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Last Day Of Fun In France
It's a lovely start to Bogger's last day in France. Malestroit is pretty and interesting, the museum is fascinating, and there's food aplenty. Shame the ferry crossing is not up to scratch.
Drawing You In
Our resident cynic Ren is bemoaning the tactics of salesfolk. It's a trap - IT'S A TRAP!! Anyone would think shops have to sell things to make a profit.
Not Much To Report, Save For More Wonderous Views
All in all it's a fairly uneventful day on the road for Andy as he makes his way homeward bound. The scenery is good, the accommodation too, although the big GS has a "moment".
A Day Of Classic And Vintage Vehicles
A rest day for Bogger? Hardly. There's classic and vintage and fast motorcycles and cars. There's posh places and new friends. Food and booze too much as you'd expect.
Anaerobic Gasket Maker
Anaerobic Gasket Maker?!? What the deuce is that? Well between Ren's mumblings and memories you might find just the merest hint of useful information. Maybe...
Cracks, Vultures, And Cow Jams
Andy is having a fascinating ride through Spain today. Cows that won't "moooooove", gaps in the scenery, gaps in the tarmac, and he's trying his hand at geology.
Skeggy Epilogue
In the final reckoning was the trip to Skeg-Vegas a rip-roaring failure or and majestic success? Neither - but you already knew that. Still, here's Ren's tuppence on the issue at hand.
Everyone Has Their Troubles
A long, cold and moist ride today for Bogger and Pete. Turns out their host isn't having the best of days either. Fear not there's still beer and smiles.
Prologue, Rain, Lost, And Hot
Another short winter break in Shropshire. This time Much Wenlock provides the location and the weather does what winter weather does. It'll be fine, hopefully.
Much A-Wenlock About Nothing
Title page for a short winter break in Shropshire.
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Last Day Of Fun In France
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I've found where it is, we've been close to there riding through Rennes and Nantes on the way to Portugal.....map would be nice though.
26/05/2026 13:00:31 UTC
Last Day Of Fun In France
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Malestroit is indeed a lovely place, we were there a couple of years ago with the caravan.
26/05/2026 12:55:48 UTC
Last Day Of Fun In France
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks Bogger, cabin every time here too. Butler service if it's available too. I don't see why a trip should equal undue discomfort and those young girls need the exercise from carrying your bike clobber; it's almost like you're helping them out. That town looks lovely, I'll look it up if Ed the Leader ever posts a map.
Pffffffftttttt.
MaccyD's, I think I'd go without first, the last time I was in one was in Mammoth, CA, around 1995. There was a coyote sitting outside which was the highlight of the experience.
Upt.
26/05/2026 12:57:06 UTC
Last Day Of Fun In France
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I used to try to sleep on the floor or on reclining seats many years ago. A cabin every time for me now though. It's worth considering Club Voyage which is not cheap but gives decent discounts on cabins and fares.
I have never understood how the French have taken to Macdonalds. Many years ago I was working on an EU project and our French partner who rejoiced in the name of Bruno Frandji (and was an actual Count!) always loved them So weird as the staff canteen at his employers, which was based at the old SHAEF HQ buildings, provided a gorgeous 3 course meal with mile for a paltry sum.
26/05/2026 10:13:44 UTC
Drawing You In
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
"Mint Condition" BrosSteve - yeah that made me laugh. One man's mint condition is another man's wreck it seems.
Now ROD you do make an interesting point - how much fiscal cost difference would there be between 65 and 80 mpg. I covered 13,000 miles last year. The cheapest fuel hereabouts is £1.49.9 so £1.50 per litre.
65 mpg = 14.3 mpl. 80 mpg = 17.6 mpl.
13000 / 14.3 = 909 litres for 13000 miles
13000 / 17.6 = 739 litres for 13000 miles
909 x 1.50 = £1363 @ 65mpg
739 X 1.50 = £1108 @ 80mpg
Difference of £255.
Blimey! £255 sounds like a lot... then again it's a set of tyres, or the cost of insurance and tax, or a ferry to Holland. In the greater scheme of our lives £255 per annum is not that much these days - and if I particular bike gives you more than £255 worth of fun then it's a no brainer. Something for me to consider ROD, I'm glad you mentioned this and did the maths.
As for Bogger suggesting scooters though. I know Ian had a bad experience and Bogger just loves his scoots - I can see the logic and the advantages of them - I just can't bring myself to be seen on one just yet! Here's a question or two Bogger. Does the engine being enclosed like a car engine keep the engine cleaner and therefore nicer to work on? Correspondingly does the enclosed engine also make working on the engine harder in your experience? Oh - and how hard is it to change the CTV belt on these things - roadside job or 3 days in the workshop?
Ian - you've bought the Herald?!?
26/05/2026 08:17:52 UTC
Drawing You In
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I was very surprised by how nice my new Herald is. There's always a suspicion that the photos are 5 years old, but no - nothing but the odd spot of surface rust. I do wonder however why it's had 7(!) previous owners and mileage between MoTs is paltry. I have been looking at the photos and see the rear suspension units are adjusted for max preload. They must be screwed down at least 3".
Maybe the previous owners found it too uncomfortable and didn't have the mechanical nous to adjust them?
25/05/2026 13:45:21 UTC
Drawing You In
BrosSteve said :-
I feel your pain Ren. I would be the worlds worst salesman because Im too honest.
My dealings buying cars/bikes/ vans/anything have been a mixture of satisfaction and despair.
With vehicles I always like to see in the flesh, so to speak. Many times I have walked away with just a cursory glance.
Mint condition is my favourite as the item very rarely is although buying 2nd hand is not buying new so adjustments have to be reasonably made.
24/05/2026 10:02:34 UTC
Drawing You In
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Oh no he doesn't. I did exactly that a few years ago. While it may not have been my absolutely worst decision - there's lots of competition there - it's certainly up there.
23/05/2026 10:01:16 UTC
Drawing You In
Bogger said :-
Ren you really need to buy a 'maxi' scooter. Good on fuel, more than fast enough, they look good.
Loads of under seat storage and various cubby holes. Comfy, good weather protection. Shall I go on?
Just get one bought.
Bogger
22/05/2026 16:16:22 UTC
Drawing You In
Upt'North ¹ said :-
It's all about the miles innit. The STrom only did around 2k last year with Er'Indoors makin me fly. Pfffffft.
I can see with large miles mpg becomes an issue but for moi it makes little difference in the bikes or cars. The STrom will consistently return 60+ mpg two up and loaded as long as you're not going for a speed record on the autobahns. I suspect with a little restraint it would achieve 70+ but I'm unlikely to find out.
Life is way too short-term to consider spending less on wine, women and go-juice.
As a total digression, there are about a dozen red deer peering through the window at me. I wonder if they ever consider MPM....munch per mile. They don't half like these young plants the owner planted.
21/05/2026 23:13:06 UTC
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nab301 said :-
I can (possibly mistakenly!) remember in the 70's, petrol (post decimalisation) being 30p per gallon ,my Yamaha 80 (yes it was a two stroke) could be filled for 50p , 1.5 gallon tank but when I search I'm told that petrol prices at the time were around 90p per gallon... it was however a time of shortages, queues, abusive customers , (working part time in a filling station, no different from today I guess) and exponential price rises but still a lot cheaper than todays €1.90 per litre / €8.62 per gallon.
Nigel
09/05/2026 17:28:34 UTC
Glyn said :-
Just to add my bit, I remember 3 star petrol ( that had to be mixed with oil in my bantam ) was three shillings and six pence a gallon! I’m so old I cant be arsed to do the conversion to this modern day numeration stuff. What was wrong with 12 pence in a shilling, a florin, a half crown, 10 Bob etc? I would add that my first wage packet was for £4 per week out of which was deducted 10 shillings and 3d for whatever the government needed it for. Hopefully it was better spent back then. I’ve just spent a week in Munich and either the authorities have more money or they’re spending it more wisely. Not a single pothole to be seen anywhere.
09/05/2026 10:58:06 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
A pound a gallon!!!! Robbery!!! Mind you ROD that's back when a pound was the average annual wage.
Let me think. When I started riding I can still picture the sign at Gilsons Garage, £1.65 per gallon. And it was a pound for a can of pop in the club.
Today it's £1.52 per litre or £6.90 per gallon. I'm paying over bloody £3 for a bottle of cola. On my straw poll cola is a bit cheaper or petrol is more expensive these days, but not all that much!
09/05/2026 06:18:33 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
I was about to respond but I thought Ian would trump me with lower prices for a pint.
My pints when first going decimal were 12p for special mild or special bitter.
I also seem to remember a conversation where people were saying that they would stop driving when fuel reached £1.00 per gallon!
I hope things improve with your knee Ian.
The doctors advice to strengthen surrounding muscles sounds good.
08/05/2026 12:03:11 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
20p a pint? Extortion. My first pint was in the High Force Hotel after a school walking club hike from High Cup Nick, passing the crashed Wellington(?) bomber up on the high fells and fording the Tees just above the waterfall. We must have been mad as any slip would have seeen us doing a Professor Moriarty. I remember the beer as being 1/9d (one shilling and ninepence) or about 9p in new money.
You lot don't know you're born although it's more recent in your memories than in mine.
In other news, visited a physio yesterday who confirmed I have a torn meniscus in my kne. Basically not much can be done other than exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles, and time. Maybe up to a couple of months of the latter....
Surgery is no longer recommended.
08/05/2026 10:15:18 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Goodness me you're REALLY old Upt'! When I were an 18 year old yoof my night out was a fiver. £2 of petrol into the H100A (2 stroke, this is what put me off 2 strokes). 2 quids worth of juice would see me right for a full week's riding. A whole £1 to get into Maxime's Rock Night in Wigan, leaving the remaining £2 for 2 cans of Coca Cola. I'd spend the evening failing to gain the affections of various "rock chicks" then ride home through the cold and the rain.
It was this time in my life I gave up drinking. The nights I was sober and failing with the girls were much more fun than the nights I got drunk while still failing with the girls. Sleeping in a warm bed sober is so much nicer than trying to sleep on Wigan Bus Station with a hangover.
Right - I have reviewed Ian's words and images re compressing the string. Now armed with the diagram and a better comprehension I can see the problem. This all leads me to be thankful I live in a time where we have hard rubber cush drives, it's a wonder anyone from the 40s and 50s has and fingers left!
08/05/2026 08:15:07 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Made me think....yes I know....I shouldn't.
I'm sure the first pint of beer I bought in the late seventies was about 20p in new money. It would have been in Talke Working Mens Club in North Staffordshire, it had a great snooker room underneath the main building. Happy days, I was probably running a Gilera Trial 50 and petrol was 17 new pennies a litre.
Upt.
07/05/2026 17:19:34 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Show off. Don't come on this ere forum for the aged flaunting your wealth. It's tough being a pensioner you know. I remember when you could go to the flicks, catch a PMT bus there and back and have a bag of tripe and chips in proper newspaper for 10 bob. Maybe even play around on the back seat of the bus too!
Tell that to the kids today and they won't believe you.
07/05/2026 17:11:24 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
What ya gonna do with the £3.64 that you could steal from my account Upt'?
07/05/2026 15:32:10 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ed, of course I'll oblige. You deserve it.
Please post you bank account and credit card details including your security and pin's and I'll get right onto it. You're welcome.
No what should I spend it all on?
Upt and Sincere.
07/05/2026 10:19:34 UTC
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Ian Soady¹ said :-
Knee still preventing me riding. The seller is off on his hols now so have arranged for my usual bike transport bloke to sort out pickup and delivery. He's very reliable and quite cheap but tends to be busy so often there's a bit of a wait. He charged me £150 to collect the Steib from Wisbech and bring it over to Redditch. A lot of people wouldn't touch it.
This is him if anyone needs a bike moving.
https://www.motorcycletransportservices.co.uk/...
26/05/2026 10:06:05 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ahh so you have bought the Herald - good show. Did you get chance to ride it or will you have to wait to collect the bike next week?
26/05/2026 08:22:44 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
The nice Ian from Worcester picked up the C11 today. It looked so lovely in the sunshine I was strongly tempted to keep it......
25/05/2026 11:12:42 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Well I've bought it. Nice chap selling it, he's bought an Enfield HNTR. At £1,000 how could I refuse? He's off on his hols later this week so it will have to stay in his shed till he returns and I can get it picked up.
24/05/2026 15:02:58 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I had a GN250 for a while Ian as a commuter, nice little engine.
Good luck.
Upt.
22/05/2026 23:00:36 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
250 based on the Suzuki GN250 which is a tough little engine. Yes, I know about the forks - must be getting senile. Looks like good value at £1150 and only 3,000 km!!!! The MoT history is remarkably clean.
22/05/2026 14:48:27 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
125 or 250 Ian? Looks 250 to me. USD Forks - get you!
22/05/2026 13:11:47 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Off to look at this one on Sunday. Was listed on ebay but failed to sell......
22/05/2026 11:20:55 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Sold! To the nice chap from Worcester. Didn't fetch as much as I'd hoped but then when do they. Currently trying to contact an ebay advertiser with a Sinnis retrostar but he's not answering. No rush though. I may end up with the red fake New Imp which is overpriced but pretty.
22/05/2026 09:57:33 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've sold a couple of bikes as well as some parts through facebook and also bought three. All were easy smooth transactions with no problems or horrifying after-effects. Given the plunge in old bike prices I'm not too bothered about folk seeing what's in my shed despite the theft a couple of years ago. I think that was planned and done by someone who knew what was in there. Probably one of the cowboy paving / landscaping contractors who were ripping us off at the time....
The little Bessa is on FB at the moment - 700-odd views, 65 watchers. Most of the latter probably people with a similar bike seeing what they fetch. A possible sale fell through when I texted the wrong person my address. Ho hum.
21/05/2026 10:13:17 UTC
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