5 July - Montenegro and Croatia

Good evening dear Reader,

A quiet night at the Motel - far better quality than I deserve - but I was so knackered that I basically took the 2nd place I saw - the first being the Great Wester Premier… far too fancy.

I slept well and had a great breakfast before leaving at about 8am and heading for the coast at Budva.  I opted for the toll tunnel and it was far too early for twisty passes over the mountains, and it was only 1€…

Rode many a steep climb and downhills.. thank you Gertie…. Arrived at Lepetani and took the ferry across the inlet..   must has saved a few miles.  Had a chat with a Russian biker on a Honda Fireblade, one of the tee short and flip flop brigade. The coast road E65 E80 was one long traffic jam.  In fact most of the coast road is like that… just town after town, industrial areas everywhere.  If it had a view, then they have built high rise hotels and apartment blocks and basically buggered it all up.  

The real disappointment was the border crossing into Croatia… hundreds of vehicles queuing on both sides and only two lanes open.   Being English I just followed the queue the way only the English do, in high temperatures in full riding gear… I was just melting… After about 1 hour I was joined by the Spanish rider Lewis from yesterday, and we continued to queue…. After two hours we were joined by another 2 Spanish riders and when we reached to booth: they did not even look at our passports and just waved us through.     Next time I will queue the Germany way and ride straight to front… bollocks to them.

Then I stopped at the first petrol station and downed three litres of water… and rode on through Dubrovnik and on to the Camp site at Orasac, a few kms further on… I was going to stop at the site I used 5 years ago but they have hiked their prices up to 52€ per night for a tent !!! … WTF. Anyway the tent is up and in the shade and I am staying here for two days… Chillin…. I will visit the beach and the village shop to get some supplies later.

Nite nite

Greece, Albania and Montenegro

Dear Reader,

We left the Motel after a wonderful sunrise, and pottered North to join the road to Kozani and then west up to the border crossing at Kastoria, stopping for a coffee and a bun on the way.

The border crossing was easier than expected. I met with an Africa Twin Rider from Spain (Lewis) and we agreed to ride together through Albania and in Montenegro.. There are other riders out there that ride too many hours too...,
I had to stop a get Green Card insurance from a flower shop !! Honest... and then rode on and on.... Fabulous ride through the mountains and by some very big lakes..

We rode together through the chaos that was Tirane ( one particular roundabout was just shear madness....) on and on to the border into Montenegro and said our goodbyes.

I rode on until Podgorica and could see storm clouds to the North with some lightning. Quickly found a Motel to hide in as it was now 6pm and I started at 7:30am...

I am now sitting and eating a pizza and tasting the local brew - Niksicko Two.
The storm looks like it is passing to the east ... tomorrow is a very short run into Croatia and a campsite on the heights at Camp Solitudo....

Nite nite

3 July - Greece

Dear reader,

Got back to the tent last night and read my book in a chair, and it was gone 10pm before I could even get into the tent as it was so hot last night. Manage to sleep in between scratching mozzie bites and sweating profusely.

Wandered over to the smelly shower block at about 5 am and showered.... yuck... Packed up the bike by 7.30 and was all sweaty again as it was getting hot even then.

Rode some interesting roads through small Greek villages and even managed a coffee break but the coffee machine was broken so ended up with a "Frap Coffee" and another 2 litres of water....

The heat increased and one board I saw said it was 44 !!! I am not pottering along in that heat - so we hopped on the the motorway until we got past Thessaloniki then turned south to the village of Methoni. By the way: don't try to pay the Road Toll with a £2 coin - the lady was not happy..... The www said there was a campsite there Methoni and finally located it only to find it also has a hotel room with a/c for just 25€..... don't need to ask twice in these temperatures....

I have sorted the washing, sorted the route tomorrow into Albania and am now sitting in my skiddies on the balcony typing this.

View attached:

2 July - Bulgaria and Greece

Dear reader,
I really did not want to leave MotoCamp this morning - it is such a special place, so relaxed and laid back.

Rode to Viliko Tarnova and then south up and over the Shipka Pass and down the other side, and then somehow ended up heading for Sofia instead of Stara Zagora!! So ended up turning left to Plovdiv and then some awful roads to Kardzali and picked up the 5 again. It think that over three sets of mountain passes today. Only 7.5 hours in the saddle today.. I must invest in an Airhawk seat...

Finally got to the border and into Greece and after while arrived at the Campsite at Fanari. The sea and the views are great but the site is a bit of a shit hole, and the toilets and shower get a 2 out of 10....

Tomorrow should only be 300 kms to a campsite on the West of Thessaloniki ....

And so to bed....

1 July - Romania and Motocamp Bulgaria

Dear reader,

Sorry to have been off line for a couple of days but I am resting at Motocamp Bulgaria.

My last blog I was about to set off for Bulgaria via the vagaries of the Romanian road system.  Anyhow, I manage to get to Bulgaria and to find the MotoCamp.  Had a great reception for Greg and Mel and all.  Such I wonderful, pretty and relaxing place.  So many lovely people to meet and chat with.  Just as an aside to my previous blog, the day after I found the pass closed to traffic - the buggers opened  it !!! too far to ride back..

Yesterday, with the guidance of Dimitar we rode out for a sight seeing trip, but not before calling in on Graham Field for coffee at his wonderful house, in the village.  Firstly we visited the local monastery, and then over the Shipka pass to a monument high in the hills celebrating the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.  After a stop for lunch we rode on over some of the worst pot-holed roads in Bulgaria and up to the "Space Ship" monument at Buzludzha dedicated to Communism...  now very dilapidated and shut up - but if you Google the name you will be able to how it used to look like inside.

On the way I hit a very large pot hole and it managed to trap my front mudguard extender into the front engine bar and brought the bike to a sudden stop.  I thought at first that I had had a puncture.  But we manage to release the front mudguard - removed the extender and bolt it all back together again.  Used the tool kit at last...  !!

The view from the monument was excellent, and then we had to ride down again... ROQ (roads of quality) they are not...  Then a quick visit to at ATM so as to pay the bill here (cash only).

We had another pleasant night chatting after supper and then it was time for bed.  I was up early again today and showered, did some washing and trimmed the beard before having breakfast at 9am.   Today is Monday and I not riding today, so today is a 'personal admin' day.  I will be repacking the panniers, sorting out the kit ready for tomorrow when I will be heading of south to Greece.

28 June - Romania

Failed attempt to ride the famous Transfargarasam pass - and the a Thunder storm just to complete my day....

28 June - Romania

Dear Reader,

The sun rises very early at this time of the year and it crept over my window sill at 5am.... and the rain had passed . So up and at 'em I thought and by the time I had lugged all my baggage down to the car park, packed the bike and refuelled, I was on the road at 6:30... no too many trucks about at this time.

I rode until I needed fuel and breakfast. Consumed that while trying to casually massage my bum !!! It must get easier... or is there a lotion I should be using!

The plan was to head for the Transfargarasam pass which worked well and we found the 7C and started to climb up the twisties - until about 5 miles up and they had closed the road (could they not have signed that at the bottom of the climb). I bet the chap I passed on the bicycle was pissed off when he got there!!! So back down and retrace my track for about 40 miles.

Not all was lost as the views from the road down to Pitesti through the Parcul National Cozia were fabulous. I passed through the middle of Pitesti and although the signs for the bypass are there and Garmin thinks the road is there - I can assure you that it ain't..... lots a bulldozers and concrete but no road... this caused great problems for the trucks and the presence of numerous Romany families with carts and multiple horses trotting sedately on the road did not help matters.

Later on the sky got darker and then the proceeding wind blew and again a huge thunder storm. It was impossible to ride as the roads were flooded and visibility crap. So I sought shelter, along with 4 other bikers, under a petrol station awning. The rain just got heavier still so we all went inside for coffee and cakes. They were nice people and very chatty. Their problem was that they we dressed in summer biker jackets and jogging pants - and they were soaked.

The rain let up enough to ride on but only for 20 miles and I hit the rest of the storm again...  I sort shelter at a petrol station with a flooded forecourt. Sod this for a game of soldiers. Retreated to the motel next door and took a room.... one drenched biker now trying to dry out. The manager did help me park the bike in his wood shed under lock and key.

Now having dined I am fighting technology, Garmin and the Wi-fi.

I am now within reach of the Bulgarian border and Motocamp Bulgaria where I hope to meet up the Greg and Mel and stop for day or two.....

Nite nite

27 June - Mother of all storms overhead - Slovakia, Hungary and Romania

Started out a 7:30 in a attempt to make up time - some hope.   First of all I could not find my keys, so I searched about, partly unpacked and then located them hanging around my next …. Doh 

Travelled through some wonderful country side and over some twisty passes, only spoilt by so many trucks, roads works and a sore arse.   By the time 4pm rolled in I was done for… saw a motel and went for it, its a bit seedy but it will do.   No sooner had I taking the bags off the bike than the mother of all storms hit very suddenly.  High winds started to blow all the outside furniture about and then followed the lightning and heavy rain….  Good plan not to camp tonight… call me soft but I don't care.

A shower, a beer and a meal sorted and now watching MASH on the TV.    I am hoping to ride the Transfagarasan Route tomorrow. So if the spelling is wrong there.  Looks like I will not get to Motocamp until last of Saturday.   The I plan to stay a few nights and then have much shorter riding days.

27 June - near Cluj-Napoca

MotoRest cabin in Slovakia and local buildings in Romania.

26 June - Czechoslovakia still

After a night of worry I arrived at the Bike Shop and waited from them to arrive. Nice chap Martin (my hero) arrived and I unloaded the bike a placed it in a wonderful workshop. Yes, new chain required as the front sprocket was moving on the drive shaft causing the chain to hit the casing.... bugger.
But worse was to come the front sprocket was not secured to the drive shaft and I was able to just pull it off... bugger again. New drive shaft and gasket set, new front sprocket needed so I might as well have a rear sprocket too .... but only the chain in stock - but all could be order with only a 10 day wait.

So new chain fitted and off down the road to the welding shop - great guys - the sprocket and drive shaft at now one - should hold until back in the UK. Welding free of charge. Chain etc just €142 - a bargain.

I got back on the road at 11 and rode till I had had enough of Gertie who refused to go where I wanted but insisted on road 14 with lots of twisties and then refused to go on the southern route , so the north route it was - nearly into Poland and close to the border with Ukraine !! But the views of the Capathian mountains were fabulous - even the view from the petrol station was stunning.

Just a thought - this week I have seen:
. Elephants by the side of the road with a circus
. I saw a fight as a man ejected from a tram by the police in Prague for openly drinking beer.
. I met the wonderful Martin at All4Moto in Trencin.
. Some wonderful welders who would not take payment.
. Some true bike roads and brilliant country side.

I am now at a MotoRest in Branisko (€14 a night) and €4 for supper. Now off the bed... a long day again tomorrow - heading for Hungary and maybe Romania....

25 June - Czechoslovakia and Slovakia

Why do all my short days turn out long !!
Started out at 8am but got very bogged down as Prague wanted to get to work and others were bumping into each other and causing major delays.

Headed for Brno and then to Trencin. I have a problem with the chain and was trying to locate a motorcycle shop or garage.... I thought my luck was it when I saw a huge sign so I followed it only to find out that it opens at 2pm : and it was only 10:30am... bugger. I hope it last until I can get it sorted!!

Gertie is still being a pain as this morning I discovered that all my music had disappeared along with my planned routes.... bugger I thought.

Anyway I made it to the camp site only to find it closed as they were having a music festival - back on the road and found another site in the town - next to the river and with a view of the castle. So hot now so I took a cabin which was cheaper than last night campsite. The only problem is it is infested the noises teenagers screaming and running around.. I pray for a quiet night.

24 June - Prague

Good afternoon reader

I collapsed into the sleeping bag at about 9pm and apart from the mad Dutchman next door who decided to reposition his caravan at 10pm, it was a quiet night.

The inter web here is not too good - photos and alike will have to wait a while.

This morning I was playing the Tourist - I don't like touristy places and I am not very good at sight seeing. But I wandered about in the heat and took a few photos etc. It is very hot here at present and there are far too many people about.
The main fun was had trying to catch a bus and Metro at 7.30am and pay for them... luckily there was a young lady at the bus stop who was very helpful - I ended not paying for the bus ride and just about managed the underground.

 And I found my way back to the camp site too....

I really don't know how those Iron Butt riders do it - two long days and my back is buggered. It should be a short run tomorrow down to Brno and then into Slovakia.

Germany and Czechoslovak

Dear reader ,

What to say about today - well it rained all night, so it was a wet pack up this morning. I got on the road at 8am - I found it really hard to get out of bed this morning - too much time in the saddle yesterday. I knew it was going to be another long day today so I just had to get a grip and get going.

Found a nice road side cafe for breakfast and saw these two on a trailer ....

Cochem

Cochem

22 Jun - Luxembourg and Germany

Dear reader,

A good start deserves fresh socks and pants. As expected today was a very long day. Rode out early from that excellent campsite and within 10 minutes we were in Germany. Lots of twisty roads and highlands and valleys. We finally reached a hotel after about 5 hours riding, in the woods and stopped for a coffee and a bun. Lots of speedy bikes about as we were near to the Nurembergring. A lot more back roads and Gertie was determined to send me through every town that had road works. Lots and lots of Umleitungs (spelling?). Never did find that place!!

About 3 o'clock it started to rain and it just got heavier and heavier... until I arrived at the campsite, drenched. Found the pitch and a nice German couple helped me pitched the tent in the rain.

There was a country and western evening on at the site, with beer, currywerst and chips. I met up with the friendly Germans and we had a laugh about biking and Brexit !!!

I am now stood in the gents toilet charging my phone as I type. It has been a long hard day and there is another tomorrow as I head to Prague and the plan is to stay there for two nights - Monday's are non-riding days - I need to get some washing done.

Nite nite

Belgium, France and Luxemberg

Good evening dear reader,

After a good meal and just the one beer I slept surprisingly well.  After packing up I had an early start at about 7:30.  For the first 30 miles it was all good and then the navigation went to pot as usual - we ended up heading the the middle of Lille…. So a quick escape saw us on a very busy motorway - with stop and start for about 10 miles due to road works….  Good job I don't mind filtering….  And I must remember not to do it in Germany.

We finally broke free of the main roads and back on the quieter back roads and ended up in Mons.   I worked at NATO SHAPE  for a few years - not a lot to see these days as the fences are so high and deep.  We rode on to Soignes where I used to live and the building is still there and looks quite good considering its age.  The town has grown so much, they even have a Lidl and a McDonalds - its amazing how thing change in just 40+ years (?)….  So it was back onto the highways and byways of Belgium and France and finally into Luxemberg.  Some would say its a bikers dream with so many twisty roads ?? I am not sure these days.

The camp site is great and I have a pitch next to the river and the sun is hot - what else could I ask for.

Tomorrow is into the Rheinland and hopefully as far as Mannheim and the southern Rihine although judging by today performance I think that might be a little to long in the saddle..

Nite Nite

Look it’s sunshine ....

20 June - France and Belgium

Good evening dear reader,

I had a very casual ride down to Folkestone and the Chunnel.   No sooner had I boarded the train then we were off.  Lots of bikers on board - not very talkative or interesting, mostly going to some sort of rally or a cannonball type event down to Nice.   Lots of wheelies on arriving in France (no me) - I just parked up and let Gertie Garmin sort herself out and and off we went - very little traffic, empty back roads to Ypres and the campsite.   I must sort Gertie out as Belgium appears to have disappeared from the screen??

Arrived at "Camping Ypra" - a very nice and clean campsite.  All sorted and now in the Reception having a Le Fort beer (Belgium tea) with a very noisy group of Belgians.  It is very sunny and warm and once I have had this beer it back to the tent to cook supper.

 

Tomorrow I am going to have a cruise around Mons, Casteau and Soignes - I served there with NATO way back in the '70s.  Then onwards and upwards to Luxemberg.

I will remember to stop and take photos - honest.

Nite Nite

So far so good.....

HU UK 2019 - Day 2

HU UK 2019 - Thursday

Good morning dear reader,
It is now 5:30am and it has been heavy rain here for the last 12 hours... TIW (This is Wales).

Early morning ablutions done I am going back to bed !!!

A quick ride in Llandovery

.... over the mountain to Pandy

.... after the tea at Abergavenny I rode up to the Honey Cafe a Bronllys.... spent some time chatting the another biker. Then left the cafe and ended up riding over the mountain, through some very narrow lanes and onto the clear land at the top - just me and loads of sheep......

Now back at Pandy Campsite and a well deserved pint...

Now at the Honey Cafe Bronllys

More tea....

A quick trip to Wales

I thought I would take advantage of some good weather, so I rode up to Pandy near Abergavenny in bright sunshine.  Got to the pub/campsite only to find that it does open until 5pm.... their not going to catch any passing trade that way.   So I rode further on into the town, got some fuel and I am now having a pot of tea in the sunshine....

Tomorrow I will be heading into the valleys and reservoirs of the Ely Vally....  more later....