Old Memories

I took the opportunity with the good weather to don the leathers and head out on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday on the bike. The sky was clear and blue and the weather was perfect. I went over the Holywood Hills on Friday - there are some gems hidden away up here, taking Creighton's Green Road and stopping towards the top to admire the view[s] over Belfast Lough and towards Belfast. Spectacular! This is the location for the annual Croft Hill Climb, and I remember hearing the noise of the engines when I was younger. The road twists and for a part is completely enclosed in hedges. Like a green tunnel you wind your way left, then right, then left then right again.

The Lough was flat calm, and the sun shone off the surface. To my immediate right was a pathway that leads right down to the shore, from the top of the Hills. I've never actually walked the whole thing, which is a shame as it's literally on my back door step. I was the only person on the road, and I continued up the route, passing Creighton's Forest / Wood, another little woodland that I never knew existed! Although the original place name for Holywood is thought to be De Sacro Bosco (taken from the Monasticon Hibernicum) and it is thought to refer to the wood[s]. Although there are variations, with some evidence for ‘Ard Mhic Nasca’ [height of the son of Nasca]. This would have been St Laisrén (simply reading the Ordnance Survey Memoirs or Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Ireland gives so much information on the history of an area before you visit).

On Saturday I visited Shaw's Bridge and the Giant's Ring. I excavated a Neolthic site beside the Giant's Ring in 1995 and it broughtback a lot of memories. The site is nice for a walk through thte twisting paths, and eventually you'll find yourself down and the river and the Shaw's Brige walking paths. Although with the sun blazing, a long walk was not what I either needed or wanted to do in bike leathers! I can remember being taken to the Giant's Ring as a child, and actually thinking the stone dolman in the centre was supposed to actually be a ring worn by a giant! (My youthful imagination ran riot!). There originally would have been more to the dolman, possibly a passage tomb or something of that ilk.....it is also though that the banks of the henge might originally have been white, making the site visible for miles around. But as I stood on top of the banks and looked across to Ballynahatty (the site I excavated) I was instantly transported back to that long hot summer, I remember the dog from teh neighbouring farm (Polly) and old golden retriever / lab lumbering along towards us, and promptly plonking herself beside your trench and dozing in the sunshine. Halceon days. I've noticed recently that I am looking back at such times with rose tinted glasses. An inevitability of getting older perhaps.

It is still quite surprising to me that situated within a stones throw from the urban sprawl of Belfast lies such a site. There is something mystical about it, although I am not one of these people that will sit in the middle attempting to meditate and chant "Ummmmmmmmm". Not my style, although whatever floats your boat! The roads around here are a gem...a tad rough on the surface, but scenic and a delight to drive (also not very busy). You can occasionally hear the nosie of a sports bike engine at high revs not too far away....someone else is clearly out enjoying themselves! I found myself standing by the river's edge having just come from the Giant's Ring in contemplative mood....time to think....I think.....is always good. I love the idea of "regret nothing", but I simply don't believe that there are people out there that would not like to go back and re-do some things over. I enjoyed the ride....and if the weather holds, will definitely do it again on weekends. There are raths, castles dotted everywhere. Especially on the coast[s]. I think a run down to Nendrum (which has Mahee or Magee Castle beside it) on the shores of Strangford Lough is called for! I'll definitely bring the camera, as the landscape there is breathtaking.

Antrim Coastal Route

The bike is now taxed, insured, MOT'd and fully road legal, so with this in mind I was on the bus on my way up to Derry on Wednesday (6th April) to collect her from Kivi's garage....the plan was to drive the bikes up to Belfast taking in the Causeway Coastal Route. The day started overcast, with angry looking clouds, but the sun was trying to burn through. By the time I arrived in Derry, although it was still cloudy, you could feel the heat on your back. About 11am, we suited up and left the city, taking the route to Coleraine. I was wearing my new AGV helmet too, and I noticed that the noise level was noticeably lower, but also I could hear, properly and clearly my bikes engine note. It made the ride so much more comfortable. On the way to Coleraine, I noticed, for the first time on the 650, the cross-winds. This is not something I am used to and I struggled at times. The bike(s) are light, and perhaps because of this more susceptible to the wind, and perhaps this exaggerates the effect on the bike. This is something I'll have to get used to but it is, initially at any rate, quite disconcerting!!

We decided in Portstewart to call in to Ferndale Avenue....where we lived during our MSc in UUC....the house hadn't changed at all. The new resident (Stephen) invited us in, and the memories came flooding back. Flashbacks to being a tad "wasted" and good times. It's amazing how a place, but more particularly smells can bring back past memories. We then set off down Portstewart's Promenade, only to hit re-tarring of the roads (probably for the NW 200), the bike squirmed....and I was glad of the new rear Enduro style tyre!We headed on past Portrush, up past White Rocks and Dunluce Castle, but the coast road hugs the cliff, and the view was amazing (the sky was clear and blue) this made the water look turquoise and almost tropical. The sun glinted off the volcanic granite and basalt, the sand looked almost white and water so inviting....I could have gone for a swim!! I noticed that although I was leaning into the corners well....not as well as the more experienced Kiv's ahead, but I was pleased with my corner speeds. On the coast road, the sea and cliffs are to your left, the rolling glacial glens to your right, and on a day like this I firmly believe that Ireland is one of (if not THE) most beautiful places on earth! The difficulty was still quite strong coss-winds....these had the effect of "washing" the bike to one side or another, one more than one occasion the leg came off the foot peg to act as ballast! We parked up in Ballycastle to rest, stretch the legs and take in the view of Torr Head....a headland protruding into the sea. We continued along the back coastal road, when we approached a corner.....I leant in....a cross wind washed the bike sideways.....and I could see I was going to fast at this point.....I headed straight on. Thank the powers that be there was a large grass run-off....and this is what I ran into. the bike stayed upright, slowing nice and gradually....but the back wheel was dug in up to the chain in grass and mud. This is my first "off" and not an experience I wish to repeat!!

The Causeway Coast Road and Glens (www.ireland.com)

I got out and continued over the glens towards the coastal towns of Cushendun and Cushendall....picture postcard locations, full of history, old ruined castles and forts. But I was tentative. I caught up with Kivi, but as he said I looked like I was taking some of the corners sideways....inevitable after the scare! We pulled over in Cushendall for a bite to eat, sitting on the stone bridge to eat. This is what mymind conjures when it thinks of a bike road trip. Romanticizied perhaps, but it is possible, therefore why should you accept anything less? The roads winding up the Glens of Antrim were, frankly, breathtaking; huge waterfalls immediately to your right hand side, a view across the valley below to the next glen on your left. Phenomenal! That is the only word for it! I wish I could have stopped to take a picture, but it simply wasn't possible. From here we alas took a wrong turn, and were heading towards Ballymena. The cross winds were again taking all my concentration to battle. I need more experience with these, most definitely! The motorway beckoned, and both Kivi and I noticed that the bikes top end does appear to be around 70mph. These bikes are not designed for motorway use....on the "A" and "B" roads they are the best machines for the job....no doubt about it...the low end torque of the thumper engines means they are unbeatable. But for motorway cruising....get something else. But the idea of having to take these sorts of roads instead of the motorway(s) isn't exactly bad! And there'll be no tears if this has to be the case. Coincidently, Easy Rider was on later that evening! Perfect!

New Metzeler

The last of the few jobs was done this weekend.....a new rear Metzeler Enduro tyre was put on the bike courtesy of Martin's Tyres in Lifford. It's like new and the difference was instantly noticeable. Also - the tightened up rear Hagon shock give less "give" and a stiffer suspension, which is what I like - courtesy of Kiv's hard work again!! (Where would I be without him!). We took in the roads of Donegal, and I was able to lean into the corners much more convincingly - it also emerged that the rear axle wasn't perfectly straight previously, also giving rise the the "squidgy" rear end....so this was fixed too.

The Donegal roads were a joy, also hearing the Yamaha 600E burble ahead was just something to behold!! The coast road especially (round Moville) was beautiful and the weather couldn't have been better. The "thumper" engine (especially on my Honda) doesn't seem to want to go above 80mph....but it is a 650cc and cruising is my bag, rather than speeding....if I had wanted that I would have bought a sports bike!!

We did our first spot of "green-laning", the new rear tyre coped very well, although there were a couple of sideways moments, it was all good fun, plus heading to see a restored pre-Famine cottage complete with wood burning stove made the journey up (and back down) the lane more than worthwhile. Although I wouldn't want to do it in the wet!!

I was impressed at the handling (even at relatively high speeds) on the narrower (and less well surfaced) roads. It is going to take me a bit of time to gain confidence fully....and this will especially need to be the case before any major trip is planned! But with a small buget (and a massive amount of help, patience and attention from a friend) it has been possible to buy the bike and carry out a lot of work to it for quite a small amount of money. I sit in work at the moment and look out the window and all I can think about is a long drive - especially on a day like this!

Much Work - And a Saturday Ride!!

It seemed like a small list, but when you actually get down to it, there was much to do. Kivi had (kindly) bought the new fluids (fork oils, engine oils etc), the parts had arrived at my house from England so we were all set.

The first job was to remove both front forks to replace the fork seals, this was a fiddly job, but thankfully Kiv's has a lot (in fact all) his tools are exceptional high quality (Teng etc). We removed the springs, drained the existing fluid (which was below the normal level) and someone had bunged in a bit of cloth beneath the dust seal to try and stem the flow of oil, rather than replace the fork seal!!! the forks were then reassembled (with nre oil and filters) and put back, the front wheel then being put back on.

Kivi also skillfully took apart he indicators and mended them so they are now level. The spark plug was replaced (although the existing one was in good condition) and the air filter was replaced (although again, this had clearly been replaced recently). The oil draining was, however, a bit of an issue, the drain bolt on the frame was no problem, but the drain plug on the crank case had been rounded, and therefore only a partial oil change was possible. The oil filter was also replaced.

It was then time for the ride......I followed Kivi (on his Yamaha XT600E) up through Derry, and into Donegall, twisting on the back roads, it is still very much a case of me getting my confidence up, although on the main roads this isn't a problem. We drove up to Greenan Fort (Grianán of Ailech) and the view down to the valley was breathtaking.

The fort lies atop a small mountain, the stone fort being a later rebuild, however, the site itself is most definitely prehistoric.....the ditches still clearly visible in the landscape surrounding the stone monument - there is little doubt that a stone monument was here, but one should not believe that what is seen today is original.

The ride back was also brilliant, sweeping curves of the main roads in Donegal. The back end of the SLR felt a bit "soft"....so I was delighted to hear (after I'd got home) that Kivi had continued to work on the rear shock, firming up the rear end by adjusting the rear shock.

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!

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!

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!!