Ron and Rockets Birthday Tour 2008

Its the 5th of JUNE, Just had a bye bye breakfast with a few friends, Fergus has given me a book"TREASURE ISLAND" one of my favorites, a nice touch ta luv.
Bike loaded, off i set for Stamford, to attend my sisters 25th wedding bash and also to meet up with family from all over the UK.
The ride down was wet untill Lincoln, where the sun came out for the rest of the ride. I did spot aVulcan Bomber which was part of R.A.F. Waddinghham open day, also passed a Jesus micso bus not seen one of them since 1969.

Well here i am sat in a wood in the Alps Italy, Trying to type while being eaten by many small beasties, Rocket is asleep near a small campfire, he wants to retire to the tent but his job is to watch out for bigger beasts.
I will try to get up to date, as fast as my finger will let me! and till the battery gets low.

Rocket was allowed in, we had our own table, a bowl of water for him, a four course meal for me.
Great food more than enough. While I was eating it pissed down for twenty mins or so. Meal break over time to hit the road, after Rockets photo call.
As we got near to Le Mans the rain was on and off, the wind got stronger and stronger. Got mislaid in Le Mans dam sat nav, so I just found my way to the new motorway and headed for Poiters.

The next morning, i had a lie in. Set up my campsite a bit better, Had a lesson on how to use my sat nav, easy when you no how! thanks Ian and new arrival Barry, very helpfull.

Time to sleep, we had decided as it was late just to make a bivvy on the car park, using the three bikes and a large tarp. Being a old soldier it was easy, just put one bike long wards and the other two bikes at either end throw over a tarp, a few bungees and Bobs your uncle, somewhere dry to sleep. Out with the sleeping bags and air beds and we ere soon as snug as bugs in a rug. Rocket had found some local feral cats to chase which kept him happy for a while. Mick and my self were on the outside while Dave and wRocket had a tussle for the middle spot.

We started to ride up the mountain towards the village where the rally was being held. This mountain was used as one of the stages for The Tour De France cycle race this year.
As we started to climb the bends got tighter and tighter, at one stage I nearly lost it as Rocket decided to move as we rounded a tight hairpin making me lose balance.

Hi all. Back in the wet and cold of England, nearing the end of our tour. Rocket is looking well having lost some weight and catching up on his sleep.
I am looking more like Ben Gunn every day with my uncut hair and beard, and weathered face, the tan is starting to turn to rust with all this rain.
I will be back home (Grimsby) in a few days when i will have the time to finish off my story, up dating every few days.
T.B.C.

STAGE ONE

Rocket steals Dave's bed

Before I restart my blog here is a few picture's and tips
Car park camping Tested on the car park BP Truck stop Macon France, By myself Rocket, Dave and Mick of Shim whillter mcc.
Take three motorbikes, Park one on the left one on the right. and one to the front leaving one side open for a entrance. Cover the bikes with a Tarp or even a tent as long as its waterproof, Tie down with bungee's, leaving the entrance with a flap hanging down. Place another cover if possible on to the tarmac, followed by air beds, sleeping bags etc. All ready for a snug night's Kip.

Another good tip is when you purchase a tent for your trip make sure it can be used free standing, so it can be erected with out the need to be pegged out. Handy for hard ground, or even tarmac, any place that you can not get the pegs in Also make sure you have a groundsheet to fit under the tent to stop the fitted groundsheet getting damaged. Myself I purchased a small lightweight tent which had enough room inside for one man and his Dog plus room for riding gear etc. It also had room in the front for cooking gear.

Slovenia Car park camping. Damp

Sunday morning and it's still damp and cloudy, sometimes we were in the clouds. It did not look as we would be going on our planned Helicopter flight. As the other's were still knocking out the Z's I took the small dog to see if we could find some drinks. We managed to find the breakfast bar had a very small coffee and a bit of cake and a piece of dry bread, not your full English for sure. Back to the tents and brew up cups of good old British tea.

Back to the rally!