What's the A1 like?

[WD Forte]

Next Sunday I has to drive from Middlesbrough to Putney then back to Bristol
feckin Motorway driving is boring but faster I know
I thought I might try the A1 to Brent cross then the A406 Norf and A205 sahf circular/s to Putney
then back up the 205 to the M4 and home.
Haven't used the A1 south of Doncaster for years and was hoping it might be a little less
tedious than the M1 but still allow decent travel time

Opinions?
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bikers smell of wee

[Easy-X]

I use to go "Up t'North" for jobs and also got bored with the M1/M6 so tried the A1... in a car

About half of it is fine and it mostly gets better the further south you get. On a bike though I would imagine it'd be a breeze: "Who the fuck is towing a caravan in October?! Fuck 'em." zoooommmm....

Having said that when I go down to Cornwall in the car I rarely go M4/M5 any more as it's way too dull. A303 all the way, baby! Caravans or no caravans. Haven't quite plucked up the courage to do the journey on the bike yet

You casually mention the north & south circular... errr, have you been round those roads before? Certain parts might be "an experience" Hangar Lane is something spectacular. Don't forget to stop off at the Ace Café on the way
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[Ste]

[chickenstrip]

Last time I did the A1 for most of its length, and it was quite some time ago, main thing I noticed was that it was infested with speed cameras. I don't remember anything particularly interesting about it beyond that.
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[linuxyeti]

It's nearly as boring as the M1 !!
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[dynax]

Pulse and cocktails , had many happy times browsing
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[King29]

We Found 11 Clips With "Whats The A1 Like"

[pepperami]

I use the A1 when I go ‘oop Norf’.
Although it’s not the most exciting road, it’s not so bad.
It’s a damm site better/easier to get off and find a cafe than the motorway.

Keep an eye out for speed camera vans and you’ll be okay.
Like any major road , piggies will be hiding behind junctions and hedgerows waiting to get you .
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[doggone]

If not in a rush consider Humber Bridge and A15, don't go into London beyond the M25 you will get stabbed for sure - almost everyone will stab you repeatedly, especially if they realise from Middlesbrough.

[Sister Sledge]

You survived the Boro?
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[WD Forte]

Yeah I noticed the sex shop on the old Little Chef site near Doncaster
I only went in for a friend....

One of my lads lives and works in Boro near the James Cook hospital
I find Boro pretty boring TBH, the drive up and back from Bris is a chore.
Wish he lived nearer or somewhere more interesting.

I lived in Acton/Shepherds Bush in the early 80's and was a driving instructor
in mostly west London so know my way around pretty well and Hanger lane has no horrors
for me as long as I'm the one driving
Done the Ace cafe trip 3-4 times from here on a bike and that's enough.

Sod it I'll do the A1 route just a for a change
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bikers smell of wee

[hellkat]

[hellkat]

All those farmers with Fleshlights, eh?
Must've got bored of looking up cows' hoo-ha's day in and day out
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[t121anf]

Sat hav prefers the A1 when we go south and back north again, as said earlier it’s as dull as the m1.

At least on a bike you won’t get held up in traffic which seems to be the norm for the A1 these days.

[thx1138]

There are not many roundabouts, but they are all down this end where I am.

[F18]

Sex shops aside, A1 south of Donny:
Boring as can be. But less boring than the M1, less busy (at least on Sundays) and probably less strain.
More places to stop/rest/fuel if needs be - most all the cafes stops sell coffee etc. !
South of Grantham has had the statics replaced by specs (IIRC) - a few miles stretch.
You won't make amazing progress (well, you might) but can you on the motorway nowadays?
You are going to need your winter gloves I think, something plugged in from Mr G would be useful.
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Summer is just around the corner

[WD Forte]

Thanks folks but I'll be driving not riding
dads taxi, bloody kids and all that
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bikers smell of wee

[t121anf]

[Fizzoid]

A1 is slightly less boring but can be slower as much of it is only 2 lanes. Have to agree about services, not as good as the M1 but it's easier to pull off and find something else
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[myvision]

I regularly do Scunthorpe to Wandsworth on my VFR and I find the fastest route is A1, M25, M4, A4 then the Fulham Palace Road.
It's a bit longer than using the A406 but I find it quicker.

The ride is boring but I can get home faster than taking the tube and trains from work. There is one section of average cameras below Grantham which I go through at 80 and have never had a ticket the static camera is clearly visible but the A1 is not littered with cameras.

Will be doing this ride on Sunday after fitting my upgraded R/R this weekend.
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[1198]

[WD Forte]

[Fizzoid]

[UncleFester]

If you go A1 - watch your speed cos the damned thing is LITTERED with cameras.

For me, Day time - A1. Late night - M1.
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Module 1 and 2 passed - October 2014. Happy owner of a 2017 Z1000SX, ex owner of a YBR125 / CB500 / VFR800.

[MCN]

This thread is as long wending and almost boring as The A1.
🙄

🤣
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.