So as me, Kev and Vicky in the back up van arrived at Lands End in trainers, a golf jacket and some 2stroke, what a surprise we got to see race leathers and waterproofs all around, it's about looking good not keeping dry! The brummie lads later told us they thought we were local comedy scooterists who were just tagging along for a few miles. It stayed dry for a mile or so then the rain started, by the time we'd got lost in Exeter we were soaked and stayed that way for days. A bit of local knowledge through Wiltshire cut 30 minutes off the official route but we still last to arrive in Warwick.
After a dry out and some sleep day 2 was dry, until we set off and it poured down all day. We lost our back up van at the second junction, not to be seen again for the next 100 miles. Thanks to Bondy and Craig and co for pointing us in the right direction and getting us through Leicester. Then the monsoon came, flash floods, zero visibility and wet trainers. It eventually cleared to just torrential rain and off we set again. The road to Jedburgh was a highlight, lovely scenery and roads and only drizzle by the time we arrived, in last place again.
Day 3 was a beautiful morning, clear blue sky's, until I kicked the Li over and then the heavens opened again. By now I firmly believed god rides a vespa. A few miles out of Jedburgh and the rain stopped for a while and the whole trip became worthwhile, amazing scenery, lochs, forests and mountains round every corner, breathtaking. We came through a small town with bagpipers and drummers playing, couldn't have been more perfect. Of course the rain started again in the Highlands and we made it to Fort William in last place.
Now to make sure we'd complete this ride Me and Kev both had back up scoots in the van, his a beaut of a GP and my Lambretta chop, for the last leg it was time for these toys to come out.
The first 50 miles out of Fort William were by far the best, dry roads, sweeping bends, great landscape. The miles flew by, until the oil didn't mix in the tank and ran straight into the carb. Quick side of the road fix and off again, into the fog. Really poor visibility all the way till Wick, luckily we had Vicky in the van to follow and drag us over the finish line where we weren't last as we beat the New Forrest lads!
What an amazing adventure, thank you to all organisers, the LCGB and all we met and laughed with along the way, an amazing few days we'll never forget.
We also made a few quid for Kevs charity,
http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/LE2JOG2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
See you all at Shipston
Cheers Paul
Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 3:33 pm
