Sheriff has suggested that he would be interested to meet up for a meet somewhere which sounds like an excellent idea. How about we all throw into the pot available dates and possible locations midway between those who would be willing and able to attend or an approximate equal travelling distance. Having checked Google Maps, Sheriff lives about 240 miles from me in West Yorkshire.
As the crow flies and a potential decent place to meet where there are some half decent amenities and entertainment is Great Yarmouth. Its just over 200 miles from my home, would this suit anyone else?
Update
Location: Swallow falls (http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,432.0.html)
Website: http://www.swallowfallshotel.co.uk/ (http://www.swallowfallshotel.co.uk/)
Arrive at the site on Saturday 27th August, stay overnight if you wish and depart on Sunday 28th August. Obviously if anyone wants to arrive on the Friday thats not going to be a problem, it might even make more sense if you are travelling from further afield.
List of forumites attending
I've replied to those who sent me a PM confirming their attendance. So far we have....
1/ Moi, Lonewolf, aka Steve (Paid)
2/ Lord Rusty, aka Nigel (Paid)
3/ Tadpole, aka Trevor & Jackie (Sat 27th & Sun 28th Paid)
4/ Sheriff aka Tony (Paid)
5/ Pembsgtr aka Viv & Kath (Fri 26th & Sat 27th Paid)
6/ fatharry aka Paul (Paid)
7/ Kawdolph aka John (Paid)
8/ Madfatjake aka Peter & Teresa (Fri 26th & Sat 27th Own arrangments made).
9/ Stoketim aka Colin & Claire (Fri 26th, Sat 27th & Sun 28th Own arrangements made).
10/ Norman Bates aka Asif day trip.
11/ 2kwacks aka Dave day trip.
Anymore for anymore??? Drop me a PM if you are definately coming and need a pitch booking on the camp site. I'll forward my contact details and you can send me a cheque so I can block book. That way we will all be on the same part of the site. Just bear in mind it is £6 per person not per pitch, still a very cheap do however you look at it.
Mr Wolf .. that sounds like a spiffing idea ! I would be up for that ! Come on boys get your calendars out ... I think if we get an idea of numbers and judge it from there ... I'll jump in first ..
1. Cannot do 21 - 27 June .. Bike trip to France with boys from work.
2. Cannot do 23 July - 3rd August.. family holiday in Turkey.
Anything else could be considered !
Can anyone out there manage a midweek break .. shift workers .. self employed etc ?
It would be great to get this idea off the ground so come on lets have a bash and meet up when the weather is warmer ... tents, BBQ's a few beers ... oh I want to go NOW !!!
I have voted for " Tent " but will go with the flow ... mapping everyone out sounds a good idea ...
GTR Pete and I appear to be the only Southerners about but I an quite happy to come up North for a look round !
I hope wer'e not going to have a North - South divide with the size of tents... ;D
Northern tent,
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Smalltent.jpg)
Posh Southern tent...
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/BigTent.jpg)
:)
I'll probably just do a day job so no tent for me.
LW, are you saying us northerners are tight with our money? ;D
Mr Wolf ... LOL !!! As you know I am right on the South Coast and proper posh we are down here too ! If i could bring the Butler I would ! How is the mapping going ? I think who ever finishes up doing the bookings and all the hard work etc should have the choice of dates .. perhaps put in 2 or 3 alternatives for everyone to choose from and then just pick one .. I am sure most of us would do our best to meet up even if you couldn't manage an overnight stay. Looking forward to it already !
This is looking good so far. Six of us have voted for tents.
Does anyone know where I can go on a tent pitching course. I've had the tent a few years now but never used it yet. ;D
You'll pull it out of the bag and find it's been had by the moths !!!! LOL ! I have one of those 2 man tiddly tents made by North Face ... decent bit of kit .. watch me try and put it up and wet yourself laughing !!!!
I'll have to pop to the local park nearer the time and practice putting it up. Otherwise I'll look a total bafoon in front of everyone at some camp site and that would never do!!
What's the exact location we're thinking off?
I'm happy to go for somewhere in north Wales if everyone else is. If they are I'll find a campsite and check availability for a bunch of miscreants.
South coast to North Wales ??? Sounds like a decent little trip to be had .. Betts Y Coed is nice !
lonewolf
happy with North Wales as long as the site has food/beer/toilet what else could you ask for time spent putting the world to rights with other gtr owners LETS DO IT
I'll find something then at betts y coed
Does this sound ok to everyone? Swallow Falls Camp Site. It seems to be part of a complex where there is a youth hostel and a hotel as well as the camp site.
£6 per night, shower & toilet facilities. Bars, cafe, games room etc. It looks ok to me and its on the main A5 so will be easy for us all to find.
http://www.swallowfallshotel.co.uk/item/swallow_falls_camp_site.html
Theres a lot of camp sites in the area but the majority seem to be working farms with very little facilities other than somewhere to pitch the tent.
I'm happy to go with the above place if everyone else is.
£6 a night ?? Absolute bargain ... showers toilets AND a bar .... brilliant. Count me in chum ... I shall have a look at the web link later but i am sure it will be good. As you say, Farms are not for blokes our age ... I might get mistaken for a lame beast and be put down !
hi all
with this trip lonewolf is setting up is there anyone riding up from say the east/south as i live in basingstoke and we could ride up together just an idea. ;)
I am coming up from West Sussex so we can arrange an RVP at a suitable place near you if that's ok... one that serves petrol, coffee and sticky buns !!
Right I have spoken with the site today and we need to get a move on with this as it is a Bank Holiday weekend. They have confirmed it is £6 per person per night. We can arrive about midday on the Saturday and will have to vacate for midday on the Sunday. They are not normally too keen on groups and have a limit of groups of three people , however I have assured the lady I spoke with that we are all mature, responsible folk and that there will be no problems. She seemed to accept this, and is happy for us all to go. So thats great news.
They have also confirmed as well that all the facilities are available to the campers, so we will be able to use the bar, restaurant etc. They require a deposit of £5 per person for a key for the shower block which will be returned upon return of the key. Additionally they require payment of £6 for the camping. It all seems very reasonable to me.
Can we get names please of everyone who would like to come? I note that seven people have voted for camping, who are these seven people?
Once I know who is going I will block book if thats easier and then folk can either send me a cheque or PayPal me the money.
This could be a good laugh so lets get it sorted ;D
Well done you ! I shall send you a cheque asap if you e mail me your address . Nigel Cooper is the name and confirm a camp space. The site looks good ! Where did you get all that " mature responsible " stuff from ??
hi lonewolf
tony slade camping for one not really sure i fall into the mature sensible bit but hey who cares im out on the bike with new friends. confirm dates booked please and are we only doing the one night? i thought it was friday to sunday or is that me being hopefull..
Yes would be good to confirm exact dates, numbers and who is arriving for the day and those that are staying overnight.
Put me down for a day visit.
how about a meet at the the ponderosa "horse shoe pass" north wales Llangollen, then on to bala lake there are plenty of b&bs around, not to mention some dam excellent roads!
2Kwacks !!!!! Mr Wolf is booking the campsite ... why you no listen !
Quote from: Lord Rusty on February 11, 2011, 07:58:50 PM
2Kwacks !!!!! Mr Wolf is booking the campsite ... why you no listen !
opps! must have skipped a few pages there! as soon as I know the date will attend! but I do not own a tent, but may stay over if I can find a b&b local.
Arrive at the site on saturday 27th August, stay overnight if you wish and depart on Sunday 28th August. Obviously if anyone wants to arrive on the Friday thats not going to be a problem, it might even make more sense if you are travelling from further afield.
Quote from: 2kwacks on February 11, 2011, 08:11:10 PM
Quote from: Lord Rusty on February 11, 2011, 07:58:50 PM
2Kwacks !!!!! Mr Wolf is booking the campsite ... why you no listen !
opps! must have skipped a few pages there! as soon as I know the date will attend! but I do not own a tent, but may stay over if I can find a b&b local.
There is a hotel on site, but in all honesty you can pick a cheap tent up for a reasonable price, why not do that, you never know you'll probably use the tent again in the future.
Quote from: Lonewolf on February 12, 2011, 03:33:23 PM
Arrive at the site on saturday 27th August, stay overnight if you wish and depart on Sunday 28th August. Obviously if anyone wants to arrive on the Friday thats not going to be a problem, it might even make more sense if you are travelling from further afield.
sat 27th august thats miles away yet! ok may be able to sought a tent out, think my mate got a one man tent that I will borrow off him! or just may attend for the day, am only 2 hours from swallow falls! am allways around north wales so when the weather picks up will be out and about, so may see some of you at the pondersosa before hand!
A few people have sent me PM's requesting my details to forward payment etc. I'm not ignoring you, I'm off work on Monday for four days so I'll sort all that out then if thats ok?
hi fellas
can i ask if there is any one going up on the Friday? and camping
lone wolf let me know your details asap so i can pay you for services lol
regards
tony
Ok, normal service is more or less resumed as I slowly get over my stinking cold!! :(
I've replied to those who sent me a PM confirming their attendance. So far we have....
1/ Moi, Lonewolf, aka Steve (Paid)
2/ Lord Rusty, aka Nigel (Paid)
3/ Tadpole, aka Trevor & Jackie (Sat 27th & Sun 28th Paid)
4/ Sheriff aka Tony (Paid)
5/ Pembsgtr aka Viv & Kath (Fri 26th & Sat 27th Paid)
6/ fatharry aka Paul (Paid)
7/ Kawdolph aka John (Paid)
8/ Madfatjake aka Peter & Teresa (Fri 26th & Sat 27th Own arrangments made).
9/ Norman Bates aka Asif day trip.
10/ 2kwacks aka Dave day trip.
Anymore for anymore??? Drop me a PM if you are definately coming and need a pitch booking on the camp site. I'll forward my contact details and you can send me a cheque so I can block book. That way we will all be on the same part of the site. Just bear in mind it is £6 per person not per pitch, still a very cheap do however you look at it. ;D
I'm on the day visitors list
Quote from: Norman Bates on February 17, 2011, 08:18:32 AM
I'm on the day visitors list
Yep, no worries. It'll still be a good do. There is a hotel on site though if you wanted to stay there. Just a thought.
Quote from: Kawdolph on February 17, 2011, 11:44:16 AM
wont know till closer to the date but may make this its only a ferry trip across
Excellent, it would be great to meet you. For the sake of £6 do you want to book? If so let me know and I'll drop you via PM my contact details for payment.
will most likely be going just for the day, can borrow a tent but not sure if I will be staying over yet. so will decide nearer the time if they can still fit me in! because may be doing a europe trip around the same time, but not sure of the excact date yet.
Come on everyone get your cheque books out .... Mr Wolf has my £. You know it makes sense to pay now .. a few quid to guarentee you a spot on the August Bank Holiday weekend that is going to be an absolute scorcher ..... I have booked the weather and Mr Wolf has booked the site. You will regret it .. time will creep up on you and then the other half will want to book something dull with friends or family and you will sit there thinking " God I wish I was larging it up with the boys with a cold beer talking bikes, bollox and anything else " whilst cooking big fat sausages on a BBQ .......... Come on ... you know you want to !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mr wolf
sorry for the delay been on nights do you have a paypal account could send you the money that way? its not an issue if you require a chq just thought it would be safer thats all
sheriff
PM'd you my details.
Well done Mr Sheriff !
Ok, got another cheque today, this one from Tadpole. Many thanks for that. The above post is updated to show money received.
Monday morning, 28th Feb I'm going to be booking this so if anyone else wishes to come and of course everyone is welcome then please let me know before its too late. Sheriff, not got your Paypal payment yet..... :( Hurry up man!!
Come on Sheriff ..... get a move on ! We want to see you there !
Sheriff, many thanks for that, I'll update the above post to read that you have paid. I'll be booking it all on Monday and then we know for sure that we are in and sorted as it'll probbaly be very busy on a Bank Holiday weekend.
May well be up for it just got to check on the work situation and shift pattern, may well book a room at the swallow falls inn, just waiting for confirmation from the hotel.
Am I too late for the tent option, she who shall be obeyed has said go for it. Though we will probably be looking at camping friday night ass well ;D
I think I'll be able to make it.....is there any room on the camp site?, happy to pay upfront and confirm later ???
Right folks, the additional attendees are also now booked in and this is starting to take shape quite nicely. I'm sure though that there must still be a few out there who are still debating, shall I, shant I. Of course you should, ;D
Whats the plan anyway meet on the saturady at the campsite go for a spin then food and drink.I wont be at campsite on the saturday till about 12.00/12.30 on the saturday ferries dont get in from ireland till 11.00/11.30 depending on ferry.
Not quite sure at this stage, it might well be that folk just want to have a drink and a chat in the bar etc. It would be cool though if we had some sort of a ride while we are there. Perhaps those who have said they are going on the trip would like to offer some input and put some suggestions forward.
Hi
I and FH have some past experience of these weekend meets - as we have been on a few. As people will be coming from all around the country it is going to be difficult to organise a ride for the Saturday so there are a couple of things you can consider:
1) Meet up with others on route. an example - FH lives in Berkshire and I live in Wiltshire so if I was coming then FH and myself would meet up on route and travel together. We would then look to see if there was anybody else we meet up with en-route.
2) Plan a ride out for Sunday. I do have a couple of routes from that neck of the woods that I would be willing to share.
Kind regards
Steven
Trust me when i tell you, Steve's rides are top notch......i have spent many a happy hour chasing his Tail light, up mountain & down dale. Steve raises an interesting point, I'll be travelling up from Berkshire on the Saturday morning, planning to get there Midday ish to pitch tent.......and sort stuff out, however i'll probably hammer down the M4 early doors and head North from South Wales and take in some road on the way, any-one on route is welcome to join in ;D
A ride out on the sunday (a shortish one though i'll be travelling back to Berkshire) would be nice......maybe after breakfast and finishing at a lunch stop, so we can all divide and go our seperate ways
However happy to go with the flow, if we want to keep it strictly social then i can drink with the best of em' (i can't necessarily stand afterwards, but i'll have a damn good go) ::)
hi all
getting excited now one for route-master i live in basingstoke didn't know you guys were so close to me could do with a ride and meet before hand if your up for it
regards
sheriff
Happy to go with the flow, as we will be there the friday night too will probably go out for a look around on saturday morning after breakfast then get back to base mid afternoon, a sunday morning ride out to a suitable spot for lunch and then everyone head to their destinations seems like a good plan too ;)
father harry/routemaster sent pm
sheriff
Have been talking to mate at work and he has stayed at the Swallow Falls complex on several occasions when up in Snowdonia hill walking. He says that if the owners are unchanged that we should have a great time, I may even have a run up there beforehand to check out the facilities and have a test run with swmbo :)
Nice idea Pembgtr .. the web site looks good so I should think we are in for a cracking time .. if you get up there before hand see if you can pick a decent spot and just stay there till we all arrive.
We could put some cones and sun loungers out and claim it early doors. ;D
Well, just to be on the safe side today I booked the days off work. The trip is over a weekend when I'm off anyway, however as I can be called into work and have my rest days cancelled at the shortist of notice I thought it wise.
It'd be a tad embarassing and disappointing if I'd have had to cancel. ;D
What a fantastic idea, me and the lump are up for it, Wales, Great Yarmouth, anywhere really we have a more than capable touring bike, must admit I would prefer Great Yarmouth because then we could go and get crabs in Cromer. I would look at making it a long weekend maybe a camp site from a Friday night through to Monday Morning. If I may chuck in my pennenth worth in we went to Billing Aquadrome with a Harley Davidson bike club the other year. Billing was more than happy to have a 50 strong group of motorcyclist's camping and the facilitys were great, on site food and drink was not too expensive and some of the ride outs around Northamptonshire were a joy. I would suggest that we try and avoid school holidays.
You are extremely welcome to come along and bring your other half, there are a couple of couples coming already. It promises to be a brill weekend.
Wales is the destination we are going though, accomodation is booked, we are camping, there is a link to the site on this thread, there is a hotel, bar and food within the grounds as well though if thats more your style but we just thought it'd be a laugh to camp for the weekend. I haven't camped for over 25 years!! ;D
August Bank Holiday weekend, let us know if you are coming and I'll add you on the list.
Ok we have booked for Friday 26 and Saturday 27, and have taken the opportuinty to visit friends in South Wales on the Sunday. It'll be great to meet you all.
Well done chum, another couple for the weekend ... the numbers are growing and it should be a great time to be had by all. Look forward to seeing you.
Attendees on page 5 updated.
Anymore for anymore? ;D
Off work this week, been confined to the car all weekend :(, hoping to get up to Swallow Falls on Wednesday to do a recce of the place, i'll take some snaps and try posting them all being well. Looking to get there around midday if any other fortunate soul has time off this week :D
Just looked at the weather forecast for Wales midweek and it's sunny, very sunny. I'm trying to get Thursday off work but its Election Day so I might be tied up with that unfortunately. Failing that I will try and get Wednesday off and if I manage that I'll see you there at midday. I should know by Tuesday late evening.
okie dokey, unless the forecast drastically changes it will be Wednesday for me :)
Yeah no worries, I'll post on here late Tuesday if I've managed to get any time off work.
Can do Thursday if it makes things any easier
I'll keep you informed, I start work at 3pm tomorrow I'll find out if I can get the day off.
Hi - just joined this site having been given the link by a mate from 1400gtr.org. A couple of us from the other forum might be interested in coming along if you will have us?
Thanks, Neil
Of course we will have you. Just ring the site up and get yourself booked in. Bear in mind though its a Bank Holiday weekend so if you aren't quick you might struggle to get in. It'd be better if we were all together on the site rather than scattered about. At this rate we are going to take over Swallow Falls. ;D
I vaguely remember the first time I rang Swallow Falls for some info and the woman said something about how they only allowed small groups, I reassured her saying, everything will be fine there's only a few of us going. Oops! How wrong can a guy be?
Quote from: Neil on May 04, 2011, 10:55:16 PM
Hi - just joined this site having been given the link by a mate from 1400gtr.org. A couple of us from the other forum might be interested in coming along if you will have us?
Thanks, Neil
Did you get yourself booked in Neil?
Quote from: Norman Bates on May 05, 2011, 09:32:45 PM
Did you get yourself booked in Neil?
Just as importantly NB, .......did
YOU get yourself booked in?? ;D
Have to sweeten the missus up a bit more yet
Quote from: Norman Bates on May 05, 2011, 09:39:47 PM
Have to sweeten the missus up a bit more yet
Youv'e only got till August dont forget! ;D
Thanks appreciate it.... I will sort with the wife but we are likely to come up for the day or preferably stay over. I will try and sort bookings this weekend. It's possible a couple of guys from the 1400gtr forum will join too. I can understand the worry about a large group ... How many are you expecting?
Thanks Neil
There's definately 13 confirmed. Lets hope thats not a bad omen..13!
I reckon there's going to be about twenty of us in total which may not be a huge number, but considering this meeting was just thrown together as a loose idea which gradually formed into a definate plan coupled with the fact its the first of its kind through this forum its not a bad effort.
The more the merrier, I'm really looking forward to it. ;D
So what's the plan? Will there be a rideout planned for the Saturday say at around 2pm (give everyone a chance to arrive at awallow falls) and then a BBQ in the evening? What if its raining? etc etc
I hadn't really thought that far ahead. Some of us, especially those who have travelled from down south will have already done almost 300 miles just getting to the venue. I say, lets see what time we all get there and then see how many are up for a ride if at all. I like the idea of the BBQ though. I think I saw on one of the photos which Viv posted a few days ago that there was a BBQ in the tent section. How about the first person who arrives reserves the BBQ. ;D
Does it rain in Wales? :)
To be honest, as Mr Wolf says as a weedy southerner I will have done a few miles just getting to you so I will be looking for a beer and a BBQ with not much riding ! i think it will be very much " wait and see " on the numbers that turn up, the weather, how busy the site is etc. I shall bring up a Tesco DIY BBQ ( silver tray thingy ) in the panniers and some eating stuff, laze around and say " hello " to everyone putting faces and names together. We are all grown ups so I am sure we shall work something out on the day ;D
Not long to go now !
Go with the flow suits me too, there is a bbq pit at the site, I fancy sitting on benches outside the tavern bar all being well in the sunshine with a nice chilled beer in my hand, and same as lord rusty getting to know people. Prior planning may make things too organised, food looked ok in said tavern bar as well . Plus I'm there Friday night so will probably go out for a couple of hours on Saturday morning.
does it rain in wales :D :D :D :D :D
not when its foggy and windy
last night i booked the swallow falls hotel, will be coming up on friday and leaving Monday sometime from Norfolk so we are looking forward to meeting u all
Mr Edit please add Colin & Claire to your list
Stoketim
Excellent, I'll update the front page. Are you camping or going all posh on us and staying in the hotel? ;D
I've lost track of exactly how many are going now, but looking at the poll results at the top of this page there are seventeen people who have voted. Considering there are some couples coming, we could be looking at numbers over 20 easily. This meet looks like its going to a cracking event. ;D ;D
If it all goes wrong, blame Sheriff......it was his idea!!! ;)
Hotel my man, 2yrs ago we stayed in betws y coed with the intentions of camping it rained all the way there a most of the week
Just been informed that we all need to be available that weekend as its a major release date for our systems. So I can't stay over and may have to be a bit anti social and work at the same time .
Thats a shame, man (& woman) ::) should be allowed to chill out on a bank Holiday and go out on their GTR. ;D
I don't mind taking all the shit at work. It means I get to save money and spend it on my bike (kids and wife as well of course). Roll on 2012. Roll on new GTR ;D
Mmmmmm, thinking about it, maybe I do need to book a hotel.
Quote from: Norman Bates on May 12, 2011, 11:05:12 PM
I don't mind taking all the shit at work. It means I get to save money and spend it on my bike (kids and wife as well of course). Roll on 2012. Roll on new GTR ;D
Mmmmmm, thinking about it, maybe I do need to book a hotel.
There's a hotel on site. Book it. ;D
Can anyone turn up at Swallow Falls, as this looks like a good weekend, and I've promised to take the other half to somewhere warm and exotic?
Would be good to meet a few other GTR's and should have got used to mine by then.
Of course anyone can turn up, the more the merrier. ;D
You are very welcome to come along.
That sounds great. Count me in. Just need to check with the other half about accommodation. Although; its not to far from home, but that would mean missing out a bit I think.
Well looks like i will not be able to make it swmbo is off to spain with friends that weekend so will have to be here to look after the dogs and younger son,cant complain tho she didnt complain when i announced this year so far that i was changing the bike and got my gtr,and then that im off to the alps which is in 4 weeks time.So hope ye have a good one .
That's a shame mate but as you say sounds like you have a decent other half, so swings and roundabouts .... I have NO doubt there will be plenty of photos to look at when we get back !
Just three months left. Hopefully the weather will be a lot nicer than it is now. Get you names down those of you who are sitting on the fence.
NB, did you decide what you were doing? Staying over, flying day visit, etc, you mentioned before you would have to be avaialble for work, new IT system and all?
Still day visit. If anything happens and I need to go into office I've told then I'm only 1 hr away
Quote from: Norman Bates on May 29, 2011, 12:56:38 PM
Still day visit. If anything happens and I need to go into office I've told then I'm only 1 hr away
Dont forget, Bank Holiday weekend, Bank Holiday rates, double time at least. ;D
I wish!
Reminder for those that are undecided. Its only 2 months away now
Planning a practice run tomorrow loading up with tent,airbed with 12v pump, sleeping bag and the missus and going to pitch up at a local camp site and give it all a try out see how things go, It could be me coming to Betws on my own if the tenting is not a goer with SWMBO.
I keep meaning to have a go at erecting my tent which I bought some years ago in prep for this trip but so far I cant be bothered. It'll probably be something I'll get around to the night before.
Even thought of booking into the hotel, thats how lazy I am! ;D
:o I recovered my tent from the void of the car boot and with written permission from the wife we put it up in the house to see how easy it was.
Firstly, I thought it was a two man tent, it seams its a four man tent, so slightly bigger than I thought. ::)
It completely swamped the dining room even after we'd moved the dining room table out into the conservatory.
Kids, dont try this at home, this experiment was conducted under strict laboratory conditions and under the watchful eye of a wife should the wall paper get damaged.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2438.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2440.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2441.jpg)
At least I have a faint clue how to erect it now so I wont look a total clutz in August. It's so big I might even ride the GTR in. ;D
Mate .. that's HUGE ! 4 People easy, plus the GTR, the BBQ, and everything else you bring down with you. Arn't you pleased you tried it first ? ;D
Nothing worse than trying to get that baby up for the first time in front of a whole camp site ;D ;D
I'm going to have a couple of more practices in the local park and actually get it pegged out. Its slightly bigger than I actually needed. ::)
On the plus side if there are any single 28 year old lasses who are struggling to find somewhere to stay on this trip, go on then, you can shack up with me. ;D
With an offer like that Mr Wolf the tent won't be big enough ! ;D
Quote from: Lord Rusty on July 01, 2011, 12:26:23 PM
With an offer like that Mr Wolf the tent won't be big enough ! ;D
I know but I'll do my best to accomodate as many as possible. ;D
Ok I'm in! Are folks coming from the sarff going up Friday or Saturday? Anyone staying an extra night?
I'll be riding down Saturday
About 5 weeks to go. Get your names down those that haven't.
I'll be heading up on Saturday Morning from Reading (y) area.....nothing firm yet with regards to route....but might be picking up one other attendee in Newbury...but my current thoughts are hammer down the M4 into South Wales, and then wind my way up..planning to get there about 2 (ish)
Planning on getting there around sevenish. Swmbo working till three. Lay out a towel in a spot for me
I'm hoping to be there early on the Saturday morning then hopefully I'll have my tent up by the time fatharry arrives ;D
Quote from: Lonewolf on July 14, 2011, 09:34:56 AM
I'm hoping to be there early on the Saturday morning then hopefully I'll have my tent up by the time fatharry arrives ;D
i thought there was an embargo on pitching tents until Midday..bit like check in time at a hotel ???
Oh I hope not, I'm hoping to avoid all the embarrassment and sniggers and get the tent up with as few people present and laughing at my misguided pathetic attempts as possible. ;D
LW, what time on Sat you thinking of heading off?
Maybe we can ride down together
bear in mind my tet errecting skills are an embarrassment to the human race!!......you have nothing to worry about
Quote from: Norman Bates on July 14, 2011, 10:13:13 AM
LW, what time on Sat you thinking of heading off?
Maybe we can ride down together
NB, not completely decided at this time but I'll tag along with you for sure if I can keep up with ya! ;) We'll sort something out nearer the time if you like.
Quote from: fatharry on July 14, 2011, 10:17:19 AM
bear in mind my tet errecting skills are an embarrassment to the human race!!......you have nothing to worry about
Thats very reassuring ;D
Quote from: Lonewolf on July 14, 2011, 12:29:22 PM
NB, not completely decided at this time but I'll tag along with you for sure if I can keep up with ya! ;) We'll sort something out nearer the time if you like.
I still remember the chicken strips :'(
I'm planning on an early start and if everyone is thinking of getting there in the afternoon, I might just take the really long way around
Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I think we are only about two hours away from the place.
One month + one week left.
I'll send out an email to all members this week as reminder.
Woo hoo can't wait . . . . .
Not long to go now !!!
Its going to be one impressive sight to see so many GTR's in one place at the same time. ;D
Bring the camera ( as I know you always do ! ) I shall ... must not forget the BBQ ;D
Yes the camera will definitely be coming. I'm hoping to get some decent photos and do a write up for MCN and one of the bike mags.
hope all going have good time (def if thread to go by) :) work commitments keepin me grounded but hopefully this will be followed by future meets. LW- be result to have article in mcn, let me know if you get somewhere with that
The gathering of the gtrs when all goes well I should like to hope a meet or two next year are soon in the early stages of planning
Exactly one month to go. I better pull my finger out and send a reminder to everyone
And please, no complaints about how filthy my bike is. It's there to be ridden, not washed
at this point in time...my attendance is 50/50...as opposed to the previously confirmed 100%.....its a long story, its very likely that i'll be heading to Germany for a long weekend in Mid August...which involves moving some social bits and pieces round....something's gotta give somewhere, and i suspect it will be the GTR meet...but rest assured i am working on it not being the case!! >:(
Quote from: fatharry on July 27, 2011, 03:34:53 PM
at this point in time...my attendance is 50/50...as opposed to the previously confirmed 100%.....its a long story, its very likely that i'll be heading to Germany for a long weekend in Mid August...which involves moving some social bits and pieces round....something's gotta give somewhere, and i suspect it will be the GTR meet...but rest assured i am working on it not being the case!! >:(
Was it the thought of meeting us northern boys with their whippets? :D
I hope you can make it, it'll be great to meet as many folk as possible from here next month....cant believe we are just a month away now. ;D
I mentioned earlier in this thread about trying to get some coverage in some bike mags......well watch this space. Emails sent out ;D
It looks like our plans for being in Europe at the end of August have just fallen apart due to Lyn's new job so we could be up for this. We don't do camping and the hotel is full so we'll see if we can sort some other accommodation out.
Kevin
As i dont get my new GTR until Sep 1st i shall give this a miss but keep an eye out for other events.
Alan
Quote from: Kevin on July 28, 2011, 08:42:42 AM
It looks like our plans for being in Europe at the end of August have just fallen apart due to Lyn's new job so we could be up for this. We don't do camping and the hotel is full so we'll see if we can sort some other accommodation out.
Kevin
Excellent. The more the merrier.
Quote from: Norman Bates on July 27, 2011, 04:12:04 PM
Was it the thought of meeting us northern boys with their whippets? :D
I'll let you into a little secret...despite being foreign..i learnt my English in Rochdale...and speak with a nice northern accent.......i only take the mickey cause i can (anyways i am waaayyy more northern than pretty much most people..originally my family hails from Hammerfest! ::) )
Blimey. I think one of our Northern friends has a translating Ferret. If we can find some accommodation I'd better see if it's available that weekend.
Kevin
thanks for the reminder about the trip to northwales! have been off line for a while, but been working away alot lately and had a few other problems. one being, my computer died of death! lol!! and only replaced it the other week! anyway back to the northwales trip! up to now have nothing planned for the weekend so hoping to join you on one of the days! I will know nearer the time if its possible to stay over, in which case I will call the park and ask if they have room.
Good, glad to know the email was received.
I think the hotel is now fully booked so anyone wanting to stay will have to find another nearby
It's showing as having vacancies on www.laterooms.com (http://www.laterooms.com) but the minimum stay is two nights.
Kevin
Kevin
Sent you a PM
Steve
Got it and replied thanks Steve.
Kevin
Chaps......sadly I'm bowing out of the meet.......long story!....anyways seeing as I've paid for my pitch it's available FOC to whoever wants it.......first to PM gets it....
Sorry chaps... Was really looking forward to meeting up with you guys, now going to drink whisky and feel sorry for myself after what only be described as a b@#locks day (see thread on metzlers)
Sorry that your not going to be able to make it, nothing too serious I hope.
Quote from: Lonewolf on July 31, 2011, 03:12:14 AM
Sorry that your not going to be able to make it, nothing too serious I hope.
Nothing too serious thankfully....but annoying nevertheless!
hi chaps! depending on how my work pans out on the run up to the saturday will decide! if I can make it, if everythink is done and dusted on the friday. I will make it, still hoping to stay over as well. however, just gone on the camp site website, are you awear theres no parking on the camp site itself, only in the car park? dont know if they will make allowances for motorcycles, but thats put me off allready, they do have scroats in northwales as well as anywhere eles? making sure the bike is safe is paramount!!!
Wherever you park these days is a risk, it's a family orientated site and the owners don't allow large groups, (except in our case) so I'm sure everything will be fine. I'll ring the owners though tomorrow to clarify the parking issue and see if we can park by the tents.
dam good idea! suppose am bit anal when it comes to my bikes. have just returned from a 4 day tour of cornwall with a few mates, and I booked the b&bs. tenby,ilfracombe, newquay and torquay, I did knock 3 back back due to parking not being on the premises. just asure them that once the bikes are park, they will not be started again till we all leave.
2kwacks, did I pass you as you were heading into fishguard? A silver gtr , blue triumph and a BMW that would have been last tuesday. What did you make of tenby?
No we went friday to monday! tenby was great, and so was ilfracombe,lands end and torquay. mine not silver, its magnesium? must do it again soon, great time had by all! there was 3 of us. one mate on is hayabusa and the other on is zx10r
Ok,as promised I have contacted Swallow Falls this morning regarding parking. Basically they have a rigid rule that no bikes or in fact any other vehicles are allowed to remain on the camping field although they do allow vehicles to drive to the camping area initially to unload etc. If the camping area is quiet and at their discretion they will on occasion allow vehicles to park on the camping area but as you would expect at this time of the year that is not going to be possible as they are pretty busy.
However I have been assured and I have no reason to doubt the lady that they accomodate large numbers of bikers each and every year without incident, the bikes are parked on the carpark which I am informed is near the camping area and the area is monitored by CCTV for guests peace of mind.
I completely understand where you are coming from 2kwacks, and I am as protective about my bike as I am sure you are about yours. I'm confident though that there will be no issues and if there are refer everything to Sheriff as it was his idea to organise this event!! ;D
Just bring some monster locks and chain bikes together
fairy muff! you can not do much more? I have a few plastic coated cable locks which will secure 2 bikes together, suppose we could draw straws who sleeps next to the bikes. known my luck, it would be me! anyway will do my best to make it on the saturday.
;D You make it sound like Swallow falls is in the middle of Moss Side. Just chillax, have a good time, init 8)
Roughly translated that means...I say old bean, it may not be Sandringham but the blighters will leave the wheels alone and we can relax, have a brandy or two and smoke a cigar while reading the FT. :)
I've been and checked out the Swallow Falls complex. I'm sure there will be somewhere you could park up your bike that is good for you. As LW says its Betws y Coed not some inner city slum :D
ok have chilled now, because am bringing the wife she can guard the bikes ;D it would be a very brave gang that give her any lip! am sure everthing will be just fine. only concearned because did have a smiley face painted on my car bonnet in north wales a few years ago. lucky enough the knobs done it either, late at night or early morning when it was damp, so it polished off with t-cut the next day. but did drive round a for hour, trying to find a motor factors >:(
I braved the high temperatures today and went to Betws- y- Coed to pin point Swallow Falls. As it happens I discovered I've passed it lots of times its just never registered with me. It looks a decent place and only a short walk from the main town/village should anyone want to walk there.
I had a ride up to the camping area and although its a relatively small area it should suit us all fine.
If we have weather on August Bank Holiday like they are having at the moment we'll be laughing.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2561.jpg)
LW looks like your wheels could do with a good clean, asuming they where still on the bike when you returned ;D am sure every think will be fine ;)
Well done Mr Wolf ... that looks good ! Are you staying there all this time just to keep those spaces for us ? ;D ;D
2kwacks, yeah, the bike could do with a good clean, dont think I've done it for a week or two. Its been hectic at work and I've been too knackered to be bothered.
Mr Rusty, the task of reserving the pitches falls on the shoulders of he/she who gets there first.
I was notified this morning that three more are going on two GTR's. I'm more concerned about a parking space than a tent pitch. We need some traffic cones!! :)
Cones in my panniers ?? Not enough space old fruit ;D
From Charring Cross, Google reckons on 223 miles, or 4hrs 20 mins .... Hope to get there a bit quicker than that !!
E mail incoming Mr Wolf ;D
Here's praying for good weather.
LW, your bike is filthy ;D
Quote from: Norman Bates on August 03, 2011, 10:00:22 PM
Here's praying for good weather.
LW, your bike is filthy ;D
Yep, it sure is!! ;D ;D ;D
Further to my chat with a staff member from RIDE last week I had an email from RIDE magazine this morning regarding them doing a write up on our Swallow Falls gathering. Basically my details have been passed onto the Deputy Editor, a Simon Weir who will contact me soon. Whether it comes off or not & I hope it does, it would be great to have the meet featured in a popular bike mag.
Will you be able to cope with the fame and stardom of it all ?? ;D
Quote from: Lord Rusty on August 09, 2011, 02:37:06 PM
Will you be able to cope with the fame and stardom of it all ?? ;D
Well, I did think about this long and hard and then I decided that sometimes you just have to make sacrifices and take one for the team. 8)
That's what I like to hear Mr Wolf, thank God there are people like you about..... ;D ;D
Quote from: Lord Rusty on August 10, 2011, 01:45:23 PM
That's what I like to hear Mr Wolf, thank God there are people like you about..... ;D ;D
I know I'm not the sharpest pin in the box, but it sounds like you are taking the pish!! ;)
Me ? Take the pish ?? Seriously I think that if RIDE do a feature then that would be a fantastic reflection on the Forum and of course those who do all the work for the rest of us. All those other chaps who don't have Gtrs would clearly see what they have been missing !
I think we're going to give this a miss I'm afraid. The nearest hotels are a couple of miles or so away and I'm not walking that which means either sitting in the bar drinking orange juice all evening or pratting about with taxis and I don't really fancy doing either if I'm honest.
The Swallow Falls Hotel does actually have a room but it's "very small". When quizzed about how small while explaining we'd have bike gear in there they thought that would probably be difficult so it must be tiny! We were prepared to put up with it for one night but they'd only take a booking for two so we gave it a miss. They did promise to get back to us later that day (last Saturday) after they'd seen if they could 'rearrange things' but they didn't so I assume they couldn't.
I'm sorry we won't make it (actually, I'm sorry we wont be in Europe for two weeks over this period as originally planned but this would have been a nice fall back).
Kevin
Kevin, sorry to hear you won't be able to make this, two miles isn't that far to walk you know. I take it a tent is out of the question?
I unfortunately won't becoming :( - prime reason is financial constraints at the moment- sorry guys :(
Steve
Sorry to hear you chaps can't make it :(
We're back on. StokeTim came up with a cunning plan and when I called the hotel to execute it they'd had a cancellation so we're now booked in for Saturday and Sunday nights. See you then.
In case anyone is interested, there is now a double room available at the hotel for Friday and Saturday night.
(2 miles might not be a long way Mr. LW but 2.5 milesx2 is 5 miles and that is a long way, especially when we're both old and decrepit with the damage we've picked up over the years!).
Kevin
Uphill miles as well to the Swallow Falls hotel, the return trip/stagger woukld be a little less painfull though after a few drinks ;D
Two weeks today myself and the significant other will be heading North along the B328, A487, A470 destination Mid Year GTR Owners convention. Hoping to get there for around 6pm as long as SWMBO can get away from work a bit earlier than usual on a Friday. :D
Anyone fancy meeting up in a place called Betws y Coed? 8)
Hope the sun shines for us all 8)
hope to get there early afternoon on fri so may be stuck in hotel bar co :D :D
if thats the case I will be unsure as to what to do first, find you Stoketim which will mean tent stays down as beer is consumed or get in pitch tent then hit the bar? Drunken tent pitching probably not a good idea though :D
we will hit the beer first then put your tent up ;D
Quote from: stoketim on August 12, 2011, 11:34:18 AM
we will hit the beer first then put your tent up ;D
You're only saying that because you don't have to sleep in it!
Kevin
i know ill be pissed and dry hope by room is not up to many stairs
I wont be making this either swmbo is off to spain so cant go ,cant complain 9 days in the swiss alps in june ,LW had booked me in for campsite and if anyone looking for a spot just use mine,if not LW have a beer on me hope it all goes well ,
Hey, what's with all these last minute cancellations? It was a bit touch and go even for me this week which would have been seriously bad news. The powers that be stuck us all on 12 hour shifts, cancelled our rest days and were even discussing canceling our annual leave because of the riots and disorder taking place in various locations. Thankfully this afternoon we were all stood down and common sense has finally prevailed with everything reverting to normality.
Thankfully now back on track for Swallow Falls.
i think it would be a good idea if one of you clever bods could do a list of whose going and when, camping, swallowfall hotel or other hotel. watafink?
Colin - Only (Claire now working)
Fri early pm till Sun Lunch
Swallowfalls Hotel
If those who are going want to PM me with the info I'll post it all as one post.
I will be arriving early Saturday and leaving Sunday and living it up in a tent.
Pemsgtr, Viv & Kath are arriving Friday & leaving on the Sunday. Camping.
Kevin & Mrs Weller, arriving Saturday & staying overnight Saturday and Sunday in the Hotel.
Lord Rusty, aka, Nigel arriving Saturday, leaving Sunday & camping.
NB, aka Asif arriving Saturday intending to go home Saturday but I'm sure we can persuade him to stay over ;D
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 16, 2011, 12:58:06 PM
If those who are going want to PM me with the info I'll post it all as one post.
I will be arriving early Saturday and leaving Sunday and living it up in a tent.
I'm still on the one day: Saturday
Pembsgtr, if you get to Beddgellert don't miss visiting the graves. A very sad story. :(
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Snowdonia%202nd%20August%202010%20with%20Simon/GraveStones.jpg)
The story of Beddgellert used to be taught in school. I have been there before but Kath wanted to visit so thought it would be something to do on the Saturday morning thanks for the pics :)
Funnily enough thats where I initially heard it, (in school). I think we learnt about it while I was over in Holland.
I now know for defo that I will not be able to make it either saturday or sunday. will need to work all over the bank holiday weekend to make sure a job is finshed for a dead line! I know I never said for defo that I would be going! but "fatharry" kindly said I could take over is pitch? so its only right I say as soon as I could, that I will not be able to make it so others have the opportunity of the spare pitch. thanks to "fatharry" for the offer, but in theses times work must come first! will try my dam best to make the next one. p.s all have a great time!!!
kwacks, another one bites the dust. Very sorry that you cant make it. :(
Plenty of photos and stories and it'll be almost like you were there.
ONE week to go........how many more will sadly fall by the wayside :(
hope the weather is like it is here today, warm 'n' sunny
NB, is the plan still to cruise over together on the Saturday?
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 21, 2011, 07:20:36 PM
NB, is the plan still to cruise over together on the Saturday?
Yes. Just need to decide on the time I guess
How are we going to recognise one other? Is someone the designated pink-carnation-wearer or shall we just look for a group of reprobates propping up the bar?
Kevin
I'll be riding a magnesium grey GTR if that's going to help ;D
and i will be propping up the bar :D
I will be the one who is stood in a field looking very confused with a set of instructions on an A4 sheet in one hand and a load of fabric in the other which I understand when handled by a professional can be manipulated into a tent. Oh, I'll also probably look very stressed and will be asking total strangers how much they would charge for putting my tent up. ;)
update- i will be propping up the Bar, in thr dry laughting at campers getting wet trying to put up tents ;D oh happy days
Update on the weather for Saturday is glorious sunshine. ;D
yah right it always rains in wales
old saying in wales if you can see the top of snowdon its going to rain if you cant see the top it is raining ;D
Woo hoo soon be time to head north, As long as the ale in the swallowfalls hotel is a good pint I dont care if its raining or not ;D
Viv, I haven't forgotten that I owe you some money for the Bagster Bag. :)
Currently nice and bright for Saturday
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/3089?area=Betws-Y-Coed
Are most of you leaving on Sunday morning?
Kevin
Quote from: Kevin on August 24, 2011, 07:47:07 AM
Are most of you leaving on Sunday morning?
Kevin
Yes I believe that is the case.
Hi
Just to say me and my lady happen to be staying not to far from swallow falls ( about 10 miles ) on sat night & thought it would be nice to pop in to see some of the club members & bikes if thats ok ? how many are expected ? i presume the meet is at the pub ? is there a general time for the meet
hope to see you all soon
Tony
Tony, currently there should be about 20-25 of us there, on something like 18-20 GTR's Or at least that is what is planned. One or two lucky ones will be arriving on Friday, however the majority will be arriving during Saturday probably somewhere between midday and mid afternoon. Most people will no doubt be uncannily lured into the pub for refreshments etc so that will be as good as place as anywhere to guarantee you'll bump into a GTR owner. ;D
It goes without saying that you are both most welcome and it will be a pleasure to meet you. There is no set time as such just pop along any time probably late afternoon or early evening and everyone who is coming should be there by then. 8)
Hi Tony, as LW says, just turn up. There is no formal planning, although looks like the bar will be where its at.
Pretty sure we'll quickly find out who is who. LW is planning on donning a skirt as he needs to outdo Geoff and his pink armbands ;D
Hi guys will be of the tinternet from lunch Thurs so will see you all Fri/Sat @ swallowfalls if anythink changes that i might need to know my mob number is 07861671325
see you there
Colin
Colin, trust me, short of Swallow Falls being burnt to the ground, nothing will be changing. ;D
Quote from: Norman Bates on August 25, 2011, 11:43:12 AM
Hi Tony, as LW says, just turn up. There is no formal planning, although looks like the bar will be where its at.
Pretty sure we'll quickly find out who is who. LW is planning on donning a skirt as he needs to outdo Geoff and his pink armbands ;D
Its not a skirt....it's a tutu!! 8)
That's me on the left and NB on the right.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/PoliceBallerina.jpg)
Ain't Photoshop great ;D
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ALL SATURDAY , SUPPOSE I'D BETTER ARRANGE SOME SORT OF TAXI IF THE PUBS WHERE ITS ALL GOING TO BE HAPPENING ;D
I have been asked to pass on the fact that Lord Rusty unfortunately cannot make it and will regrettably not now be attending Swallow Falls. Totally outside his control due to work requirements, and a last minute decision by his bosses, so alas we are another one down. :(
He's naturally very disappointed but he has to work and that's the end of the matter, there was no way around the situation. He passes on his apologies to everyone.
Bugger. :(
I have a theory about all this. I reckons the southerners are scared of us northerners. ;D
That's simply not true. I see this visit as missionary work and, as I said earlier, I'm trying to borrow my mate's translating ferret, which apparently speaks both English and Northern, so there's no language barrier.
Kevin
Just drink lots of beer that always seems to work as a good translating medium, well in my experience anyway. Just waiting for SWMBO to get in from work then we will be on our way North. Looking like the weather improving too. Didn't look to promising last night we had over an inch of rain in the night with plenty of thunder and lightning, not good to have when you on a night shift in an oil refinery.
See you fellow convention attendees tonight (for those of you in the advance party) and tomorrow the rest of you. ;)
I cant make it because of a family function, but I wish every one a good and safe journey and enjoy meeting up with each other. I look forward to the banter on here next week oh and lots of photos please. ENJOY Geoff :)
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow
Trevor & Jackie
We should be there at around midday
[yawns and stretches] Mmm, I guess we ought to get going as well! We'll be leaving in about 30 minutes and should be there <later>.
I have to confess that after I got the bike packed and looked at the weather in Wales we briefly discussed heading for the South of France for a couple of days but plan 'B' prevailed in the end. See you this afternoon.
Kevin
Chaps and Chapesses ....
I am gutted that I was/am unable to make the trip. I, like everyone else was looking forward to the whole 2 days ... the ride up, meeting everyone, watching Mr Wolf put his tent up, drinking beer etc ... all the stuff you are doing at this very moment !
The recent disorder in London has changed everything, certainly for the next few weeks in relation to duties and days off etc, and certainly in the long run when relating to Politics etc .... I have had no control over the cancellation of my days off but then sometimes there are exceptional circumstances and this is indeed exceptional times.
I hope you are all enjoying yourselves and the weather is as I ordered it ( excellent ) ....Mr Wolf has told me this is not the case ! OOooppps ... London has been quite decent today ;D
Anyway, just wanted to say my bit so there ;D ;D
Look forward to seeing the pics and reading all about it.
Quote from: Lord Rusty on August 27, 2011, 08:39:24 PM
Chaps and Chapesses ....
I am gutted that I was/am unable to make the trip. I, like everyone else was looking forward to the whole 2 days ... the ride up, meeting everyone, watching Mr Wolf put his tent up, drinking beer etc ... all the stuff you are doing at this very moment !
The recent disorder in London has changed everything, certainly for the next few weeks in relation to duties and days off etc, and certainly in the long run when relating to Politics etc .... I have had no control over the cancellation of my days off but then sometimes there are exceptional circumstances and this is indeed exceptional times.
I hope you are all enjoying yourselves and the weather is as I ordered it ( excellent ) ....Mr Wolf has told me this is not the case ! OOooppps ... London has been quite decent today ;D
Anyway, just wanted to say my bit so there ;D ;D
Look forward to seeing the pics and reading all about it.
The drive was wet. Very wet. LW must have been enjoying it cause he rode 5 miles past where we were supposed to be! ;D He didn't do too bad at putting the tent up.
Sorry yout couldn't make it. There's always the next one
That us home, via Llangollen, Horseshoe Pass, Bala, Aberystwyth and back to Pembrokeshire.
Swallow Falls complex met the needs of our first meet admirably I thought, Good Call Steve and thanks very much for organising.
Great to meet fellow GTRers.
Snowdon is up there somewhere in the clouds
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X0SFXG_tj64/Tlp_SHRMDcI/AAAAAAAABKM/oKhQU8q-gQY/s640/P1020468.JPG)
Llanberis
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y5gHY_sKW4I/Tlp-0-72FUI/AAAAAAAABKI/AEUINLxbObE/s512/P1020467.JPG)
Sunday Morning line up.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1_swMA4qeA8/Tlp9HQAVHxI/AAAAAAAABKA/ZETfMQ0mQS4/s640/P1020478.JPG)
Aberystwyth promenade and line dancing on the way home.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WCRKipf4WiY/TlqAc49EFKI/AAAAAAAABKY/gMq-LOcldr0/s640/P1020483.JPG)
Also home now - via hoylake and more rain. Cant see pembsgtr in the line dancing...
Excellent weekend even with the rain - i'm going to miss the company, the gammon hock, and the honey beer. My bike Jacket was definitely a lot tighter coming back.
Good to see everyone and look forward to next time (somewhere sunny and dry). Hope everyone else got home ok.
Neil
My penny wish in Swalllow Falls came true we had sunshine all the way home :D
I arrived home just after 4pm safe and well. Glad everyone enjoyed themselves, its a shame about the weather we all had to grin and bare but at least there was a minor reprieve today for some. ;D
Next year we need to go to St Tropez 8)
I'm just sorting through some of the photos and then I'll stick them on here.
me and lin arrived home at 5.30 with only 3 heavy showers :) really enjoyed last night thanks , lin enjoyed the fact that she was'nt the only woman ( thanks girls ) all great company & hopefully see you all again just the one regret , should have had the sticky toffee pudding
Thanks again
We've just got back home after visiting friends in the Midlands and family in Buckingham. We were intending heading on to Norfolk but ATEOTD I just couldn't be bothered so we came home instead.
It was good to meet you all.
Kevin
seen the pics, looks like it was a great meet? shame about the weather, really wished I could have made it but needed to finish a job that was on a dead line which was not completed till yesterday evening? I even bought a one man tent and a sleeping bag a few months ago for this meet, am sure I will get chance to use it again. may be france next time hey?
I got up this morning and had withdrawal symptoms from bikes, beer and gammon (and sticky toffee pudding - sorry Tony) and having done two meetings in succession in the rain, I wondered if people would be up for a meet in Europe next year?
If we went somewhere like the black forest it is not too far and yet central for the south of france, Switzerland, Italy, eastern Europe etc. Those of us wanting a longer holiday could go further afield either before or after.
Any thoughts?
Thanks, neil
Quote from: Neil on August 29, 2011, 11:57:49 AM
I got up this morning and had withdrawal symptoms from bikes, beer and gammon (and sticky toffee pudding - sorry Tony) and having done two meetings in succession in the rain, I wondered if people would be up for a meet in Europe next year?
If we went somewhere like the black forest it is not too far and yet central for the south of france, Switzerland, Italy, eastern Europe etc. Those of us wanting a longer holiday could go further afield either before or after.
Any thoughts?
Thanks, neil
now that sounds like a excellent suggestion! me and a few mates are going in july to france,italy e.t.c may even get 2 trips in 8) unless it falls at the same time?
Quote from: Neil on August 29, 2011, 11:57:49 AM
I got up this morning and had withdrawal symptoms from bikes, beer and gammon (and sticky toffee pudding - sorry Tony) and having done two meetings in succession in the rain, I wondered if people would be up for a meet in Europe next year?
If we went somewhere like the black forest it is not too far and yet central for the south of france, Switzerland, Italy, eastern Europe etc. Those of us wanting a longer holiday could go further afield either before or after.
Any thoughts?
Thanks, neil
sounds great neil , makes sense to head south, only criteria for me would be, i have to go during the school holidays
I know one very nice place in Central France that is geared up for bikers and has some cracking roads and I know of another place in the Harz mountains in Germany that is also geared up for bikers.
Steve
Black Forest, Dolomites Austria, not fussed about France its more expensive than Germany too......... :o
I know its early days yet! but if this is going to happen, can some dates be suggested. then we can get an idea what dates, duration, route that would suit the majority, either it be hotels, camping, or go on "spec" with b&bs. last year we done the french,swiz alps and italy. we stayed first night in reims, then used grenoble as a base for the alps, and had one night in turin italy "midweek" and spent the last night in st quentin approx 3 hour ride from the eurotunnel, 3,200 miles in 7 days. including hotels,food,petrol,tolls,eurotunnel and half a dozen beers each night the total cost was approx £1,200 its not cheap, but dam well worth every penny!
Well I was thinking something as follows:-
Dates - late July, august ie in school holidays for those who need it.
Length of trip - meeting itself to be somewhere where we can get to and back over a long weekend, ie Friday to Monday, or thursday to Sunday. Some may extend their trip, but the shortest time required would be four days. This would keep costs down for those who have other commitments.
Destination - ideally somewhere with likely chance of sun and where we can have a BBQ and beer ideally buying from local shops to keep costs down. This probably means a biker b and b where we can agree with them a BBQ/ party at night and maybe a discount rate.
Any other ideas?
Thanks Neil
Yeah, NB is right I got lost almost at the end of our journey and headed off completely in the wrong direction. I wouldn't mind but I'd only been a few weeks before to check the place out. Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who braved the appalling weather and in some cases travelled hundreds of miles to get to Swallow Falls. Here's a brief write up of the weekend from my perspective. I set off at about 9am to go over to Huddersfield to meet up with NB just by the M62. Filled the bike up on route to save any unnecessary stops later.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/TheJourneyBegins.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/Andthenthereweretwo.jpg)
The journey on route was horrendous, clear skies, black skies, relative warmth, total downpour. It was so bad near the end of our journey that I could barely see through the visor. After the brief and unintentional detour we rolled into Betws-Y-Coed and out the other side where we found the Swallow Falls Hotel. Trevor & Jackie were already on site and I think they were in the final throes of finishing putting their tent up.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2617.jpg)
While NB supervised and joked about my incompetence, I fumbled about with the tent pitching it next to Trevor & Jackie, periodically asking them if I was doing it right. Ten minutes after I started a young couple arrived and started to erect their tent which was about four times as large as mine and somehow they finished before I did!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/Mytinytent.jpg)
The staff at the hotel suggested that we park our bikes by some chalets above the main car park but the ground was all gravelled and sloping and although I tried to park the GTR there I felt it would be better down in the main car park where it was all tarmac. Below are the chalets. Plenty of choice of accommodation at Swallow Falls, there is obviously the hotel, a youth hostel, the chalets and then the camping.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2618.jpg)
Everyone settled down for their evening meals in The Tavern where we were told that we could arrange the tables to suit ourselves....so that's exactly what we did. It was like a scene from a medieval film with the table laid out in a straight line surrounded by ravenous diners.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2603.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2602.jpg)
No complaints on the food front as far as I was concerned, I probably could have forced a pudding down but I thought I would show some restraint, unlike some....they know who they are. Norman Bates stayed till quite late, about 9pm and then unfortunately had to make a move and head off home. I was surprised when he sent me a text saying he was at home just after 11pm. After the meal everyone migrated to the bar, although I think someone headed off for a power nap but I can't remember who it was.The hotel has two bars, one by the Tavern and another on the ground floor by the entrance to the car park. The latter is the one we all headed for. It was reasonably busy by this time but we still managed to locate some seating.
Trevor, heading for the bar.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2609.jpg)
The two Lyn's. Lin told us a very interesting story about how Tony got a nasty scar on his arm from a hedge.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2611.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2612.jpg)
At the end of the night when everyone made their way to their tents it suddenly dawned on me as I was carefully picking my way through the array of tents in pitch darkness and drizzle guided by a 5w light from my mobile phone that I was struggling to find my tent. Having almost tried to enter the wrong tent I remembered that we had been given laminated cards with a pitch number on which was tied to the tent. Trust me when I say that that and only that probably saved me from getting arrested and thrown off the site. I did have a torch with me....but I'd left it in the tent!
I won't go into detail about the night I spent in the tent, suffice to say that you learn a lot about yourself when you go camping. The rain fell, the temperatures dropped, the ground was hard, oh and did I mention the rain? It was still raining when I woke up at 7am the following morning, albeit not with as much vigour as it had been.
I thought I'd go for a walk and stretch my legs before the site came alive. I had a walk down to the main car park to check on the bike, it was fine. Everything exactly as I had left it. Beyond the car park and behind the trees was a blanket of rising mist which I thought was too good a photo opportunity to miss.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/RisingMist.jpg)
Walking back up to our camping area a few bikers had decided to leave their bikes by their tents. House rules stated they were supposed to be in the car park but in all honesty I couldn't see what harm they were doing. They weren't in anyone's way so what the big deal.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2615.jpg)
The sun was trying its utmost to shine through but kept getting pushed aside by dark clouds, Lord Rusty promised me he had booked us all great weather but as he told me later it seems he booked it for London instead and not Wales.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2613.jpg)
Now the previous evening we had made an arrangement...or so I thought to meet up for breckie at about 08:15 but in the end this didn't quite work out as planned. Some folk obviously aren't early risers. Eventually though a few familiar faces arrived and after we had eaten I decided to take the opportunity while it was dry to dismantle the tent. I soon got distracted though when it was suggested that we go and visit the Swallow Falls which are right opposite the hotel. I thought I might as well go and see what I had heard gushing all night long keeping me awake.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2635.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2629.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2634.jpg)
Not bad but it was a fair climb back up from one of the observation platforms on the very steep steps. We all headed back to the Hotel where we decided to have a group photo of the GTR's. Best place for them was directly in front of the Hotel. They certainly turned a few heads and I have to admit they looked good all lined up like that.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2644.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2647.jpg)
A few random shots of the GTR's.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2636.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2640.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2642.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2643.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2637.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2639.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2638.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2649.jpg)
After the group photos, people said their goodbye's and started to head off to do a bit of sightseeing on their routes home. I managed to get the tent down and packed away and then left Swallow Falls considering heading towards Bala which is a favourite destination of mine but in the end I decided to park up in Betws-Y-Coed itself and explore some of the sights. I managed to get parked up in the Church car park where as the ticket machine was out of order I had a free parking for as long as I wanted. A lovely Church set back from the main road in a quiet location.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2651.jpg)
Having crossed the road I headed down to a park and in the general direction of the railway. I was accosted by some chap with a PA system who tried to sell me some tickets for a duck race and as much as I would have loved to get involved in community life I knew damn well I would never fit on a duck.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/DuckRace.jpg)
Betws-Y-Coed seems a very dog friendly place, even in the hotel and restaurant there were dogs just as there were in almost every direction you looked in the town centre.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/OneManHisDog.jpg)
In one of the main car parks opposite the railway were a number of motorcycles of which these two stood out for me. I don't know anything about Moto Guzzi's as they go but this looked a tidy machine. I'm not sure about the colour scheme on the Suzuki though, but each to their own.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/MotoGuzzi.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/CustomBike.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2674.jpg)
There are some quaint shops in the centre admittedly catering for the tourist trade but nevertheless they were worth a closer look. I found one shop selling tools, scythes etc which were clearly marked as Very Sharp. What does one customer do, runs her finger near the blade to check....the sales woman almost had a fit.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2666.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2665.jpg)
I had a look around the town's railway station just to see if it was like many others in tourist locations, it was.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/WelshEmblem.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2656.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2657.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2661.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2659.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2654.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2653.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2652.jpg)
Lots of outdoor type shops & other water attractions.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2678.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2676.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Swallow%20Falls%20August%20Bank%20Holiday%202011/100_2675.jpg)
All in all a very enjoyable weekend and it was great to meet some of the folk on this forum. A huge shame that more couldn't make it but work and other family committments sometimes get in the way. Is there going to be another? Well it seems that plans are already afoot. We definately need the reassurence that there will be sunshine next year. So pick wisely!
Well done Mr Wolf, that is, as usual, an excellent write up, especially for those of us who were unable to attend ! Sorry I sent the weather to the wrong place ...Duhhh ;D
It looks a great place and the bikes out the front of the Hotel just finish it off nicely ;D ;D
Shame you couldn't have packed the dogs into your top box .... they would have loved it !
Hi all back in home safe and sound had a good trip, to WET Wales great to meet some new friends and catch up with some old friends. as has already been suggested Europe next year i think, If i could throw a date/time into the hat how about either the may bank holidays or jubilee weekend that way it leaves the year clear for others to plan other trips and may not clash with family hols
Colin
Sad i missed the trip...but times allowing, i'll be there next time
All the talk of meeting abroad next year is well worth it........not sure about you lot, but germany suits me fine, as i can speak German which is helpful!!....FYI a small group of us (3 bikes...BMWx2 + 1x GTR are heading to the Harz mountains in northern Germnay for a 4 day trip (before we meet with the other members of our touring club in the Mosel valley).......end of May
you'd all be more than welcome to join me on this....i am fairly certain we could sort accom etc as long as we have numbers before December.......the Harz is a 440mile run from the chunnel (so not thaaaaat bad), hotel i know is biker specific, run by an ex-pat who will lead a group round the mountains for the cost of a sandwich and a tank of fuel ;D
Thanks to LW for organizing a the meet up. The man is a star.
Some of us may not be able to get away to Europe, so is anyone interested in a separate UK only meet up?
How many GTR's turned up as the pics are only showing half a dozen??
Steve, Tony, Viv, Neil, Colin, Kevin, Trevor and daytripper Asif.
There were a good many people commited to Swallow Falls but sadly due to work, other commitments and maybe the weather they were no shows.
Having organised meets myself I know it is a thankless task and Lonewolf did an admirable job.
I'll be up fo a meet next year either UK or further away may even have a quick hop over to the Emerald isle over Easter
Westcountry would suit me there would be Pasties too ;-)
Quote from: Lonewolf on September 01, 2011, 11:56:39 PMI suggested Torquay not because it would be handy for everyone, (I actually said it woud be handy for the Southerners) but because its only fair that those who travelled hundreds of miles to get to Wales get an opportunity to go to a local meet. You cant expect the same people to travel huge distances all the time, its about give and take, wouldn't you agree?
Local meet? Home to Swallow Falls: 307 miles. Home to Torquay: 265 miles.
I'm just kidding. ;D If we're free we'll be happy to ride up to JoG or across to Lands End, it's all about the riding isn't it?
Kevin
Quote from: Kevin on September 02, 2011, 08:17:57 AM
Local meet? Home to Swallow Falls: 307 miles. Home to Torquay: 265 miles.
I'm just kidding. ;D If we're free we'll be happy to ride up to JoG or across to Lands End, it's all about the riding isn't it?
Kevin
Kevin, I clearly didnt put a lot of thought into that did I? ;D
Closing this thread.
2012 discussion thread (http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,807.msg8306.html#msg8306)