Mainland Compass Points Ride, April '22

[JBM]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, hopefully it is and hopefully one or two of you might wish to show support ... but that's entirely your choice.
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In August '21 my Doctor informed me that I have a 'serious health issue'. While I'm still not sure how that's going to turn out, it did act as a bit a of reminder as to what's important in life. Therefore, I've decided to...

1. Retire early
2. Thin out my modest collection of bikes
3. Put some time and energy into making a difference for people much less fortunate than myself... while having a good time along the way!

This post is all about 3.

On Friday April 8th I'm setting out from Carlisle to visit the cardinal compass points of Wales, England and Scotland, a trip that should see me rack up around 2,800 miles according to Google Maps.

The additional aim is to raise some money for the charity Two Wheels for Life who fund transport, and train riders and mechanics, enabling a reliable care service for remote communities in seven sub-Saharan countries where, in remote areas, motorcycles are often the only practical means of transport. Wherever we live in the UK, however remote we think we are, we have access to world class medical care from delivered by our wonderful NHS. Other folk around the world don’t enjoy that privilege which is where Two Wheels for Life make a difference.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51730323620_035a12b530.jpg

Other than the rough route above I don't have a fixed plan other than to see as much of our country as possible and stay off Motorways as much as I can. I'm open to suggestions, 'must see's', etc.

My budget will be £50 per day including food, fuel, accommodation, etc.! A £50/day travel budget doesn't go far so I'll be camping, kipping on friends couches, etc. to keep costs down because every £ I save from my budget will get donated. If I can get my video editing act together I'll be documenting the trip with short, daily 'on the road' updates on YouTube, and I'll post some sort of RR here obviously!

If you feel you can contribute hard cash, please donate on my Just Giving page (below) - all donations go directly to Two Wheels for Life / Riders for Health.

Perhaps you have a patch of grass where I can pitch-up for the night? (I'm short on East Anglian contacts in this respect) Or, perhaps you'd just like to join me for a few miles on the road? IDK, you're all creative people, perhaps you can think of other ways to get involved. Any ideas are welcome!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/four-compass-points

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51864612917_5a42e98ea6.jpg

[stinkwheel]

Some tips from my Round Britain Rally tour.

Join the camping and caravan club. They have thousands of small campsites all over the uk, you are always near one. Many are very cheap and basic because there is a planning and licencing exemption for a 5 or fewer pitch members only camping field. It's sometimes worth phoning campsites if they say they're full. They may be full for someone with a car and a family size tent but will fit a bike and 2-man hiking tent in somewhere.

Stay within a tactical jump of your home/base for the first 3 or 4 days. You will have taken a load of stuff you realise you don't need and left stuff you realise you'll want. Too many clothes and not enough string kind of thing.

Get into the routine of getting up in good time in the morning, packed up and away. I'd get up, put kettle on, pack sleeping gear, drink tea, pack tent, eat breakfast then depart.

Its easier to plan a route on nice/interesting/scenic roads using a map. The OS green-top "road" series are a good scale and have enough topographical detail to plan scenic routes.

On a long distance tour. 150-200 miles/day is enough. Especially if you're camping.

In most of England, weekends suck for getting anywhere. Do your touring through the week and camp up at the weekend. There is generally a bike rally somewhere near you every weekend in the summer. Most will get you 2 nights camping for £15-£20 plus you could put a sign up saying what you're doing and a bucket for dontations.

Finding a sensible route travelling North South is easier than travelling East West (strange but true).

The South of England is smaller than you'd think. Except Cornwall where it takes an inordinate amount of time to get anywhere. Scotland is bigger than you think.

Ease of packing away is one of the most important features of your tent.

A thinner sleeping bag with an optional thermal liner is better than a thick sleeping bag. You'll be too hot more than you'll be too cold if you're going in the Summer.

A compact camping chair is a worthwhile luxury.

A small bucket or washing up basin is a useful thing to have. Carrying stuff to the washing up station, washing clothes in, washing yourself in.

Take care of your personal admin. Shower whenever you get the opportunity, wash your underwear, socks and base layer in the shower with you. You need three of each, One on, one clean and one drying. If you've been wild camping a lot, most swimming pools will let you pay in for a shower.

It's easy to get dehydrated without noticing if you're riding a lot in Summer weather. Take a camel back and drink it all through the course of the day.

Keep a chap stick and eye drops in your jacket pocket or you'll land up looking like Charlie Boorman.
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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.

[JBM]

[pepperami]

I did the four points on mainland Britain a few years ago.

I know f/all about proper touring.

I did learn a few things though.
It WILL RAIN, no matter what time of the year you chose.
Money for a B&B/hotel is a God send when you are wet through and cold.
Emergency string is essential, as is toilet paper .


I would also suggest that once you’re north of Glasgow & Edinburgh, that if you see a filling station, you take the opportunity to top up your fuel tank.
Scotland can be quite remote and filling stations can have unusual openings hours?

The Ardnamurchan Peninsular is allegedly the most westerly point on mainland Britain.
I went to the Point of Ardnamurchan.
I used the B8007 and the little road to the point.
These roads will bite you if you’re not careful
They nearly had me off twice .
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[stinkwheel]

[JBM]

I’ve been to Ardnamurchan a few times, last time only three or four years ago and I know the west coast pretty well. Lovely road as long as you’re not in a hurry (I never really am in a hurry). The west coast is the bit I’m really looking forward to most which is why it’ll be the last leg before home

Good to know about the Scourie fuel situation though stinkwheel.

[MCN]

As for tyres on remote locations.
Pre-fill your tyres with a sealant.
It will not affect tyre balance.
It will not hide tyre injuries.
It will keep you going.

About £25 to dose two bike tyres.
DIY. EBay. I use Puncture Safe.
Best done as soon as new rubber if fitted.
But can be done anytime really.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.