Motorcycling: New experiences for an old hand @craleighbeamer - Tumblr Blog

No corners to cut

My first introduction to the world of motorcycle sprinting came around 1967. A neighbourhood friend had built a 250 sprinter around a naturally aspirated, methanol fuelled, CB72 Honda. Even as an early years teenager I was interested in all things mechanical and so when the offer of a day out and being ‘part of the team’ was mooted, I was up for it. Not coming from a motorcycling family and never…

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#High performance bike #Honda CB72 #motorcycle racing #motorcycle sprinting #motorcycling

Mike and Lesley, having recently retired from The Ordnance Survey in Southampton, are passionate about maps. So, their offer to develop and lead the group’s routes was accepted with joyful anticipation – and we were not disappointed. The original suggested route had been relatively tame but the direction finally taken, instead of returning along the coast, once again, took us over The Cantabrian Mountains.

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Fully laden, following the CA182 on to the CA280, we negotiated empty roads but with challenging climbs and hairpins, loose cattle, and distracting views, before finally arriving at Puerto de Palmobera, the peak of this fantastic pass at 1250 metres above sea level.

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The descent was equally demanding compounded by the increasing temperature, before finally stopping for a refreshment break in Espinilla. The subsequent ride was something of a contrast from our first stint, with relatively flatter landscapes and more open vistas.

The landscape was eventually punctuated by the Embalse del Ebro, a massive reservoir, that highlighted a common problem with the UK, a shortage of rainfall, with much of its bed clearly waiting for a seasonal replenishment. The predominantly sandstone landscape continued into the distance as we continued to wend our way through to the N-232, which took us over the plains, into Rioja territory. This was marked by the change from an arid, dusty, view, with intermittent light shrub cover, to rows of neatly cultivated vines, many of which seemed ready for harvest. Signs for Laguardia were becoming more frequent and equally welcome after quite an enduring ride.

The group had become increasing spread-out and, by the time we approached the town itself, true to form, the Garmin 5 satnav became increasingly recalcitrant, constantly recalculating and demanding a return San Vicente with its first waypoint. Passing the spur road off to the centre of Laguardia, Mrs. M suddenly shouted that she’d seen the others heading that way.

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We suddenly lurched up the narrow road only to find ourselves, alone, in the centre of this beautiful walled city, concluding that there may have been a mis-direction. The satnav suddenly decided that, mid-recalculation, we could continue back out of town to the N-232, and right to the entrance of the hotel.

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If the Nord Hotel in San Vicente was 3 ½ stars, the Hotel Villa Laguardia was definitely a full 4 stars. Although moving up the ‘clinical scale’, sharing the facilities with The Bentley Owners Club, the Villa had everything we wanted including air conditioning. After the essential beer refreshment and a clean up, we headed into the centre of Laguardia. The town was founded on its Rioja bodegas from 13 Century, and its centre is still bounded by the original walls. The narrow streets, decorated by window boxes filled with colourful Geraniums, were quite something to explore. Unfortunately, we were more than ready for food and found the first restaurant that was open for business before 9.00pm. A little on the expensive-side, the food and wine were very welcome and enjoyable and, sitting on the periphery of the small but imposing town square in the evening warmth, was quite magical. We may even have felt a little smug, receiving reports of Storm Ali wreaking havoc back home. The gentle stroll back to the The Villa brought quite a day to a close.

Circuito de España 2018 – San Vicente to Laguardia Mike and Lesley, having recently retired from The Ordnance Survey in Southampton, are passionate about maps. So, their offer to develop and lead the group’s routes was accepted with joyful anticipation - and we were not disappointed.

#BMW Motorcycling #BMW Motorrad #Laguardia #Motorcycle touring #Rioja #Spain

The Picos de Europa are part of the Cantabrian mountains that stretch from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the East to Galicia in the West. Predominantly limestone and conglomerate, the mountains comprise of soaring high peaks, with gorges cut through them by millennia of rainfall creating dramatic scenery and even more dramatic biking roads.

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Following the line of the gorges, the well-maintained carriageways wind up and down, sometimes cut into the sides of the rock face presenting a menacing, sheer cliff to the careless rider on one side, and an even more menacing drop to the other. Conversely, whilst still maintaining the dramatic flavour of the route, other sections are less stark, with views over lush, green, forests and mixed agricultural land.

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From San Vicente, we soon picked up the circular route round The Picos, opting to take the anti-clockwise direction for its views of the lake, Embalse de Riano on the descent from the peak at Oseja de Sajambre. The ride, in near perfect weather conditions was fantastic and virtually uninterrupted by other traffic of any description. In fact, riding rarely gets better than this! After 150 miles of twisties, by the time we arrived back at San Vicente we were all fairly comprehensively, knackered. But what a wonderful experience. Doing the experience justice with a few photographs is near impossible!

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Circuito de España 2018 – The Picos de Europa The Picos de Europa are part of the Cantabrian mountains that stretch from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the East to Galicia in the West.

#biking heaven #Biking in Spain #BMW Motorrad #Spain #The BMW Club #The BMW Club Southern Section #The Picos de Europa

An old friend of mine from the advertising industry had a favourite saying: It’s about selling the sizzle not the sausage. This a truism, especially when applied to motorcycle travelogues. As a reader, unless relevant to the story, I‘m not interested in the specifics of the route, or a technical specification of the bike. I want to hear about the buzz, the atmosphere, the weather, the scenery and the company you’ve kept. Keep it light.

The BMW Club Southern Section trip to Spain started over a year ago as a pin stuck in a map for the weekend of the 23rd of September – The MotoGP Aragon round, Alcaniz, Spain. Working backwards and forwards in time from that point, we arrived at an outline itinerary which was handed to HC travel for extension into the trip that finally emerged. And what a result it was.

Day 1 – Portsmouth to Bilbao

Sunday, 16 September, with a touch of autumn on the air, 13 travellers gathered in floodlit pools of light in an otherwise black dockside at Portsmouth. With great

On the starting chocks for a great tour

anticipation, we were just waiting for the instruction to ride onto Brittany Ferries ship, Cap Finistère. For us, this was our first outing on this scale, notionally leading the party and, loaded 2-up, with luggage for nearly a fortnight, made trickling speeds, let’s say, uncomfortable. Car decks aren’t noted for high levels of grip and, coupled with a ramp descent that a competitive hillclimber would feel at home on, shackle points proud on the floor, and a tight 180 degree turn, when the GS was finally tied down it was with a real sense of relief.

The cabin was cozy but functional

Our first lesson was that travelling light is essential on a ferry crossing. We had made the mistake of packing our worldly goods across every item of luggage, requiring us to effectively strip the bike for the two-night crossing. Being on the seventh level deck involved several trips up and down the crowded stairs and passageways in full bike gear. By the time we were installed in our cabin, it looked more like we’d run a marathon. Only one thing for it. The bar!

The social hub

The crossing was smooth and time soon passed, socialising, eating, quizzing and even some sleep.

Food was an essential part of the crossing

Bilbao to San Vicente de la Barquera

The cold, damp, light of dawn on Tuesday saw the 9 bikes tipped out onto the Bilbao dockside as a prelude to joining the morning rush-hour heading to Bilbao city centre.

The cold light of dawn

Weaving our way precariously between the lanes of traffic to a riverside parking area, Danielle took the lead on foot to a cafe in Casco Viejo, the medieval centre of the City, for our first Spanish breakfast tapas. There is always something uniquely continental about the atmosphere of pavement cafes that never seems to quite transfer to the U.K. Our Bilbao experience had this in spades, with a mild warmth about the air and general hubbub of the nearby traffic.

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Following refreshments, the party split between those wishing to visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and those looking for a more leisurely ride, following the coast, to our first stop at San Vicente de la Barquera. Opting for the latter we followed the motorway out of Bilbao and, avoiding Santander, we soon concluded that, to quote the ad, ‘If Heineken built motorways, this is what they’d look like.’ These weren’t the straight, grey concrete strips we’re used to but gently undulating, curving roads, bounded by views of mountains and coastal scenes, punctuated by occasional tunnels.

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Eventually leaving the motorway, we dropped down onto the CA131 coast road dipping in and out of bays and around headlands, through various small towns, but with a mountainous backdrop of The Cantabrian Mountains to our left throughout. Although only in our first few hours, Spanish scenery was already exceeding expectation and, combined with sunshine and rising temperatures, this trip was already becoming a real wow.

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Finally approaching San Vicente via its iconic, multi-arched bridge, the beauty of our first stop-over soon became apparent, as did the absence of dedicated parking. The views from our hotel terrace however soon put any concerns into perspective and following a little light refreshment, a stroll into the medieval centre of this historic town beckoned. Views from the summit of the ancient town were stunning but looking to the West, the peaks of The Picos de Europa could be seen teasing us from in the distance.

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Choosing to venture out of the hotel for dinner, we soon established that we weren’t on the usual tourist trail, with English language speakers being few and far between. Even with Danielle, a Spanish linguist, and a phrase book, the dietary requirements of the group proved something of a hurdle when ordering food. Rest assured however, we didn’t starve!

The evening’s conversation covered many themes from the day’s ride, including the benefits of independence that comes with programmed satnavs, getting split-up on motorway intersections, and with a down-to-earth appraisal of the Guggenheim concluding that John Constable’s works, if available, were unlikely to be hung in its avant-garde setting.

Circuito de España 2018 – Portsmouth to San Vicente via Bilbao An old friend of mine from the advertising industry had a favourite saying: It’s about selling the sizzle not the sausage.

Overture and first movement

Fishguard to Wexford

The choice was difficult from the outset. Full waterproofs, or jeans and lightweight oversuit? Ireland’s reputation for rain had preceded the holiday planning and so, on the day, we simply opted for both. Jeans squeezed in the tail pack and waterproofs on the riders. For us, the Oxford Section Ireland Trip was an adventure of an entirely unprecedented scale. 10 days of riding, 5 hotels, close to 2,000 miles, and 2 up. When fully loaded, at trickling pace, our R1200RS was a bit of a ‘handful’ but once underway, with the suspension suitably dialled-in, the bike was still, as ever, a joy to ride.

Ready for the off

Although some of the Section’s members were meeting near Chippenham, we would have needed such an early start as to render our participation impractical. Instead, we chose a leisurely first day ride to Fishguard on the Sunday. Riding a cross-country route, we passed through Farnham, Basingstoke, and through to Newbury, opting for the A4 instead of a thrash along the motorway. The weather was favourable excepting a couple of small showers and a nagging, blustery wind, that seemed to follow us for most of the holiday.

Our Welsh accommodation, close to the ferry terminal, was comfortable and gave us the opportunity to relax with an enjoyable evening meal and a cheeky G&T at the ‘local’ before the adventure started for real.

Monday 12 June

The ferry sailing was booked for around 13.00 leaving us a morning to explore Fishguard with its Victorian industrial heritage and architecture, and views across the picturesque bay. This was an ideal way to ‘chill’ before Mrs. M faced her nemesis, the Irish Sea with its millpond-like swell.

Mrs. M’s nemesis, the Irish Sea at full force in the bay at Fishguard

Wending our way down to check-in, we found ourselves close some earlier arrivals and, as with all BMW Club events, we soon got to know each other. George and Ruth, and Tim, on their respective RTs, and Ray on his GS. Following a comparison of bike notes, and the arrival of further members of the Group, we were soon ready for embarkation. This was all new for me with my prior experience only being the melee of loading for the TT. Manx veterans will be familiar the cattle herding process, the vast numbers of bikes, and the loading ramp with its steep, challenging hairpin ramp. I’ve seen too many riders come to grief simply trying to start their TT holidays. In contrast, the ramp onto the Stena Europa was a straight run with a right-hand turn onto an open, if rather greasy, car deck.

We were treated like customers instead of an irritation to the deck-hands, with the bikes strapped down with some care. Although windy, the gentle, undulating crossing was made bearable with the usual banter being exchanged, and time for us to get to know the rest of the party.

Disembarking in Rosslare, we headed, en-masse, to our first hotel. First impressions of Ireland as we rode away from the port’s hinterland was both the contrasts and similarities with the UK. The architecture and ‘feel’ was UK and yet, European influences in such things as the road layout and signage were quite marked. The roads were wide and well maintained, with many drivers willingly pulling aside into the yellow marked, peripheral lanes, allowing us to pass.

After negotiating the evening peak traffic, the ‘Mustard Monolith’ that is the Talbot Hotel hove into view. Paul Fitzgerald of Wild Irish Tours, agent for tour, had arranged reserved parking in an otherwise limited space, allowing us to check in with the minimum of fuss. The bar proved a strong attraction before enjoying one of the more formal dinners for the now 18 members of the party for the trip.

Second Movement

Wexford to Ballyvourney

Tuesday 13 June

Acknowledging the impracticality of not only riding in such numbers, but the varying interests of each member, Tuesday saw us splitting up into various sub-groups, each with its own preferences. Mrs. M and I teamed up with Geoff, Rob, Clive, and Tim for this ride. Our agreed agenda was to make Waterford, with its famous cut-glass crystal factory, our first port of call.

Loosely following the GPX on the satnav, with Geoff taking the lead, the first part of the route took us along the major ‘N’ roads, through the gently rolling, green, countryside, but somehow missing the turning to our destination. This minor error left us to the mercy of a section of toll road, over an impressive, modern suspension bridge, directly to the toll booths, just to turn-off immediately after payment. Vaguely following the signs, we made our way past the contemporary industrial developments to the heart of the City with its associated congestion.

Stop-start, we turned onto the quayside road and, in a controlled wobble on our heavily laden bike, for some distance before the decision was made to make enquiries as to where the factory was. Our slow progress did allow us time to appreciate the varying architecture, some dating from Georgian times, and through to the heritage structures along the, now largely ornamental, quayside. Somehow, 5 of us had managed to ride right past the well signed building without seeing it. Nothing to do but turn around and fight our way back!

Rob and Geoff debate: Is it possible that 5 people can ride past the Waterford Crystal Factory without seeing it?

Finally parking in the Waterford Factory courtyard, the coffee shop was a welcome sight. Unfortunately, it was the unofficial parking that was our undoing, being asked to move-on just as we finished our refreshments. Let’s face though, we couldn’t practically have bought anything – nowhere to put a piece of lead crystal on the bike, and for another 8 days.

Picking up the GPX route out of town, we soon found ourselves in the stunning Irish countryside, heading for the Copper Coast. This is not only a beautiful area of coastline, but is recognised for its geological importance being a UNESCO Geopark. Following the undulating, curvy, coastal road, not only did we have a superb ride, but saw some spectacular views of inlets and deserted sandy beaches. The historical working of the minerals was further highlighted by abandoned mine buildings.

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Our original plan had been to head toward the Cobh Heritage centre, last port of call for the ill-fated ships Titanic and Lusitania. This was however, our first education in Irish touring. On the map, without deviations, the route was ‘only’ 157 miles but these are winding, country lanes with many photo stop opportunities and, some time before Cobh was even on the horizon, a comfort break and lunch was called for.

The closer alternative was a break at the Jameson Distillery Visitor Centre, Midleton. The full Distillery tour, it turned out, was too long for our schedule and sampling would be even more inappropriate than buying Waterford Crystal. Lunch in the café however, was very welcome and gave our journey renewed impetus.

Following a car park conference, we headed for a pure tourist spot; Blarney Castle, home of the eponymous Stone. The scenery continued to impress as the afternoon’s ride progressed until we reached the Castle car park where we were able to dismount and get relief from numb bum. The Castle gardens were worth a visit in their own right, but the Castle itself, although swathed in builders’ film, was spectacular.

The queue to reach the Stone was disguised by a 600 year-old, spiral staircase, that fortunately, only took us about 20 minutes to negotiate. After a circuit of the Tower parapet, the kissing was a slightly unceremonious process. The guide helps to position you on a mat before being pushed, upside down, through a gap in the tower wall and promptly being pulled back with the ubiquitous photograph ticket being thrust into your hand to exchange, with payment of course, as a memento of you discomfort.

Meandering back through the gardens, Rob suggested it was ice cream time. This was the first time on the trip we saw his prowess at negotiation.

Rob: ‘Do we get volume discount?’

Young lady serving (YLS): ‘Oh, no.’

Rob: ‘Discount for pensioners?’

YLS (with giggle): ‘No, but I’ll give a slightly bigger one.’

Rob disappointed.

We sat under a tree eating until Rob managed to drop the ice cream off the cone.

Rob: ‘5 second rule – it’ll be OK.’

Seconds later, he managed to crush his cone, nearly repeating the earlier drop.

Rob: ‘I’m going back to complain.’ (with a cheeky grin)

2 minutes later he returned, not with a new cone but, with a complete new ice cream.

Rob: ‘I’ll never eat all of this.’

Moral: Be careful what you wish for!

Tired from the events of the day, we finally headed off to the Mills Inn Hotel in Ballyvourney.

Third Movement

Ballyvourney to Spanish Point.

Wednesday 14 June

Following the procedure from the previous day, we split into our touring parties and headed off. Although breakfast seemed only a blink away, our first stop was the beautiful, natural harbour of Kinsale, in the mouth of the river Bandon. On advice from Wild Irish Tours, we parked in a corner of the local pay and display car park without paying (rebels? BMW Club? Surely not!) before setting off in search of refreshments.

Reinvigorated, we headed for the hills following the now sign-posted Wild Atlantic Way (WAW). The roads were a riders’ delight. Bends, climbs, drops, and a few straights, all against a backdrop of stunning views across the hills, which, at times, were an inappropriate distraction. As we progressed westwards, so the cloud cover increased until we reached another notable natural harbour at Bantry. The weather was becoming muggy demanding, and finding, another delightful watering hole for lunch.

The promise for the afternoon was the Healy Pass. There wasn’t much detail but the name should have been enough. Setting out from Bantry, we headed north along the N7, along a good wide road with plenty of sweeping curves to keep it interesting. After a series of tighter bends around Glengarriff, we turned onto the R572, a lower class of road. At this stage of the tour, I had no maps or information except what was on the sat nav. That said Healy Pass. It definitely wasn’t!

We had been moving-on at a good pace, overtaking some of the HGVs that had to take this route by necessity, before turning down a narrow country lane and there it was, set out before us. The Healy Pass, climbs 335 metres into the Caha Mountains. This is a road that was originally conceived as part of an initiative to improve the Country’s infrastructure and create paid employment during the 1845 Potato Famine. But, like so many Government initiatives, even to this day, failed to meet its original goals succeeding only through the drive of Cork politician, Timothy Healy. This was a challenging climb with multiple hairpins, adverse cambers, and not a lot of Armco. The view back down the valley from the peak was stunning, and was equalled by the view down ‘the other side’. Sadly, the descending cloud base encouraged us to move on before being fogged in.

Rob lead the ride down from the peak with many more wonderful views and still able to see the coast, to the north, in the distance. Passing the hamlet of Lauragh, Rob followed his satnav (not always a good idea) joining one of the network boreens, the single track, metalled roads, that go on for many kilometres, often without any passing places or turnings. This route was ‘entertaining’, riding 2 up, close to any hedges or brushwood, with grass in the middle, but still definitely enjoyable. After what seemed like 10k, we finally came back to civilisation, heading back to The Mills for a welcoming shower and refreshment.

Thursday 15 June

After a post-breakfast, campaign meeting, it was agreed that the famous Ring of Kerry circuit was good, as per the GPX route for the day but in reverse, allowing a visit to the picturesque Gap of Dunloe as the first stop.

Having got away quite early, the car park at Kate Kearny’s Cottage, the entrance to the Gap, was deserted. The local pony ‘wranglers’ were preparing their stock for a day’s trading, (fleecing?) offering tourists pony and trap rides up through the narrow valley in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Rob stepped forwards with his Chief Negotiator hat on. The wrangler had an opening bid of E22, Rob haggled down to E20 but wanted E18 based on 5 passengers sharing but failed and withdrew. (We weren’t bothered about going, saving us E36 altogether.) There was a suggestion of riding up the road on the bikes but were ‘discouraged’ by the ‘wranglers’ who pointed to nicely weasel worded signs that the road was ‘predominantly’ for the use of the ponies and traps. Instead, we walked about ½ mile to the first peak in the road to see deeper into the beautiful, tree covered valley before returning for refreshments.

Returning to the bikes, the weather was beginning to deteriorate with a light shower. The roads remained dry for a while but the weather then closed-in, with the blustery winds blowing rain horizontally. This was a popular route and, in addition to the rain, we had coaches, caravans, and cyclists, all making sightseeing difficult. The clouds finally descended onto the mountains, generally making this a less pleasant part of the expedition. Descending through Cahersiveen, the rain eased and by the time we got to Portmagee for our lunch stop, the sun was starting to peep through the clouds. Portmagee is a small, widely dispersed, fishing community with its pretty, low level houses, set into the gentle, grassed slopes that descend into the Portmagee Channel. To me, this was a picture that almost seemed to be set in a different time and place.

The view back to Portmagee

After lunch, we continued along the coastal road, through to the Coomanaspic Pass,stopping for a photo opportunity from its peak. Looking to the North was Portmagee and, to the south, the shapes of the bird sanctuaries of Little Skellig and Great Skellig could be made out through the mist, the latter doubling as the home of one Mr Luke Sky Walker from the recent, Star Wars – The Force Awakens, film.

The Wild Atlantic Way followed the line of the coast, dramatically rising and falling, rounding small coves and bays, giving us a thoroughly enjoyable, if not tiring, ride. Following a brief tea break, we continued, following the WAW back to Kenmare, before picking up the R569 back to the Mills Inn for a very welcome evening of relaxation. The evening was augmented by a live quartet of accordion players entertaining us with traditional Irish music and song, complemented by some Irish dancers. The keener members of our party were charged E15 for entry to the venue, but those of us more leisurely with our repast, walked in a little later unaware of any admission charges. Result!

Friday 16 June

Bikes packed for moving on, we set off under low clouds and light drizzle. The scenery however, even under these conditions, was more than adequate compensation. Initially riding past hills and mountains, the landscape gradually gave way to the lower lying, coastal plain. Turning along the coast to Castlemaine Harbour, we followed the road around its periphery to the Dingle Peninsula and to Dingle itself.

Inch Beach, County Kerry

Although the GPX route allowed for a circular route onwards, to the end of the Peninsula, the rigours of constant riding were taking their toll with the more reserved of us, opting instead, to remain in the town waiting for the return of the hardier riders looking to squeeze every last drop of the Irish roads.

Following advice in an article in Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, we had decided that as a cure for the increasing prevalence of numb bum, we would treat ourselves to a sheepskin seat cover. Dingle, with its shops (and time to look), would surely be able to offer something. We were not disappointed. We found the one. A beautiful colour, generously sized, but a little more expensive than we’d wanted. Even Rob couldn’t negotiate the price down. Hey ho! We are now the proud owners of our own piece of Irish ovine memorabilia, now affectionately known as Dingle. The difference has been significant, especially on longer runs.

Satisfied customer with sheepskin seat cover aka Dingle

Following lunch, and with the murky weather prevailing, we headed North, towards the Conor Pass. Climbing sharply out of Dingle, despite the wind, we soon found ourselves enveloped in a swirling mist and, the higher we climbed, the more dense the mist became. When we reached the summit, the road curved around to the right, with a sheer drop to our left, shrouded in mist, but at least secured by crash barriers, and a sheer rock face to the right. Visibility was down to about 30 feet as we began to descend. Suddenly, we were confronted by an array of car rear lights littered across the road, and worse, some of them were starting to reverse. On a fully laden bike, down an increasingly steep slope, this was not my idea of fun. I pulled over into a small recess in the rock wall to wait for any cars coming up but it was a complete impasse. Drivers incapable of driving their vehicles were effectively locked together in this surreal, swirling mist.

Rob decided to take the bull by the horns, shoehorning himself through the melee of cars, and out of sight. Eventually moving out from our refuge, the car in front of us began to creep forward preventing us from overtaking but not moving fast enough to allow me to either engage the clutch or get my feet up onto the pegs. I had no option but to control a heavy bike, trying to run away on a steep gradient, on the front brake. Tending to snatch at this speed, the ride was both uncomfortable and disconcerting. Eventually, the car scored 4 faults for a refusal at the next hurdle – an up-coming coach, allowing us to sneak through the space and continue our descent. This was probably one of the most frightening rides I have ever had, particularly given how slowly we were moving.

Re-grouping, we continued our run down, out of the clouds, into bright sunshine. The view across the peninsula from this altitude was both breath-taking and reassuring. We continued our run with only a couple of satnav related glitches, through to the Shannon Ferry.

The Shannon Estuary…

..and its ferry

On the crossing, we did catch occasional glimpses of the famous dolphins, but not long enough for any photographs, until we disembarked for the final run to Spanish Point and sanctuary.

Fourth Movement

Spanish Point to Ballina

Saturday 17 June

The early morning cloud at Spanish Point soon burnt off, leaving a beautiful sunny day for our ride up the coast towards Galway Bay.

First stop on the satnav was the 700 foot, sheer cliff face, that drops directly into the Atlantic Ocean at The Cliffs of Moher. A popular attraction, this natural phenomenon involves an entry fee and a consequent challenge to Rob’s negotiating skills. Declaring us to all be pensioners, Rob managed a reduction from E12 down to E5, and then a further 50 cents. It emerged that, although Mrs. M, who would never pass as a pensioner, had to close her crash helmet discreetly as we passed the pay booth. It later emerged that the E7 reduction was for BMW Club Membership and only the 50cents was for being pensioners. The views from the cliff top were spectacular.

Returning to the bikes, we followed the coast for a short ride to Doolin for coffee, before moving further North, where we found ourselves in the familiar territory from the home counties, a cycle race. The cyclists made riding very challenging on the narrow, undulating, roads when trying to see the magnificent views across to Galway. The precession continued for 6 or 7 miles, through Black Head to Ballyvaughan, with hundreds of participants, each paying little heed to other road users in their quest for the winners’ laurels.

Following the GPX route to the Alliwee Caves and a belated lunch break, we did the tourist bit, and took a guided tour round the caves, finally emerging into the bright sunlight of the afternoon, like mis-guided moles.

Having been a follower to this point, I volunteered to lead for the first time with an agreed destination of Father Ted’s House. Programming this into the satnav, set on curvy roads, we went ‘off-piste’ as far as the ‘official’ GPX file was concerned, through some beautiful country lanes, across The Burren National Park with its stunning limestone pavement landscape.

Being so far off the route, there were twitching sounds from some of the party, but Mr Garmin came good, delivering us to the site of pilgrimage (if you watched the series – to the rest of us it was an anti-climax).

The noises were now growing for a quick return to Spanish Point. Re-tuning Mr Garmin, we were soon underway, eventually re-joining our route from the morning. Bowling along, nicely, Rob overtook us and in what can only be described as a lapse in concentration, clipped a grass bank, catapulting him and his bike into the air, and down with a horrifying crash. He sustained a gashed nose and broken leg requiring the attention of paramedics and hospitalisation. (I only include this episode because it had an impact on the rest of the trip and that Rob is making good progress, anticipating a full recovery.) Rob’s attempt at aviation delayed dinner somewhat, not least because Geoff took on the role of administrator, arranging insurance claims, bike collection, and advising Marrion of Rob’s condition. It would be fair to say that it took some of the polish off the trip going forwards.

Sunday 18 June

Loaded up once again, we had another priority besides the GPX today. A visit to Limerick A&E to see our injured mate, Rob. Another warm day, and I have to admit, the shock of the earlier events had hit me, leaving me and some of our other riding buddies, more weary than perhaps we realised.

Having done 4 laps of the new, but poorly signed, Limerick A&E building, we eventually tracked the lad down. Rob was as perky as ever, recounting his chat with the female paramedic,

Rob: Have we got the blue flashing lights on?

Paramedic: Yes

Rob: Have we used the sirens?

Paramedic: Yes

Rob: Cor! I’ve waited 74 years for this.

Reassuring him that everything was in-hand, we left Rob in his upbeat mood, with time for lunch. For those of us who are fathers, this must rank as one of the more memorable Fathers’ Day lunches: Sandwiches and tea in the new A&E Reception of Limerick Hospital. As hospital reception areas go, this one was better than most but…

Returning to the bikes, we headed north towards Ballina, with an intended visit to Galway en-route. This was a disappointment, with heavy Sunday afternoon traffic, we got as far as PC World / Tesco before turning back to the road northwards.

Tim lead, eventually taking a diversion to Pontoon for a brief photo opportunity before hitting Ballina, about 5.30, absolutely exhausted from the day’s ride.

View across the lough at Pontoon

The hotel and its location gave us quite a lift, with a beautiful post-dinner walk across the River Moy in the evening sunshine, before turning in for a good night’s rest.

From the bridge at Ballina

Fifth Movement

Ballina to Wexford and Home

Monday 19 June

Our riding had been quite intensive up this point and the general view was that today’s ride needed to be less demanding. I had identified Lough Melvin, a lesser known tract of water on the border between The Republic and Northern Ireland but slightly off the tourist trail. This was a totally idiosyncratic choice on my part but I was touched that our riding buddies wished to join us.

Setting off northwards at a leisurely pace, we followed the WAW route along the coastal road, once again, being treated to the stunning scenery. Eventually, following the signs, we took a spur to Aughris Head. This was a delightfully deserted beach, with nothing but a few caravans and a charming pub, and a disproportionately large car park indicating its popularity at other times. This was the traditional Irish pub that we’d all anticipated but not previously found.

Tea and tiffin later, we resumed our run along the coast, offering yet more scenic treats. Ballysadare Bay, Sligo Harbour, Strandhill Beach, and through to Mullaghmore Head, a continuing wealth of riches, before following the satnav for the final run across country to Kinlough, on the banks of Lough Melvin.

DCIM101DRIFT

I’m not sure what I’d expected, but this wasn’t it. Although beautiful, this was right off the mainstream trail. It was so quiet that even the cafes closed for lunch – fortunately not all of them. We parked up and wandered along ‘Main Street’, past the pub that also offered undertaking services, until we found Giovani’s Café, cum photographers, cum museum, cum formal meeting facility, where the locals all met for lunch. The food was exceptional, home-made, and reasonably priced. Result!

Kinlough – do the cafes close for lunch?

Replete, we agreed that with the loops around the bays, this had become a longer ride-out than anticipated and a direct route back was in order. We returned to Ballina around 4 o’clock with time to wander around the town and relax before dinner.

Our group, the ‘Famous Five’, met for dinner in the reception of the Hotel. The view was eating out was the preference, with Tim suggesting The Lantern, Chinese restaurant, one that we had also seen. Geoff let a couple of the others know where we headed, before presenting ourselves as 5, possibly 7, diners.

Team dinner

Gradually, in dribs and drabs, the rest of the party joined us, swelling our numbers to a total of 15 and having a proper Chinese/Irish hooley. With the Hotel unable to offer Guinness on draft that evening, the hooley then moved to an adjacent pub (cum fishing tackle shop!) where further imbibing took place until all-fall-down, either through tiredness, drink, or both.

Tuesday 20 June

The previous day’s run was ‘only’ 120 miles, but with the final leg of the tour scheduled for Wednesday of 250 miles, and with very few motorways, we really did need to go for a shorter ride-out. Taking the GPX route, we made our first stop at Downpatrick Head with its dramatic sheer cliffs, and offshore stacks. As an author, your supply of superlatives becomes readily exhausted in this stunning countryside, and the vista at Downpatrick Head was another superb example.

Our second stop was a visit to Ceide Fields, a preserved, Neolithic, agricultural community site. Preserved under the peat bog for several millennia, this is one of the most extensive sites of this type in world and includes defined field systems, enclosures, and tombs, dating back about 5000 years. The coffee in the imaginatively designed, visitor centre wasn’t bad either.

Following the GPX route again, we traversed the fantastic moorlands around Creagan Beag. This is a virtually uninhabited area, with rolling hills and mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see in every direction, with only a handful of sheep for company. We stopped for a photo opportunity in the sunshine, and all that could be heard was the occasional, inquisitive insect, buzzing past.

With another group consultation, in order to manage the mileage, we agreed a trip along the nearby Mullet Peninsula to Black Sod, before a return ride to Ballina via Bangor. Black Sod lighthouse, with its extreme westerly location, was used as the weather forecasting station to determine the final decision for launching the D-Day campaign.

Today, this area is a sublimely peaceful, headland and quayside, with a few fishing boats bobbing up and down in the natural harbour. It doesn’t take too much imagination however, to realise that it could be quite hostile in different weather conditions.

The run back to Ballina was yet another treat, arriving in time for a dinner in the restaurant, overlooking the River Moy.

Wednesday 20 June

The cross-country ride back to Wexford was always destined to be a challenge, but our detour to visit Rob, made our journey that little bit longer. The weather was changeable during the ride but, finding yet another excellent café with home-made cakes, kept us going.

Transferred to Croom Orthopaedic Hospital for surgery, Rob was now located a few miles outside Limerick, in a hospital that, with its adequate, free parking, tended gardens, and informal atmosphere, seemed to be locked into a 1960s time-warp. Post-surgery, Rob was still very upbeat and reassured us that things were heading in the right direction. The conversation soon turned to repatriation of both rider and bike with great optimism, although, only time will tell what conditions emerge.

Our final stop en-route was Tiperary, just because it’s a long way, before arriving back in Wexford for dinner and, finally, home on the Thursday morning ferry.

The Finale

Looking back at the whole trip, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience throughout. As interlopers from The Southern Section, we were made extremely welcome by all of the party and were delighted to be able to participate in the routeing and leading of some of the rides.

The GPX files, created and supplied by Paul Fitzgerald of Wild Irish Tours, were very comprehensive and a delight to follow. The overall length of the rides however, were often quite ambitious at times, leaving little time for exploring some of the fascinating places we just passed through. In total, we rode around 2,000 miles in the 12 days, largely without motorways to ease the distance. The scenery was amongst the best we have ever experienced.

The hotels were generally of a good standard although, there were a few concerns expressed about some of them, particularly for those who shared rooms (I’m not referring to Clive’s snoring, Rob).

Our thanks go out to Geoff Clough and Frank Butler for arranging the whole trip and to the Oxford Section for letting us join them.

Bob & Susan Melvin

Wild Irish Rovers Overture and first movement Fishguard to Wexford The choice was difficult from the outset. Full waterproofs, or jeans and lightweight oversuit?

#Atlantic Coast of Ireland #BMW Club Oxford Section #Ring of Kerry #Touring in Ireland #Wild Atlantic Way

Winter Mods

It all started with a service, back in November. We were loaned a GS and it was dangerously close to another financial commitment that was only justifiable in the heart. After a narrow ‘escape’, we kept the RS that was the result of a similar affair of the heart just 11 months earlier. We needed to analyse just what triggered the ‘want’ for the GS, bearing in mind that it was, really, too tall…

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#Givi replacement screen #motorcycle road test #R1200RS handlebar risers #REducing wind roar on R1200RS #wet weather riding

Our second adventure from the vanishing Summer saw us on a trip to the south west and another National Trust site.

Bristol was a city I’d long wished to visit, particularly Isambard Brunel’s two masterpieces, The Clifton Suspension Bridge and The ss Great Britain steam ship. For various reasons, our holiday plans had gone awry and we decided to cut our losses and just have a mid-week break with the Bristol area coming up trumps.

Everything packed and ready for the ‘off’, the weather forecast wasn’t promising with a severe weather warning posted for rain through the Thames Valley from around 9.00am. Both being early risers, we awoke around 6 and rather than hanging around, took to the road by about 7, beating the rain and even much of the commuter traffic. Our first destination was the National Trust’s Tyntesfield House, a little way the ‘other side’ of Bristol. Riding motorways most of the route, we made good time on the R1200, arriving before the site was even fully open. As we sat in the early morning sunshine, the staff busied themselves around us preparing for their day, while we took the time to draw breath.

Tyntesfield House built in the neo -gothic style

Tyntesfield House is a neo-gothic, early Victorian pile, set in beautiful parklands. Its grandeur owes much to the Gibbs family, entrepreneurs in the field of, well, bird poo. In the early Victorian period, agriculture was becoming more intensive as the population moved from the fields to the burgeoning industrial sector, and the consequent booming cities. The demand for more farm produce resulted in a surge in demand for fertilizers and, in particular, the use of phosphates from bird guano. This was sourced by the Gibbs family, principally from South America, and shipped to the UK through the port of Bristol, making the family extremely wealthy in the process.

When Tyntesfield was acquired by the Gibbs’s it was not intended as anything more than a rather grand, but private, family home. Many of the structural alterations were in response to demands of their typically large, Victorian family. The house was only finally vacated by the last remaining member of the family, Richard Gibbs, on his death in 2001, when it was bought with the proceeds of a campaign by The National Trust. The development of the house by the Gibbs family is well documented and makes for a fascinating day trip, particularly as a precursor to exploring other sites in the locale.

We wended our way to our hotel on the outskirts of Bristol with the satnav taking us a direct route from Tyntesfield, through the City, using the aptly named ring road, so called, because you are sent around in rings. Not liking the distraction of voice directions, and with the afternoon sunshine glaring on the satnav screen, I missed a critical turning going into various, unscheduled parts of the city centre. The occasional glimpses of directions on the sun-splashed screen were probably adding to the confusion rather than helping. We finally arrived at our hotel for an enjoyable stay.

For the second day of our trip, with a bus stop right outside the hotel, we took a city bus into the centre and ‘did the sights’. The ss Great Britain and museum didn’t disappoint and is highly recommended as a worthwhile trip in its own right. The dry dock where the ship is preserved is the dock where her keel was originally laid in 1845. Today, the ship has a glass ‘pool’ ceiling surrounding the hull around the line of the original waterline, giving the appearance of floating from above, but still allowing access to the lower levels of the hull.

The hull, below the waterline, is accessible. The area is air conditioned to managed the ongoing issue of corrosion of her iron hull.

For a disconcerting degree of authenticity, live rats live in the ship’s galley!

The Clifton Suspension Bridge still remains an engineering marvel and, with its recently added visitor centre, makes another fascinating outing.

Looking to explore the Clifton area more fully, Mrs. Beamer and I walked back through the delightfully, chic, Clifton Village. The area comprises of an eclectic selection of independent shops and restaurants housed in properties from an equally interesting range of architectural styles. We finally, caught the return bus opposite the BBC in Whiteladies Road.

Clifton Village Arcade, a centre for artisan shops originally opened in 1870

The following day we opted to head home via Cheddar and the Gorge. It was a bit chilly for the time of year and, although outside the school holidays, Cheddar was already busy with tourists. We stopped briefly, realising that even motorcycles are ripped off for parking, before deciding to ride the delightful road set between the towering cliffs of the Gorge, and continuing on our journey, heading for the City of Wells with its medieval cathedral.

Wells’s medieval cathedral

Following another brief stopover, we headed for the warmth of home to find that our return ride had been endured in a temperature actually a degree colder than Christmas Day had been!

As city break, Bristol offers a great location with a wide range of restaurants and drinking houses to compliment the fascinating sights. Having researched how motorcycle friendly Bristol was, we opted to find a hotel with reasonably secure parking. Staying just outside the City, we were able to enjoy Bristol without worrying about parking or having a lunchtime drink.

Where’s Summer Gone? – Bristol Our second adventure from the vanishing Summer saw us on a trip to the south west and another National Trust site.

#Clifton Suspension Bridge #experienced biker #ride out #short break #ss Great Britain #Visit Bristol

Where’s Summer Gone 1? - Batemans

Where’s Summer Gone 1? – Batemans

Where’s the summer gone? I last wrote back in June describing the wonderful weekend in Abergavenny with our friends in the BMW Club and our run through the Brecon Beacons. It all seems such a while ago now, though. Since then, we have attended the BMW National Rally, also in South Wales, visited Bruges, our first foray beyond the UK on a bike, as well as numerous days out, taking advantage of…

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Learning Curves

Fear could have easily spread across Abergavenny on Saturday morning, June 11 this year. It must have looked like some sort of chemical incident as Mr Beamer emerged from his hotel room clad in the all-enveloping, fluorescent yellow, suit. But no, it was just the first outing in this lightweight rain suit, worn in response to the prevailing wet conditions. The approach to the hotel the…

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#BMW Club Southern Section #BMWclub #BMWclubsouthern #Brecon Beacon biking #Motorcycling Brecon Beacons #Motorcycling in Abergavenny #Motorcycling in Wales

Required - Money Tree Sapling

Required – Money Tree Sapling

There are numerous posts on social media advising that, if you want to keep your kids off booze and drugs, get them into biking and they’ll never have the money for the two former vices. Well it’s equally true for their parents. Having succumbed to the lure of the new RS back in January, we have continued to ‘invest’ in new ‘stuff’ on a seemly continuous basis. Perhaps it’s an age thing. After…

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#biker clothing #Shark crash helmet #Shark EVO1 Crash Helmet #Shark Tooth coms #Shark Tooth experience #Sharktooth coms #Sharktooth experience #Sharktooth intercom #Sharktooth test #waterproofs #wet weather riding

Newhaven Fort ride

The weather conditions were promising with a bit of a frost and even the threat of sunshine, but still retaining that early Spring nip in the air. This was, after all, 10 April and a much anticipated run from Newlands Corner to Newhaven Fort with the BMW Club. It had been in the diary since its announcement and the weather looked about as good as could be expected for the time of year. We were…

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Naked ambition

Previously, I summed the R1200R up as ‘one of the finest all-round motorcycles I have ridden’; a statement that remains true to this day. In that same blog, I explained the ‘love at first sight’ or as motorcyclists may describe it, ‘leg over’. Perhaps, a little more honestly, on that day I had set out to see one of the new R1200RS models based on its similar weather protection characteristics to…

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#BMW Motorcycles #BMW R1200R #BMW R1200RS #BMW R1200RS vs. R #BMW sports tourer #Motorcyling

Naughty little hugger

Having waxed lyrical about the features of the BMW R12 in my last blog, with the onset of this miserable winter, the lack of protection from the filth thrown off by the rear wheel has started to become more of an issue. The current styling trend of having an ‘open plan’ rear end, whilst giving the bike a mean, road-race prepped appearance, results in bike, rider, passenger, and any luggage being…

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The New R1200R - Taking Stock

The New R1200R – Taking Stock

Well, I’ve had the R1200R for just over 6 months and covered 3500 miles so, perhaps it’s a good time to take stock. As explained in an earlier blog, the R12 was an impulse purchase or, in more romantic terms, love at first sight. This was a ‘feels right’ experience from the first time I threw my leg over it. The seat height was right for my short (29 inch) legs, with both the ground and the…

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#BMW #BMW R1200R #BMW R1200R Handling #R1200R Owners Experience #R1200R Report #R1200R Road Test #Riding the R1200R #The New R1200R

Roacraft

I think we’ve all heard the conversations: “I don’t reckon I could pass my test if I took it now.” And, “I think my driving’s OK, I don’t need anybody’s help.” Substituting ‘driving’ for ‘bike’, and I think that it’s a short sighted approach when we’re talking about the skills that keep us alive when we’re out riding. Even a little refresher, now and again, can help to focus the mind. Reading a…

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#Bike Safe #Bike Safe experience #Bike Safe recommendation #motorcycle training #police motorcycle training #road safety

Going the DIstance

Going the DIstance - Touring on a BMW R1200R

Just a year ago, Mrs Beamer tried her first ride on the pillion of the old RT. Her love of biking has grown beyond my wildest dreams to the extent that we have just returned from a touring holiday on the R1200. This was our first outing on the bike of this distance, using the full luggage touring kit, the satnav in anger, and some new additions. Our week began with a short 160 mile round trip to…

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#Biking Hotels in Devon #BMW Motorrad luggage #BMW R1200R #Dainese #Motorcycle touring #TCX Motorcycle boots #The Eden Project by motorcycle

Exploring the Options

Am I getting old? I got home from work on Tuesday before 5pm and having put the previous night’s Game of Thrones on to catch up, promptly fell asleep. In fact, it was only the ad break music that woke me up before the rest of the family came in from work. Despite my tiredness this was to be our first visit to a BMW Club meeting in Ripley and so a bit of alertness would be required for the bike…

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#BMW #BMW motorcycle #BMW motorcycle club #BMW R1200R #headlamp performance #HID conversion #Surrey Hills AONB

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