Martin Barrett

I’d managed to dissuade Orson from a trip into London and a plan was hatched, this is my account. Like a child before Christmas I was unable to sleep and after a restless night I was up before my alarm and on the road by 6am [1]. The weather forecast was for light showers, so I’d packed my over suit just in case. Just approaching Birmingham on the M6 when there was the first spots of rain, with dark clouds overhead and the services only ½ a mile away I decided to stop and put them on. Pulled up in the car park and the rain had gone, I decided to carry on the next 20 miles or so to our meeting point with out them. Again it started to rain on the approach to the services but again didn’t last long enough to bother about. If this is light showers no problem. I’d arrived an hour early [2], I’d made provision for this and did the Geocache that’s also located at the services, killed all of 10 minutes. In to the services to await Orson. Settled down with a large cup of coffee and my mp3 player. After about 45 minutes I realised I had a missed call on my mobile at 0835. No answer phone message so obviously just reporting was running late, no point in ringing back as now would be on the bike. So I’m now expecting him between 0930-0945. At 0905 the answer phone message arrives !!! It’s Bill who’d been putting Orson up, explains he’s running late and had to come back for his camera. That’s fine still expecting him 0930-0945. 0950 phone rings it’s Bill checking I’d got the message , he’s amazed that Orson is not there, thought it would be 0920 but did say he might have had to stop for fuel. As the clock moves past 10 it rain arrives, this time it’s a proper shower and last for a good ½ hour. Now I’m starting to worry. Needlessly, as you know, as at 1045 he arrives. After our brief hellos we top up our tanks and head off. One stop on the M42 and then across country Bromsgrove [3] and then Kidderminster [4]. Do not believe the signs saying ring road. It doesn’t go all the way around its more a bypass. Knowing I wanted to go west I lead us left down to the end of the ring road so we could retrace our steps and go the right way. We had run into a few smatterings of rain but nothing to worry about, through it and then dried out in matters of minutes. So it continued until we ran into a shower that just got heavier and heavier and soon was a deluge. Missed the turn, stopped to look at the map under a garage canopy, seemed the junction we needed was just at the edge of town , not 50yds behind us. So on wards we pressed not really able to see anything. Gone about 5 miles when Gave up, Knew I’d missed the turn but luckily the rain had stopped. Check of map and retraced steps. The rain had gone. Found the turning and turned up into the hills. Outstanding amounts of water running down the road. No wonder my suit had leaked and my gloves were sodden. We took a photo of the folly tower from the end of the road but as were running so late and so soggy a walk up to it was not even considered [5]. Now headed South West, no more heavy rain and the wind nicely drying us off. Another navigation error. I’d picked up the wrong minor road and it brought us out on to the main road further west than envisage so my quick right and then left turned in to a quick right and where’s the turn for about 10 miles. The problem is that several of the villages have very similar names. Eventually stopped to check the map and retrace. The next stop was a Dovecote in what was once described as England’s prettiest village [6], there also is a pre-war AA phone box, so broken down members could phone for assistance. Here is a Guzzi and a Triumph not broken down. Our route takes us past Hergest ridge (Mike Oldfield’s second album was named and recorded here) Our main concern is Orson’s lack of tank range. He’s on to reserve by the time were in the vicinity of my next landmark a WW1 field gun mounted on top of a hill [7]. It would be a pimple in any photo from the road, and as I’m not going for an all rounder this year I don’t even take a general area photo that would score me the location but drop some points. But head to Buith Wells for fuel [8]. Having fuelled and paid we push the bikes aside whilst we consult the map, Orson’s gloves disappear off the pump!!! Luckily it wasn’t his helmet. Fortunately he had some heavy winter ones with him. We then head south east to Hay on Wye [9] and then pick up a single track road across the Black mountains, past “Lord Hereford’s Knob” I’ve still to notice this mountain peak, obviously not very big. Across the tops is open moor[10] Pictures from geograph but the slopes are heavily treed with steep banks, very entertaining meeting on coming cars. Back on to major roads [11] and soon caught up in road works. Miss the turn to Blaenavon [12], but is worth the retrace as again rugged moor. Do the Photos of the Iron works and then head up to Breacon [13] for Fish & Chips for tea before saying our good byes. Leaving Orson to find a B&B and I head south to pick up the M4 [15] for the 200+ mile slog home[16]. In all I did 530 miles, of which about 200 was with Orson, I was away from home 0600-2115, and spent 2 ¾ hours sat in a motorway service staion. I had a damp patch, but once finished with the deluge the day was quite good. 3 days later a lot of that part of England is flooded. Orsons report can be found on STN

Which boots were you wearing - Altberg lace ups or those nice climbing pumps? Having followed you whilst you were wearing your pumps. I did notice very deliberate balls of feet on pegs and move foot forward to brake, differing from my Charlie Chaplin esq style. So I also don't think that would have been your problem (mine was sticky pivot not policeman's feet).

I still think it would be fairly safe to reassemble and road test. A couple of applications stop and inspect. If the seals are shot - fluid will leak - fairly obvious stop testing and replace If the seal are shot and the pads are dragging the disc will get hot , ride a bit without using it and again test for heat. It's a known suspect area so ride accordingly. If seems well increase the inspection distances Should get enough advance warning not to suffer the dangerous seizure. But if stopped by the police don't say you're conducting tests on your defective brakes.

I inspected my pads last week, the rears just needed a clean up. The plastic cap was slightly distorted. I think that was from last year when my pads were only lasting 5,000 miles or less, and was traced to a sticky pedal pivot, since that was cleaned and greased they've been great. During that time I'd run them down to the backing pad twice and had to make a conscious effort having backed the pads back not to use the rear brake on the journey home. The easiest way is clean it up, new fluid and go out and do some test stops and see how it is. Most of your stopping is done on the front, so fairly safe if have a complete failure on the rear. If the seals leak replace them. If not carry on.

I tried Arron Bards shims and they didn't cure mine. So I have regular gasket changes and as the clamps are spot welded on have had to replace the clamp barrells and bolts with the ones from the header/cross over joints and replace those with aftermarket clamps. I really hate my balance pipe. Daren't remove it to get the altenator cover off to do the valve timing so have to advance the engine using a screw driver blade against the flywheel. My silencer/cross over joints have thined out through vibration also. I could really do with a whole system change - Racer X's down pipes would solve your problem, but He doesn't export so it might have to be pre 02 model down pipes.

could do with a bit of a resize Mine once looked that clean, before they handed the keys over.

Right political etc reason for the chicken to cross the road to escape sexual persecution as a minority or as a sacrifice to deities We should be concerned at the number of chickens that meet needless deaths in their flight(?) from tyranny. should we do more? Bob this is and ideal opportunity for you to get your cock out Some one should get a grip of this before it goes too far, who'se responsible for this forum

Shouldn't rattle. Once when putting mine back on it buzzed. I'd got a piece lined up wrong or overlapped wrong way. (The bit held by three screws behind the clocks) I can't remember. But watch the captive nuts and the rubber contained ones locations and fittings also. Could it be the front balance pipe between the headers?

I like the SV1000. It gets good write ups, the only thing they seem to complain about is the budget suspension. But that's where the value for money equation comes in. Wouldn't bother me I'm still bouncing around on my out of the box settings. I could make comments about the supposedly quality of finish. But even if made out of inert material, given my care regime it would rust

Good spot - a Cornish Pasty - awaits my attention whilst I change over the route cards in the tank bag window ready for my next leg. Might have been a twin pack in which case I'm either eating the other or had it at previous stop or it's in the tank bag in the wrapper for the next stop. That's time management so can squeeze maximum distance, only quick stops for fuel and landmarks. That was a 500 mile day 12 hours.

Not been to Bike Week. I went to the Barry Sheene memorial as part of the 05 RBR I was surprised on how narrow the track was. You can drive around it as a public road, something like a 20mph speed limit. Make sure you go the right way. There was one Saxo tearing around when I was there. It was supposed to be the end point for the National Rally this year(coinciding with the start of bike week), but the entry was down and the event cancelled. Perhaps it was just too far out the way and with a special stage the following day for most people. It was for me.

The ancient Romans did somethings similar. After your 20 year tour you retired as a citizen with a pension.

Sorry busy at work Loved the first clip. The thing about the second he'd gotten into the back, nothing like making yourself comfortable. Probably had a heavy dose of donuts to sleep off. A long while ago, whilst on patrol one summers night after daybreak. In the interest of road safety I'd stopped driving and went into static obs. I'd reversed into an entrance to some allotments ( plots of land rented from local authority for growing vegetables etc) where I could still look down the road and decide to give any passing traffic a tug or not. The next thing I know there's a lady knocking on my window asking me to move my car so she can get into the allotments. Keen gardeners get up early. I was due off at 6 and wasn't late off. A few lessons learnt. These days I get bouts of narcolepsy at my desk. Seriously shift work can play havoc with your sleep patterns. I habitually only sleep for 3-4 hours a day when I'm on nights, and the half night/late lates/earlys aren't much better. In the crash thread my car crash was falling asleep at the wheel. I'd finished a week of early shifts and had only a couple of hours sleep when woken by a phone call from my mothers alarm company advising me the house alarm had gone off. 30 mile journey I made it about 1/2 way before nodding off going around a bend. Luckily no one else involved and not injured. There was a cyclist killed by a driver who was driving home from landing on the red eye. He may not of fallen asleep but fatigue impaired his driving he was convicted of Death by Dangerous Driving and went to prison. So better to stop and have a power nap.

I went to see the Football Conference playoff, Brother in law is an Exeter fan. They would have come down to see them play Stevenage (where I live) but when it became likely they would make the play offs they deferred their visit till then. We drove 30 miles to the end of the tube line(stanmore) and then only 4 stops. The stadium was okay, I wouldn't go any further than that. The Step mother's work relocated to that area, she'd agree with your assessment on the quality of the area. It was one of the factors that lead her to take early retirement. I've biked on a couple of occasion to see bands in the 80's at the arena, but normally it's public transport on the rare occasions I head into town.

Nice pictures, I'd expect to see "nice bike" on next years calender You did well only got the GS in two pictures edit - i've just caught up with the "post a picture" thread I said it was a good one

I had lots of practice as a youngster trials riding. I think the secret is to relax and not stick limbs out where they might flail or get trapped, and not to hit anything. In short 93 - put my Ford Sierra end over end on to its roof into a field lower than the road, having gone through the gap in the hedge made by all the others who'd lost it on the bend (I fell asleep). Once headed into the blackness knowing I could do nothing just relaxed into the seat and pulled feet and arms in. Only injury a glass piece from the sun roof into top of head. If I had a passenger would have to be a lot shorter than me to be unscaved. In 91 put my XJ550 in to a gate post and slid in to it , heavy bruising to hip area a bit of a limp for a couple of days. Over cooked a corner in the wet went for the escape road - field entrance, but as leaving the road at a shallow angle lost the front with the change of surface. Only a short slide so no time to loose speed. Wearing leathers. In 86 same XJ550 lost front going into a roundabout (insufficient attention) slid in to kerb, stood up clouted armco barrier, end over end on to other side and continued down the road. Had to replace everything above the head gasket . I slid following it. I remembered to try and spread my self out with weight on boots, jacket(wax cotton) and gloves to scrub sped. Followed into the armco, made a conscious effort not to stick my arm out to protect myself so not to break wrist and collar bone. Struck kerb with hip and clouted head (crash helmet) on to Armco. A bit of a bang but no concussion. Was able to get up and run down road to pick it up. Got away lightly as on legs had only trousers and some thermal long johns under, both heavily abraded but no damage underneath other than light bruising. Went and bought leathers afterwards. Dropped my light weight motorcycles RD200/RS100 on ice once each and gravel for the 100. again just slid, wearing Wax cotton, just slid no damage just a few scuff marks. So don't get involved with another vehicle. All mine have been single vehicles and all my fault, inattention I'd even put the black ice into that category. Don't hit roadside fixtures esp poles, trees, and wear good gear. Do it when you're young fit and flexible. Most importantly hope luck is on your side. Addendum; - just read your link - my experience is all consistent with his low-side theory. However I have real doubts about the "laying it down" I'd rather use that time to be on the brakes and scrub speed off or take other avoiding action.

Thanks for the links Bill. Incidentally the first job I had to assign this morning on sitting down at 6:45 was a fatal motorcycle accident. Really took the edge off my day, I'd only just commented on what a lovely day (weather wise) it was as we walked in from the car park

If all things had gone to my original plans tonight I would be packing for a trip around Wales RBRing and the the overnight ferry for Ireland for the ERIN rally. Instead I've got a weekend with the family at Butlins Bognor Regis To make up for it I booked my channel crossing tonight. This is my Guzzi trip for the year, so the more of you that make it there the better.

Hello Rich and welcome.

Nice photos, thanks for the warning made a fresh cuppa for the perusal there of. I'm a bit taken a back by the chap with the radar detector who waved you by to spring the trap. But good call on the sixth sense. Don't assume all the LEOs will be at the RTC depending on how serious it is a few may have been assigned and then some cancelled when not required. I do this all the time depending on how reliable the initial report is. I've still half a cup of coffee left and no 8 1/2 minute video. Where's the link

Thanks for the report, and not too long a wait for it The usual high standard. My wife has booked a short break to Sorrento complete with hire car in November. I told her that you'd be posting a trip report soon and it would give her a good flavour of what to expect in the area. When I heard that you were going to Sicily I wondered if you get to Etna. I had seen that it was erupting recently ( found the video link - was 1st of May so probably stopped by the time you were there ) My grandfather also came up through Italy, with the 8th Army in tanks. He never really talked to us about it. I really need to see him more, whilst I can. I liked the 70's album photo. The last time I laid down to take a photo was that one on top of the hill over Lake Vyrnwy on the Welsh Waltz 2 to get the Guzzis in the snow. Oh and next time take spare batteries or your charger!!!

except it would be a great loss to the forum but still funny to those who've thick skins and don't take things personally.

when I had issues it was a chicken or egg scenario with burnt out connectors/ regulator. You've done the connectors etc so it would seem to be regulator. I stuck with the standard Ducati item for the advantage it was a straight plug in (bar one dodged connector repair) it is a bit pricey and there's the question of longevity. Dlaing has comprehensive posts on his regulator replacement including the rewiring required to make it fit.

I just wish he'd get a move on and post up his trip report with pictures from his just concluded trip - Sicily and main land Italy in anticipation

My regulator went tits up about a year ago. I erroneously thought replacement hadn't curred the problem as I didn't go back through the fuses etc between initial trouble shoot and replacement and managed to blow the fuse in the mean time. I'm sure you won't make that mistake. I hope it all works out.