Wednesday 29 December 2010

Diving With Dolphins - Tenerife (Dec) 2010


What an experience, seeing them play in the water is one thing, but when we went diving and they were with us....the whole pod...amazing.

There is something kinda "spiritual" about it, but I'm not sure if that's because of the fact that it's on most people's "bucket list" or whether it is a genuine emotive response the experience in its own right....for whatever reason, it was moving.

We were lucky enough in that everyone on the dive was very experienced, therefore no-one used much air, meaning we could stay down for a long time - also lucky in that the dive leader decided to bring his underwater camera, as he later admitted that he had thought of leaving it behind! What a disappoinment that would have been! Every year I come out the underwater experiences seem to get better and better....last year it was hand feeding giant stingrays, the year before swimming and interacting with very large turtles. I really do need to start my memoirs!

Am heading home tomorrow to burst water mains all over Belfast and more (near) freezing temperatures. Truely, I could move out here and live very comfortably....although you have to have money to do it the way I imagine I would like to....the grass is always greener....except here I really do think it is!

Monday 16 August 2010

Ulster Grand Prix

I was up at Dundrod on Saturday for the Ulster Grand Prix....I was working, but the advantage was that I was able to watch the races from the best seats in the house. It was my first time at a race meeting and the first thing that struck me was the noise.....the bikes are unbelievably loud. Then there's the smell of race fuel....quite distinctive.

I watched the start....the speed with which they fly off the line is unbelievable. I mean....I think that on the R80/7 I can pull away pretty quickly, but just nothing compared to these things! Then after they've set off, you can hear the engines screaming as they fly round the track....you watch on the big screen as they get so close on closed public roads. It is, afterall, meant to be the world's fastest road race!! The home straight is after a long sweeping bend - you watch for the camera helicopter to give you an idea of where the bikes are, then you see them approaching the bend, an angle of lean that must be 50 degrees or so. They fly round the bend at about 140 - 150mph, then onto the straight, the noise is ringing in your ears, it's a blur as they pass (the superbikes reaching 194 - 196mph on the straight!).

I cannot place myself on one of those machines, I can't imagine doing those sorts of speeds (at least without a nappy!!). It was my first road race meeting, but I think I will be back at more, and I definitely plan to hit the North West 200 with a vengence next year!

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Rome

What an experience! What a place!! Only back from my week's visit to Rome, and I have a feeling I'll definitely be back! We arrived in mid afternoon - the heat unbelievable (30 degrees plus). The ride from the airport to the centre of Rome was interesting - you drive through the outskirts containing flats with a lot of graffiti you literally turn a corner and the old walls of Rome are in front of you....majestic.
We had hired an apartment for a week on Via Bergamo, right beside the Porta Pia (the old gate that apparently Mussolini entered Rome through). The city is enchanting. The smells, the sounds, the papping of motorbike and moped horns. This is the part of arriving somewhere that I love - the first night's exploration of the strange place. I was in Rome many years ago when I was about 13....but you appreciate little at that age and certainly things like the smells etc are lost on you.

After something to eat, it is clear that you aren't going to see everything in one night!! The touristy locations are something that are (generally) to be avoided.....but in a city such as this, how can you not visit the sites...they are of such cultural importance! So the usual suspects were visited - the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basicila and Square, the numerous churches, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Temple to Saturn. It's almost hard to take it all in!

But for me, the key elements were (other than my friend getting married!) wandering around the city (on my own) and getting lost - deliberately! I enjoy this, you know you'll always end up home, but you see so much more of the city - the real streets, away from the European, American and Japanese tourists happily clicking away. You see the food shops, the mechanics etc, you come across parks tucked away in areas that only the local Romans know about. For me, these are the real treasures of a city.

I was left, though, with a distinct impression of how much better the continentals do....well.....everything! Their attitude towards life differs from most here, and it is commendable, enviable and one I wish to have! I will not die in this province....of that I have no doubt!!

Monday 28 June 2010

It Sounds Like A Spitfire!

Well.....(I'm keeping everything crossed) I picked the bike up from East End Motorcycles on Friday and there hasn't been any problems since.....running like a dream - the new petrol cap is on so I'm feeling good! Was out all weekend on her and am loving zipping through town, up to my Dad's etc.


Friday is the big day (flying to Rome) so genuinely excited about it. The temptation to hire something two-wheeled when out there will have to be resisted - the way Romans (and Italians) drive can be scarey at the best of times! St. Patrick's Church awaits, and I fully intend to be photo-happy and take pictures the whole time.

I was watching Glastonbury 2010 on the TV over the weekend too, and remembering the two years I went (02 and 03 I think!). I would love to go back, the chilled out vibe and general atmosphere is how life should be....pity it seems to last only for a few days in the summer, but then again that syndrome where weather affects mood (SAD I beleive it's abbreviated to) might play a part. I guess I'm slightly hippy-ish at heart!!

Wednesday 31 March 2010

The Bike

Since I met the man that is my best mate (Kiv's) I have had a facination with motorbikes.....I was always into them before (a fan of "The Doctor" and MotoGP), but the idea of touring was a new concept way back in 1998 at Uni and as far removed from the reality as you could be. I was wowed with tales of freedom and images of Hopper and Fonda on the open road in Easy Rider remains a utopian notion. But the fact that I know someone that has been there, done it, means it is somewhat more tangible. Kiv's famous (or is it infamous) "No Rest Til Hammerfest" epic voyage across Europe for LASCO is a version of the Long Way Round/Down that I can actually relate to as it was done by someone I know.

I am quite old to start my biking career....having passed my bike test aged 30. But who's counting!! I have been lucky enough to have travelled about and seen parts of the world that I had dreamed of...the Uni trip (with Kiv's) to Mombasa in Kenya, other trips to the U.S.A, Canada all over Europe...so in that respect I count myself as privilaged. I believe that travel and encountering other cultures is the best experience there is, and also helps you appreciate life much much more.

The bike that I begin my career on is sourced and generously supplied by the legend that is Kivi (notice a pattern here!!). It's a classic (literally and metaphorically). For me, at this stage, the ownership of a bike perhaps represents more than it does to others, or should. But, as my closest friends know, I have (not too long ago) been through things that alter your perception and life view...some of them events that everyone will have to deal with (the death of a loved one), others.....well......somewhat unusual. I also have friends leaving these shores to spend time living elsewhere (a comendable endevour), but this has also forced me to re-evaluate myself.

Perhaps it's the archaeological background, but I have always viewed the road[s] as marvellous inventions, and they are so much more than the way to get from A - B. If we look back at history, they represented communication, not just the transporting of people and goods, but transporting ideas, new concepts and I firmly believe that this is still the case, although it has got muddied in the 21st Century lifestyle (not to get too hippyish on it).

The bike I am getting is a good yard stick and starting point, wiser men than me rant about the BM's in general, but also these classics, and it is something that I am genuinely looking forward to. It is, though, unimaginable for me that I start this off without (at least for some of it) Kivi by my side....currently interested in the XT 600 series of bikes that is a departure from his years of lyality to BMW's creations. It is with great trepidation that I now embark on a new area of my life as a biker.....and look forward to the element of freedom that is promises to offer. First point though....new clutch.....and the usual upgraded oil / air filters to get in place!!