thought I would write about my views.<br />
<br />
Yes, of course you can go touring on a chopper, if you build your chopper correctly. You have to think about suspension, handling, handlebar height and how to carry your gear, but it can be done.<br />
<br />
Here is a chopper that has won a few custom bike shows. You couldn’t go touring on that show queen, could you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMOOtya_ABc/VPIvkkWznvI/AAAAAAAAH8w/HCp1FFOwfnE/s1600/Amelia%2B71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMOOtya_ABc/VPIvkkWznvI/AAAAAAAAH8w/HCp1FFOwfnE/s1600/Amelia%2B71.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken for a magazine feature about the bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well, yes you can. This bike has been ridden from London in the UK, to the south of Portugal, to St Tropez in southern France and right across the Alps mountains (including Stelvio Pass and Grossglockner Pass) all the way to the Harley-Davidson Rally in Rome, and back again. I know, because I rode it to those places.<br />
<br />
This is my custom chopper and the bike was built specifically to go touring on. This is how we did it.<br />
<br />
Below is a picture of how the bike started out. It was a second-hand Harley-Davidson FXSTC softail. From this bike, we only kept part of the frame and the lower half of the engine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40728vv79MQ/VPIw-oCT24I/AAAAAAAAH84/Y2oI9674fNc/s1600/11%2B11%2B01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40728vv79MQ/VPIw-oCT24I/AAAAAAAAH84/Y2oI9674fNc/s1600/11%2B11%2B01.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the bike looked before the modifications</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did these things…..<br />
<br />
New springer front end forks, yokes etc<br />
New wheels, larger, wider<br />
Modified the frame to raise the top tubes and accommodate the longer forks<br />
New rear fender<br />
Stage 4 mods to the engine. It is now a 110 Cu Inch engine, or 1800cc<br />
New exhausts<br />
New hand made seat<br />
New controls<br />
New paint job<br />
Extensive hand engraving<br />
Plus lots more<br />
<br />
Here are some build pictures….<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26-mfT0zOrw/VPIxoWRsAII/AAAAAAAAH9A/iR1T9D_ZRWA/s1600/12%2B02%2B32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26-mfT0zOrw/VPIxoWRsAII/AAAAAAAAH9A/iR1T9D_ZRWA/s1600/12%2B02%2B32.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb9nz9GDs6E/VPIyC75uA8I/AAAAAAAAH9I/fzDG4tqMPIs/s1600/12%2B04%2B03.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb9nz9GDs6E/VPIyC75uA8I/AAAAAAAAH9I/fzDG4tqMPIs/s1600/12%2B04%2B03.bmp" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W92JG7VkUGQ/VPIyZ1VmN6I/AAAAAAAAH9Q/qlg9_ET4bxk/s1600/12%2B04%2B06.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W92JG7VkUGQ/VPIyZ1VmN6I/AAAAAAAAH9Q/qlg9_ET4bxk/s1600/12%2B04%2B06.bmp" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwO59b-VmKo/VPIyths5pWI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/U3DmBivcSvY/s1600/12%2B04%2B07.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwO59b-VmKo/VPIyths5pWI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/U3DmBivcSvY/s1600/12%2B04%2B07.bmp" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHZMfgdldvY/VPI3x8dDWTI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/9bByb2wNauo/s1600/Amelia%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHZMfgdldvY/VPI3x8dDWTI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/9bByb2wNauo/s1600/Amelia%2B10.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This is the bike being ridden, in St Tropez...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jtiTxTIYaA/VPIy4SRZxMI/AAAAAAAAH9g/jEBnUVSz4Go/s1600/701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jtiTxTIYaA/VPIy4SRZxMI/AAAAAAAAH9g/jEBnUVSz4Go/s1600/701.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at the Harley-Davidson European Festival, St Tropez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Okay, so what makes this chopper be able to be ridden such long distances on some of the more twisty and challenging roads in Europe? Well, first of all, you need saddlebags, which have to be completely removed when the bike is being ridden locally, or put in custom bike shows. Here is the bike being ridden on tour and note the saddlebags and you can just see another bag behind me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIqBy0Y-gS0/VPIzHYMjBmI/AAAAAAAAH9o/K4UYhG6-20Y/s1600/807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIqBy0Y-gS0/VPIzHYMjBmI/AAAAAAAAH9o/K4UYhG6-20Y/s1600/807.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this picture was taken in Austria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The picture above shows the early saddlebags we fitted, but we soon went to the much larger stiff leather saddlebags. This video shows how we integrated fixings into the rear fender struts to allow saddlebags to to fitted….<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="251" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/55671691?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe> <br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/55671691"></a>.<br />
<br />
Good suspension is vital for long-distance touring. But, it also has to look good. So, we went for DNA springers for the front-end. What is even more important to get right is the geometry of the frame right, so that the bike handles well. For this bike, we temporarily built the bike (held together with gaffer tape in places, I kid you not) so that we could check the handling before the bike was painted and engraved. Thanks to the guys at P&D, it was perfect and we didn’t need to change anything – their calculations and fabrication had been fantastic. Here is the bike in its temporary mock up form, just before we test-rode it.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qRIrfzq8fg/VPI0XvF3L_I/AAAAAAAAH9w/VHhwi2ryutk/s1600/302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qRIrfzq8fg/VPI0XvF3L_I/AAAAAAAAH9w/VHhwi2ryutk/s1600/302.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARAKgqvMm_w/VPI0tTfbpfI/AAAAAAAAH94/N0uJenvPqjE/s1600/303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARAKgqvMm_w/VPI0tTfbpfI/AAAAAAAAH94/N0uJenvPqjE/s1600/303.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bike ready to be test ridden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Handlebar height is crucial. If you get it too high, then your arms will ache. The rule of thumb is your hands should not be higher than your shoulders. Again, we got than just right.<br />
<br />
So, can a chopper be used for touring? Yes, of course it can. Here is the proof…..<br />
<br />
This is a video of the bike being ridden with a group of friends to Rome, including across the Alps. The roads get interesting from about 2:15 onwards. For most of the on-bike video shots, the camera was mounted on the chopper. From about 4:00 the video shows two of us, both riding choppers, on the 2,000 mile journey back to London. The route back included one of the highest and most twisty roads in Europe, Stelvio Pass (4:50). You will see a lot of snow next to the roads – this was in June!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="251" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/70460918?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe> <br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/70460918"></a><br />
<br />
This is the same bike, just before I set out to go touring in the UK, complete with a tent, sleeping bags and everything else I would need while camping…..<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9zBRBRQw9c/VPI2IpQhJiI/AAAAAAAAH-E/7VhZLyLhYcc/s1600/Fenlanders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9zBRBRQw9c/VPI2IpQhJiI/AAAAAAAAH-E/7VhZLyLhYcc/s1600/Fenlanders.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well laden-down with gear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, when you have finished touring and camping, you can go for a ride with a few of your freinds..... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-aXV3y1IgU/VPI2eHeJBqI/AAAAAAAAH-M/rHWgeGR2E54/s1600/_MG_7407%2B(Copy).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-aXV3y1IgU/VPI2eHeJBqI/AAAAAAAAH-M/rHWgeGR2E54/s1600/_MG_7407%2B(Copy).jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a great and versatile motorcycle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-35572223034306827722015-02-27T18:17:00.001+00:002015-02-27T18:17:04.560+00:00Thank you Bike Safe. You probably saved my life today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-BVn-sqdoM/VPC0W1qOAeI/AAAAAAAAH8c/h2O6dfxrt5s/s1600/SCAN0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-BVn-sqdoM/VPC0W1qOAeI/AAAAAAAAH8c/h2O6dfxrt5s/s1600/SCAN0065.JPG" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">To my biking friends out there, always remember your life-savers when riding. I learned about always checking over your right or left shoulder before changing lanes from the Police on a Bike Safe rider course a few years ago. I try to apply it all the time and I am really glad I do, because without it, I probably would have been in a serious accident today. I was in London, pottering about on my motorcycle because I was early for a meeting. Riding along the Bayswater Road, I needed to change lanes as the car in front of me was about to turn right. Before moving to my left I looked over my left shoulder and thank God I did. There was a vehicle over-taking me on the inside, less than two feet away from me, at about 20-25 mph faster than I was riding. I was at about the speed limit, so this guy was, at best, being very reckless. Had I not done a life-saver, he would have hit me for sure.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-top: 6px;">
He was driving a private hire taxi operated by a very well-known firm and I suspect he was rushing to get to his next job. Not clever. What was so crazy was he not only would have hit me, but probably would have tried to swerve to miss me, and run into people on the pavement. I pulled up next to him at the next lights and surprise, surprise, he was using his mobile phone. It was a really chilling incident, so please remember, that little effort of doing your life-saver, by simply looking over your shoulder, might one day save your life. I am sure it did mine today. Be careful out there!</div>
Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-15857678367137147902015-01-11T16:26:00.000+00:002015-01-11T16:58:15.342+00:00Do Harley-Davidson Riders Secretly Admire Sportsbikes?<br />
To many who ride chrome-laden and heavy Harley-Davidson motorcycles, mixing with the sportsbike crowd doesn’t often happen. Sportsbikes are too fast, too dangerous and ridden by young guys dressed up like Power-Rangers. Similarly, sportsbike riders think Harley’s are slow and ridden by old men (and women too) who want to look like weekend warriors in lots of black leather.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eRYbvSooGI/VLKizcDEdxI/AAAAAAAAH7I/EyKDjLch-bI/s1600/Sportsbike%2BRider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eRYbvSooGI/VLKizcDEdxI/AAAAAAAAH7I/EyKDjLch-bI/s1600/Sportsbike%2BRider.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoCgB3sx86s/VLKi5naHfHI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/7ks07h7hiEU/s1600/Harley%2BRiders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoCgB3sx86s/VLKi5naHfHI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/7ks07h7hiEU/s1600/Harley%2BRiders.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brothers, or distant cousins?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The two groups don’t have a lot in common. Or do they?<br />
<br />
Both groups love the open road, riding with friends, seeking out new places and hanging about in biker-friendly establishments. Take the Ace Café, in north London, where one day the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson V-twins can be heard and the next, the high-revving exhaust note of sportsbikes dominate. The personal lives of individuals of both groups are often defined by the machines they ride and their like-minded friends. Most important, both groups love doing the same thing, riding their motorcycles.<br />
<br />
Personally, I’d love to have a go at riding a sportsbike. I would like to appreciate the power, the handling and being able to take corners at a higher speed than I am used to. I don’t want to own a sportsbike as my middle-aged spread would look ridiculous in tight leather and I enjoy being able to tour comfortably while carrying lots of stuff on my bike, but still, I would like to try it. I don’t want to have gone through life without never having ridden a fast sportsbike. I don’t want to feel any prejudice I might have has stopped me from trying and understanding something.<br />
<br />
I suspect I am not the only Harley-Davidson rider that feels the need to try a sportsbike at least once. I know many that love to watch motorcycle racing, especially the sheer power and speed of MotoGP.<br />
<br />
How can any type of rider, not matter what they ride, not appreciate the sheer excitement of this…. (you have to click to watch it on YouTube).....<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HusniLw9i68" width="460"></iframe><br />
<br />
Many years ago, I regularly went to watch motorcycle racing, but a more recent visit showed me that things have changed considerably. I will be going again……<br />
<br />
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-44384443202034058582015-01-08T21:28:00.000+00:002015-01-08T21:29:44.479+00:00Is Tour Route Planning As Good As The Real Thing?<br />
So the motorbikes are put away, and many of us are sitting here in the depths of winter. In some places it is cold outside and in others it is very wet. People from more southerly areas are still able to ride, but for most, winter is a time for staying off the bike.<br />
<br />
So, what to do? If we cannot ride, we need to fill our time with doing other things. Some fettle their bikes, some find other things to do inside. I like to plan next summers bike trips and I am just coming to the end of that right now.<br />
<br />
Maps are covering the floor and my desk.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4km2iCFSI/VK70MU-89dI/AAAAAAAAH60/LnrWtMQUskQ/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BEurope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4km2iCFSI/VK70MU-89dI/AAAAAAAAH60/LnrWtMQUskQ/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BEurope.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My laptop is on overload with routes. Choosing the best roads to fit together into one great tour is the key....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBlzXep_Ro/VK71ggkv_YI/AAAAAAAAH64/4vN5VnpJrks/s1600/Route%2BPlanning%2BTour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBlzXep_Ro/VK71ggkv_YI/AAAAAAAAH64/4vN5VnpJrks/s1600/Route%2BPlanning%2BTour1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But, the best thing is, I really enjoy doing this as it increases the excitement level and makes me feel that the tour is nearer. So, for me, route planning really is nearly as good as actually riding the routes later.<br />
<br />
Gary<br />
<a href="http://www.tour1.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.tour1.co.uk</a><br />
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-81727568824628537102014-12-10T15:37:00.001+00:002014-12-10T15:37:39.728+00:00What makes a great motorcycle road?Like many, I have read quite a few lists of "Best Roads". But, I have often wondered why people chose those particular roads, so I tried to work it out. Here are my thoughts about what are the ten things that make a road qualify as 'best' to a biker.<br />
<br />
See if you agree.<br />
<br />
<b>Twisty?</b> As motorcycle riders, most of us like bends. Riding a road with bends is normally much more fun and exciting than riding a straight road. There are a few exceptions where straight sections of road are good, but this is normally due to other factors such as scenery.<br />
<br />
Some roads are excellent simply because of the sweeping bends they contain and the famous B500 road in the Black Forest is a good example of this. Due to the trees, the road doesn't have good views, but it is fast with many high speed twisty bends. It certainly does get included on many peoples list of their own best roads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT0su50wA1Y/VIXQUSNpFVI/AAAAAAAAH2I/rj9PKkn2VsI/s1600/Black%2BForest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT0su50wA1Y/VIXQUSNpFVI/AAAAAAAAH2I/rj9PKkn2VsI/s1600/Black%2BForest.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
B500 picture from <a href="http://www.bestbikingroads.com/">www.bestbikingroads.com</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Scenery?</b> Sometimes a road can be considered very good because of the scenery alongside it. Highway US 163 near the Arizona / Utah border in the USA is a good example of this. The road itself is dull, straight and not at all exciting, but the scenery is spectacular, making the road very good indeed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inmxq6ZerUY/VIXTzQGJy-I/AAAAAAAAH2U/khdq2pmwYx8/s1600/Monument%2BValley%2BHarley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inmxq6ZerUY/VIXTzQGJy-I/AAAAAAAAH2U/khdq2pmwYx8/s1600/Monument%2BValley%2BHarley.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wonderful sight of Monument Valley</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Distance?</b> Sometimes a road can be considered as 'best' simply due to the distances involved. Take the Highway 1 in Australia. Often straight with long dull scenery, some would consider it a great road as at approximately 9,000 miles (14,500 km) it is an amazingly long road. People travel from all over the planet to ride this road, drawn to it simply because it is the longest road in the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqblfwCNC6g/VIXWX_5hluI/AAAAAAAAH2g/rToKeC-Vnf0/s1600/Highway_1_(Australia)_map%2B(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqblfwCNC6g/VIXWX_5hluI/AAAAAAAAH2g/rToKeC-Vnf0/s1600/Highway_1_(Australia)_map%2B(1).png" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The longest road in the world, Australia's Highway 1</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Flowing?</b> Almost without a doubt, a good road must be free-flowing with almost no delays for stop lights, junctions or heavy traffic. That just doesn't work for us motorcyclists. I have ridden the Grossglockner Pass in Austria on days with almost no cars and it was wonderful. Riding it on another day, with it being full of traffic, was a nightmare.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BErSyWcEZk/VIfK3SHe6rI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/zla63x423ts/s1600/Traffic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BErSyWcEZk/VIfK3SHe6rI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/zla63x423ts/s1600/Traffic.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nobody likes heavy traffic</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Excitement?</b> A road can undoubtedly be considered as best if it is exciting. The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is a really good road due mainly to the steep drops-off at the side of the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10tCgNq_tg4/VIXdMCakJ5I/AAAAAAAAH3A/eofIYKzP0zA/s1600/Million%2BDollar%2BHighway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10tCgNq_tg4/VIXdMCakJ5I/AAAAAAAAH3A/eofIYKzP0zA/s1600/Million%2BDollar%2BHighway.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
US 550 in Colorado, easily worth a Million Dollars!</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Weather?</b> Can a road be considered 'best' due to the weather that can normally be found there? The only example I can think of is the road through Death Valley in California, where the temperature has an impact on the road and certainly on riding along the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZaddvAnuAY/VIfSKbWwupI/AAAAAAAAH5A/KUDF32wnUHI/s1600/Death%2BValley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZaddvAnuAY/VIfSKbWwupI/AAAAAAAAH5A/KUDF32wnUHI/s1600/Death%2BValley.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Death Valley. It is hot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Destination? </b> I don't think a road can ever be considered as good just because of the final destination you are going to. I tried to think of a destination that was good enough to warrant saying the road that takes you there is good. I cannot think of one. The only place that comes close is Key West in Florida, where the 127 mile overseas highway skips from island to island along the length of the Keys. The road undoubtedly is very good, but the destination isn't good enough to call the road 'best'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkuiUbJ44WQ/VIfPT-tPU_I/AAAAAAAAH4s/0TKE_C8kcH4/s1600/Overseas%2BHighway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkuiUbJ44WQ/VIfPT-tPU_I/AAAAAAAAH4s/0TKE_C8kcH4/s1600/Overseas%2BHighway.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Florida's Overseas Highway</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Experience?</b> For a road to be included in someone's list as one of the best, that person must have experienced it for themselves and actually ridden it. It is no good relying on what somebody else says is good!<br />
<br />
Reputation does not make a good road. For example, many who have ridden the famous Tail of the Dragon road on the North Carolina - Tennessee state line say they are ultimately disappointed when they actually get to ride it. Over-rated is a word often attributed to this road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XFC4Vtmrl4/VIXbNeMP-rI/AAAAAAAAH20/7OaWbUQePXU/s1600/Tail%2BOf%2BThe%2BDragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XFC4Vtmrl4/VIXbNeMP-rI/AAAAAAAAH20/7OaWbUQePXU/s1600/Tail%2BOf%2BThe%2BDragon.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is the Tail of the Dragon as good as people imagine?</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Surface?</b> We have all ridden roads with a superb surface. Consistent, smooth and bump free are all qualities of a great road, but on its own, this doesn't really make a best road. <br />
<br />
Sometimes a rough surface is memorable too and one of the best examples I have of this is Moki Dugway in southern Utah. A steep gravel road with switchbacks!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="251" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/54068745?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="460"></iframe> <br />
Moki Dugway on a Harley<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>History?</b> Perhaps the most appropriate example of history helping a road to qualify as best is America's Route 66. Many people have said this road is one of the best they have ridden, but for me, the actual road itself is very boring, except in a few short distances over its 2,448 mile length. It is the history of the road that possibly makes it qualify as 'best'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWXmzVN1wa4/VIXaXnuanKI/AAAAAAAAH2s/81VDLg_rfwI/s1600/Route%2B66%2BJackie%2BFrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWXmzVN1wa4/VIXaXnuanKI/AAAAAAAAH2s/81VDLg_rfwI/s1600/Route%2B66%2BJackie%2BFrance.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get your kicks.....</div>
<br />
<br />
Overall, it is unlikely however that the best roads can be chosen due to just a single factor. It is normally two or more factors in combination that help categorise a road as trust 'best'. Highway 1 in California is a good example of this where the twisty road combined with terrific scenery combine together to make this a best road for many. Stelvio Pass in Italy, considered by many to be one of the best roads in the World, combines twisties, excitement and scenery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWZ0AJs1rBc/VIfLxsOMYOI/AAAAAAAAH4g/csXK_hIBQdc/s1600/Stelvio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWZ0AJs1rBc/VIfLxsOMYOI/AAAAAAAAH4g/csXK_hIBQdc/s1600/Stelvio.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stelvio Pass. The best riding road in the world?</div>
<br />
<br />
Consider your best roads and see if how many of the above categories apply to them. Try to think of why you think your favourite road is considered by you to be 'best'.<br />
<br />
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-81982256904500167132014-12-06T01:57:00.003+00:002014-12-06T01:57:28.594+00:00Average US gasoline prices plummet at the pumps, but do we see the same in the UK?<br />
According to the Triple A website (American Automobile Association) prices at US gas pumps have fallen from an average of $3.27 a gallon a year ago to $2.76 today. That is a fall of $0.51. Even better, the fall for just the last month is huge $0.28 a gallon.<br />
<br />
So, US gas prices at the pumps have come down by over 15% in the last year and 9% in the last month.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3HHaTDCVSE/VIJiZS_BWMI/AAAAAAAAH14/kDQ_oNp1uWc/s1600/Petrol%2Bpump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3HHaTDCVSE/VIJiZS_BWMI/AAAAAAAAH14/kDQ_oNp1uWc/s1600/Petrol%2Bpump.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So why is this? Well the price of crude oil has fallen by 34% in the last year, so American motorists might feel a little aggrieved that the cost savings are not being passed onto them.<br />
<br />
But what of the UK? <br />
<br />
Well, in November 2013 the average price of petrol in the UK was £1.33 per litre and today it is £1.23 per litre. A fall of 7.5%. Wait a minute! A fall of just 7.5% when the price of crude has gone done by 34%? Yes, a larger part of what we pay in the UK is tax, but that shouldn’t matter. Either the government or the petrol companies are ripping us off and not passing on the benefits of falling crude oil prices.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know we live in a free market economy, but this is ridiculous.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-33856459815669369672014-12-01T21:54:00.000+00:002014-12-01T21:54:45.494+00:00Putting Your Motorcycle Away For Winter, aka Winterizing.Depending on where you live and local weather conditions, you might need to stop using your motorcycle during the winter months. If you stop riding when the weather is bad, you could just park your motorcycle, lock it up and hope that all will be well when the weather improves and you want to ride again. But, I wouldn’t do that as you are inviting trouble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfQ1nrAPud4/VHzhqe_2mnI/AAAAAAAAH1o/60Sn5zKZhco/s1600/GSF_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfQ1nrAPud4/VHzhqe_2mnI/AAAAAAAAH1o/60Sn5zKZhco/s400/GSF_0003.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are ten things you could do to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage and to help keep it in the best condition while it isn’t being used. Actually, there are 11 things recommended in this guide, but the last suggestion is not very practical.<br />
<br />
You can find a printable version of this guide at <a href="http://www.garysfrance.com/motorcycle-touring-guides/">http://www.garysfrance.com/motorcycle-touring-guides/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. CLEAN AND PROTECT IT.</b><br />
<br />
Why: Leaving a motorcycle over the winter that has insects, water spots or salt will deteriorate the surfaces of your bike.<br />
<br />
What: Thoroughly wash the bike, removing all traces of dirt, insects and road tar. Make sure the bike is completely dry, especially in the nooks and crannies. Using a leaf blower or a specialist drier such as a Master Blaster will make drying much quicker. Polish all chrome and aluminium.<br />
<br />
Treat leather or vinyl saddlebags, seats and straps with appropriate products. Wax all painted surfaces, as this will protect against moisture. Use a water repellent spray such as WD40 on all metal surfaces, such as the frame and engine. This will give a protective coating against moisture and will help prevent rust.<br />
<br />
<b>2. FUEL</b><br />
<br />
Why: To stop the inside of your fuel tank from rusting and to prevent old fuel from ‘gumming’ and becoming sticky.<br />
<br />
What: The inside of your fuel tank will not rust if it is full, so top it up with fresh fuel. The correct level is when the fuel just touches the bottom of the filler neck. This gives enough room for the fuel to expand without overflowing the tank when temperature rises. However, before doing so, add a fuel stabiliser to prevent the fuel from degrading. Old fuel will start to evaporate and you lose some of the light components in the fuel. Those light components include highly important butane. As these components are lost, the fuel loses its volatility. Adding a fuel stabilser will prevent this. Under the right conditions, fuel can last up to 12 months, but will start to degrade after as little as 3 to 4 weeks.<br />
<br />
After adding the stabilser and filling your tank, run the engine for a while to ensure the stabilised fuel runs into fuel pipes and injectors. Particularly vulnerable are carburettors and these should be drained before putting your bike away for winter. The easiest way of doing this is to turn off the fuel tap and either remove the float bowl and pour away the fuel, or simply run the engine until the fuel in the carb is used up and the engine stops. If your bike is fuel-injected, you don't need to do this.<br />
<br />
<b>3. LUBRICATION</b><br />
<br />
Why: Untreated metal surfaces will rust, especially when a motorcycle is not used during periods of a lot of moisture in the air (ie winter!).<br />
<br />
What: One of the most important areas in need of protection are the piston rings and cylinder walls. Moisture can enter the engine from any of a number of places and cause serious damage. Warm the engine first by running it for a few minutes. This eliminates any moisture that may have accumulated already. Turn the bike off and remove the spark plugs. Then put about a tablespoon (5 cc) of engine oil into each plug hole. To spread the oil over the cylinder walls, you need to turn the engine over. If your bike has a carbureter and you have already drained the carb and turned iff the fuel, you can do this by hitting the starter button for a second. If your bike is fuel injected, crank the engine by hand by putting it in top gear and turn the rear wheel. Make sure the plugs are out when you turn the engine over. Then replace the plugs.<br />
<br />
Keeping moving parts lubricated during the winter will help keep moisture from building up on them and causing any rusting or binding. Any part of your motorcycle that normally needs to be kept lubricated should also be lubricated again just before storage. Recommended parts to check are: sprockets and the final drive chain, cables, controls such as levers, fork surfaces, and any other pivot points.<br />
<br />
<b>4. CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL</b><br />
<br />
Why: By-products of combustion produce acids in the oil which will harm the inner metal surfaces of your engine.<br />
<br />
What: Change your oil and filter. It's better for your lubrication system to have fresh oil sitting in it for several months than to have used, broken down oil in it, not to mention the last thing you'll want to do when riding season begins is change the oil before you can go ride. Change the oil filter too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. TYRES (US:TIRES)</b><br />
<br />
Why: If your tyres are left to sit in the same position all winter long, they could develop flat spots. Rubber cracks when frozen, so preventing the tyre from coming into contact with a very cold floor is good.<br />
<br />
What: Check tyre pressures before putting your motorcycle away. Check these a few times over the winter months. The maximum pressure is shown on the tyre sidewall. If your motorcycle has a centre stand, then use it to at least get the rear tyre off the ground. It is far better to get the weight of the bike off the tyres. If you don’t have a centre stand, consider buying a scissor lift, which sits beneath the bike and lifts the whole bike off the ground. Alternatively, place plywood or carpet under the wheels. Move the bike every week or so to prevent the same part of the tyres sitting on the ground.<br />
<br />
<b>6. BATTERY</b><br />
<br />
Why: The battery in your motorcycle will discharge some, or all, of its power if simply left over the winter.<br />
<br />
What: There are two schools of thought about what to do with your battery; remove it for the winter, or leave it in the bike. To me, this depends on whether your bike has an alarm or tracker in which case you will want to leave the battery in your bike. I prefer to leave the battery in the bike. If you want to remove the battery and store it for the winter, you should wipe the surfaces down and wire brush the terminals to clean them. Top up the cells if necessary, although many modern batteries are the sealed type that don't require topping up. Store the battery off the ground (to prevent freezing) and connect the battery to a trickle charger for at least eight hours a month, or use a battery tender (see below).<br />
<br />
If you are going to leave the battery connected in your bike over the winter, remove it temporarily, wipe the battery surfaces down and wire brush the terminals to clean them. Give the terminals and bolts a light coating of grease to prevent future corrosion.<br />
<br />
The best and most convenient way to care for your battery is to hook a battery tender to it. A battery tender will switch from ‘charge’ to ‘maintain’, meaning it will charge when needed and shut itself off when fully charged, so you also don't have to worry about overcharging your battery. You just plug it in and leave it alone. Battery tenders come with a wire pigtail, which will connect directly to the battery terminals, and the connector can now be accessed without having to remove the seat.<br />
<br />
<b>7. EXHAUST PIPES</b><br />
<br />
Why: Pipes can rust easily. Mice and other rodents can set up home in them.<br />
<br />
What: Exhausts pipes are known to rust fast when they are not used. Spray a light oil (such as WD40) into the pipe ends and drain holes. Stuff some steel wool into the exhaust pipe to keep out rodents and other small wildlife. Spray WD40 onto the steel wool to prevent it from rusting. Some people stuff plastic bags in their pipes to act as a plug but I wouldn’t do that. Mice chew plastic! Whatever you use, tie something brightly coloured to them so you don't forget take them out when you later fire up the bike! Place a plastic bag over the ends of the pipes and secure with an elastic band. This helps prevent moisture from getting inside the exhaust.<br />
<br />
<b>8. CHECK THE BIKES FLUIDS</b><br />
<br />
Why: If your motorcycle is water-cooled, you need to add anti-freeze to stop the water from freezing and damaging the engine. Also, hydraulic brake and clutch fluids are ‘hygroscopic’ meaning they will absorb moisture. Fluids contaminated with water can cause corrosion inside the systems. <br />
<br />
What: What you do here depends greatly on how well you are able to self-maintain your motorcycle, along with how well it has been maintained during the year. My motorcycle is regularly serviced, so I don't need to do anything special here before its winter storage. If you'll be storing your motorcycle somewhere that is likely to go below freezing, make sure you have adequate levels of anti-freeze in your coolant system. This is very important, for if you use just plain water in your system you could severely damage your engine.<br />
<br />
If the brake or clutch fluids haven't been changed for a couple of years, now is a good time to change them, or have a dealership / mechanic do it for you.<br />
<br />
<b>9. LOCK IT</b><br />
<br />
Why: Because there are nasty people out there who will steal your pride and joy.<br />
<br />
What: This depends where you are storing the bike. The best solution is to secure it with a thick chain to something immovable, such as a street light or a ground anchor in your garage. If you have two motorcycles, chain them together, as it is very difficult to lift two motorcycles at the same time. Always set the alarm. Consider buying a burglar alarm for your garage.<br />
<br />
<b>10. COVER IT</b><br />
<br />
Why: Because you want to keep dust, dirt, bird crap and other stuff off your bike.<br />
<br />
What: What you cover your motorcycle with depends on where you will store it. Ideally, you will store the machine in a garage or shed, away from windows, as direct sunlight will fade your paintwork over time.<br />
<br />
Cover the bike with something that breathes, in order to prevent a moisture build up under the cover. Never use plastic. You can buy a purpose made bike cover or use something like an old bed sheet. Obviously a purpose made cover that fits your motorcycle well is preferred. If are having to store your motorcycle outside, you must use a purpose-designed bike cover. Make sure you get a cover with tie downs to prevent it from blowing loose in wind.<br />
<br />
<b>11. MOVE TO A BETTER CLIMATE</b><br />
<br />
Why: Because the winters are less severe.<br />
<br />
What: Live in a hot country where you can ride your motorbike all winter. Okay, it is not really practical.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING YOUR BIKE READY TO RIDE AGAIN.</b><br />
<br />
Okay, so it is now spring and you are ready to ride your motorcycle again. Here is a list of what you need to do.<br />
<br />
1. First, remove the cover and put it where you can find it again. <br />
2. Remove anything you placed in or over the ends of the exhaust pipes. Check to see if anything tried to live in there.<br />
3. Check the battery tender indication lights. You should have done this periodically over the winter as well. Normally a green light indicates the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the tender.<br />
4. If you removed the battery for the winter, replace it, connecting the positive (+) cable (red) before the (-) negative and covering the terminals with the plastic covers.<br />
5. If the bike is on a scissor lift stand, remove it.<br />
6. Check the tyre pressures.<br />
7. Check all fluid levels<br />
8. Remove and inspect the spark plugs and change them if needed. A fresh set of plugs are cheap and replacing them never hurts.<br />
9. Clean out the air filter. You'd be surprised how much junk can collect in the air filter while a bike is in storage. If the filter is dirty (black or with grime on it), then replace it.<br />
10. If you have a fuel tap, turn on the fuel.<br />
11. Take a good long look at the motorcycle, checking for anything that looks wrong such as cracked tires, broken parts/plastic, leaking oil. <br />
12. Put the bike into first gear, pull the clutch lever in and push the bike back and forth a few times. This will ensure the clutch is working properly.<br />
13. Check all electrics such as lights, horn etc.<br />
14. Check the operation of the brakes, levers, suspension etc.<br />
15. Perform normal lubrication, such as the chain.<br />
<br />
Start the engine and let it reach normal running temperature. Leave the bike for a few minutes to let the oil settle and with the engine still warm, check the oil level. It's important to check the level after the bike has run for a few minutes to give the oil a chance to lubricate the various parts of the bike. Top up to the correct level if necessary.<br />
<br />
Remember that you haven’t ridden your motorcycle for a few months and your riding skills will have diminished over the winter. Start with a few short rides to get yourself back in shape for riding. Get used to the road conditions and surfaces once again and take it easy at first, checking things like brakes at slow speeds.Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-61536192499077755932014-11-28T18:55:00.000+00:002014-11-28T19:05:44.107+00:00Motorcycle Tour to the Harley-Davidson Rally in St Tropez<br />
One of my favourite Harley-Davidson rallies is the European Festival, held in St Tropez and Grimaud each year. Getting some early season riding on great roads riding across Europe is a terrific way to kick-start the years longer rides. <br />
<br />
Tour1 are running a one-way tour from the UK to the rally and the highlights of the tour include: Stay at a Chateaux – riding terrific roads in the Black Forest – Alps mountains – Mountain pass roads – Mont Blanc – Combe Laval – Verdon Gorge – St Tropez.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLxXyEPuRS4/VHjDuR9WsdI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/sULVmcKzjmA/s1600/Tour1%2BSt%2BTropez%2BH-D%2BRally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLxXyEPuRS4/VHjDuR9WsdI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/sULVmcKzjmA/s1600/Tour1%2BSt%2BTropez%2BH-D%2BRally.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Saturday 2nd May 2015 to Sunday 10th May 2015, 8 nights<br />
<br />
Prices. £1,685 per rider in his/her own room, or £2,075 for a rider and pillion sharing a room. For two riders sharing a room the price is £1,350 each.<br />
<br />
Prices include all accommodation, plus transporting your bike back to the UK.<br />
<br />
Countries we will be visiting on the way: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland.<br />
<br />
For more information, see <a href="http://www.tour1.co.uk/">www.tour1.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Check out the video.....<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/104023582" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures from our 2014 tour to St Tropez......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h83laVposJc/VHjCg_XfNwI/AAAAAAAAH0I/XLZ8TGytrTM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h83laVposJc/VHjCg_XfNwI/AAAAAAAAH0I/XLZ8TGytrTM/s1600/4.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6CqRQPYHr8/VHjCmuL01-I/AAAAAAAAH0Q/fPMcpBqIa_M/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6CqRQPYHr8/VHjCmuL01-I/AAAAAAAAH0Q/fPMcpBqIa_M/s1600/5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLfUfFcHIYw/VHjCq4brjxI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/uyy3baOWCQQ/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLfUfFcHIYw/VHjCq4brjxI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/uyy3baOWCQQ/s1600/6.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng7kLb2Xn90/VHjCxu_5kdI/AAAAAAAAH0g/94Iog_GGXKw/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng7kLb2Xn90/VHjCxu_5kdI/AAAAAAAAH0g/94Iog_GGXKw/s1600/8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNlx_lj2veU/VHjDYD7LOCI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/y0OVhCxDWUw/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNlx_lj2veU/VHjDYD7LOCI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/y0OVhCxDWUw/s1600/13.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQQ6FPyZfPQ/VHjC42Hv_1I/AAAAAAAAH0o/SyO32mT-nmc/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQQ6FPyZfPQ/VHjC42Hv_1I/AAAAAAAAH0o/SyO32mT-nmc/s1600/10.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXkpQJU1eI/VHjDNb-BJ8I/AAAAAAAAH1I/wuDW31zvAAI/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXkpQJU1eI/VHjDNb-BJ8I/AAAAAAAAH1I/wuDW31zvAAI/s1600/2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88Vc_nXQXOg/VHjC9QDfH5I/AAAAAAAAH0w/cORTD18HpZU/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88Vc_nXQXOg/VHjC9QDfH5I/AAAAAAAAH0w/cORTD18HpZU/s1600/15.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk50CpnR8f4/VHjDD8s9OFI/AAAAAAAAH04/ZEWkvM3YjmI/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk50CpnR8f4/VHjDD8s9OFI/AAAAAAAAH04/ZEWkvM3YjmI/s1600/17.JPG" height="335" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhB2Uj-SQ24/VHjDIaHVSzI/AAAAAAAAH1A/jlqJvxuXH0M/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhB2Uj-SQ24/VHjDIaHVSzI/AAAAAAAAH1A/jlqJvxuXH0M/s1600/16.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-33561239276928043662014-11-25T13:32:00.001+00:002014-11-25T13:35:02.324+00:00What a great motorcycle touring videoI love this video as it really shows what is so fantastic about motorcycle touring. <br />
<br />
At 20 minutes it is long, but they cram loads into it about their 6 months on their tour of South America. If this doesn’t make you want to go on your own motorcycle adventure, then nothing will. They even did it on an old Honda Transalp XL600V.<br />
<br />
Winter is here and I am spending way too long thing about where to go on next years rides.<br />
<br />
Roll on Spring!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="460" height="265" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LR1NPwvcCT8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-12868701429573052862014-11-02T07:23:00.000+00:002014-11-02T07:23:08.727+00:00One heck of a USA road trip on a Harley-Davidson<br />
Okay, my regular readers will have seen some of these pictures before and people who have read my book 'France In America' certainly will, but I thought I'd make a video that tried to show the spirit of my tour of the USA.<br />
<br />
This is what I came up with.....<br />
<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/110621970?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="450" height="253" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/110621970">One heck of a USA road trip on a Harley-Davidson</a>Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-53803857215519043562014-10-13T08:51:00.000+01:002014-10-13T08:51:21.882+01:00The magnitude of the WW1 Battlefields stir emotionsI just returned from a visit to the WW1 Western Front, where I saw the battlefields, memorials and cemeteries. I went to look and to discover.<br />
<br />
Having never studied WW1 at school, I had a lot to learn and so I bought a few books about WW1 and the conflict on the Western Front. From 1914 – 1918, World War I took place across much of Europe that saw 16 million people killed. On the west side of Europe, on 4th August 1914, Germany invaded neutral Belgium and Luxembourg before moving towards France. After the German march on Paris was halted, what became known as the Western Front settled into a battle of attrition, with a trench line that would change little until 1917.<br />
<br />
Fierce fighting took place along the northern part of this Western Front, especially around Ypres, Vimy Ridge and The Somme. It is these areas that I went to see. I have included a few pictures below from my trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5IdlKIS-Ro/VDuCZIdNt6I/AAAAAAAAHx4/ax_OIdHp8yA/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BMenin%2BYpres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5IdlKIS-Ro/VDuCZIdNt6I/AAAAAAAAHx4/ax_OIdHp8yA/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BMenin%2BYpres.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Menin Gate, in Ypres, where The Last Post if played every night.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOhUBxmkmq4/VDuCrZnjTyI/AAAAAAAAHyA/D_W4CKL3734/s1600/Harley%2BHOG%2BTour%2BTenches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOhUBxmkmq4/VDuCrZnjTyI/AAAAAAAAHyA/D_W4CKL3734/s1600/Harley%2BHOG%2BTour%2BTenches.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Restored German Trenches, at Vimy Ridge.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrcrCHpmcAc/VDuC5nfWnzI/AAAAAAAAHyI/Wufz3vTZkFs/s1600/Tour1%2Bbattlefields%2B01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrcrCHpmcAc/VDuC5nfWnzI/AAAAAAAAHyI/Wufz3vTZkFs/s1600/Tour1%2Bbattlefields%2B01.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A very large German Cemetery.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04V0qxYMg7Q/VDuDDcnkiCI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/N8NbDuCDXFE/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BSomme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04V0qxYMg7Q/VDuDDcnkiCI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/N8NbDuCDXFE/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BSomme.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tyne Cot Cemetery, The Somme.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPksC45pFig/VDuDLf4vWnI/AAAAAAAAHyY/gwABmwAhh08/s1600/Harley%2BWW1%2BTour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPksC45pFig/VDuDLf4vWnI/AAAAAAAAHyY/gwABmwAhh08/s1600/Harley%2BWW1%2BTour.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allied trenches at Newfoundland Memorial Park.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtER_UwsU60/VDuDRnzVvAI/AAAAAAAAHyg/30A8yFlpipo/s1600/HOG%2BWW1%2BTour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtER_UwsU60/VDuDRnzVvAI/AAAAAAAAHyg/30A8yFlpipo/s1600/HOG%2BWW1%2BTour.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lochnagar Crater, Near Albert, The Somme.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PXpA0LfY1M/VDuDXcR4uvI/AAAAAAAAHyo/RiJiDcecP9I/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BWW1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PXpA0LfY1M/VDuDXcR4uvI/AAAAAAAAHyo/RiJiDcecP9I/s1600/Harley%2BTour%2BWW1.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tank Memorial, near Pozières, The Somme.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVHfOzRBa-o/VDuDd1wAsVI/AAAAAAAAHyw/YHszUOC_3gU/s1600/HOG%2BBattlefield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVHfOzRBa-o/VDuDd1wAsVI/AAAAAAAAHyw/YHszUOC_3gU/s1600/HOG%2BBattlefield.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Row upon row of headstones.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YuXP7Gkpf0/VDuDkML5HsI/AAAAAAAAHy4/oiZVZLeNEsc/s1600/Harley%2BThiepval%2BSomme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YuXP7Gkpf0/VDuDkML5HsI/AAAAAAAAHy4/oiZVZLeNEsc/s1600/Harley%2BThiepval%2BSomme.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Khot4vP36w/VDuDtetmg-I/AAAAAAAAHzA/bZugrF8smXo/s1600/Somme%2BTour%2BHarley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Khot4vP36w/VDuDtetmg-I/AAAAAAAAHzA/bZugrF8smXo/s1600/Somme%2BTour%2BHarley.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remembrance Poppies.</div>
<br />
It was very moving and sombre. The waste of human life was enormous. In all areas of the war, 16 million people died in WW1 and looking at the ages of the soldiers on their headstones, the typical age was in their early twenties.<br />
<br />
I will be running a motorcycle tour to these battlefields next year, so that others can see the sadness of what happened. It certainly wass an emotional experience to go and see it for myself.<br />
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-75975094821043896412014-10-07T09:48:00.000+01:002014-10-07T09:48:30.647+01:00Tour1 - Motorcycle tours to European Harley-Davidson rallies.Check out the new video for my motorcycle touring business. <br />
<br />
Filmed on one of the 2014 tours, this shows the sorts of roads and places we travel to when touring.<br />
<br />
For more information, see <a href="http://www.tour1.co.uk/">www.tour1.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/104023582" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe>Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-1821961699790464952014-09-05T16:06:00.002+01:002014-09-05T16:07:11.831+01:00Busy at Faaker SeeWhile I will post more pictures and a write up later of the tour to European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria, here is just one picture. This is the one-way loop road that goes around the lake and as can be seen, it was a little busy today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1c6eqJmdHg/VAnRIYzq9MI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/DEHsAiZsDMk/s1600/P1020293%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1c6eqJmdHg/VAnRIYzq9MI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/DEHsAiZsDMk/s1600/P1020293%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-38578876508883727872014-08-01T08:31:00.003+01:002014-08-01T08:33:54.406+01:00I went riding with a few friends last weekend.....<br />
It was the Fenlanders HOG Rally, in Fakenham, Norfolk, near the east coast of England. Somebody snapped this picture of my bike with a few hundred other bikers riding behind me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiuCeDYSY5E/U9tB6iSdb3I/AAAAAAAAHwA/5ekw_FReNlA/s1600/Gary+France+Harley+Chopper+Amelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiuCeDYSY5E/U9tB6iSdb3I/AAAAAAAAHwA/5ekw_FReNlA/s1600/Gary+France+Harley+Chopper+Amelia.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a great ride through the countryside ending in the seaside town of Sheringham, where a few thousand people were waiting for our arrival and greeted us warmly. What a great day out!</div>
<br />Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505434595026982929.post-22945669901111756792014-06-23T18:28:00.000+01:002014-06-23T18:28:06.012+01:00Ban Google Glass when driving?Seriously, does anyone think Google Glass is a good idea when driving a car?<br />
<br />
Google Glass, which looks like a pair of glass frames with a tiny screen, can be used for browsing the web, reading emails or many other things normally used on computers or smart phones. These are now available here in the UK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgIgvlbKN0A/U6hjO5oaxdI/AAAAAAAAHvE/CLUu3I5yH2M/s1600/Google+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgIgvlbKN0A/U6hjO5oaxdI/AAAAAAAAHvE/CLUu3I5yH2M/s1600/Google+Glass.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It has become clear today (BBC News website) that “The BBC has learned that the US firm held talks with the Department of Transport ahead of the launch. The DoT had previously raised concerns that the wearable tech could prove a distraction to drivers. That is still the case, but a government spokesman revealed that the search firm was investigating ways to allow drivers to legally use Glass while on UK roads- possibly by restricting the information it displays mid-journey.”<br />
<br />
Really? Are drivers not already distracted enough? One thing is certain wearing of Google Glass when driving will not make our roads safer, it will make them much less safe. So why doesn’t the DoT immediately ban wearing these when driving? One can only put this down to yet another failure by the UK Government. That is not a political statement, it is just the truth. Successive Governments seem unable to demonstrate much common sense these days and that is truly worrying.<br />
<br />
So if these were allowed, but say with the same restricted information that is allowed by a sat nav / GPS unit, just how will that ever be policed? Only the wearer can see what is being displayed, so nobody will ever be able to check whether the glasses are being used correctly. It is just plain dumb to even consider that people will follow the law and only use them in any restrictive mode.<br />
<br />
Do something about this – write to your MP now and express your views! This is how you find out how to contact your MP.... <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/">http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/</a><br />
<br />
If you are reading this from anywhere else in world, contact your government now!Gary Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.com20