Go Big and Ride Small

[Godspeed]

Just heading back on the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth. I did a couple of calculations from the trip:
2500 miles covered
9.3bhp
9 countries
3 weeks
Best fuel economy figure was 166mpg
Spent under £100 on petrol for the whole trip
Topped up oil twice, probably used 200mls in total
Best place was the Balcony roads around Combe Laval
Worst place was the industrialised areas on the spanish side of the Pyrenees near San Sebastian

Did I miss having taken a larger bike. Nope, not at all.
All summed up in a celebratory picture taken at the top of the Stelvio pass

F57C48D8-5291-4E2B-AB90-998740EE8345.jpeg (219.25 KiB) Viewed 2214 times

[daveuprite]

What a great achievement. You must have seen and experienced so much, and at a pace where you can really take it all in. I've done a fair bit of touring over the years but always at a breakneck sportsbike pace. Sure, I saw a lot and stopped often to take it in, but you have to concentrate so hard when riding fast on mountain passes that I can't truly say I've had a full experience when touring - just a different one I suppose. Trotting along at 50mph or whatever must be enlightening. And so easy to stop to take a pic or take the air.

Bet you, and your arse, will be glad of a rest now though eh?

[Godspeed]

Dunno really, I can quite understand the world travelling phenomenon, you get very much into the routine and I think I could have done another 3 weeks for sure

[HoboBeemer]

Dunno really, I can quite understand the world travelling phenomenon, you get very much into the routine and I think I could have done another 3 weeks for sure

London to Bangkok would be a awesome trip, not sure if doable with Covid and within 6 weeks mind you...

I vaguely remember a couple travelling from Malayasia to London on a pair of Honda Waves (Uk model Innova?).

Arghh found them ::

[Godspeed]

Fantastic. Love their choice of panniers, none of this ‘need the latest set up’ there

[Monster]

Well done mate - another successful trip completed ... now back to work and planning (and saving) for the next one

PS - I must say .... The tache is looking better than ever !!!

Air Kisses .... Mwah Mwah

[Slowboy]

Utterly brilliant sir. And you got to go over the Stelvio, the day I was due to go up it early last september on my Rally the weather broke and they had nearly 2' of snow on the upper part and it was closed.
Very impressed and my Super Cub is very jealous

[PHILinFRANCE]

WHATS WRONG WITH ME ???????

4 KTMs all massively capable off road but the BIGGEST GRIN is with the TW

20200802_161554 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

It had cooled down a bit to 37c so set off for a woodland bimble

20200802_161812 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

Not realy tested the limits of the "Lile Goat " as its now known , this is the 1st real steep bit ive done on it ......easy on a KTM

20200802_162145 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

Made it to the bottom with ease

20200802_162324 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

But there was a bit of kindling in the way .........................no it didn't try

20200802_162457 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

The other way out was very steep but the Lile Goat just chugged up no hassel

20200802_162309 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

Passed sources and wells all over the woods on little used tracks

20200802_162911 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

20200802_165107 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

20200802_165056 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

Even found a Gariotte, (sheperds hut)

20200802_164555 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

20200802_164349 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

20200802_164253 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

20200802_164320 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

Only out for 1hr as said to bloody hot , stopped for a last pic on the "road" home

20200802_170002 by Philip Parkinson, on Flickr

All in all smashing lile bike , and inspired by Chris i'm looking at taking a bimble to the Gorge du Tarn and a bit of wild camping.

[Nico-D]

Know what you mean Phil, somehow a hugely capable KTM / Beta etc. just doesn't always seem the appropriate tool for a bit of quiet exploring and enjoying the countryside....

[Godspeed]

Brilliant Phil. Hope it cools for your next outing