Hi all - I was referred here by gPink on the COG forum in the US.
I'm taking advantage of Air Canada's "fly your bike" program to do a round trip tour of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales between 23-May and 2-Jun. I put a link to my route plan below - yes I know it's aggressive, I'll be riding solo so I can make adjustments along the way as needed. Unfortunately I can't get more than 2 weeks off work.
I think I have all the shipping logistics figured out, and I'll be either camping or using Airbnb to find a room each night along the way.
Any local knowledge is appreciated - regarding the routes, tips/advice, etc. Yes I realize that Isle of Man is going on while I'm there, but it'd take too much time to ferry in and out of there for not much riding, so that will have to wait for another trip when I have more time.
And if any of you are ever in my area -north/west of New York City - let me know!
Thanks!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xD6ZuOZ7IxyTzxMxihlmLJn1Oas&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xD6ZuOZ7IxyTzxMxihlmLJn1Oas&usp=sharing)
Good luck. Have a nice trip :punk:
Wow that's a fair bit of riding there, I'm a trucker and the one big fly in the ointment over here is way over crowded roads, road repairs, grid lock, accidents, and a whole lot of other stuff that will eat into your day to day riding times.
Until you get way up north then the traffic does thin out a little, don't get me wrong we have some great biking roads and beautiful scenery.
Enjoy your holiday and if you do change the latter part of your route and find time to visit Warwick we have a spare room that your welcome to. :sleep1: :sleep1:
Good luck, looks like a great ride. make sure you have wet suit and insect/midge repellent if riding in Scotland in June. You might like to take a look at the following sites:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Good luck
ChrisB
Hmm.
Personal opinion is some of those days are quite ambitious, have you plotted them and timed them ?
Personally I would do the Heathrow to Hull short route, the long route via Ely and Kings Lynn is not the most scenic [ majority is reclaimed marshland and very flat ]
In north Scotland a lot of the western part of the red route is single track road [ though tarmac paved] with passing places and I reckon you would not average more than 40mph.
Applecross is a wonderful route but again single track with passing places and a few very tight hairpin bends, a fully laden 1400 will be a bit of a handful.
Likewise your yellow route through the Lake District will be full of tourists in campervans and mobile homes, you may well find your timetable slipping there.
I stand to be corrected by others, but like I said only my opinion.
why Hull :mfr_lol:
I'm with doebag on this one...some of those routes will require at least two days to complete and appreciate, the roads are small and can be busy which will slow you down
I see that you have nine different colours on your route plan and think that you will definitely need more than 9 days to complete
Good luck, keep us posted about your journey which does include some stunning areas and outstanding riding roads :clap:
Not sure I can add anything other than agree with what has already been said; some of those days may be a little ambitious.
Our roads are a lot smaller and twisting than roads on your side of the pond: your average ground speed is going to be way *way* less than you've calculated.
If you're planning spending 6am until 9pm in the saddle, stopping only for fuel (and the occasional coffee and bite to eat) then you will be able to do those routes. Not the best way too see another country though, really.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time. Oh, and be prepared to get wet. Especially in Ireland. You know it's called "The Emerald Isle"? There is a reason for it being so green :grin:
Cheers
Paul B.
Just put your Day 4 into a route planner.
It is showing 408 miles in 10 hours [ 40mph average ] purely on the road time. That includes good quality highways where you can do the national speed limit.
I recently did the NC500 a few weeks ago and I am sure you will not better that time.
Add on a couple of fuel stops, at least one food/drink stop plus any getting off the bike to stretch out and actually see the scenery and you are looking at a 12 hour day.
do less miles and see much more !
Thank you all for all the feedback on the routes. I'm traveling solo so I will be able to make adjustments on the fly. I did the trip planning in Garmin Basecamp and relied pretty heavily on it's trip timings, sounds like I probably need to dial it back 25% on speed to plan more realistic days. Worst case I can skip some segments so I can stick to my schedule. I do plan to spend between 8-10 hours a day on the bike, only stopping for petrol and quick food - it's what I'm used to when I'm on trips like this.
Quote from: Icefever on April 28, 2017, 04:12:00 AM
Enjoy your holiday and if you do change the latter part of your route and find time to visit Warwick we have a spare room that your welcome to. :sleep1: :sleep1:
Thanks much for the offer, I'll let you know if I end up that way.
Quote from: doebag on April 28, 2017, 02:14:40 PM
Personally I would do the Heathrow to Hull short route, the long route via Ely and Kings Lynn is not the most scenic [ majority is reclaimed marshland and very flat ]
In north Scotland a lot of the western part of the red route is single track road [ though tarmac paved] with passing places and I reckon you would not average more than 40mph.
Applecross is a wonderful route but again single track with passing places and a few very tight hairpin bends, a fully laden 1400 will be a bit of a handful.
Likewise your yellow route through the Lake District will be full of tourists in campervans and mobile homes, you may well find your timetable slipping there.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. The longer Heathrow to Hull was based on a tour from the book I was using, I created the shorter one since I'm not sure what time I'm getting my bike through customs and wanted a more direct route.
I had seen pictures and read about the single-track roads in Scotland but it wasn't clear from the mapping software which roads those were. I have a couple alternatives including cutting across the NC500 through the hills, and skipping Applecross or Isle of Skye altogether to make up time if needed. My worst case "parachute" is that I ditch Ireland and stick to England and Scotland if I'm enjoying the roads and sights and am not making good time.
As for the lake district - I was hoping that getting through there the ween of 22-May ahead of the holiday weekend would work in my favor - wishful thinking?
Quote from: mikeyw64 on April 28, 2017, 02:32:07 PM
why Hull :mfr_lol:
It's a Doctor Who thing. Based on all the other feedback I'm thinking that I'm better off heading straight up towards the lake district and skipping Hull on the first day. Maybe better off heading up through Peak District?
Thanks again to everyone for the advice, cautions, and encouraging words! It's really appreciated.
Guy
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on April 29, 2017, 05:38:10 AM
It's a Doctor Who thing. Based on all the other feedback I'm thinking that I'm better off heading straight up towards the lake district and skipping Hull on the first day. Maybe better off heading up through Peak District?
In which case you're better heading for (my hometown) Cardiff and going to the Dr Who exhibition plus its where a lot of it is shot :)
(all of the below are quick & dirty and not detailed)
ANyways that aside I f I was doing it I would head up to mine day 1, which is a comfortable day and gets you settled in (also takes in the Cat & Fiddle)
https://goo.gl/maps/QvkPNJXv3PQ2
Day 2 I would punch aout a bit longer and only give you a "taste" of the Lakes (up as far as Penrith is part of a regular Sunday ride out for me but instead of coming home I've continued you up to Jedburgh. unfortunately Im in work otherwise would take you on this leg)
Takes in places such as Ribblehead and Tan Hill (UKs highest pub above sea level)
https://goo.gl/maps/o4xttutVSTs
Day 3 I would go straight up to John O'Groats (easily doable, have done it a couple of times)
https://goo.gl/maps/GFygscC3TJr
WHich then means Day 4 you can enjoy the ride around to Applecross as per your original
Day 5 I would probably just cut out the diversion to Skye
Day 6,7,8 I havent got a clue about as havent been over to NI or Ireland (dont forget you need Euro in the South not £sterling)
Day 9 as it is is a bit of a killer, personally I would stop at Cardiff (did I mention Dr Who exhibition in Cardiff Bay ??) then just shoot down the M4 to Heathrow the following morning back to Heathrow but I don't know what flexibility you have.
ALso bear in mind that the 27th May-29th may is a Bank (Public) Holiday weekend
This could be quite an interesting thread.
Have you ever visited/driven in the UK before?
The reason I ask is that your first day out of Heathrow involves two of the busiest motorways in the south east of England, the M25 and M1
Compared to the US, besides driving on the other side of the road, you may find lane discipline over here leaves something to be desired at times, filtering [lane splitting] is legal, and you will need to make sure you are familiar with our road signs .
In Scotland, the maximum speed limit is explicitly signed by e.g 60 or 70 numerals on a circular sign.
However in England and Wales the maximum speed limit can be indicated by the sign below, which on dual carriageway roads is 70mph, but on single carriageway roads [ no centre reservation / median strip] is 60mph. It would be very easy to get stopped for the sake of not understanding the signage
Quote from: doebag on April 29, 2017, 10:47:44 AM
This could be quite an interesting thread.
Have you ever visited/driven in the UK before?
The reason I ask is that your first day out of Heathrow involves two of the busiest motorways in the south east of England, the M25 and M1
Compared to the US, besides driving on the other side of the road, you may find lane discipline over here leaves something to be desired at times, filtering [lane splitting] is legal, and you will need to make sure you are familiar with our road signs .
In Scotland, the maximum speed limit is explicitly signed by e.g 60 or 70 numerals on a circular sign.
However in England and Wales the maximum speed limit can be indicated by the sign below, which on dual carriageway roads is 70mph, but on single carriageway roads [ no centre reservation / median strip] is 60mph. It would be very easy to get stopped for the sake of not understanding the signage
And don't forget we have those quaint things called "roundabouts" :)
On the plus side though the only guns our coppers generally have are laser ones :mfr_lol:
Quote from: mikeyw64 on April 29, 2017, 06:38:16 AM
ANyways that aside I f I was doing it I would head up to mine day 1, which is a comfortable day and gets you settled in (also takes in the Cat & Fiddle)
https://goo.gl/maps/QvkPNJXv3PQ2
Day 2 I would punch aout a bit longer and only give you a "taste" of the Lakes (up as far as Penrith is part of a regular Sunday ride out for me but instead of coming home I've continued you up to Jedburgh. unfortunately Im in work otherwise would take you on this leg)
Takes in places such as Ribblehead and Tan Hill (UKs highest pub above sea level)
https://goo.gl/maps/o4xttutVSTs
Day 3 I would go straight up to John O'Groats (easily doable, have done it a couple of times)
https://goo.gl/maps/GFygscC3TJr
WHich then means Day 4 you can enjoy the ride around to Applecross as per your original
Day 5 I would probably just cut out the diversion to Skye
Day 6,7,8 I havent got a clue about as havent been over to NI or Ireland (dont forget you need Euro in the South not £sterling)
Day 9 as it is is a bit of a killer, personally I would stop at Cardiff (did I mention Dr Who exhibition in Cardiff Bay ??) then just shoot down the M4 to Heathrow the following morning back to Heathrow but I don't know what flexibility you have.
ALso bear in mind that the 27th May-29th may is a Bank (Public) Holiday weekend
Wow - thank you for the detailed route advice - one question.. several of the pages I read said that Honister pass and Whinlatter pass were must see rides - your "taste of the lakes district" skips those. What's your take on that extra loop to go through those two passes, just not worth the traffic and frustration?
And agreed, if I can get to Cardiff it would be the best for the Whovian in me. I like that your map mods get me a bit farther, and whether or not I skip skye will have more to do with ferry timing than anything... if it does me good to get to Cairnryan earlier, and that gives me extra time in Ireland, that could be a good call.
Thanks again for the time you spent putting this together - very helpful!
Guy
Quote from: doebag on April 29, 2017, 10:47:44 AM
Have you ever visited/driven in the UK before?
The reason I ask is that your first day out of Heathrow involves two of the busiest motorways in the south east of England, the M25 and M1
Compared to the US, besides driving on the other side of the road, you may find lane discipline over here leaves something to be desired at times, filtering [lane splitting] is legal, and you will need to make sure you are familiar with our road signs .
In Scotland, the maximum speed limit is explicitly signed by e.g 60 or 70 numerals on a circular sign.
However in England and Wales the maximum speed limit can be indicated by the sign below, which on dual carriageway roads is 70mph, but on single carriageway roads [ no centre reservation / median strip] is 60mph. It would be very easy to get stopped for the sake of not understanding the signage
Thanks for the tips - I've been reading the highway code and watching youtube videos on signage in the UK, trying to be as prepared as I can be. I haven't ridden in the UK before, but I did ride in India last year (admittedly on a much smaller bike). What's your advice on filtering with a fully loaded GTR? I'm assuming that sometimes it's just not possible with her wide hips.
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on May 01, 2017, 01:21:53 AM
Thanks for the tips - I've been reading the highway code and watching youtube videos on signage in the UK, trying to be as prepared as I can be. I haven't ridden in the UK before, but I did ride in India last year (admittedly on a much smaller bike). What's your advice on filtering with a fully loaded GTR? I'm assuming that sometimes it's just not possible with her wide hips.
The basic advice is to always leave as much space as possible, many drivers simply do not check their rear view/side mirrors before switching lanes, especially in slow moving or standing traffic, it's easy to get wiped out in this situation, I always assume that every driver in that scenario is out to get me.
There are a number of members on here who travel in heavy traffic regularly and are much better equipped to answer your question than I am, I'm sure they will be along soon
Another thing to be wary of is what we call the Sunday driver, that is someone (often senior generation) who is out for a relaxed drive on a Sunday, they can be a nightmare as their awareness is often very poor, my point is that they are often found on scenic narrow country roads, some of which you will be using, also watch out for potholes in the road surfaces, some country roads are not in the best state of repair.
Don't be put off by the thought that your trip is going to be a nightmare, it isn't, but you do need to be aware of potential pitfalls
I have visited India a few times and have witnessed first hand the driving behaviour of the locals, so I reckon if you navigated that safely then you should be ok on our roads
Enjoy your trip and don't forget to report back :clap:
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on May 01, 2017, 01:18:40 AM
Wow - thank you for the detailed route advice - one question.. several of the pages I read said that Honister pass and Whinlatter pass were must see rides - your "taste of the lakes district" skips those. What's your take on that extra loop to go through those two passes, just not worth the traffic and frustration?
And agreed, if I can get to Cardiff it would be the best for the Whovian in me. I like that your map mods get me a bit farther, and whether or not I skip skye will have more to do with ferry timing than anything... if it does me good to get to Cairnryan earlier, and that gives me extra time in Ireland, that could be a good call.
Thanks again for the time you spent putting this together - very helpful!
Guy
There's a danger with " must sees" after all going south theres no Cheddar Gorge or Dartmoor Prison ;)
Yes the Honister pass is very nice and pretty but that also attracts the tourists
Slightly modified
https://goo.gl/maps/DgcmxPN5VzJ2
If I really wanted to give you a taste of wildness in the Lakes I would send you over the Wrynose & Hardknott passes but that would be a real struggle for a fully loaded GTR and would be the place you're most likely to drop it !! That said the view from the top on a clear day out over the Irish sea towards the Isle of Man is amazing
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/the-northerner/2014/jul/15/in-praise-of-britains-two-most-outrageous-roads-wrynose-and-hardknott-passes
https://goo.gl/maps/6bEBHTpymaU2
Mind you thats really the problem, you could spend an entire day just explotring the Lakes if you really wanted todo it justice :)
Quote from: O.C. on May 01, 2017, 07:12:46 AM
The basic advice is to always leave as much space as possible, many drivers simply do not check their rear view/side mirrors before switching lanes, especially in slow moving or standing traffic, it's easy to get wiped out in this situation, I always assume that every driver in that scenario is out to get me.
There are a number of members on here who travel in heavy traffic regularly and are much better equipped to answer your question than I am, I'm sure they will be along soon
If the mirrors fit the rest of the bike will :clap:
Also worth keeping your thumb over the horn and consider a little "toot toot" (not a full blooded "barp") to attract attention.
Oh and don't set suckered into following someone else, ride for yourself unlike this chap (http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=6370.0)
It is a few years since I commuted/filtered regularly.
Again my personal view:-
If traffic is moving at about 20mph or more I stay in my lane.Lower than that I may filter.
I use first gear so there is lots of engine braking available, and slow enough so you only need to use the rear brake.
Look well up the line of traffic, if you see a gap in the lane, assume a car will want to fill it by changing lane.
If bikes behind you are catching up, pull in to your lane and let them pass, don't then be tempted to follow them at their higher speed.
Filtering for long distances [ road accident or lane closure causing long queues ] can be tiring, no shame in pulling back in to your lane and putting your feet down
You don't 'have' to filter, if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it.
Maybe some visible reminder on your screen/mirror to remind you to 'ride left' is a good idea, especially on lightly trafficked roads in Scotland. There are regular occurrences of European drivers pulling out of rest areas and forgetting to drive left, sometimes with fatal results for bikers.
If you do go to Ireland [ not Northern Ireland ] their road signs are different and their speed limits are in kilometres per hour.' 80' is km/h = 50 mph. A big difference!
I would keep a eye on the weather forecasts for Scotland and Ireland and plan my routes on that as Scotland can be a washout and gale force anytime , North Yorkshire upwards is the place to be I would start there and go into the lakes then onto Scotland ,get a ferry across to Ireland , and ride the ring of Kerry , it takes time to get anywhere in this country , motorways are horrid ,,,, have a good time ,
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on May 01, 2017, 01:18:40 AM
Wow - thank you for the detailed route advice - one question.. several of the pages I read said that Honister pass and Whinlatter pass were must see rides - your "taste of the lakes district" skips those. What's your take on that extra loop to go through those two passes, just not worth the traffic and frustration?
And agreed, if I can get to Cardiff it would be the best for the Whovian in me. I like that your map mods get me a bit farther, and whether or not I skip skye will have more to do with ferry timing than anything... if it does me good to get to Cairnryan earlier, and that gives me extra time in Ireland, that could be a good call.
Thanks again for the time you spent putting this together - very help
Guy
There is a toll bridge over to Skye so no need to worry about the ferry
Quote from: moayling on May 01, 2017, 10:14:34 AM
There is a toll bridge over to Skye so no need to worry about the ferry
It's free now :banana:
Cheers
Paul B
Quote from: PaulB on May 01, 2017, 10:42:28 AM
It's free now :banana:
Cheers
Paul B
Thanks Paul. Even better as I'm doing the NC500 myself in 4 weeks. Last time l went over there was when l drove a coach load of tourists over about 10 years ago
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Scottish parliament removed all bridge/tunnel tolls a number of years ago.
Oh, and if you go to the Republic of Ireland, switch your sat-nav to local Km/h readings.
The bike will still be in familiar mph, but you can cross reference to your sat-nav for local limits without doing 'divide by 8, multiply by 5' in your head all the time.
I'm overwhelmed by all the advice and feedback - really, thank you all for taking the time. Incredibly helpful - I know I'm repeating myself but every time I log in there's so much new information!
A question on camping - I have installed a few apps on my phone that have directories to campsites in the UK and Ireland, and I was hoping to camp at least half the nights there. I camp regularly in the US, and from what I've seen on the web, campsites in the UK look very similar - areas for caravans, tents, etc, and usually some sort of common toilet/shower arrangement and sometimes having to buy tokens to use the showers. A few will have pay laundry machines as well, allowing me to pack for half the days assuming I'll find a way to wash clothes along the ride.
Any advice here? In the US I'm normally able to identify a campsite when I stop late afternoon and figure out where I'm likely to end up at the end of the day, call them and check availability, show up around 7PM and set up camp, then get up relatively early and get on the road by 7:30AM the next morning.
Guy
In most parts of Scotland ONLY, wild camping is legal.
See here
https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/wild-camping/
If this has already been mentioned (and I've missed it) please accept my apologies but whereabouts will you be at the end of May ? I ask because ALL the major motorways (Interstates to you) become car parks as millions of cars/motorhomes/caravans/HGV's (trucks) travel and the result is often gridlock.
If you stay off of the M-ways and away from the bigger cities you stand a better chance of keeping moving, I type this as somebody who only recently took 8.5 hours to complete a mere 150 mile trip undertaken on a Bank Holiday. :shit:
Best wishes and have a brilliant and safe trip :biker3:
Quote from: davetherave on May 02, 2017, 01:43:46 PM
If this has already been mentioned (and I've missed it) please accept my apologies but whereabouts will you be at the end of May ? I ask because ALL the major motorways (Interstates to you) become car parks as millions of cars/motorhomes/caravans/HGV's (trucks) travel and the result is often gridlock.
If you stay off of the M-ways and away from the bigger cities you stand a better chance of keeping moving, I type this as somebody who only recently took 8.5 hours to complete a mere 150 mile trip undertaken on a Bank Holiday. :shit:
Best wishes and have a brilliant and safe trip :biker3:
It's a great question - here's my current rough agenda, making some changes thanks to all the suggestions here:
21-May : Home to Montreal
22-May : Montreal air cargo, plenty of time to get Connie checked in, late flight
23-May : Arrive, receive bike, Heathrow to Bolton
24-May : Bolton to Jedburgh (thanks MikeyW64 for these two routes)
25-May : Jedburg to John O'Groats
26-May : John O'Groats to somewhere - still updating the routes here, whether I try to do Skye, head over to Loch Ness for a tourist day, not sure
------ Holiday weekend -------
27-May : Reservation in Cairnryan at a B&B
28-May : Reservation for 07:30 ferry to Lairne, Giants causeway and a taste of the atlantic coast
29-May : To south coast of Ireland with a few diversions, still finalizing
----------------------------------
30-May : East to Dublin, 14:15 ferry to Holyhead
31-May : Through wales to Cardiff and (hopefully) Doctor Who exhibit
1-Jun : Drop bike off at air cargo by end of day, renting a room in Paddington for 2 nights
2-Jun : On foot in London seeing the typical sights - first time there
3-Jun : Fly back/Ride home if I get my bike quickly
4-Jun : Ride home if I'm too tired to ride on 3-Jun
Let me know your thoughts on my timing and what to expect with these areas, I'm really hoping I'll be far enough out of the way by the bank holiday weekend that I won't be too badly affected.
Guy
more than welcome to use my spare bedroom, might even see if I can get a day off and joing you up as far as the lakes
I've been watching this with interest; I have not jumped in before because the other members have pretty much already given you the advice that I would.
I have no experience of transatlantic shipping and have never done the island of Ireland but here are a few thoughts of my own:
Heathrow > Bolton – Definitely achievable but I presume mostly motorway work, so not much to look back at in your photo album in your old age unless you are thinking of cutting through the Peak District?
Bolton > Jedburgh – should be a nice day on the bike, a taste of either the Lake District or North Yorkshire, Northumberland and the Borders.
Jedburgh > John O'Groats. OK, now this is just a personal opinion but I think the west coast of Scotland is far more spectacular than the east. The thing with John O'Groats is that it is furthest point you can travel to from Lands End in the south west of England, but in some ways it is just a box to tick. If I were time limited I would be spending what I have around the Assynt Mountains and the Torridon area. Every time I have had the choice I have gone for Ullapool as my furthest north destination. There is a reasonable camping site on the edge of Loch Broom that has the advantage that you can walk into the town and fill yourself with something to eat and a couple of beers and still stagger back to your tent in some safety. (I'd be interested in hearing other member's thoughts on the East / West debate, maybe I am on my own here!)
Northern Scotland > Cairnryan: Whether it is John O'Groats or Ullapool you start from, perhaps try going south via the A82 (Inverness, Fort William etc.) assuming that you went north on the A9 on your outward trip. The A82 will take you down the side of Loch Ness and except for a few tight bits at the northern end of Loch Lomond you should be able to make good progress on a nice rideable road. I'd knock Skye on the head for time reasons, even if you only picked up Applecross it is eight and a half hours in the saddle without breaks. Just watch you fuel gauge up here, it is not that badly served but don't assume that you are going to find a petrol station with 15 miles – you may not.
Holyhead > Cardiff – Probably the most direct route is the A470 which should make for a good bike ride taking in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. About five hours riding though so depending on what time your ferry from Dublin docks you may struggle to get into Cardiff before any exhibition shuts.
Cardiff > Heathrow: This is only a three hour motorway run so you should have plenty of time to spend the morning in Cardiff to take in what you want you want and still get into London for the evening.
The most important thing – have a good time and stay safe! I like others on here would really appreciate your thoughts on your trip and a few photos would not go amiss. If you get back home feeling slightly frustrated because you could have done with three nights in every town that you could only spend one, it is still a success of sorts.
Now, the big question that everyone else has been too embarrassed to ask; what sort of money does it cost to fly a bike that sort of distance? I am curious because there are a few places that I would love to ride but seem out of reach by rubber and tarmac alone within the maximum two weeks I can take from work. If you don't want to answer I won't be offended!
Pete
@Guy
Ok done a rather better run from mine (whether you want to stay or not) up to Jedbugh(ish)
Split into two sections.
If I can I'll come with you as far as Penrith before shooting back down the M6 home
https://goo.gl/maps/2QA7y8GYLMH2
The I'll leave yo uto strike out towards Scotland, there's no real bad way :)
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Penrith/Jedburgh/@54.9921957,-2.6498616,9z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x487c5590670b3849:0x45dbca264a6bfb4e!2m2!1d-2.752708!2d54.664097!1m5!1m1!1s0x487d80a8a3477a9b:0x6f77b35ac1d3e19e!2m2!1d-2.5549369!2d55.477721
Hell I'll even throw a spanner in the works and suggest you either head for an overnight stop at Lindisfarne
https://goo.gl/maps/we5QuNuj6MF2
Or Shoot up and find somewhere around the Edinburgh Area to shorten the run to JOG
https://goo.gl/maps/tDgsr165Jbx
Hell If I could get 2 days off I'd come up to Edinburgh with you, I have a mate lives in Dunfermline, But I cant I'm off to Cyprus on the 31st and most of my annual leave has already been taken/pre booked for later this year (off to Portugal)
BTW I would call in at Loch Ness on the way from Edinburgh to JOG
https://goo.gl/maps/WhCPg3ca1N32
From Jog I would head to Applecross via Ullapool, thees a cracking campsite at Applecross and not a bad pub either :)
https://goo.gl/maps/3ryzma36V9G2
Both of those last two legs I have done almost exactly inas part of a 3 day tour round Scotland so easily doable
For the final leg din Scotland I would do this route, mostly main roads but with some cracking views
https://goo.gl/maps/LDSyQPdtf8B2
Quote from: Rynglieder on May 02, 2017, 07:44:58 PM
Heathrow > Bolton – Definitely achievable but I presume mostly motorway work, so not much to look back at in your photo album in your old age unless you are thinking of cutting through the Peak District?
:agree:
which is why I suggested diverting off through Olney/Market Harborough to break the Motorway monotony and also take in the Via Gellia and the Cat & Fiddle
https://goo.gl/maps/QvkPNJXv3PQ2
Its a nice steady break in day (I used to live in Aylesbury and regularly run up to Bolton)
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 02, 2017, 06:17:51 PM
more than welcome to use my spare bedroom, might even see if I can get a day off and joing you up as far as the lakes
Mike - thanks fo the offer, I sent you a PM... would be grateful to ride with you if that works out.
Guy
Quote from: Rynglieder on May 02, 2017, 07:44:58 PM
The most important thing – have a good time and stay safe! I like others on here would really appreciate your thoughts on your trip and a few photos would not go amiss. If you get back home feeling slightly frustrated because you could have done with three nights in every town that you could only spend one, it is still a success of sorts.
Now, the big question that everyone else has been too embarrassed to ask; what sort of money does it cost to fly a bike that sort of distance? I am curious because there are a few places that I would love to ride but seem out of reach by rubber and tarmac alone within the maximum two weeks I can take from work. If you don't want to answer I won't be offended!
Pete
Wow it's going to take me a while to digest all of this - thank you so much. I completely agree that it is a bit of a whirlwind tour, but I want to see as much as I can in the time I have. No doubt I will end up wishing I had more time - story of my life.
I'm flying the bike under a special program that Air Canada has run the last few years, where they discount the freight if you fly with the bike. The cost varies based on destination, London was the cheapest that I looked into. Using Google to convert it looks like it comes to around £480 each way to ship the bike from Montreal to Heathrow. There are about another £200 in other charges - hiring a dangerous goods specialist at the source, hiring a freight forwarder at the destination, insurance, etc. I don't know if Air Canada's deal is available unless your trip originates from Canada, but might be worth looking into.
Here's a link to the offer details: https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/shipping/shipping-solutions/ac-dgr/#tab_motorcycle (https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/shipping/shipping-solutions/ac-dgr/#tab_motorcycle)
you will be doing this rather nice little stretch :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c5OivtrU1c
Lucky me...I live in Leyburn and consequently travel and have travelled that road hundreds of times, the road is superb and the views even better :yes:
Until 2+ years ago I spent 20 years living in the stunning English lake District and therefore took advantage of the amazing roads and scenery in that part of the world ......memories that will live with me forever :smiley: :biker3:
I know that all here wish you a great trip to the UK.
I can add nothing to what the chaps have already told you, indeed I'll be taking advantage of the information myself in due course as there's always places in this country to visit despite having lived here all my life.
So do have a good one.
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 02, 2017, 07:54:52 PM
@Guy
If I can I'll come with you as far as Penrith before shooting back down the M6 home
https://goo.gl/maps/2QA7y8GYLMH2
The I'll leave yo uto strike out towards Scotland, there's no real bad way :)
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Penrith/Jedburgh/@54.9921957,-2.6498616,9z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x487c5590670b3849:0x45dbca264a6bfb4e!2m2!1d-2.752708!2d54.664097!1m5!1m1!1s0x487d80a8a3477a9b:0x6f77b35ac1d3e19e!2m2!1d-2.5549369!2d55.477721
Hell I'll even throw a spanner in the works and suggest you either head for an overnight stop at Lindisfarne
https://goo.gl/maps/we5QuNuj6MF2
Or Shoot up and find somewhere around the Edinburgh Area to shorten the run to JOG
https://goo.gl/maps/tDgsr165Jbx
Hell If I could get 2 days off I'd come up to Edinburgh with you, I have a mate lives in Dunfermline, But I cant I'm off to Cyprus on the 31st and most of my annual leave has already been taken/pre booked for later this year (off to Portugal)
BTW I would call in at Loch Ness on the way from Edinburgh to JOG
https://goo.gl/maps/WhCPg3ca1N32
From Jog I would head to Applecross via Ullapool, thees a cracking campsite at Applecross and not a bad pub either :)
https://goo.gl/maps/3ryzma36V9G2
Both of those last two legs I have done almost exactly inas part of a 3 day tour round Scotland so easily doable
For the final leg din Scotland I would do this route, mostly main roads but with some cracking views
https://goo.gl/maps/LDSyQPdtf8B2
Mike - this is all great stuff. I can decide at Penrith whether I head to Jedburgh or Edinburgh, depending on timing. Still deciding between heading all the way up to JOG or cutting the corner and spending more time around the Assynt mountains. I think you've worked this into one of your maps but I have to go through it in some more detail. For now, I'm locked on meeting up with you on the 23rd and riding with you through the lake district on the 24th, I'll finish remapping the rest over the next few days.
Guy
WHilst I remember you have taken into account the cost of fuel over here haven't you ?
Currently (standard) Unleaded is an average of £1.16 (although may be higher in remote areas) per litre which is equivalent to US$5.65 per US Gallon
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 04, 2017, 07:06:07 AM
WHilst I remember you have taken into account the cost of fuel over here haven't you ?
Currently (standard) Unleaded is an average of £1.16 (although may be higher in remote areas) per litre which is equivalent to US$5.65 per US Gallon
Mike - definitely, I've planned for £1.20/liter for petrol, assuming an average of 35MPG. Thanks for mentioning it.
BTW - if anyone is interested, I mentioned in an earlier response that I rode in India last year - forgot that I posted a video to Youtube:
https://youtu.be/iPFlJUXgJ8I
is that 35mpg US or 35 mpg imperial ;)
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 04, 2017, 08:49:13 PM
is that 35mpg US or 35 mpg imperial ;)
presuming thats US Mpg thats 42mpg Imperial which is about what I normally average, occasionally on a run out it might creep up to around 49mpg if im being gentle but.....
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 04, 2017, 08:52:26 PM
presuming thats US Mpg thats 42mpg Imperial which is about what I normally average, occasionally on a run out it might creep up to around 49mpg if im being gentle but.....
Yes US MPG... honestly I was ignorant that there was an imperial gallon that was different!
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on May 04, 2017, 09:39:46 PM
Yes US MPG... honestly I was ignorant that there was an imperial gallon that was different!
A US Gallon is 3.78 litres whereas a proper Imperial Gallon is 4.54 litres :)
A Spanish Galleon is a ship used for carrying gold ;)
Quote from: mikeyw64 on May 04, 2017, 10:14:15 PM
A US Gallon is 3.78 litres whereas a proper Imperial Gallon is 4.54 litres :)
A Spanish Galleon is a ship used for carrying gold ;)
WHich also means our Pints are bigger :D
After incorporating all of your feedback and a LOT of review and re-review and re-re-review, here's what I think is my final map.
Magenta is the main route, Green routes are "stretch" if I have time or "optional" based on what I'm feeling, and red routes are short-cuts to make up time if I'm behind.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rYtdMb-nIzqh25b6jwJRJTvtB90&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rYtdMb-nIzqh25b6jwJRJTvtB90&usp=sharing)
Day 0 - Home to Montreal
Day 1 - London to Bolton
Day 2 - Bolton to either Jedburgh or Edinburgh campsites
Day 3 - (Jedburgh or Edinburgh) to (John O'Groats or Sango Sands) campsites
Day 4 - (John O'Groats or Sango Sands) to (Applecross or Kinloch) campsites
Day 5 - (Applecross or Kinloch) to Cairnryan B&B
Day 6 - Ferry-Larne to Belleek Caravan/Camping park
Day 7 - Belleek to either Glanbeg or Hungry Hill campsites
Day 8 - Belleek or Hungry Hill to Dublin ferry, Holyhead to Airbnb in Abarangell
Day 9 - Abarengell to Cardiff, Doctor Who Experience and Airbnb in Cardiff
Day 10 - Cardiff to Heathrow to check the bike in with Air Canada, Heathrow Express to Airbnb in Paddington
Day 11 - walk London, Airbnb in Paddington
Day 12 - Heathrow Express and airplane home
Day 13 - Montreal to home
Quote from: 7LakesGuy on May 02, 2017, 05:01:19 PM
It's a great question - here's my current rough agenda, making some changes thanks to all the suggestions here:
21-May : Home to Montreal
22-May : Montreal air cargo, plenty of time to get Connie checked in, late flight
23-May : Arrive, receive bike, Heathrow to Bolton
24-May : Bolton to Jedburgh (thanks MikeyW64 for these two routes)
25-May : Jedburg to John O'Groats
26-May : John O'Groats to somewhere - still updating the routes here, whether I try to do Skye, head over to Loch Ness for a tourist day, not sure
------ Holiday weekend -------
27-May : Reservation in Cairnryan at a B&B
28-May : Reservation for 07:30 ferry to Lairne, Giants causeway and a taste of the atlantic coast
29-May : To south coast of Ireland with a few diversions, still finalizing
----------------------------------
30-May : East to Dublin, 14:15 ferry to Holyhead
31-May : Through wales to Cardiff and (hopefully) Doctor Who exhibit
1-Jun : Drop bike off at air cargo by end of day, renting a room in Paddington for 2 nights
2-Jun : On foot in London seeing the typical sights - first time there
3-Jun : Fly back/Ride home if I get my bike quickly
4-Jun : Ride home if I'm too tired to ride on 3-Jun
Let me know your thoughts on my timing and what to expect with these areas, I'm really hoping I'll be far enough out of the way by the bank holiday weekend that I won't be too badly affected.
Guy
Looking at your schedule I think you'll be fine and miss the worse of the congestion, have a fabulous and safe time :biker3:
Just come across this thread :eek: :eek:
Wow looks like you have had a great time planning the trip ... so how did it go or have I missed a link to your adventure ?
Hope all was well ! :yes:
I think events at home have prevented Guy from doing a full write up although he was teasing on Facebook as he went around.
Think its fair to say he had a good time :)