Trip recommendation

David072 · Nova Slayer Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Karma :

Hi All,

Looking to do my first little overnight trip to enjoy my bike and get away from the missus for a night! I live near Heathrow, so just West of London.

Looking to go on a Saturday morning nice and early and return on Sunday evening. Was considering heading to Brecon, is that a good place to take the bike? Want somewhere with decent scenery and good roads. Any other recommendations would be much appreciated.

I don't really want to camp if I can avoid it, so would likely stay in a hostel. To that end, I don't think I'd need to take much - was considering buying a Kriega US20 tailpack and packing my gear in that as I don't particularly want a topbox. Any thoughts on this? The bike is a 2007 Fazer.

Cheers,

Dave

Peirre oBollox · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Karma :

I`m not against the Kriega US20, but Kriega aren't cheap, & as its your 1st trip I`d suggest a cheaper luggage option ....... LOMO DRYBAGS a 30Ltr lomo bag strapped to the back of the seat with a couple of bungees will carry more than enough gear and clothing.
Then if you feel that you want to do more trips, you can customise what kit suits

As for places to go, take a look around BALA, Port Merion in North Wales. There are numerous hostels, bunk houses, & B&B`s.
But from west London, your still going to have a considerable ride to get anywhere in Wales
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james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

Brecon is a quality place to ride. Plenty of fast sweeping roads. Beware of police though.

Theres plenty of scenery there too. The A470 is a great road to ride for south to north when you get past Merthyr. I'm staying here (https://www.priorymillfarm.co.uk/) in October as it's in the dark sky reserve area.

James
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Honda XL1000VA '07

insomniac · Nova Slayer Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Karma :

Come up to Lincolnshire
Bikers come here from all over because of the roads and scenery. There's no end of B&B's on the coast side.
Just dont go too mad once you see the occasional long straight roads or you might end up wearing a tractor.
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CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
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insomniac · Nova Slayer Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Karma :

Oh and as for the luggage.
get a cheap back pack, put cloths in plastic bags to keep dry (and separate later) and them in the back pack.
This is your first trip, you might not like it.
If you end up loving the trips away then go all out and spend big.
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Most people seem to put in when they've past what so here goes.
CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
Suzuki Marauder GZ125; Suzuki Intruder VL800

radicalrabit · Crazy Courier Joined: 27 Dec 2012 Karma :

Go up the M1 to Junction 29 or above then wander till your heart is content. Great bike roads, loads of places to stay , and you can do five or six hours touring the Peak Park easily and do it three day s running and still not see it all.

Matlock, Critch,Buxton,Bakewell Iyam Monsal Dale ... park your bike up and walk ...Frogat Edge, Castleton,, The Blue John mines , Chatworth House,Damn near as big as Buckingham Palace... Lyme Park ....have a look on the internet at some of these places....
Plenty of Youth Hostels in the Park and cheap B&b if you want .
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ukdiceman · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Karma :

insomniac · Nova Slayer Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Karma :

So David072
Did you go anywhere?
Did you buy anything for the luggage?
Did the missus let you go?

I too want to start wandering further afield. The roads up here are great for bikers but I still feel like I'm just riding around in circles, you know go out for an hour or three riding but always heading home. I want to get out and, like you, want to stay out even just for a night.

I have a mate that wants to do it but he's got 2 young kids and the missus would kill him for thinking about going out for the weekend, on the bike, and wanting to stay away.
____________________
Most people seem to put in when they've past what so here goes.
CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
Suzuki Marauder GZ125; Suzuki Intruder VL800

David072 · Nova Slayer Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Karma :

Thanks for all the info guys!

Sadly I haven't been able to go anywhere yet. Looking at perhaps going somewhere in the next couple of weeks if the weather holds out.

Regarding those dry bags, are bungees really safe enough on the bike? Don't want to lose my bag and don't want the bike scratched by the hooks either!

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

insomniac · Nova Slayer Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Karma :

I am still thinking about this, since no one has actually gone anywhere yet ;0) (that includes myself, I'm thinking of an overnight trip to my friends down in Hertfordshire and haven't done it yet)
It just struck me that you live over near Heathrow, so the simplest thing to do would be head west.
There are lots of beautiful places out that way towards Oxford, Chipping Norton etc etc.
Or head slightly north toward St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Ware (I know this wont be very far on the bike but this is the first trip so as someone said, keep it short and simple in case there is a problem)
Can't help on the bungee's I've got the panniers on the side.
____________________
Most people seem to put in when they've past what so here goes.
CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
Suzuki Marauder GZ125; Suzuki Intruder VL800