So I think I'm riding to Scotland UPDATE: Canceled :(

[m0l0t0v]

When I have a half-term from college. Going to be visiting my friend at her Uni in Edinburgh.

It's mostly motorway miles and at the moment I only have a backpack (huge one though) and I know I can carry enough clothes, and necessities while I'm there but I don't know what else to take. I think I'll also be taking an extra helmet as she wants to nab lifts and stuff.

It's about 380 miles or so and I don't mind the length. It's the fact that it will be mostly straight and boring. I've done over 500 miles in one day and enjoyed every minute of it.

Won't have somewhere to park the bike safely which is my main worry at the moment. I have a disc lock and a big chain with lock so I do have security but since I can't park it where my friend lives because the Uni said so I have to park it somewhere else. I don't have a cover and there's no alarm on the bike.

Any suggestions? Should be an interesting ride really. Will obviously take a few breaks to stretch my legs and have a drink or two and some food.

Money is gonna kill me though At least 80 quid on petrol just there and back and then the whole going out clubbing and stuff. Student Union is cheap but I doubt we'd go there everyday/night. Oh and it's her birthday 3 days before I go there so I have to buy her a present as well.

Damn it's gonna be expensive Should be worth it though
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[instigator]

[m0l0t0v]

Because I have no job at the moment and everywhere I've looked either want experience (bars/clubs/etc) or I don't have the right free times and that's me giving all my time that I'm free from college including Saturdays and Sundays. Total bollocks . Been to 4 interviews and they said they would've chosen me because my interview, application and cv were impressive but the hours aren't right

Handed in 2 applciations today, one is Frasiers which is apparently opening up near December time in High Wycombe and the other is M&S.

Gonna have to go to this agency on Thursday so I can get a day job for the day. Like pot washing. Can't tomorrow as I need to get my bike fixed.

Will be doing lots of jobs round the house and stuff and asking if some friends (mum's friends that is) need any help.


Oh and she lives in the student halls at Uni. No idea where that is. Pollock halls apparently.
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[colin1]

if you cant afford panniers, strap the back pack to the back of the bike
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Itchy]

The girl inyour Avatar?

anyway I digress

£80 of petrol what do you ride? an Xj900? , theres a pretty consistant £10 for 100 miles rule even with me who is really throttle heavy with 130mph cruising speed it was still ab out £13 for 100 miles.

if you are really tight fisted about it, go in the middle of the night, the cold = more petrol as less vapourises and pumps are very slightly flawed and give you a tiny bit more, less traffic = less filtering and start stop riding, more constant speed in a constant gear sitting still.

Anyway why can't you park it at the university? every university I've been to doesn't give a damn and I've parked at MMU / UOM /Salford/Preston/Plymouth / Exeter/ etc, just park where they stick their push bikes, guards often don't care. Cruise around and look where others park their bikes and do the same, ie MMU the land outside John Dalton building opposite the student village is private , thus parking attendants can't do a thing.


EDIT realised you ride a Hornet, thirsty AND small tank not a good combo (I get good MPG from the CBR and NTV).
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[m0l0t0v]

No, not the girl in my avatar. That's my ex-gf but haven't changed it yet. Really need to

And no I can't afford panniers and I can't really have them as my exhaust sits by the side where a pannier would be. I'll be taking two bags most probably, I've strapped one on the tank before while carrying one so it's all good.

And I ride a Hornet 600 '99 so it guzzles petrol quite a bit. Usually get about just under 90 miles per 10 quid I put in which is when I have to switch to reserve. I think I can do about 30 miles or so from reserve but don't want to chance it on the trip. Might take a full jerry can and see how long it goes for.

Filtering would make the trip more fun But it is a wise idea

My friend said that they clamp cars quite aggressively. Her friends car got clamped after half a day.
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[instigator]

[m0l0t0v]

You sir, are a LEGEND.

Thanks for offering the parking spot. I'm sure I can find somewhere to park it. I have an aunt who lives there or used to live there so maybe I can leave it at hers.

I am on the way to reading tomorrow to G's (hopefully) to get my rear tyre fixed. So if you don't mind that'd be excellent. Obviously give it back in tip top condition when I gets back

And yes she is very pretty, beautiful in fact, and amazing to be with. I miss her lots too.

No I won't edit me out of it and no you will not have a bigger version of it nor any other pic.

And neither will anyone else!


McGee if you read this, don't bother I know it'll only make your penis harder
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[stinkwheel]

Your bike will be fine on the street in Newington (the area where Pollock Halls is) because it is a big bike. Don't even think about parking either a dirt bike or a 125 in that area because the scheemies from Craigmillar will nick it. They won't touch a 600 though.

I used to live on Clerk street which is about 1/2 mile from Pollock Halls. I parked my GPZ500 on the street for three years and it was never touched. If you carry on along past the Pollock Halls turnoff on Dalkeith Road (past the Commonwealth pool and go through the traffic lights outside the Scottish Widows building). The next three roads on the left have solo M/C only parking bays on them (Lutton Place, Hope Park and Rankeilor Street). You can park there free and there is a rail to chain your bike to.

The traffic wardens are total nazis in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh student unions aren't like most universities. They are spread out through the town, there is no campus as such. The Teviot Union for example is a 400 year old castle type thingy with (I think) six bars in it. Anyway, there are LOADS of bars and clubs in Edinburgh, many of them do cheap student nights.

I agree the route is shite. If you're coming up the M6 turn off onto the A7 at Carlisle North and stay on it all the way to Edinburgh. Keep on the A7 all the way into town and it'll take you directly to Pollock Halls. If you go up the A1, turn onto the A68 just past Darlington, hits the Edinburgh ring road at the same roundabout as the A7. Both are an entertaining ride, just watch for gatsos on the A68 (none on the A7).

Further South, I don't know but the A7 is actually faster than the main roads if you're on a bike. Not much in it with the A68 too but it is worth it for the rollercoaster-type bits.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[m0l0t0v]

Thanks a lot stink

Just still wary of leaving my bike in an unfamiliar place considering I live in a quiet neighbourhood where the most recent terrible thing that happened was some "graffiti" near the park. What it actually was, was some guys dropped a bit of paint

Luckily, traffic wardens in Wycombe are ok. Nice even

Looks like I'm gonna be having some fun during half-term therm! Already got odd jobs sorted and I'm gonna beg my friend to let me work at her bar during the day for even less than minimum wage. Just need some money damnit!

Thanks for the routes, will probably take the A7 on the way there and then the A68 on the way back.

Thanks everyone by the way!
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[instigator]

[m0l0t0v]

He does live in Reading, or just outside of it. Not bracknell

And will do, I'm supposed to be meeting him at his at 12:45 and I have no idea how long it takes to fix a tyre so I can say what time really. Could always come before though but then there's the chance I might get lost and be late for G. I'm directionally challenged :mrgreenie:

Thanks by the way, will look where you live now and remember it for future things.

Will send you a pm in a few mins
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[m0l0t0v]

Ok now I have a tank bag (thanks instigator ) and pretty much sorted how I am going to get money for the trip it's all good.

One last thing though, I want to change my front tyre as it's kinda bold on the edges(more grip in the dry don'tcha know). Asked mum if she would lend me money sometime before the trip so I have some tread.

Her response "No I want to buy this new TV for my room. It's your own fault it got like that, you shouldn't be doing stupid things."





Oh well hopefully my dad will lend me money. Don't fancy touring up to scotland and back with a bold front tyre. It's got enough tread down the middle but the edges are fucked.

Also, could anyone recommend any? Considering my front wheel is 16 inch and not a 17 inch?

Thanks, and very appreciated instigator.
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[stinkwheel]

One of my mates put a set of Avon Roadriders on his RD500 (also 16"). Not marketed as a sports tyre but he was very pleased with how it handled on them. They should last pretty well too if you're skint.

Now this is a guy whos oppinion I respect and believe with regard to motorcycle setup. He races bikes at a fairly high level (completed the IOM TT averaging over 100mph on a 400cc bike for example). I couldn't get near him on the last run I went on despite him being on an RD500 and me being on a VFR750.

So if Duncan says they are good tyres, that's what they are.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[spnorm]

Your journey doesn't have to be boring - head cross country once you're north of the M62

[m0l0t0v]

Thanks Stink, I'll look into them

And I'd love to go cross country bu I'm trying to save on petrol

Thanks everyone btw!
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[m0l0t0v]

[instigator]

Rode the 465 miles from Reading to my parents place by Glasgow yesterday. On my naked cb500. I don't care, I want a fairing again.

Neck. Aching. Hard. 2 type.

[m0l0t0v]

Pffft. You're obviously not a real man then

I can happily bumble along at a ton without changing my position and no neck ache either

Still need to sort out tyres

Thanks again for the tank bag.

Oh and even more special thanks for the used ear plugs and empty packets of sweeties. Thought you bought me some.
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[instigator]

[m0l0t0v]

Don't worry. It's all in the bin now

I'll leave something for you in there

Pah, get practising. Then you will be a true man when you open the visor and stand up at 120


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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[Mister James]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=123679

I recently did a very similar trip - for exactly the same reason - I've even stayed in Pollock halls with a young lady before!

Stinky is spot on with everything - especially the A7 advice. I shot up the motorways to the Lancaster area, and then enjoyed the twisties up until Edinburgh. As Stinkwheel says, the A7 dumps you right by Pollock halls - and the lovely student totty within!

Considered starting the day obscenely early, so that you can get the motorway miles out of the way while it's quiet and then enjoy the A7/A6 in the daylight. You'll find that the A roads up that way are quite as anything, because the motorway runs alongside them and all the traffic uses that.

I ended up enjoying the trip as much as I enjoyed being up there - well, excluding some aspects of female company!
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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[m0l0t0v]

Excellent. And yes my friend said she has lots of girls who'd be up for it. I was just expecting to go out with her and stuff. Oh well.

and yeah I'll follow stink's advice. Jut need some tyres.


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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[Shinobi_phoenix_ninja]

dude. get a job!
and gigady gigady!
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i haz a hyosung gt250r........it can reach 0mph atm...........cause i cant ride it

[m0l0t0v]

Cheeky fucker!

Hopefully Tim will set me up...
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed