Just as storm Hannah was approaching, we were packing our panniers, checking our kit and thinking, what the hell, lets go anyway! What’s the worst that could happen?
In the end, not a lot. It was a bit breezy on the way down, and it did rain too. But, we ended up wetter on the inside more so than on the outside.
Our route down to Lynton is below. Though we missed Cheddar and went via Glastonbury – how we missed Cheddar I don’t know, but miss it we did!
Staying at the Channel View campsite, Lynton, we pitched up around 5.30pm or so and once sorted out our camping kit, headed straight to the Beggars Roost pub next door. The choice then became rather more difficult – Stag, Ram or Otter beer being the order of the day – a few more than planned but never mind.
Campsite, Shaldon and Verity
The next day’s ride was meant to follow the coast down to Crackington Haven, but due to aforementioned storm we headed inland to the south coast all the way to Shaldon opposite Teignmouth via some very minor roads indeed. Returning back to camp around 6.30pm on some more minor roads. 180 miles or so that day; 6 hours of fantastic riding! Plus a couple of hours for stops.
Sunday, packed up dry tents and headed off home around 10am on very minor back roads avoiding main motorways and big A roads. SatNav was very accommodating. Following SatNav we stopped at a cafe in Cheddar Gorge before heading back to our next stop in Devizes. From there, I pootled on home to Cricklade notching up around 480 miles or so!
This was a training weekend for Advanced Riders – we did that too. Both riders changed their approach to bends and corners and made better use of forward planning and observation links. You may notice in the video that there is a lot of debris in the centre of our lanes – the rider took what he considered the safest route around to avoid slipping.
I suppose the first question to answer is, is it Hi Vis or Hi Viz? I assume for now that doesn’t matter.
The colour black is a strange colour to be seen in when riding a motorbike. Its not all that obvious and it certainly acts like camouflage especially at night. But, should bikers be forced to wear hi-vis? I personally think its down to personal choice, so would not advocate any law change – if there are any plans afoot then this is purely coincidental.
Personally I do wear hi vis – my jacket has it built in. I also wear a hi vis tabbard which is again personal choice. As is my choice of helmet.
I was out recently and wanted to see the effects of wearing hi vis and not wearing it. So a good friend of mine agreed to be filmed with and without wearing a hi vis jacket. The results can be seen in the video below.
Wondered what your thoughts were?
As I have already said, wearing of hi vis should be, and remain to be, down to personal choice.
Our itinerary includes some of the First World War Battlefields including Vimy Ridge, Ypres, Passendale and The Thiepval Memorial. Heading South to Dijon we turn back to Tours and Le Mans before heading North West to Caen and St Malo. From here we head towards Juno Beach, Sword Beach and The Pegasus Bridge. Thereafter we head to Rouen capital of the northern French region of Normandy, and then toward Calais and homeward bound.
Tour highlights include:
Le Mans circuit
Great dining at overnight stops
WW1 cemeteries and WW2 D-Day landing beaches
Pretty French villages
Good roads!
Route can be extended to ride via the Loire valley from Angers.
After a couple of years away from broadcasting, it seems that we are launching a new show. The format of which has yet to be decided, but it could be a round the table discussion of all the finer points of motorcycling. Segments could include:
Pet hates – such as cars following to close, or cars not indicating
Recent rides – what was good, bad
Rider tips
Taking the mickey out of each other – not a segment as such but probably a flowing theme through the hour
Anything else we can think up on the day
First programme to be aired soon – date will be announced!
Oh, and that image is from the Swindon Advertiser!
New Horizons Motorcycle Training and Tours 