200 mile ride

mase101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 09 May 2014 Karma :

Hi there, have only recently got another bike and started riding again, am absolutely loving it and I completely forgot how good it was. Anyway, I'm off to see a friend in a couple of weeks in Bicester. I'm in North Yorkshire and providing the weather is nice I'm thinking of going down on the bike. It's an r6 5eb. Good idea or not? Also any tips/pointers would be appreciated as I'm not overly experienced while being confident and competent at the same time. Have just taken RAC cover out today as well so have got roadside and recovery, so all good on that front.
Cheers in advance
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

It's a great idea. Plan a nice route off the motorways in the main, and take your time enjoying the ride.

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

stonesie · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jul 2010 Karma :

Matlock is about half way and a VERY popular stop for bikes, plenty of places for a bite to eat, a fuel stop and the peak district has some great scenery.

Make sure you have no time pressure, a relaxed ride will really help with getting to know your new bike a bit.

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

It's a great idea.
Personally I really need a stop around every hour, or really start to ache. But with a stop I'm always eager to get back on the bike... Cool

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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

WD Forte · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Timescale?
M1 fastest but boring
Maybe A1 to Stamford then A43 to Bicester for an A road compromise
that doesn't take an age?
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bikers smell of wee

Tdibs · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Jan 2015 Karma :

Stay off the M1 to avoid wanting to kill yourself!

Would fancy A1 south then crossover, or Matlock - derby - burton upon trent, then straight south to the A5 and down to Bicester.

Either way that mid section of the M1 is 50mph average cameras now... avoid.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

mase101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 09 May 2014 Karma :

Thanks for the replies people! Yeah, I've only been out on the bike 3 or 4 times since getting back into it, but it's a lovely bike to ride and surprisingly comfortable so I don't think I will have any issues on that front.

Matlock sounds very interesting so I might have to incorporate that into it. I was going to stay down there for a night, or possibly 2 as I figured that 400 miles in a day would be silly? Any thoughts on that?

And DW forte I thought exactly the same, was going to get on the A1 as it is definitely a much nice route compared to the M1 then catch the a43, seems the best way to go I'm thinking. I'm going to go for it! Weather permitting of course!
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

mase101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 09 May 2014 Karma :

Also what way would be best if i did decide to do the Matlock thing?
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

155mph · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Jul 2016 Karma :

Give yourself plenty of time and be realistic. I recently did a 200-mile round trip to Loomies. 6 hours which included stopping to check if I was on track (no sat nav), gas and toilet break and an hour stop for lunch.

Obs no stops on the way back and although on the motorway it was chucking it down.

Enjoy.

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

secretagentmo... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 25 Aug 2016 Karma :

Plan your route and keep it simple.
When my dad died I took the NTV from King's Lynn to Whitby. I stayed on A roads with the odd foray into motorway regulations (when the A1 became the A1M in places). I do recommend stopping halfway, especially if it is raining, Barnsdale Bar services never looked so good!

Pigeon · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :

You have an R6. Spank it hard!

WD Forte · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

mase101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 09 May 2014 Karma :

Nice one people, think I'm going to A1 it as you said WD more places to pull in because I'm sure I'll have a few times where I might want a break. I think keeping it simple is key as well due to it being my first long ride, so I'm going to check the route out from Leeming Bar in North yorkshire to Bicester via the A1. Looking forward to it, hopefully the weather turns out to be decent!
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

mase101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 09 May 2014 Karma :

Any good route planners or anything? Have had a look on Google maps but can't see an option to choose what road you want to go on, keeps throwing up the M1 when obviously I want A1
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

WD Forte · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Google maps allows you drag the blue route about to test other roads
but the A1 A43 option is pretty straightforward

At Leeming Bar you're at the top of the A1M
a 70 mile-ish ride south will get you to the A1 south of Doncaster
Not too bad but can get busy, I've been up and down it a few times this year
a I have a lad lives up your way.
(stop for tea fags fuel toilet snacks sweeties whatever)
and another 70 mile-ish stint will get you to Stamford
(stop for.... etc)
The A43 is a mix of single and dual carriageways which skirts rather than goes through
Corby Kettering Northampton etc so shouldn't be a chore.
At Northampton it meets/joins the A45 amongst other roads.
If confused just follow Oxford signs to get back on to the A43 proper
the last bit will be a few miles of M40 or easy going B4100.

Take google timings with a pinch of salt, I find them too optimistic
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bikers smell of wee