Snippers from 2009

 Glencoe 2009

Yet another successful weekend trip, this time to the annual haunt of Glencoe and the Clachaig Inn. The weather forecast promised a break in the constant lousy weather we’ve been having and it didn’t disappoint. It felt like your average summer weekend so we decided to make the most of it.

The first group set off on time and went the long way round, heading to Crieff, Sma Glen, Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, then along the A86  taking in some lovely roads and many a sharp bend. Unfortunately, it was one bend too many for the 748 in Aberfeldy which decided to test Dannys reflexes. The Duke decided to throw itself on the ground and slide towards the Pan at great speed. We didn’t realise how quicky a Pan can get off its mark until we saw that one. No contact was made between the two bikes, but the Duke decided to throw in the towel together with its clutch basket. Campbell stepped up to the mark and offered to take Jim the rest of the way on the back on the XJR and Dean was summoned with van to collect the stricken beast.

The long way round took in some of best roads in Scotland and with little traffic (ie. We avoided the A82) it was the best way to start the weekend. Some 200 miles later, we arrived at the Hostel in serious need of refreshments. Recent refurbishment meant the rooms were clean and additional shower facilities were most welcome. The second group arrived shortly after having taken the more direct route.

After quick freshen up we set off for the Clachaig and the evenings entertainment. The food was edible for some, but not for others. Mak’a’Din were playing and they certainly made the evening go with a swing. We polished off more pints that I ever want to admit to. Mark, Fiona and Whitely gave us some singing lessons and the night was a roaring success. The evenings entertainment didn’t end when it was chucking out time. Oh no, we were invited to one of the stag nights kicking off in the bunkhouse and then once settled into the hostel a good nights sleep was constantly interrupted by Ducati impressions and Danny’s rendition of the 1812 Overture (whist sleeping).

The morning arrived far too early, but a few coffees soon put us in the mood for food. First stop was at the camp site to pick up the hardy bunch, and then head off to the snack van for a long wait for some well received food. The journey back was the direct route through Tyndrum and what appeared to be every motorcycle in Scotland.

The weekend was a roaring success with the exception of the Ducati’s temporary demise. Jim was a sport and didn’t let it spoil his weekend.

 Ullapool and Rogart 2009

Our annual outing to Ullapool and Rogart will be marked down as another successful weekend away with little incident, much fun, and a few rough looking faces in the mornings. Friday started off with the pilgrimage to Ullapool through Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Drumnadrochit, Beauly, and a slight detour to Corrieshalloch Gorge before finding the hotel, pub, and a place to chill. Roads were fantastic marred only by a few camper vans to keep us in check. Accommodation at the Caledonian was adequate with a bed and a shower to keep us fresh. Night life was quieter on the Friday than last year (which was the Saturday), but we got our fill.

Saturday started off with a trip around the A837 & B869 to take in some of the scenery, sheep and mobile blockades (aka Camper vans). Joyce managed to play in the sand and James found out he was quite good at throwing sheep shit.
Next on the itinerary was Durness for fuel and food for guys and gals before heading to Tongue and the road down to Rogart.

Accommodation at Rogart was as expected with a bed fight and Danny realising that 16+16 was a lie (but it did raise his blood pressure a bit..lol)
Colin decided to hog the pool table while the rest of us enjoyed the free flowing drink, the food, and the local gala. The evening for some of us went into early morning with the signs of dawn before we finally succumb to exhaustion. Thanks to the v-Strom Owners Club for supplying 1 packet of “Squares” and 1 coffee with no charge.  Ali’s continual recreation of the “Pick up the gun” scene in Shane had us in fits of laughter and Colin managed to keep everyone awake with his “banging”.. or was that Colin.

Sunday started earlier than anticipated for some with the trip homeward at cruise speed, since we managed to travel back on the same bloody road as the RockNess evacuation. Poor Fiona had to deal with a stubborn bike that refuse to start (or so the story goes) and had to wait on the recovery truck.
I think most of the guys and gals had another fantastic weekend and we look forward to the next outing.

The club also welcomed Alistair to the outing. we hope you were suitably impressed by our drinking skills... LOL.

 Bonnyrigg MCC BBQ

Big thanks to all the guys and gals from Bonnyrigg Motorcycle Club for the invite to your BBQ. I think you managed to ram enough food down the throats of our club members to make them reconsider their dietary requirements. The food was excellent, the banter plentiful, the weather sunny and dry. The wind did add to the entertainment value, but at least it did stay dry for the duration.

Mark managed to lose his pillion seat on leaving St Marys Loch. We did wait until he was at least 5 miles down a single track B-road before we told him, but I’m sure he appreciated the extra 10 mile round trip to search for it.

I have decided that a 10 year old VTR on original suspension is not the ideal bike for two up riding down B roads. Tam and Eric (aka McGregor & Boorman) constantly stuck in my rear view mirror itching to get past.

Dean has managed to connect some of his ex-army smoke canisters to the Kawa so that they emit a smoke screen on the overrun.

Oh yea.. and Tam should have the new nickname “Tam the ambulance chaser” (I’m sure he’s an injury lawyer in disguise)

Thank again guys and gals for a great day out.

 CHAS Easter Run

Thanks to all members who attended the CHAS Easter run today. You‘ll be proud to hear that we managed to raise over £400 on the day for the kids at Rachel house.

Additional thanks to the guys who managed to get up early, put on the yellow bibs (and pink tutus) , and guide us not only through the mass of bikes at the Falkirk Wheel  to find safe and organised parking, but also guided us at a sensible speed (dig...) to Kinross services. Bright sunshine and dry roads were a blessing. The weather did encourage us to extend the trip to take the long way home through a mass of tourists and a stop at Killin for some nourishment and general banter.

Thanks to all who purchased raffle tickets. The draw will be made this weekend with the winner contacted, and announced on this website.

Thanks.