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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 10:11 - 02 Jun 2019 Post subject: |
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Pigeon wrote: |
Then it was Sheffield Park and Gardens. A massive park that's primarily large Rhododendron and ponds. Loved it. |
Autumn is supposed to be the best time to visit Sheffield Park gardens. ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
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Kawasaki Jimbo |
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Kawasaki Jimbo World Chat Champion
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myvision |
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myvision Scooby Slapper
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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Copycat73 |
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Copycat73 World Chat Champion
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Tdibs |
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Tdibs Traffic Copper
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Posted: 22:33 - 01 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Peak district to Lake Bala back. https://puu.sh/DNr5g.jpg ____________________ Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000 |
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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 22:48 - 01 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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^ Well, I would rate it cool, wouldn't I ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
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Kawasaki Jimbo |
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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Posted: 23:02 - 27 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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Posted: 22:07 - 28 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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22nd July to 27th July - Guildford to Bishops Castle and then various places in Wales. 1,100 miles on Striple....some of which wasn't sideways
Day 1 - Great to be on a bike that's easy to pack and easy to ride for hours.....except on motorways. Neck muscles required over 80.
https://images2.imgbox.com/99/99/x5iDHl0G_o.jpg
Bishops Castle. View from the tent was good.
https://images2.imgbox.com/41/78/HrwhedYz_o.jpg
The 10 minute walk to one of 6 pubs was nice
https://images2.imgbox.com/79/60/ReQ2kWkt_o.jpg
The town itself was a bit rustic in places, perhaps passed its best and probably suffering from second home / holiday home syndrome.
But it was (mostly) very friendly and had a proper community, everyone knows everyone vibe.
Although, this bell did trigger a neurotic episode because the bugger seemed to chime every 30 mins (all night and being on top of a hill, it seemed loud even with ear plugs) but would spend several hours in evenings, randomly going off. By the end of the week, I was ready to burn the whole town to the ground and kill anyone whos surname was Bell.
https://images2.imgbox.com/af/16/6nm05G3e_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/6b/0b/usjpkFdJ_o.jpg
Day 2 - Hot! Trawsfynydd, Tryweryn and Bala around Snowdonia National Park. Finishing at Aberdyfi (really liked it) a bit further north than Aberystwyth. A4212 was brilliant, A487 was excellent, A493 coastal road was fantastic!
That evening, we had torrential rain and lightening from midnight to 4am. Being on one of the highest points in Shropshire, it was an impressive light show, multiple strikes every 0.50 seconds.
The tent took a beating and was amazed it survived given the carnage the next morning as others hadn't faired so well.
https://images2.imgbox.com/e2/95/77wbR92R_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/8c/e2/czVX2Oab_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/61/84/ouO8hmxo_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/86/e8/df9oWthk_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/0d/f9/NK7YhTPL_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/bd/f2/ZbUGyTVd_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/53/29/W6Km53Z0_o.jpg
Day 3 - Plas Brondanw Gardens near Portmeirion. Then Bodnant Gardens near Conwy / Colwyn Bay. Again, after 1pm, very hot.
The A470 was several different beasts. It was a mini-Austria, with winding sections through the gorges, then it was Germany's Black Forest and then onto something more alpine.
Had a few flyovers by a pair of jet fighters (either on manoeuvrers or part of the Royal Welsh Show). Instantly felt like Tom Cruise riding his bike alongside the runway.
https://images2.imgbox.com/e2/e6/AmiUrwCh_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/b7/e8/zJThBZHh_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/89/24/i3KlfZO8_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/f4/b5/OBEwnNIJ_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/1d/55/fv9DmQZK_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/c7/29/rxc3j9f6_o.jpg
Day 4 - 38c in much of the country. I decided to take a punt that walking around a large forest maybe might lose out on wind, but should provide some cover from the sun and avoided the usual temptation to head to the beach (only to get burnt).
The day started with a flat battery (had spent 6 hours charging a battery pack that I thought would drain 10,000ma and I thought that would be fine.....it wasn't). Couldn't bump it on the grass (even with my impressive MX skills) so scrounged some leads and a car from another camper and started the bike.
Coed y Brenin - Forest of Kings. There are hundreds of miles of walks to be done. But on this day, I did 3.5 miles and it took me 3 hours. Damn it was hot. Left bike gear on the bike and brought shoes + shorts to walk about it.
Several waterfalls, abandoned gold mine, various 150 year old buildings just about standing after floods in 2001.
Some of the small waterfalls provided a wonderful space to clamber into and get the cool air being pulled down by the falling water (as well as the water itself).
There was a meter wide opening in a cliff, an old entrance to a mine. On any other day it wouldn't really be noticed. But as I walked passed it was like walking into the freezer section of a supermarket. All around was 30c, except here was 15c. It was glorious and an easy place to stop for 15 minutes.
https://images2.imgbox.com/8e/4c/qZKedoWf_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/2a/da/yXVZrH5n_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/03/4a/Gi7R6jmp_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/19/86/XRB3QB5u_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/71/f1/BHYnsasw_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/56/1e/vriurSqU_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/63/e8/u1Cj7hyk_o.jpg
You'd think BT would have found a suitable upright thing made of wood.
https://images2.imgbox.com/21/13/8Q6qjCfX_o.jpg
Then rode to the Visitor Centre and had a nice Venison Burger.
https://images2.imgbox.com/33/85/6ioF3jdq_o.jpg
It was a very hot day and felt an achievement to have done anything except sweat buckets
Day 5 - Dingle Garden and Nursery near Welshpool (very friendly people, really lovely). Then Powis Castle (kevlar jeans, boots, day 5 sweating buckets). Then Aberystwyth; the A44, even with the new 30mph bit which was a surprise and the crash barriers, still a stunning, brilliant road.
https://images2.imgbox.com/3b/03/wBO3azfh_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/8c/ae/YjLtyMIb_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/50/3e/SfvWWbVp_o.jpg
Sure beats being harassed at lunch by pigeons or seagulls
https://images2.imgbox.com/b6/20/Vw9KNgma_o.jpg
Summer
https://images2.imgbox.com/0c/1f/ow3bMPM1_o.jpg
Summer ended. Had the best of it though.
https://images2.imgbox.com/03/53/W0HqsHxl_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/ad/a7/6IX3mGLW_o.jpg
Day 6 - Headed home. It rained 2 minutes after I left for 4 hours solid. I didn't mind for the first hour, but it wore thin. Pruned feet and hands, freezing cold and a fogged visor (pinlock old or needs adjusting) on motorways with spray.
It had been an amazing week weather wise, so fairs fair.
Wales, still love you
And my Street Triple. Absolutely brilliant! I couldn't help but bugger about with the suspension, trying to find that sweet spot where it dances effortlessly around the bends, and you're getting back on the gas almost as soon as you've come off it. In the corner and the rear is driving / squirming a little but the front doesn't feel like its being pushed / will wash out (unless overly ham fisted). Wonderful.
And Shropshire was very nice too. Definitely going back.
https://images2.imgbox.com/e9/e0/UGYOg7V5_o.jpg
Last edited by Pigeon on 21:03 - 31 Jul 2019; edited 2 times in total |
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Kawasaki Jimbo |
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Kawasaki Jimbo World Chat Champion
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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 22:04 - 29 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Couple of days ago. Grasmoor:
https://i.postimg.cc/pLn76BgV/DSCN1232.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Y0h8mr72/DSCN1233.jpg
Steeper than it looks, and bloody hard work:
https://i.postimg.cc/rwcnfLCj/DSCN1214.jpg
Rewarding views though:
https://i.postimg.cc/3RP9mMxg/DSCN1218.jpg
Thought I saw an easier path, so struggled through waist-high bracken and heather on a steep slope, unable to see my footing, to give it a try. Turns out it was even looser, and considerably steeper:
https://i.postimg.cc/LXzgCGVk/DSCN1219.jpg
Still nice views though:
https://i.postimg.cc/9FxRndyk/DSCN1224.jpg
But gave up; too hot, and was knackered by now. Going down was no easier.
Icy cold beck at the bottom again was a saviour for sore feet:
https://i.postimg.cc/wjCBC0Mw/DSCN1227.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/66cy8rbQ/DSCN1226.jpg
On the way home:
https://i.postimg.cc/fyqzBv1j/DSCN1234.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/NfVGXp6Q/DSCN1235.jpg
Topped off with an ice cream (huge ) at Buttermere, and refreshing cuppa.
Felt connected to the planet again. ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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recman |
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recman World Chat Champion
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winz |
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winz World Chat Champion
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Posted: 21:30 - 30 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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I managed to get out on Sunday for a couple of hours. Ended up doing a loop of Chew Valley Lake and tried to get lost for a bit on the way home.
https://i.imgur.com/HWdGDtA.jpg ____________________ Current Bikes: BMW K1200S
Previous: Honda CBR929RR, Honda CBR1100XX, Honda CB600F |
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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 21:33 - 30 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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recman wrote: |
Imagine reaching the top and turning round to see some pikey loading the bike into his transit. |
Funny you should say that; as I was descending, there was indeed a white van in the parking area and it worried me for a moment or two, but it soon left. No way I could have got down quick enough to do anything about it.
Maybe I'm taking a chance sometimes with my parking in the Lake District, but I don't think there's much crime like that there. One or two spots on main roads maybe, where I wouldn't chance leaving it. ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 21:38 - 30 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Pigeon wrote: | chickenstrip wrote: |
Steeper than it looks, and bloody hard work:
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Bloody hell that looks impossible! |
From the bottom, you could see a lighter coloured strip up the middle that looked like a path, but on getting up to it, it was all just a scree slope. Two steps forward, one slide back, hence hard work.
The steeper part was nigh on impossible to make progress on, hence giving up. Looked like it got even steeper towards the top too.
The day had turned into a bit of an unexpected adventure, but aren't those the best days? Better than meditation
Quote: | Brilliant photo's! |
Likewise with yours ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE! |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha World Chat Champion
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Posted: 22:15 - 30 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Alex A |
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Alex A World Chat Champion
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Copycat73 |
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Copycat73 World Chat Champion
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Posted: 10:05 - 31 Jul 2019 Post subject: Ace Cafe Luzern Switzerland |
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Ace Cafe Luzern... the stories about Switzerland bein expensive are true this stop was CHF 33.50 or £27 .. beautiful place though ..
https://www.acecafeluzern.ch/ ____________________ Whatever I post I have no citation and no intention of providing one..
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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chickenstrip |
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chickenstrip Super Spammer
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Posted: 21:40 - 31 Jul 2019 Post subject: |
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Pigeon wrote: | chickenstrip wrote: |
The day had turned into a bit of an unexpected adventure, but aren't those the best days? Better than meditation
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As lame as it is, I find very little enjoyment in anything. It takes 3-4 hours into a walk before I'm happy to be there (if at all), or 3-4 days into a bike trip.
I can ride my bike for a day trip and sometimes might have enjoyed only 40 seconds of it. |
I wish you could stop up here for a while and walk these fells. I often do a local riverside walk that's quite pleasant too, but it's more just for exercise now I'm familiar with it. But on those fells...so much choice of where to head on the myriad paths, and always the stunning views, never the same twice due to weather effects. A real tonic for the soul. And you have to earn it too.
I'm not really enjoying my riding much lately either, in my case because I can't really afford it now and am always conscious of the cost.
I'm trying to get back into meditation myself, but I'm not sleeping well lately so I tend to just nod off ____________________ Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 4 years, 270 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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