Wrinklies Chasing The Sun 7 ?

[raesewell]

Hello peeps
I know this is most likely a flight of fancy but here goes. Normally at this time of year I have routes and destinations well and truly sorted. Obviously this year is different. The normal start is the first Monday in June but we did manage last year in September. If anyone has any suggestions for destinations I am open to offers. I fully expect that this will not take place but it will give me something to do, and you never know we might just get lucky.

[Phmode]

There have been murmurings about Scotland in the past.

It might mean a day or two extra on the trip for those from the deep south but I've never biked north of the Lake District so that would be a grand trip if it happens. Just a thought.

[armstrongracer]

There have been murmurings about Scotland in the past.

It might mean a day or two extra on the trip for those from the deep south but I've never biked north of the Lake District so that would be a grand trip if it happens. Just a thought.

Shouldn't that be "Wrinklies Chasing the Rain", just sayin like..

[raesewell]

There have been murmurings about Scotland in the past.

It might mean a day or two extra on the trip for those from the deep south but I've never biked north of the Lake District so that would be a grand trip if it happens. Just a thought.

Shouldn't that be "Wrinklies Chasing the Rain", just sayin like..

Maybe so in Ireland but over here we are an optimistic bunch. The origins of the name go back to the first trip.

[raesewell]

There have been murmurings about Scotland in the past.

It might mean a day or two extra on the trip for those from the deep south but I've never biked north of the Lake District so that would be a grand trip if it happens. Just a thought.

I know there has been talk of Scotland and I have been to Scotland several time, I even got married in Scotland. I have never been in a rush to get back there (not because I got married there). I wouldn't rule it out if the masses want to go there but it's not top of my list.

[richtea]

Wales - pick a Marches base and loop out for two day-long rides into the wilds.

Scotland - it's a long way for a lot of us, but I had a good (but partly wet) time. I'd say it takes 2 extra days - one for 'up', one for 'down'. We did Sutton Coldfield to Grampians in a relaxed 6 hour ride, with plenty of stops. But there's no dodging motorways for that bit.

North East/South Scotland - mostly unknown to me, but it looks emptier than the Beautiful South.

Skeggy -> Anglesey - can we get through the Middle Lands without being trapped in traffic?

South-west - pick a Bristol-Taunton base and loop out?

[raesewell]

I have been looking at Richmond N. Yorkshire to March and across to Wales possibly Dolgellau.

[Matt]

I too vote for Wales. Lake is nice too, and if I'm still unemployed then I'm in no rush to get home!

Dolgellau and up past Blaenau, up into Evo triangle zone, avoid the suped up Novas, out to longest name in Anglesey maybe, and stopping at that car park opposite where the water pipes come off snowdon for some nice photos and waving at police helicopters . Could always take a huge inflatable white ball and scare people visiting the Italian village too!

But as Rich says, outings from a base is good too, and south Wales has some lovely roads too near them black mountains.

Assuming if at all it'd be late in the year, then we stand to avoid the masses. Unless everyone is doing it.

[Swindon Andy]

If you're in North Wales, a visit to the Ponderosa cafe is interesting, dozens of bikes usually there. Not salubrious though.

[raesewell]

The Horseshoe Pass has been spoiled by speed cameras and the Ponderosa is vastly overrated 

[fjtwelve]

I suggest you avoid the south west in the summer, well May to September,  too many people and too much traffic on roads that offer few overtaking opportunities.
Scotland has less and less traffic the further north you go, but having lived 10 years in Moffat I can say even the Borders are enjoyably rideable and empty. I have previously managed as far as Kinross in a day, had the birthday piss up and rode back the next day, so getting there is not really a problem.
Welsh Marches I suggest Bishops Castle as a base.

Dont really care that much tbh, I just want to able to ride and socialise without being stressed about catching the lurgy.

[raesewell]

Don't forget chaps that when suggesting places we need somewhere appropriate to stay. There has traditionally been 5 or six of us but this has been as many as 8+

[fjtwelve]

Kinross - The Green Hotel
Moffat - The Buccleuch
Bishops Castle - The Castle Hotel
Bristol/Taunton - very expensive and heavily booked anywhere within 20 or so miles of Hinkley Point

[raesewell]

I have been to Moffat and stayed in the Annandale Arms, and whilst wandering about I found Rae Street 

[flatfour]

In the Scottish Borders, we usually rent a cottage on a farm called Synton Mains at Ashkirk. It is one of a pair of semi's, the other is also a holiday let.

The farmer is a motorcyclist and happy to take time out to ride the local roads with us when he is able, or recommend routes when he is busy. Bikes can be stored in a barn opposite the cottages, or outside them on hard standing.

The location is just a few miles from where Steve Hislop was born (Hawick) and around 25 miles from Moffat. The bus to Edinburgh stops outside at the end of the approach road to the farm. Each cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Renting the pair might be an option for a Scottish trip this year?

If anyone wants to know more about them, there is a website, although I'm not knowledgeable enough to be able to post a link!