Kawasaki 1400 GTR

Off Topic => General Discussion => Topic started by: SirToU on March 05, 2013, 12:06:25 PM

Title: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 05, 2013, 12:06:25 PM
Hi All,

I've got to go to South Cumbria on Thurdays/Friday can anyone give me some useful information about this neck of the woods?

(more information to follow later, when I know).

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: 100milesaway on March 05, 2013, 12:14:37 PM
Step forward Mr Hamer  :yes:  :listencarefully: Rog is ya man  :banana:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Lonewolf on March 05, 2013, 12:56:11 PM
First of all its a horrible area, you don't want to be going anywhere near it, yes that's right, all Southerners stay down south, move along now, nothing to see up there but sheep.


However the M6, now your talking, miles & miles of stunning tarmac...... :popcorn:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: BigAlan on March 05, 2013, 01:43:05 PM
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 05, 2013, 12:56:11 PM
First of all its a horrible area, you don't want to be going anywhere near it, yes that's right, all Southerners stay down south, move along now, nothing to see up there but sheep.


However the M6, now your talking, miles & miles of stunning tarmac...... :popcorn:

He's right, i hated every minute last year when i was with 100milesaway and Olde Coney riding around the Dales, terrible it was.  :mfr_lol:

Mind you the M6 was awesome on the way home.

Alan
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 05, 2013, 06:33:17 PM
LOL.

I have a business meeting at Barrow-in-Furness and if goes well, or not so well, be migrating up there!

:-)

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 05, 2013, 07:54:57 PM
Neil take absolutely no notice of those Philistines as they absolutely nothing of which they speak  :mfr_lol:

Barrow in Furness is 15 miles down the road from me and you will be passing within a mile or so of my Gaff.

you will of course be very welcome to call for a brew

What times are you travelling to and from ?

I'll P.M you my mobile and we can talk  :yes:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: patrick on March 05, 2013, 08:28:26 PM
Barrow.... at the end of the UK's longest cul-de-sac isn't it??   :mfr_lol:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 05, 2013, 08:39:03 PM
Quote from: patrick on March 05, 2013, 08:28:26 PM
Barrow.... at the end of the UK's longest cul-de-sac isn't it??   :mfr_lol:

Well kinda true Patrick ......but only a stones throw away is this

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRq1mFRWtRnSgoW4v_p-D51c22j-ck83tZLhR5iF3OOqqshXGu8bA

It's also where these are built to frighten off Johnny Foreigner  :mfr_lol:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNfXfF9IGh7OTtkiHzOyYAFESy0fl6ZntCsPWTmyFbfS7Fd-oR9A
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: patrick on March 05, 2013, 08:46:22 PM
I used live up in West Cumbria and loved the views down the West Coast, although my work up there usually took as far south as Millom.

On our (car) trip to Cumbria a couple of weekends ago I even had a blast across Corney Fell.

I don't think anyone can ever tire of the Cumbrian Scenery .

P
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 05, 2013, 08:57:24 PM
Well, I'm going for a tea/coffee to hear about old'e' english bikes....Thanks Roger but  I think it will be too dark to see the scenery.  :-(

But if all goes well, I might end up spending a couple of years - walking, cycling, getting wet and motorcycling in whats said to be some of the most beautiful countryside in the country.

fingers crossed.

I've just been advised by naval friend on the south coast to avoid the sub mariners!  hmmmmm.  its just a big sinking ships!  its not that scarey!

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: 100milesaway on March 05, 2013, 09:52:36 PM
Neil, If  god was a motorcyclist, and had an eye for stunning scenery the English lake district would be his playground :yes:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: mecki on March 06, 2013, 02:12:59 PM
Quote from: 100milesaway on March 05, 2013, 09:52:36 PM
Neil, If  god was a motorcyclist, and had an eye for stunning scenery the English lake district would be his playground :yes:

:no: Is that why he made the Alps?   :sleep1: :sleep1:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Lonewolf on March 06, 2013, 02:20:34 PM
Quote from: mecki on March 06, 2013, 02:12:59 PM
:no: Is that why he made the Alps?   :sleep1: :sleep1:


He made the Alps as a booby prize for those not fortunate enough to have The Lake District right on their doorstep, poor souls.  :punk:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: mecki on March 06, 2013, 02:35:18 PM
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 06, 2013, 02:20:34 PM

He made the Alps as a booby prize for those not fortunate enough to have The Lake District right on their doorstep, poor souls.  :punk:

You obviously haven't been over the Alps yet!  :mfr_lol:
Even Scotland or North Cumbria beat the lakes hands down.  :yes:
Crappy roads and far too many tourists  :2guns: - so even though it is probably closer to my doorstep than yours I stay well clear of it.    :yawn:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 06, 2013, 03:03:42 PM
Quote from: mecki on March 06, 2013, 02:35:18 PM
You obviously haven't been over the Alps yet!  :mfr_lol:
Even Scotland or North Cumbria beat the lakes hands down.  :yes:
Crappy roads and far too many tourists  :2guns: - so even though it is probably closer to my doorstep than yours I stay well clear of it.    :yawn:

Result  :yes:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Boomer on March 06, 2013, 05:14:27 PM
Yer all wrong.  :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:
The Alps/Pyrenees have too many hairpin bends which are no fun at all,... just scary!  :no:
The Lake District has too many cars/caravans/hikers.  :asshole:

Motorcycling Nirvana is in the Ardennes/Eiffel.
Vast tracts of empty roads through farmland and forests, twisties that motorcycles were made for over the rolling hills and occasional sharp drops into the river valleys. Anywhere inside the red line you will find great riding roads, although the Belgian sections can be rather rough and pot-holed.
Also has some excellent stuff to see like The Caves of Han, Rocroi Walled Town, The Castles of Luxembourg, Bastogne War museums, vineyards (Mosel region), Spa-Francorchamps race track (yes you can ride on some of it) and most importantly a vast selection of breweries.
Hotels are plentiful, cheap, and welcome motorcyclists. Food is excellent pretty much everywhere.
Apart from the rough Belgian roads the only other -ve is that the weather is similar to here. Take your waterproofs,... even in summer.
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: coman37 on March 06, 2013, 05:21:08 PM
Once again you are all wrong,  N260 Sort--- Ripoll  in N Spain the long sweeping open roads that Boomer yearns for without the hairpins,tourists, and rain of Belgium, Scotland and the Lake District all of which on a clear bright sunny day are magnificent but too few and far between to plan a successful jaunt

regards Coman
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: mecki on March 06, 2013, 05:57:41 PM
What good are empty wide sweeping roads if the speed limit is only 100 km/h (60mph)?  :no:
To pay hefty fines or even risk loosing my licence I don't have to go to the continent, I can do that as well here in the UK.  :whistling:
I love those high alpine passes with their hairpins and breathtaking views and don't find them scary at all.  :yes:
And if you don't feel like passes you can get all the other stuff in the Alps too.
:listencarefully: The high passes are after all only a tiny part of the region.
I have been through the Eifel and the Ardennes and didn't find them that exciting.
Don't know about Northern Spain so I can't make a comment about that.
Probably too hot for my taste.

But it is good that everybody has different preferences because otherwise the nice places would be rapidly over-crowded.  :hammer:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 06, 2013, 07:44:18 PM
I'll tell you what, I'll give you my opinion once I've done it.

Ive done the alps.... but not the passes - made our own route and got lost in a little place called Seehof. (dead end). (47.316177,7.559903 <---- put this number in google).

I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: patrick on March 06, 2013, 08:29:50 PM
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 06, 2013, 02:20:34 PM

He made the Alps as a booby prize for those not fortunate enough to have The Lake District right on their doorstep, poor souls.  :punk:

Nah...... definitely got to disagree with that one. Much as  I enjoy the Cumbria landscape I really want to see and ride in the Alps again ( and may be stretch the GTR's legs on an autobahn on the way there!

On my last trip to the Alps the hotel was at 1400 metres above sea level and the road head of the valley was 2700 at metres.  Hardnott and Wrynose cant compete with that :-)
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: patrick on March 06, 2013, 08:32:19 PM
Quote from: Boomer on March 06, 2013, 05:14:27 PM
Y

Motorcycling Nirvana is in the Ardennes/Eiffel.
Vast tracts of empty roads through farmland and forests, twisties that motorcycles were made for over the rolling hills and occasional sharp drops into the river valleys.

I agree on this one. Had a full out in the Ardennes. Not knowing the area we just looked on a road map picked some twisty looking roads and popped a town or two in the sat nav.  Great!
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Lonewolf on March 07, 2013, 03:19:21 AM
I haven't done any bike touring overseas for 25 years and whilst I fully enjoyed my jaunt to St Tropez on my Honda CX 500 I am very content currently to potter about The Lakes & Scotland especially but in fact anywhere in the UK. 
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 07, 2013, 07:00:22 AM
Quote from: SirToU on March 05, 2013, 12:06:25 PM
Hi All,

I've got to go to South Cumbria on Thurdays/Friday can anyone give me some useful information about this neck of the woods?

(more information to follow later, when I know).

Neil

  Just to bring the post back onto topic Neil....It was good to chat and I'll see you on Friday  :smiley:

Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 07, 2013, 07:20:43 PM
We'll I am here!

Did I see anything - Buggar All.  It wasn't raining, but it wasn't exactly clear blue skies either.  What's all the fuss about?  ;-)

Actually, I can up on the A1 and turned left over the top of Leeds (remember, I'm a southerner).

From Leeds to Skipton, then on to Barrow - even in less than perfect weather, it was a good choice - A1 was great (as far as motorways go), but the A465 was  excellent, caught me out a few times because I was too busy looking at what scenery I could see (1-2 mile visibility). and the hills and corners - Living in Cambridgeshite - I'd forgot about the whinedy bits....  :-)

It has everything, a little of northern France, Southern France, Southern England, Wales and NONE of London - Move up here for the weekends - where do I sign?  I just gotta find the really really nice bits now... - Oh and do what I'm up here to do - work  :-(

Thanks all for your helpful comments, even if they were telling me not too..  :-)

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 09, 2013, 08:26:06 AM
Neil, it was great to meet yesterday after years of 'forum communication'   :mfr_lol:

Good to know that you had a safe journey home.

As they say in Bonnie Scotland "Haste ye back"
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Debs on March 09, 2013, 12:23:55 PM
Quote from: olde coney on March 09, 2013, 08:26:06 AM
Neil, it was great to meet yesterday after years of 'forum communication'   :mfr_lol:

Good to know that you had a safe journey home.

As they say in Bonnie Scotland "Haste ye back"

He did say he was excited to see your bike collection.. I hope you didnt disappoint him..   :mfr_lol:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on March 09, 2013, 07:28:46 PM
Debs - they were very nice.

Thank you OC for the Tea, and flask of coffee (refilled my flask for me, before the 5 hour ride home).  when it was raining, and I was under the petrol forecourt canopy, it made a fantastic stop.  better than the rubbish they call coffee in the shop!

I have to say, I am really looking forward to some of the bike trips in the lakes.  What a place.

Thanks again Roger and hopefully catch up again soon.

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on March 09, 2013, 09:05:06 PM
Quote from: Debs on March 09, 2013, 12:23:55 PM
He did say he was excited to see your bike collection.. I hope you didnt disappoint him..   :mfr_lol:

I think Neil liked them Debs, they're not to everyones taste but I like 'em  :smiley:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: SirToU on April 03, 2013, 07:14:46 PM
Confirm today.... I'm moving to Cumbria!   I just want to play on the Cumbrian and Yorkshire roads.

Hopefully OC will show me the good biker meets when it warms up and I move up here in approximately 4 weeks! 

Neil
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: 100milesaway on April 03, 2013, 09:04:17 PM
Good lad Neil, looking forward to meeting up, and playing out. You are in for a VERY special summer,  on some of motorcyclings finest roads surrounded by the best scenery on earth. I am sure you have made a very wise decision to come and join the northern numpties :yes: :banana:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: O.C. on April 04, 2013, 07:07:06 AM
Quote from: 100milesaway on April 03, 2013, 09:04:17 PM
Good lad Neil, looking forward to meeting up, and playing out. You are in for a VERY special summer,  on some of motorcyclings finest roads surrounded by the best scenery on earth. I am sure you have made a very wise decision to come and join the northern numpties :yes: :banana:


:stupid:  well done Neil, sorry I haven't seen you this last week or so. but we'll have plenty time to tour the Cumbrian/Yorkshire highways and byeways this season  :yes:

And congratulations on the move I'm sure all will work out well for you  :clap:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Debs on April 04, 2013, 03:36:57 PM
Quote from: 100milesaway on April 03, 2013, 09:04:17 PM
northern numpties

I couldn't agree more...  :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: 100milesaway on April 04, 2013, 03:42:13 PM
Now now Debra, dont be cheeky, Even Northern Numpties can go off folk ya know :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :yes:
Title: Re: South Cumbria?
Post by: Debs on April 04, 2013, 03:55:31 PM
Quote from: 100milesaway on April 04, 2013, 03:42:13 PM
Now now Debra, dont be cheeky, Even Northern Numpties can go off folk ya know :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :yes:

You would never go off me  :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: