CHASING THE HORIZON

IOM TT and Euro 2017 ( the unfinished business tour) (Part 1 The TT)

Often when we travel, we miss out out seeing things or doing things that we would have liked to have done. Seems it's often a case of "oh well next time".

On our previous trips to Europe there have been a couple of things that we would have liked to have done that for whatever reason, we missed out on doing, So when it was suggested that a few of us get together for a boys only tour of the alps the gears in my head started turning. Could this be an opportunity to get some of this unfinished business done?

Leave was checked. No issue for me,I havnt got a real job, but Sam only had 2 weeks available. What to do? Did'nt want to go without her. The bastard fairys at Fairy bridge on the Isle of Man were calling too. And so it was decided that we would both go, but Sam would go and visit our friends Steph and Natalie in the South of France after the TT for a few days, then fly home from Nice, while I would go across to the continent to meet the boys.

A message was sent to my mate Bill in the UK. Hey old chap, old mate, old buddy. Whats the chances of borrowing your bike again? Of course being the legend that he is the answer was no problem. In fact he not only lent me his bike but went out and bought himself another one so he could Join us. at the TT with his son Tom and then later at Assen moto GP. How cool is that?

Ferry bookings needed to be made. This is no easy feat as crossings sell out almost immediately as they are released about 12 months before.

Accommodation was arranged at our friend Steve's house on the IOM.

Flights needed to be booked. BA had a sale on, so I booked my flights. We still weren't 100% sure about Sam, but figured we could always book her on the same flight later.

As it happens that wouldn't be the case and while we shared the same flight to Singapore, it was a strange feeling to say goodbye to Sam there and then meet up again at Heathrow as she went on Lufthansa via Frankfurt.

 Jagged a good seat

  The rooftop bar at Changi is a nice spot for a cool drink.

A short bus ride and Bill was at the station to meet us. He later set off for Liverpoool to catch the ferry across to the IOM with his son Tom. We had only been able to get a crossing a few days later, so we had a lovely night with Elaine, Lauren and Callum at teh local pub.

 

The next day we loaded up the bike and set off for a leisurely tour of the Beautiful Peak district. Great fun, no rush and stopping in at Pubs as we pleased.

 

This bloke was in a big rush and paid the price.

 

Ended up being caught in a massive downpour, so we sought shelter pretty early.

Next day was still raining, spent the morning looking around Liverpool and the surrounding area.

  

  

  

And then it was onto the ferry. As usual the accompanying side show kept us entertained  even though it was pissing down.

 

Was nice to get in out of the rain and under way.

 

Met Stephan and Adrienne from Yorkshire. Nice couple  couldn't understand a word they said but.  Good Craic though and we would meet them again later in the week  

Arrived at our digs late that night and next morning were up early for what would be our only full lap of the circuit which was a little disappointing, but due to the weather and a lot of rescheduling  of races etc, it meant our track time was limited . Fortunately we have done heaps of laps on our previous visits.

Bray hill is daunting even at road speeds let alone at what those crazy fuckers do  

 

 

 

   

 

 

Didnt have time to stop at Sulby pub this time.

 

 

We always stop for a beer at Ramsey corner regardless of the time. 

Oh and the Creg  

 

 

And of course a beer at the start finish to celebrate  

Met up with our old mates the purple helmets  who let me try out out one of their magnificent machines 

 

 

That evening we spent in the promenade watching the Douglas beach races which is great fun  

 

 Next day another early start and off to our chosen viewing position which for the morning session was At Whitehorse park Kirk Michael. Great spot with the bikes coming past at nearly 300 km\h and the noise echoing off the buildings. 

Sent chills up my spine. 

After the first race we moved up the road to the local school. Was an awesome spot. Where else in the world could you drink beer in a  school yard with bikes screaming past within arms lengths?  No where that's where 

 

 

A brilliant day finished off with a half lap of the course. 

 

 

 

Weather wasn't great the next day so we spent it wandering around the town of Douglas doing some shopping and checking out the sights. 

 

  

Tried to buy one of these but place was booked out. Might get one when we get home 

Caught up with our new friends Steve And Adrienne again for a meal. Still couldn't understand a word they said but. 

 

 

Also met up with this bloke. Yes that's Michael Dunlop. Where else in the world would you meet a an international living legend down the pub just playing pool ?  

 

Fucking no where that's where. Only at the TT

 

 

Friday is Senior day at the TT. The most important race of the event and we were Lucky to have our friend Peter arrange an exclusive viewing area from the garden of one of the residents at Rhencullen. This place is normally out of bounds for spectators, so we felt very privileged.

 

Better than any corprate suite I have been in.

 I cant get excited the side cars and the electric bikes are even worse.

The bikes on the other  hand.

Now thats a different story.

Fuck me !!! What a spectacular place to see the bikes going past airbourne at 280klm/h  here's a couple of our iPhone pics  

Josh Brookes. Hes a dickhead but he does good jumps.

 

And here is a couple that Peter took. Yes his are much better than ours. He and his son Sam are great pikcha takers

A Brilliant day. Thanks Pete for arranging the spot. Was unforgettable.

That night we went and saw the Band Razorlight with Steve and Elaine. Id never heard of them before but they were great. A thoroughly good night. (Cept for the line up for drinks)

 

 

 

 And just like that it was all over. I contracted a near fatal case of Man flu and spent the Saturday in bed, causing us to miss the post TT races at Billtown, which was a bit sad.

 

Was with heavy hearts we boarded to ferry across to Heysham. A week just isn't long enough at this spectacular place. Especially if the weather doesn't play the game. We haven't finished with you yet you bastard Fairy Bridge fairys. 

 

We will be back !

Probably  in 2020 for the Classic TT this time.

 

 

IOM TT and Euro 2017 ( the unfinished business tour) (Part 2 Euro)

Was sad to leave the Holy Isle, but on a brighter point, we got to call into to see our old couchsurfing Hosts and great friends  Guido, Gaynor and the gorgeous Danje. Awesome people (although a little Nutty)  and it seemed they had arranged for half of Bolton to come meet us. We had a very boozy afternoon with lots of laughs.  

 

 

Alicia seemed to enjoy the touch up I gave her.

 

Gaynors even Mum strapped  the Strom on for size.

 

Also sampled the local delicacy of Pudding, chips and peas. Talk about getting Kulcha.

 

 

Thanks guys. Was so good to see you all again and meet some of the others.

We set off the next day with sore heads and took the scenic route to Stanstead, which is where Sam would fly out of the next day bound for the sunny South of France.

Found a nice (cheap) Hotel and settled in to watch a replay of the Moto GP. I'm such a romantic.

 

Was  sad to say goodbye to Sammy the next morning. I was disappointed she wasn't coming with me. (who else would make me sammiches) but she was off to spend a few days in Nice with her friend Natalie so things weren't all bad.I made my way to Harwich where I would board the worlds largest ferry for the day long trip across to Holland. Passed the time people watching and reading and catching up on some much needed sleep.(ps google Brittainia ferry  the stats are amazing)

 

 

The traffic of Rotterdam was a sharp wake up call though, and I set off for Breda and found a cool cubby house complete with local beer and a pig to stay in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The following day would be the day I ticked off the first of the unfinished items and also to tick off a bucket item list.

In 2011 due to a certain shipping company that changed a loading date and who to this day can get routed, we missed out on doing a much anticipated lap of the famous Nurburgring circuit. Also known as the Green Hell and also as Nordshcliefe, the track is full of motor racing history and tragic stories. It has long been an ambition of mine to do a couple of laps .

The course is some 27 klms long through the stunning Eiffel region of Germany. It costs 25 Euro to do a lap and many say it is one of the most dangerous things you will ever do on a motorcycle as you are on the course at the same time as some of the fastest and craziest drivers in the world.

You can read more about it here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrburgring

I Don't mind admitting I had a few butterfly's (and a bit of gas) in the stomach as I got close.

Also met up with one of my travelling companions for the next few weeks Tony

 

Bought our tickets and headed for the start line. By this stage I was shitting myself, but as it turns out it wasn't all that bad. Was a bit humiliating to be passed by 22 year old kids in their little buzz boxes, although getting blown off course by a gazillion dollar supercars was kinda fun. I knew  they had all done a billion laps around the circuit and I wasnt going to end up in the armco just at this early stage of the trip.

Here as video of my 2 laps. (warning its 30 minutes long only watch if extremely bored)

 

Was a brilliant experience and one I'm glad i finally got to do it. No thanks to you Dave Milligan from Get Routed you piece of shit. ( yes I hold a grudge)

 

 Can also highly recommend the Hospitality of Simon and Holly and Sliders guest house. If your in the area, look them up. (hooly was hiding behind the bike in this pic cause she was in her Jarmis.

Its a nice spot in a lovely area
 

We Was also fortunate and Privileged  to meet Andy Carlilse. The fastest man around the Ring on a motorcycle. Andy is a really nice bloke and we spent a very nice hour or so chatting to him. He knows shit about going fast. Check out his eyes. This dude aint normal.

You can check out his lap here.

http://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/r1-smashes-nurburgring-lap-record-30644/

Its only just over 7 minutes long, unlike my 15 minute laps and well worth a watch  

Tony and I spent the next couple of days wandering south, taking in some of the best roads and sights of Belgium Germany France and Switzerland.

 

Came across this awesome bridge to  no where

 

Bitchie was fizzing

 

 Fluelapass was spectacular and a lot of fun. 

 

Twas on the Famous Stelvio pass that we met up with these 2 Loose Cannons Mikey and Sammo.

 

These two nut cases had spent the previous week breaking down all over Europe, but it looked as though the gremlins had now been sorted. It couple of passes over the pass to track them down, we finally met at the top, Where Sammo got his first taste of Snow.

Try the yellow snow Sam.

 

We headed back down the hill and found a nice little bar And thats when the trouble started. Things got a little messy.

 

Whilst having beers Someone suggested that  we should go and get some pics of us scrapping shit? (cause no one has ever had a good idea whilst drinking milk)

 

I took that to mean scrapping the pegs

 

Sammo took that to mean scraping the rear Number plate.

 

 

Mikey took it  a little too literally and scrapped fuck out of his bike and also his ass.

 

Fortunately not too much damaged done and we found a local B&B where we continued well into the night with an awesome view over the village of Sondano and Sammo practiced talking with his hands.

 

 Next morning was spent zippy tying and duct taping the GSXR back together before we set off over some glorious roads heading for the Spectacular Dolmites.

 

It is a spectacular part of the world.

 

We found a nice hotel and settled in for another big night and some awesome food.

Then Mikey and Sammo  got to know each other a bit better. So that was nice.

 

The morning Faffing was more than I could take, so I decided to head off and spend the day on my own.

 

Got busted by some lady bushwalkers whilst taking a crap in the woods. Sorry ladies but when ya gotta go.

 

My destination was the famous Grossglockner Alpine road in Austria. Another of the items to be ticked off the To Do List.

 

The  25 Euro toll turned out to be good value as I in fact did it twice. It was that much fun. Probably the most spectacular pass I have ever done  

 

Was a nice spot at the top

Here's a pic of my  lunch. Was very Nice.  

 And the road down the other side  looks like fun eh?  It was

 

 

An awesome day  Check out the smile on my face  

 

Meanwhile The boys had made their way to Lake Bled into Slovenia. A Guy at the top of the pass had told me about a shortcut to get there, but there was no direct road so you put your vehicle on a train and it goes directly under the mountain through a 10klm long tunnel. Very cool.

 

When I arrived at the guest house the boys were  getting to know each other a little better.

 

More beers and a very ordinary meal was had.

 

The beautiful island of KRK in Croatia was to be the next days destination and while Motorway Mikey set a course down the highway with boys , I took the more scenic route and met them at our beachside Villa, where once again things got a little out of hand.

 

 

 

Had a great time doing Bombies in the pool though and very nice scenery.

 

The Strom had developed a concerning noise coming from the chain area and on closer inspection we discovered that it was actually missing a couple of rollers, Not really what you want when travelling on the autobahns at 150,  so a new chain in order.

 

On the way to the local bike shop I discovered another noise that was driving me insane. Turns out it was just a cowbell the assholes had attached to the bike.  So much fun travelling with utter utter bastards like those blokes.

 

Soon had both noises fixed and on our way to our next beachside villa.

Travelling carefully of course

 

The scenery in this place was even better than than the last.  I love Croatia. Great scenery Great food, Cheap beer, Crystal clear water. Just love it.We had a great couple of days there Will definitely be going  back.

Mummy here was all boobs out but got all shy. 

 

 

Couldn't believe how cheap the ice creams were.

 

 

 

Sammo gave this place 9/10 Faps

 

Here"s a pic of our Dinner.

As I said,Bloody Loved Croatia and will def be back but I Had another unfinished business item to get to in the North of Austria, so we raced back through up through Slovenia.

 

Sammo Had an interesting moment when He donated a couple of hundred Euro to the road gods when his wallet fell out of his pocket. He caused quite a stir with fellow motorists riding back up the autobahn in the wrong direction.  Fun times.

 

The shenanigans continued into Austria. Playing up Like Bad Aussies we were.

 

Mattigophen was to be our overnight stop.

By chance my mate, Dakar racer, World traveler and chick magnet extraordinaire,  Lyndon Poskitt was in town.

 

Was a big night on the Turps and was great to catch up with Lyndon again, although the receptionist was in tears when he checked out, Although I did see him sneaking back in. Perhaps he forgot something.

 

If you haven't already check out his Youtube vids. They are awesome. 

This episode one. There are heaps of them and in fact the next episode to be released will be familiar to a lot of you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-gzsHIICsc

 

Meanwhile Sammo was making quite a scene out the front

.

 

 

So the next item of unfinished business was to visit the KTM Factory. Another thing we missed on a previous visit due to it being closed on the day we arrived. This visit was much anticipated by me. For those that dont know,  I am a bit of a KTM aficionado. I currently have 3 in the fleet and have owned over 10 in the past 10 years. Have long wanted to visit the factory where they are made and see what goes into them. 

The out side is all spectacular Like with all their current modes lined up in a glass case out the  front.

 

 Unfortunately no pics allowed to be taken inside the factory  

 

This is Hans. He is flat out planning whats next in KTM's line up.

 

I have been to many automotive factories in my time, but I must admit to being a little disappointed with this one. Seemed very disorganized and dirty.

Any wonder they have a reputation for being unreliable.

 The race headquarters looked like it would be more professional, but the public are not allowed anywhere near it.

 

I coudnt help feeling a little dissalusioned as we left, but was happy to have done it.

I did manage to meet the International Customer service manager and had the opportunity to tell her how shit the customer service of KTM Australia is. She was very understanding and appreciative of the feedback and actually admitted that their were of some issues they were aware of.

With any luck the asshole warranty manager at KTM Perth will get the sack. We can only hope.

I also asked her where the fuck my 690 Adventure was but she wasn't able to answer.

At this point Tony and I lost the other guys. Motorway Mikey had spat the dummy bout something or other and took off. I never did see them again.. Oh Well. Tony I found some very nice roads to amuse ourselves on.

Found a nice hotel to stay in and had a couple of beers and an early night.

 

Next day  Soon after getting underway the stomach started rumbling and Balloonfahrts ensued. 

A crap in the woods was required. I had the distinct feeling I was being watched. Was a little unerving.

 

 Had to get to Assen today and Still had quite a way to go, so I decided to hit the Autobahn. Didnt die despite sitting on 170 most of the way. 

 

 

 (End of part 2  see part 3 Assen)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSEN MOTO GP AND HOLLAND

The blast up the Autobahn was great  fun. Those Euros definitely know how to drive. I tucked in behind a flash Mercedes and sat on 170 most of the way. If we came up on a slower car they quickly moved across to the right. Wouldn't happen in Australia

Upon arrival in Gronigen (near Assen)  we met up with Bill again who had come across to cheer on his mate Cal Crutchlow. I tried to tell him it was a lost cause but he wouldn't listen.

 

We checked into our very cool Air BnB and went exploring around Gronigen. 

This place was awesome. Lots of happy people (mosty pretty young girls)   happily( Might be the easy access to drugs)  riding around on their old school push bikes. . All looking extremely fit and with a smile on their face. ( I'm sure its the drugs). Loved the canals and the bridges that opened up to let the boats through. And the bicycles?  So many Bicycles.

 

 

Even the older ones are in good shape.

 

I had been very fortunate to score a couple of paddock passes compliments of Sidi racing. ( Thanks Andrew)

Bill and I were like a couple of teenage  girls at a Justin Beiber Concert and we mixed with the elite of the Moto GP world.

Many of them were very keen to have their pic taken with us?

Had a nice chat to Yak.

 

Randy is always happy

 

This bloke was too busy to stop for a chat. I think Uccio was waiting for him naked in the trailer.

 

Zarco getting a  reach around

 

Dovi is always happy to have a pic

 

 

This is one of my favourite pics. Although I suck at selfies.Was a privelige to meet Senor Simmoncelli

 

This is Jonas Fucking Folger in case your wondering

 

 

The pedbot let me take his scooter for a spin

Zarko didnt seem to enjoy his previous reach around.

Whilst most of the riders were happy to stop for a pic Others  not so much and I actually got in argument with Bills boyfriend after he heard me call him an asshole for not looking up for a pic.

 

However I ended up with a great pic and he ended up in the Kitty litter which was pretty cool. (Im glad he wasnt hurt though. He's an asshole but I dont wish that on anyone)

 Eat shit wanker. hahahahaaaa

 The promo girls were all very keen to get a pic with me as well.

 

 

The dutch women are so tall.... I felt like a dwarf.

 

 

Check out the look on this deviants face.

Was a brilliant 2 days despite the showers and an awesome race. We had the best time pretending to be VIPs. I love that shit !

 

 

 

The Marquez and Rossi motorhomes are impressive and bigger than my house

 

Here you can see Rossi assuming the position. (Obviously waiting for Uccuio)

 

Those crazy dutch sure know how to party

 

Another Item ticked off the bucket list.

On the Monday Bill and I had a great ride around Northern Holland before he headed off the catch the ferry back to the UK. Was great to spend those few days with ya mate.

I loved the Opening bridges everywhere.

 

I had a couple of days before I needed to head back, so I made my way down the coast, just checkin the place out.

 

By chance I came across the historic race track  Zaandtfort  Literally in the Dunes behind the beach. Was keen to do a couple of Laps, but there was a track day going on and no casual laps allowed.

I continued my tour south and  checked the pretty village of Harleem

 

 

 

 

I spent 3 days in Amsterdam in 1985 on first trip to Europe. Cant remember a thing (Think it was the drugs) so thought a revisit was in order. On the advice of a friend, my first stop was the Old Sailor bar.

Was a lot more than Old sailors there. What a freak show. 

 

This guy had the biggest scoob I have ever seen.

 

I tried to have a bit of a look around but the traffic was horrendous so I quickly made my escape and found accidentally found an inexpensive hotel. 

 

Next morning I discovered that the hotel was in fact the worlds most expensive hotel. Fuck you Corondal  hotel with all your add on bullshit. I stuffed my jacket with enough food from the breakfast buffet to last 2 days and set of.

 I loved the way the houses have moats around them to keep invaders out

 

The scenery was still very nice.

 

The boats are very impressive in these parts.

 

I called in at this cafe. Sort of seemed appropriate.

Checked out the world heritage listed windmills at Kinderjink, which was kinda cool.

 Bill had mentioned that the Ardienne region in Belgium was particularly nice. Its also home to the famous Spa Francorchamps circuit. I still had a couple of days to spare, so thats where I went.

Bill was correct about the Ardiennes. Beautiful region with awesome roads

I arrived in Spa and checked into a very nice hotel that was surprisingly cheap.

Came across this awesome restaurant.

The seafood Penne was spectacular as was the atmosphere.Didnt get to twist any Titties though.

Had an early Brekky with Pat Malone and headed for the track.

 There were some flash cars in the carpark.

 

The Grand Prix circuit was closed but I was still able to do lap of the old circuit and despite a shower or two was great fun.

Bill had also mentioned that Brugges was a nice place to visit so asked Karen to lead the way. She took me through some fairy tale scenery.

Came across some Lycra clad vermin. Damn pests are everywhere.

By this stage my ass was nearly broken and Burnin.

 

 

Cant say I agree with Bill About Brugges. Was a bit like Disneyland, but with more tourists.

 

I did enjoy creating havoc by riding through the pedestrian only town centre though. Oh how I laughed watching the tourists scatter.

 

 

It was time to head back to Rotterdam to catch the ferry. Got hopelessly lost on the freeway system but had time for a snack and a beer before once again boarding the Britannia. 

 

Was an overnight crossing this time so had a nice cabin and had a great nights sleep.

Dunno why that pic came out so small its much bigger than that.

 

 Awoke Just as we came into Port in Harwich. I stall had a couple of days before I had to get the bike back to Bills, so decided to take the scenic route.

Promptly Rode off the ferry and completed frightened fuck out of a poor Taxi driver cause I was on the wrong side of the road. Whoops sorry bout that Abdul.

 

Thought I had caught the wrong ferry at first.

Had a great time just wandering around and checking out the sights of Norwich.

 

I felt guilty about the 4 Quid the Oomplaoopahs wanted to charge me for doing a brilliant job on cleaning the bike, so I chucked em a tenner.

 

Big mistake ! I thought they were going to take me home and marry me off to their daughters. ( Or cut my kidneys out. Not sure)

 

And then it was time to go home. Bill and Elaine dropped me back at Heathrow and I boarded the big bird for the excruciating flight home.

 

Singapore looked cool as we flew over. (but was actually stinkin hot)

 

Finally I Need to say a massive thanks to My mate Bill for once again lending me his bike without hesitation and allowing me to flog the shit out of it.

There's no way I would lend me a bike, but he has done so twice now. Thanks mate I really appreciate it. These trips would not have been possible without your help.

 

Hope you all enjoyed coming along for the ride.Its been an epic trip. 8000klms of some brilliant scenery, Great roads and fun people. And of course I got to finish quite a few unfinished business items and ticked off a couple more bucket Items.

Still a lot to do though, so stay tuned.