Wed 23 Feb 11...........

Dear Blog

Finally got around to writing up the Blog. Since we last blogged Mr Mugabe had to go back to the workshop as the rear brake callipers were binding badly – but it’s OK now.

I have been looking at a few options with regards to bikes – these are the BMW1150 or 1200 GS A, the new Triumph Tiger 800XC and also the BMW 800GS….. just can’t make up my mind. Maybe a visit to the Bank Manager may help !!! of course I could and will probably stick with Mr M until it becomes too knackered to ride but it only has 58500 miles on it and should go on and on – unless something major gives way. It just looks and feels so right..

Spend last Sunday at the Ace Café Adventure Overland Bike Day – excellent day out. Plenty of bikes there to view, a good selection of trade stands too. Sam Manicom, Austin Vince and Gerald Vince were in good form selling there books and videos. Lots of old friends and familiar faces to chat with. Had a good look at the Tiger 800XC and Metal Mule was selling a used BMW800GS with loads of add-ons for £8000 – so tempting….. I still think the 1200 GSA is too big – but if Debs wants to travel on the back it may just have to be…

Next is the Shake Down trip to ??? possibly Herefordshire and then Somerset – I have found a couple of campsites (with pubs attached). Travel Insurance sorted for Mat trip as is the general route (version 15). Time marches on and it will be March next week..

... and life goes on....

… Still not a lot going on…. Bike now serviced and running well thanks to the time and efforts of Lee Stace the Honda wizard, but Mr Mugabe will need one more visit before the off just to make sure all is well.

Planning for the next trip well under way – mostly just waiting for the right time to re-new my IDP (International Driving Permit), get Travel Insurance, getting Green Card etc. The outward boat is booked Portsmouth-St Malo and the return Chunnel Ticket also sorted.

I have also booked up to attend the Adventure Travel Film Festival being organised by Lois Pryce and Austin Vince for early June in Bideford Devon - http://www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com/2010/schedule-uk/ 

and also the 4 day Horizons Unlimited event at Ripley in late June http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/UK2011.php

So as you can see it is all happening but later… I still haven’t decided on the destination for the pre-trip shake-down weekend but it will probably be mid-Wales / Hereford way in April. Nor the location for the proposed SAM Camping Weekend on the first weekend in September but there is time…

One thing that is happening very soon is the Ace Café Adventure Overland Bike Day on the 20th February http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/ so I may see you there…. Sam Manicon, Austin Vince, Lois Pryce and many more will be there… as well as Mr Mugabe and I.

I don’t know if anyone else has seen the new Bike magazine and website http://www.adventurebikerider.com/  - it is very good – please visit and subscribe to the magazine too – very readable….

.. and another 4,000 mile service..

57,500 service done and next is the MOT.   Nothing too major on the service but apparently the drive shaft splines are on their way out.... that an enfine out job - will have to wait until April for that..

The weather is certainly get brighter but still cold - drove the car in for the last two days whilst the bike was in for servicing... warmer but not so much fun...

Still running over the routes - trying to avoid the big towns like Milan etc and the Auto Strada...  and selecting the scenic routes with some places of interest.   Must stay off the Motorway if I can.. and have many more Kodak Moments...  Had a reply from the Camp Site in Bled and they are happy for anyone to arrive without booking as it is still "off peak" in May..   So if anyone is in the area on May 15th - see you there   http://www.camping-bled.com/ . 

Must away now and collect the bike this evening.    Still looking at BMW 1200 GS A but shhhh don't tell Mr Mugabe.........