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Scooters Are Better Than Bikes
Post Received 12 March 2020
By Bogger
Scooters Are Better Than Bikes.
Can I hear someone raging and shouting at the screen? Sorry but the statement is true. Scooters are better, for commuting that is. No really, they most definitely are.
I’ve got bikes, big ones and small ones. But my choice of transport every day to work is a Honda SH300. Riding the scooter is much more relaxing and a lot safer and quicker than a bike.
Will you lot stop shouting!
The biggest plus and there’s a lot of them, is always having the power on tap all the time. There’s none of that "oh b*****s I’m in the wrong gear" nonsense. Twist the throttle and off you go at a rate of knots. I always win the traffic light GP. That doesn’t mean I ride like a lunatic and on the stop all the time. Just when it’s needed and when you commute in heavy traffic, that’s a lot. Up to 60mph modern scooters are fast. This instant power, in my opinion, makes them safer.
Also on most scooters the under seat storage is quite large, enormous on some. So usually there’s no issues with carrying lots of, errrr, stuff. I’ll admit that the SH300’s under seat storage is a bit limited but it was supplied, as standard, with a colour coded top box.
Fuel economy is also a big plus as is the better weather protection and the lack of overall weight. Let's also factor in lower costs for service items. After all, smaller engines take less oil to fill them. Tyres are cheaper too. There’s no chain to keep adjusted and lubricated. I could go on, but you get the drift.
I can see that you are all coming round the idea now?
Don’t get me wrong I do use my other bikes to and from work on the odd occasion but I’m happy to get back on the scooter after a couple of days.
I resisted buying a scooter for years. I thought they were slow, Ha. Uncool, even I can’t believe I’ve said that. Just a bit crap really. Wrong. Scooters are brilliant! I know some/a lot of motorcyclists wouldn’t be seen dead on a scooter. If you are one of the die hards you really, really are missing out, trust me.
I saw the light about seven years ago and I’m mighty pleased that I did. If you buy one you will most definitely NOT regret it. They are also ace for touring on, but Shhhhhhhh.
Buy one and have a big smug grin on your face.
Bogger
If you'd like to contact Bikes And Travels use ren@bikesandtravels.com
Reader's Comments
John Scotcher said :-
I agree completely. I saw the light about 12 years ago and have had a Honda Forza 300 for the last 6 years. Scooters are the perfect answer for using around towns and cities. It also allows me to keep my Honda CB500X and Triumph Street Twin for longer journeys and days out only.
30/03/2020 17:08:25 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Scooters, scooters!
Blummin, Flippin Scooters!
Never owned a proper scooter, unless a Vespa that I could never start and gave to the ragbone man or a Honda Bog Seat counts. The Honda Bog Seat did run and run well.
Big scoots are intriguing, like the Silver Wing or Burgman but they seem a bit tight for a big lad.
Upt'North.
30/03/2020 17:19:17 UTC
Bill said :-
They are great fun, I bought an SH300 due to bad hips making knees either side of tank painful on bad days. Unfortunately somebody liked it as much as me and removed it from a parking place. Like you say deceivingly fast from standstill to 50mph. I replaced it with a Yamaha BWS125 not as quick but very light and still beats the cars in the traffic light sprint, and has some off road ability.Dont think I would ever only have a scooter unless the arthritis dictates otherwise.
30/03/2020 18:10:57 UTC
said :-
See, see. I knew I was right. You need to try one out U'pt. I'm not small but the SH300 fits good.
Previous to the SH I had a Piaggio Beverley (stupid name) 350ST. A better scooter than the SH in almost every respect. Faster, larger tank, much larger under seat storage and better fuel economy to name but a few.
However the Honda is Much, much better build quality and IMO uses better materials for is construction.I was fed up of constantly fettling the Bev it to keep it in good order. For a weekend bike the Piaggio would be brilliant, but not for the daily commute.
Previous to the Bev I had a Yamaha Majesty 250 again another great scooter, but the seating position made my back ache after 35mls. Both the SH and Bev are a more upright seating position. Keep on scootering guys.
Bogger
30/03/2020 18:23:59 UTC
nab301 said :-
I'm not against scoots and have taken a test ride in recent years on a Tmax 500 , and very recently the Electric Piaggio. The Tmax has plenty of go but ergonomically it didn't suit me and now that I think about it, one of my first PTW projects as a pre 16 yr old was a 3 speed lambretta 150 that I did speedway on around my parents front garden.
It ( the garden ) was just big enough to allow me to grab second gear with the back end dancing around all over the place. Obviously it wasn't a twist and go , and required a certain dexterity with the left hand (Twist grip operated ) gear change.
Overall in the twist and go context I'm at present happier with a clutch and gear lever but would never rule them out if needs must.
Nigel
31/03/2020 14:15:21 UTC
Steve said :-
This is a timely thread for me because at 70 years of age i am beginning to feel the cold on my winter bike ( Royal Enfield Himalayan) It is not my upper body or hands that get cold as my electric vest/heated grips take care of that. Its my legs and feet that feel it,esp if it rains and they get wet, so I have been looking a scooter and the leg and feet protection look great, although your legs and feet are not completely covered I am thinking that most of the wind and rain will be deflected. Thanks for any comments & advice
31/03/2020 21:59:53 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
SCOOTERS!!! Do I have to change the name to SAT not BAT? Scooters and Travels? Pfffffft.
Unfortunately, and I'm chocking here, I can see the advantages.
Firstly with step through there will oft times be a lot of options to move your feet. With many scoots not having foot controls it is nice to shuffle around and change positions easily. Step through also makes getting off and on a lot easier. With your legs "within" the vehicle if you fall off you won't trap you knee between the tank and road as I did about 20 years back. With a side-swipe from a car you've a tiny bit more protection too.
The auto constantly variable transmission makes life a lot easier in town and for learners too. Just twist-n-go no faffing around with clutches and gears. Do bear in mind though these things are NOT maintenance free with belts and weights and pulleys wearing out.
Most have some sort of usable underseat storage with a degree of security.
It is only my oldschool wannabe badass biker that spoils my appreciation of them. There's nowt wrong with scoots so if it's what suits you then get one!
01/04/2020 10:06:38 UTC
Bogger said :-
Looks like I've already won the non argument. The Tucano leg cover, hmm. I used to think they were dreadful and resisted buying one for ages. But another mate has an SH and just kept going on how good they were.
I eventually bit the bullet. He was totally correct. They are brilliant. Warmer, dryer what's not to like. I'll admit they don't look the best, but my word they work.
Bogger...the converted
01/04/2020 12:41:14 UTC
Womble said :-
Funnerly enough been thinking about trying a scooter. I currently have four bikes and am trying to get down to two. But want to sell all 4 and start again. Scooters are quite popular here in France and basically used as an alternative to a car. I'm looking at one which I could use for shopping/everyday use and for two up touring. Things that appeal are the underseat storage pillon comfort and the fact that you can move leg position easily. So will give one ago when the current situation eases.
01/04/2020 14:53:26 UTC
Upt'North said :-
French Womble.
I do think scooters make a lot more sense in warmer climes. They would make a great little nip out to the shops motor but not in wet old Blighty where you need 15 layers in June, never mind January.
Good luck with your rationalisation when times allow. Do you live in the warmer dryer France?
Upt'North.
01/04/2020 21:24:45 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The point with the scooter in wet old blighty Upt' *IS* the weather protection. When you see those leg covers as fitted to Bogger's 300 I imagine with a helmet and good jacket you'd be toasty warm. No more wet crotch and soggy boots - he just needs a set of ®Ren's-Amazing-Hand-Guards and ®Ren's-Amazing-Screen-Extender and it'll be WARMER than the car.
02/04/2020 08:45:16 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Ed, you kind of missed my point but I think I didn't make it well either.
Scenario......I wake up at 0730 in proper Northern England,think, fancy some fresh bread from the bakers toasted for breakfast, oh and I'll get a paper and a bottle of milk whilst out and about. Look out of the window to see sideways rain, ice, snow, puddles, you get the picture. Right I'll now take ten minutes getting kitted up and another ten getting kitted down or do I just jump in the motor. That's a simple decision for me in an area where traffic is not an issue.
2nd Scenario......I wake up at 0730 in an Italian city and it's already 70 degrees with zero wind and not a cloud in the sky, I really fancy some fresh coffee and cannolis, pull on the Levis and White T, pudding bowl helmet and shades applied managing to look like Steve McQueen without even trying (how do they do that?). Whilst out I stop and chat to some buddies before returning home. The bike is still clean, I'm not wet and I am met by Sophia Loren doing the dishes. Now that's what I meant.
When scootering is like this no wonder it's popular, you are also allowed to get away with motoring murder on Scooters, especially in Italy. There must be a clause in Italian Traffic Regulations that clearly states none of it applies to scooters.
Climate, you have to love it. On that note its a dry morning in Wooler but with 46 mph winds from the W and the feels like temperature is 28. That's Fahrenheit. Which in centigrade is blummin freezin.
Upt'North.
02/04/2020 09:14:55 UTC
C87reed said :-
Another scooter fan here.
I currently have a '17 Honda SH300 and it is one of the best (if not the best) two-wheeled machines that I've ever owned. They are so much fun, nippy and pretty eager, cruises well on faster routes too.
It will do up to around 110mpg which is brilliant as I could be out riding all day for quite a low cost. Surprisingly handles pretty well due to the larger wheels. Plenty of storage under the seat and with the top box. I find this so useful for food shopping or for errands to collect things. When I head out on my other motorcycle I soon miss the space as I've not even got space for a can of pop. There is even a standard fit 12v socket tucked away under the seat, yet this is an £80 option on my Honda CB with a larger list price.
Belts and rollers do need frequent check-ups but I still think that this is much easier and less time consuming than the cleaning and adjustment of a chain.
Chris
02/04/2020 23:29:06 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Upt'! You've slipped into the world of your imagination due to the lockdown ain't ya. In your warm Mediterranean country such as Italy... You wake up in a noisy city filled with heavy air and sirens. You dress lightly and hop outside to the scoot only to realise it's about to tip it down. You sit under a canopy dodging the rain while spending a small fortune for a tiny teeny dinky little cup of tar like caffeine. Meanwhile frumpy old ladies with scarves wrapped around their heads shout curses from balconies. Sophia Loren types don't hang around with lowlife such as you and I.
The first time I went to Spain I thought all the girls would look like Catherine Zeta Jones wearing off the shoulder cotton dresses and pumping water from a dusty well while giving me sultry steamy looks. Needless to say this didn't happen otherwise I'd still be there.
C87reed - good to hear! That MPG is impressive, Sharon's 250 usually returns around 100 MPG so that's good going. The one thing with belts and rollers is they are, for the most part, a lot cleaner than chains. I don't know how many miles you've done but can you give us any details as to what is involved and how often?
03/04/2020 07:45:00 UTC
c87reed said :-
Ren,
My SH has done around 5k miles at nearly 3 years old, and as yet the transmission cover hasn't been off at all. In the maintenance schedule the belt and clutch are down for inspection at 8k miles and the belt is down for replacement at 16k miles. When I last checked a genuine Honda belt was circa £90 and variator rollers £20.
Generally speaking on any CVT scoot I would aim to pop the cover off every 5k miles and inspect the rollers for any flat spots. Having said that though, if there are no apparent flat spots in the acceleration and no untoward noises then there isn't too much to get concerned about. Not a long job by any means, you could do it at a leisurely pace inside an hour, probably a fair bit quicker. I tend to use a variator locking tool for the loosening and proper torquing up of the crankshaft nut.
With all this time on my hands, I can get a couple of other general maintenance jobs done: final drive oil, brake fluid change and coolant. I'll probably pop that transmission cover off too.
Chris
08/04/2020 13:13:58 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
8k is a perfectly acceptable service interval then c87reed. I have a friend with a 50cc scoot and he's always got it in bits hence why I thought the belts needed a lot of looking after. I now suspect it will be due to my mate's murderous riding style rather than fast wearing parts then.
Excuse my ignorance - final drive oil? I would have to guess somewhere around the rear wheel bearings?
09/04/2020 08:00:01 UTC
Bogger said :-
Yes. Located at the rear of the belt housing. The SH only takes 500cc to fill it.The belts hardly wear at all.
The Beverley I had recommended the belt be replaced at 14,000 miles. Which I did. I should have saved my money. No belt wear no fraying and the rollers had just discernable flats appearing on them.14,000 miles to fill Piaggios coffers more often.I was going to leave the next replacement for another 25k, but I sold it instead.
Bogger
09/04/2020 13:02:33 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Well I never. Wonder why they don't put oil in the wheel bearings on a motorcycle? Historical and weight reasons I'm guessing. And before the shaft drive clan pipe in - yes yes yes I know.
09/04/2020 14:13:19 UTC
c87reed said :-
It's a while since I've had a 50cc scoot, but I did own a few. I would say that the rollers do have a tendency to wear more on the smaller engined scoots, either that or the materials/design have just improved in years gone by. On the SH I believe the final drive requires the same 10w-30 grade as the engine.
I've been there and done the murderous riding style unfortunately. I had a Malaguti Firefox 49cc at 16, tweaked with Technigas pipe, malossi variator with new roller weights. It would hit 64mph on the clocks, until the top end went after about 6k miles. Thankfully I've now mastered the art of mechanical sympathy.
Chris
13/04/2020 22:18:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Cheers C87reed. It is funny as today I grip about the yoofs and their noisy poorly maintained scoots and motorcycles, only to recall I was pretty much the same myself once. It seems I am destined to become a grumpy old man. Thanks for the info, the more I know the more I realise how little I know.
14/04/2020 07:44:40 UTC
Steve said :-
Well i finally got a scooter, I had been thinking about one since the winter when my legs & feet seemed to be cold all the time. I didn,t anything too heavy but at the same time still wanted a bit of power and speed. 300/400cc seemed to tick all the boxes. It is impossible to try stuff just now in the circumstances so thought after owning many Hondas I would just plump for another. Its a Forza NSS300 with about 25k on it, it was previously owned by an engineer who did his own maintenance and carried them out at half the recommended intervals so should be good for a few more miles.
I only got it yesterday and went for a 70 mile run. I found the riding position relaxing, the seay almost having a built in backrest and easy on the legs feet forward. A few emergency stops in the first few miles provided some excitement when i kept trying to pull the clutch in. I had a good look round it today, oil, filter plug etc should be easy enough. so hopefully be easy enough to maintain. Once we get out of lockdown here in Scotland i hope to pack the flask and sandwiches and have a few solitary day rides in the Central Highlands.
23/05/2020 22:09:39 UTC
c87reed said :-
Steve,
Same engine as my SH and it's a great unit. I believe that it originated from their CRF250 enduro bike. You'll have no shortage of space for the flask and sandwiches.
Chris
23/05/2020 23:00:16 UTC
Steve said :-
Thanks for reassurance Chris. The SH300 was the other scooter on my list. I like the fact it has bigger wheels and a higher seat height but felt that the Forza would offer that extra wind and rain protection in winter which was the reason for the purchase.
24/05/2020 09:28:37 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
That made me laugh - "A few emergency stops in the first few miles provided some excitement when i kept trying to pull the clutch in." When I was an instructor I had to transport a 50cc scoot across Manchester and just like you the revs would rise and I'd instinctively go for another gear by pulling the - ahem - "clutch" lever. I almost headbutted the clocks.
It's easy once you get used to it though.
Enjoy the Forza Steve and here's to many pleasurable trips when we're finally allowed.
24/05/2020 11:18:25 UTC
Tinkerbell said :-
My dealer told me today that a SH350i is coming next year? Have you heard anything?
30/09/2020 19:43:45 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Tinker Bell.
Nice picture. Thanks for posting.
A quick Google reveals this but no SH.
Upt'North.
30/09/2020 23:07:20 UTC
crofty said :-
I had put the Forza off the road as I had bought it as a winter bike. So October is here and its back on the road. I changed the coolant/oil/brake fluid over the summer so should be good for the winter. Tucano Urbano muffs ordered, electric vest looked out so ready to go. It was nice on Tues so i had a wee pre winter ride. 100 miles, all good.
01/10/2020 08:47:11 UTC
Badger said :-
I have been looking at the Suzuki Burgman 200. Although ... Honda have a new cbf 125 due out soon. Dropped some weight off an already light bike, Claimed 188mpg !!
Half the tax of the 200, more mpg, and a new bike for the same price as a used Burgman.
3k ish .... Honda not released a price.
03/10/2020 13:17:23 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I can't see myself buying a brand new CB125F but if they are as economical as they say they are it'll be a contender as and when my current CBF125 throws in the towel.
05/10/2020 08:56:18 UTC
Badger said :-
New 2020 cb125f costs 2949. New ones due in soon. I would imagine, more expensive.
I wonder how much they would let a 2020 go for, to make room for the new model?
Currently on a 0% deal.
05/10/2020 21:05:48 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's always worth going in hard with a low bid, especially in winter. They'll be low on sales in winter and they'll want to make space for the shiny new models in spring. What's the worst they can say, no?
06/10/2020 08:17:53 UTC
said :-
This is interesting.
Looked into it, and the 2009-2014 models (ours) were made in India and suffered corrosion issues. 2015-2020 models are made in Asia, much better quality for European winters, but the engines are down on power.
Also .. experienced prejudice...
Told friends I was thinking of a scooter for work, and they were absolutely horrified.
Haha ... funny old world.
06/10/2020 10:07:24 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
I have to admit I became converted to scooters. I passed my test 1 month after my 17th birthday in the 1970's and have had many motorcycles from 125 to 750. I loved them all, admittedly some a little less than others, and always had one.
In another bit of my life I have always been taking part in big expeditions in the third world or is that developing workd. I began to realize when asked in Asia or Africa what to use for transport always the answer was local scooter (given a choice a Cub or derivative). I loaded that green KTM Cub on to a river ferry in Guinea Bisssau. Guys on BMW 1200's were looking at using at least 3 steveadors who don't come cheap to obviously wealth European bikers. I could go up any track, and if I fell off, pick it up. If any thing broke you could go to any town and the spares were there and it would be sorted. All over Asia and Africa always a Cub.
So now at home in The Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry Ireland what is perfect a Honda 125cc Innova.If I need to cross Europe quickly by motorway a Pan European it is but for 90% of my time on these rural back roads scooter it is.
16/06/2021 13:09:31 UTC
nab301 said :-
I had to google KTM Cub , I never saw one before. The photo looks like something out of an old Top Gear episode albeit with bikes instead of cars!
Nigel
16/06/2021 19:25:43 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
It was indeed a bit like an old "Top Gear", as many of our trips are. The same schoolboy pranks and humour. West Africa is just such a great place to whizz around on a Cub.The roads are a lot of dirt ones so cub ideal.
Dakar in Senegal is 3 hours from Lisbon, dirt cheap on TAP. People very friendly, corrupt like all Africa, spares no problem, work on bike easily done, price however very negotiable.
18/06/2021 11:56:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Having seen Ed March's antics on a C90 around the world there's little doubt that a Cub or similar has so many advantages. Primarily that of, as you say, parts and repair options. If several million locals are batting around on vehicle X you can be sure there'll be plenty of workshops and assistance for vehicle X. Also of note is the idea that on a common-as-muck bike you appear as poor as the locals. This I imagine reduces your chances of being robbed or overly-bribed and makes you more approachable.
Horses for courses. If I were in Manchester looking at a 1,000 mile ride across France into Italy on motorways I think a Gold-Wing, RT BMW or Pan-Euro would be fabulous. If I were then negotiating the narrow streets of Milan then a small scooter is the ticket. There is no perfect bike for all situations.
I've ridden a little on the Dingle Peninsula, and I was on my CBF125. It did the job perfectly.
18/06/2021 17:00:21 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Ren. I love this blog/forum/site so a bug thanks to you both. Anytime your this way again come stay.50m to best pub I know. In fact the landlord was on the above trip with me. We had one guy shot and one guy arrested as a drug smuggler. I was conned out of €20 on arrival by immigration offical.
West Kerry Cub.
18/06/2021 20:35:02 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Cheers Rev. Mick. I once hoped the blog would grow to become a source of income for me but alas it appears to attract quite a select group of riders. Without guides on how to do wheelies and how to dodge speeding tickets, without scantily clad ladies draped across exotic sports bikes and without reports and opinion pieces on why Marquez did/did not beat Rossi in the MotoGP it seems fame is not mine for the taking.
I shall remain a humble computer nerd for a living and continue to write about mini adventures to places far less wild and remote as yours in Africa. I'll be bodging my bike and writing about it so my dear dear "friends" on here can mock my efforts. I figure I'll always prefer quiet pipes and sensible speeds. If some folks find it entertaining then all the better.
Beware of offering Her Ladyship and I a place to stay! We might just take you up on your offer then you'll be in trouble. Upt' thinks I'll be peeing on his rhubarb in the middle of the night if we camp in his garden. I'm not sure Ian Soady has fully recovered the cost of my excessive tea drinking when I dropped in at his place for a chat. Poor old Bogger hasn't gotten over seeing how dirty my 500 is in the flesh yet. I leave a trail of traumatised hosts behind me as I travel.
That's a beautiful picture Rev. Mick. Not envious, not at all. Nope. Grrrrr!
19/06/2021 10:22:31 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
A great site anyhow and probably better for a lack of Scantily clad ladies. I read with constant interest. Though SH300i talk has got me to ring Carole Nash to see the cost of adding a scooter. That is before I run it before herself.
Planning an Outer Hebrides trip.
19/06/2021 11:39:46 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
The Most Reverend Mick.
It is lovely you are visiting, BUT......
You cannot praise Ed, it's the law. He is not worthy of such accolades.
Stop it.
Or you will be tracked down and de-biked at dawn.
Consider ya'self told Mick.
Upt'North.
19/06/2021 13:40:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Upt', as a one time member of her Madge's constabulary and now (evidently) the BAT legal eagle, I need some legal assistance. I did not know it was a legal requirement to be horrible to me, but alas a lack of knowledge of the law is no excuse. Bearing this in mind does this apply to myself as the first party in this statute? IE do I need to be horrible to myself or does this only apply to third parties?
Even at my almost 50 years Rev. Mick I still have an appreciation for the female form, be it draped across velocipedes or otherwise. However there's a time and a place for everything and as I try to keep this site, while mature, family friendly then this ain't that place.
And yet, I shall post below a very dirty image of Sharon. No, wait. I meant a picture of a dirty Sharon
19/06/2021 14:38:21 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Dirty, dirty girl.
When you're on your own Ed, then the Actus Reus and Mens Rea will be unseen by others, so as long as you don't post any images of you being pleasant to yourself you're probably OK, me'lud.
That's the case for the defence.
But once out in public view I would advise you to never be pleasant to ya'self and certainly never smile, although the defence of "wind" may get you off with a caution or a clip round the ear hole.
Upt'North.
19/06/2021 17:06:27 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm pretty safe on the smiling front. I'm sure to always apply my "Bah HUMBUG!" face before leaving the house and being a miserable old curmudgeon comes naturally to me. I tried being nice to myself one and treated myself to spending some money. Didn't like it, felt all wrong.
21/06/2021 08:21:36 UTC
Borsuk said :-
I am not sure that it is the Law that we must not praise Ren Upt,I heard that when Moses came down from the mountain he had 11 commandments, the last of which was "Thou shalt be mean to Ren the Ed at all times".
As nobody had hear of Ren the Ed at the time it was left out of the book.
Finally got home last week after quite a longish time.
Fired up the Himmy yesterday, started first time. Now all I need to do is reinsure it and get back on the road.
22/06/2021 06:43:18 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Borsuk, glad you've stopped bobbin about, started first time(?), lucky boy.
Thanks for clarifying that it is indeed religious law which prevents any niceness being bestowed on ED, who can argue the ethical and moral codes taught by religions. So Christian Canon Law it is.
How is it in Spain me o'd mucka, do you think we've got a cat in hells chance of riding there in September? I'm thinkin not.
Enjoy your Himi.
Upt'North.
22/06/2021 13:02:48 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
"Thou shalt be mean to Ren the Ed at all times". So let it be written, so let it be done. While it pains me personally to be the butt of all your heanous cruelty at least I can be reassured you're following scripture. I carry the weight of my own blog upon my weary shoulders.
Anyhoo. Stuck as sea due to Covid Borsuk? If you've been at sea a while does this mean you'll be home a while? Or will you be press ganged back aboard and shackled to the engine with an oil can and a big hammer. Or was it an oar, I seem to recall yours is an older vessel.
23/06/2021 08:09:09 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Hoping to whizz off on the first scooter camping trip this year. Innova all revved up and ready to go.
Being nice is the result of 40 years front line NHS and HSE.
25/06/2021 09:08:30 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Also looking at scooter to Spain. It is only €139 return from Rosslare to Spain on ferry!
25/06/2021 09:10:42 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Wait... what??? £139 return from Rosslare to Spain. No way, surely, don't call me Shirley.
Last The Worshipful Sharon and the lowly I went to Espana the return ferry cost us around the £600 mark for 2 bikes, 2 people and one cabin. When I went on my own, waaaaay back in '05 I seem to recall it was around the £400 mark - 1 bike 1 person, cabin on the way out and chair on the return. For £139 return we could sail from Fishguard or even Liverpool - Belfast and ride to Rosslare.
I shall have a gander at that. I'm not doubting your honesty Rev. Mick but that seems really really cheap.
25/06/2021 10:26:11 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
By the way - if anyone is planning a trip to Ireland I would strongly recommend the Rosslare port rather than Dublin. Why? Dublin's port is right in the heart of Dublin. If, like me, you hate cities and their bewildering junctions, one way systems and horrible traffic then you will hate Dublin. Rosslare on the other hand is a small small place and the road from the ferry leads you straight into the peaceful Irish countryside without fuss.
At the opposite end you can land in Fishguard, south Wales. I also know there was the choice of Pembroke but I recommend you check for yourself if these ferries are running. Anyhow the Pembrokeshire area is pleasant. Admittedly Liverpool is more convenient and I know the layout a little but overall for most Rosslare seems the best option.
25/06/2021 10:35:16 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
For Sept 15 out, Sept 30 return, 1 bike 1 person and 1 cabin I'm getting €542 with Brittany ferries.
25/06/2021 10:41:48 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
I was looking much earlier in the year in full lockdown.As you say it may now be more. No cabin only reclining chair. Will have to re examine. Just waiting now for second dose of Astra Zenica then Green EU vaccine passport
25/06/2021 13:36:35 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Dublin OK if you get early boat. Then through tunnel whip round a couple of junctions on the M50 onto the N7 (or I do to Kerry). All done before rush hour and keep out of Dublin.
25/06/2021 13:40:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
... or go direct to Rosslare and not worry about any of that city nonsense!
25/06/2021 13:55:21 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Yipes, it has gone up a bit. However I'm thinking winter.
25/06/2021 14:19:03 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
I really enjoy the cross country ride from Rosslare to here all on R roads. It is very good on a small bike.
25/06/2021 14:21:03 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Be curious regarding prices in winter Rev. Mick. I think that could be just the ticket for a wet and wild winter - 27 hours on a ferry to Spain then endless sunshine. Oh... wait. Spain gets snow in winter too if you're in the wrong area. Tread carefully with your plans and do some research. When we were in Potes (Picos) we asked about winter and the Spanish barman flattened his hand at waist height - "Snow, here, this much, brrrrr cold!"
I've ridden and camped along the East coast of Ireland - I'll add a link.
https://bikesandtravels.com/biker.aspx?ride=792...
25/06/2021 15:06:05 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren , I didn't realise you stayed in Wolohan's campsite , sure it's only a quick blast down the road from me and I often head south on the coast road....
Nigel
27/06/2021 10:48:17 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Aaaah if I'da known then what I know now! I could have stopped in at your place for free tea n biscuits. It's a lovely area nab301, enjoy.
28/06/2021 10:01:32 UTC
said :-
08/02/2022 22:53:29 UTC
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