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Consider this a thread not for globe-circling tours or death-defying achievements, but just reports of little throwaway day rides that we do because we like to ride F800s. 30 mile coffee runs, trips through a forest, a visit to a shop or beach for fun. Try to include a pic, location, miles, condition. If you've done something major, do a separate post.
Here's a small ride I did yesterday-- Pinner to Leatherhead in the UK, to visit a GetGeared motorcycle shop. 70 miles round trip. 50 miles up and back on the M25. Pic:
A few notes-- the ride was fun for me, because I needed cleaning supplies (SDoc100, ACF 50. visor and helmet cloths) and this was the first time I tossed the Vario panniers back on the F700 since the day I drove her home. GetGeared has good ratings as a shop, but I was a little underwhelmed by their selection, and it didn't seem like anything was on sale (like I hoped it would be). I believe the Infinity Motorcycles shop in London (Great Portland Street) is better, at least in terms of selection and some sale prices. Before spring, I'd like a pair of kevlar jeans...
One thing about the ride-- the M25 was windy going down, but the tail wind coming back made it an entirely different ride. There was still frost on some of the small, neighborhood roads to look out for. Shop guys were nice-- one asked about how I liked my Helite vest. I need recommendations for cool gear shops within decent driving distance.
Okay, that's a throwaway ride. So, where did your 800 today?
UKRider
p.s. Happy new year to everyone. Now I'm off to take my daughter out for dinner.
Last edited by UKRider; 02-14-15 at 01:10 AM.
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Nice write up Jim, glad you managed to brave it, have a good New Year!
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Managed to get out early this morning after the bike being laid up for three weeks because of the icy roads.
65 mile round trip and met a couple of mates in Banbury for breakfast, very cold but a lovely morning and great to be back out, tried out my new Spidi Voyager 2 jacket which was brilliant, mega warm and very comfortable even with a big Forcefield back protector in, also tried my new TomTom Rider which worked seamlessly, so although only a short ride, just what I needed!
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
Managed to get out early this morning after the bike being laid up for three weeks because of the icy roads.
65 mile round trip and met a couple of mates in Banbury for breakfast, very cold but a lovely morning and great to be back out, tried out my new Spidi Voyager 2 jacket which was brilliant, mega warm and very comfortable even with a big Forcefield back protector in, also tried my new TomTom Rider which worked seamlessly, so although only a short ride, just what I needed!
Sounds great. At least it was sunny this morning. Tom Tom has been good for the iPhone, at least when the phone isn't crashing. I'm glad you got out.
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Good for you Jim, what a great days adventure, I agree about the sun, on the way back around 10.30 am it was blinding.
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Good idea Jim. Don't we usually do an F800riders "calendar" thread? Post up a pic or two of a ride (any ride) from 2014. Just has to have an F800 in it somewhere.
Here's one from a short Sierras ride and another from just a backyard coastal ride.
2007 F800ST-------> 2013 F800GT
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Just planning our first overnight adventure for the year, the round trip needs to be around 200 miles, roads have to be empty and winding, company has to be exceptional, accommodation has to be comfortable, beer and food must be excellent, I'll keep you updated!!!
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Originally Posted by
Bill the Cat
Good idea Jim. Don't we usually do an F800riders "calendar" thread? Post up a pic or two of a ride (any ride) from 2014. Just has to have an F800 in it somewhere.
Here's one from a short Sierras ride and another from just a backyard coastal ride.
I like the pics-- great road and skies. I'm about 100 miles from coastline, but I have several to choose from. I hope to do a one day circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, for example, which would be about 250 miles round trip.
I just realized that after 1500 miles, I still haven't rode my F700 in any temps above 50 degrees F. I wonder what it will be like...
UKRider
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Keep us posted-- I also need to start planning a two or three night trip. I think I might start with the Lake District, since I know some hostels there but I've only visited by train. The trick may to get the right time of year, since the traffic has been terrible on some of my visits there.
I had an interesting ride last night-- 70 miles in the dark, mostly raining or misting, in rush hour traffic with high winds. The F700 was completely planted in the crosswinds, which was great. I was concerned on the twisty country roads of exiting a corner and over a fallen tree limb. I wouldn't like that...
UKRider
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I'm looking at the Malverns, from Oxford the route through the Cotswolds via Stow On The Wold and Evesham is fantastic, quiet roads, great scenery, thinking of stopping overnight in Ludlow and then returning via Birmingham and the National Motorcycle Museum if we have time.
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Originally Posted by
TNT
I cut a slot in the snow/ice to get out to the open street. Then a short ride around town to test my heated seat.
Nice set up with the seat. I notice a Trout sticker-- do you fish? (We had some UK trout for dinner last night.)
UKRider
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Only two short rides this month 83 miles and a 60 miler.
I've just been looking through some club diaries from 1990/1/2/3/4/5 when we seemed to be more active in the winter months. It must be an age thing when the has more appeal than my garage where the temperature yesterday was only a freezing 2 degrees C. Wake me up in March!
PS - Just started snowing again so it's more hibernation time. 10 years ago today I was enjoying summer in New Zealand.
Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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It was milder last winter, so I was out more
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Originally Posted by
UKRider
Nice set up with the seat. I notice a Trout sticker-- do you fish? (We had some UK trout for dinner last night.)
UKRider
yes, I just got a new four peace fly rod for the bike at Xmas time. Now I will get to ride and fish.
Ride Safe, ( 2014 F700GS
) Richard K7TNT-DN74 IBA #59670, MOA #114372, GS Giant Bighorns & Be the Adventure Billings 2015
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Originally Posted by
TNT
yes, I just got a new four peace fly rod for the bike at Xmas time. Now I will get to ride and fish.
My son is a fisherman in the family, and he likes your idea. Growing up in Orgeon, I can think of relatively cool fishing spots that could be accessed by bike and then enjoyed. Someday, I'd like to take a month just for a circumnavigation of Oregon for fun, camping all the way.
Meanwhile, I need to decide between taking my bike to France or Norway for a multi-day trip this summer.
I did one of my normal 70 mile rides yesterday, starting at 7 a.m. and 0 degres C for most of the first half. The roads simply looked greasy, and I was so slow and cautious that it was somewhat dull. The bike is also covered in dirt, and my helmet and visor was covered in brown dirt by the mid-way point. I think my visor cloth was all but wrecked after cleaning the visor.
UKRider
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
After a couple of weeks of cold foul weather I managed to get out this afternoon for a couple of hours and rode a circular route of around 80 miles, conditions were a bit damp and slippery but it was a lovely scenic route.
Great report. I like your paint color, but I am jealous that your bike is cleaner than mine. Also, where is your chain?
If the weather holds, I might aim for another cafe next week. I also have some possible days off in February, so I'm pondering a first over nighter. Maybe I can find a hostel on the Isle of Wight and go stare at the boats. (We used to keep a 34 footer at Gosport.)
Thanks for adding the trip report-- it wasn't a bad weekend for riding.
UKRider
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Like you I'm pondering a first over nighter of the year, also thinking about taking a cheeky Friday off and riding up to the National Motorcycle Museum with a pal of mine, just need the weather to be a bit more pleasant, it was really slippery and greasy yesterday, especially on the B roads.
I can't believe there are so few posts on this excellent thread, I'd love to see what people are up to and where they are riding to, unless of course everyone has their bike tucked up under a cover in the garage on SORN!
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
..................unless of course everyone has their bike tucked up under a cover in the garage on SORN!
That's about the strength of it, Salt On Roads Now !
Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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I'm just riding to work most days; not very exciting, athough riding along the Sussex coast is quite pircturesque as far as rides to work go.
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I rode to work. I think it was the first time I was able to ride into work in January. I leave at 4am it Was 32*f , but was a good ride.
Ride Safe, ( 2014 F700GS
) Richard K7TNT-DN74 IBA #59670, MOA #114372, GS Giant Bighorns & Be the Adventure Billings 2015
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Great post-- your pictures make the weather look better than it likely was. Also, I know what it looks like to to have so much dirt on the bike this time of year. Lately, I've been having to clean my helmet visors four times a day-- so much dirty water, or salty water, misting up on motorways and roads.
I have a little time off next week, so I might do an Isle of Wight run.
Also, there seems to be a pile of new speed cameras on the M25 flashing like crazy. Ugh...
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I fancy a seaside run next time, thinking of doing Lymington, 200 miles round trip so I'll need a full day
Photos were taken off the internet as it was so dull and cloudy mine looked awful
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No pictures Im afraid but used the bike for work today for the first time in weeks, to Hereford and back, in all about 100 miles, never got above 4C, very glad of the Gerbing Jacket. Never passed one other bike, 2 scooters in the centre of Hereford and that was it.
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Lovely dry day here today, perfect for a ride out, glad you managed to get out Tim
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
Lovely dry day here today, perfect for a ride out, glad you managed to get out Tim
Road from Abergavenny to Hereford was a bit damp with a fair bit of mud from the Tractors but not too bad, on the way home the Sun was trying to make an appearance but the Temp was dropping like a stone, lets just hope all the ACF50 I have been applying over the last couple of months does its job.
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Originally Posted by
Timbo
No pictures Im afraid but used the bike for work today for the first time in weeks, to Hereford and back, in all about 100 miles, never got above 4C, very glad of the Gerbing Jacket. Never passed one other bike, 2 scooters in the centre of Hereford and that was it.
It is surprising how few bikes are out, even on the weekends. I just got back from 70 miles, and it was chilly but the heated Bering jacket and heated grips did the trick. I saw only a few other riders.
I'll confess to ordering two more jackets today, both with big winter mark-downs. A full leather jacket from Oxford (Atom) and a summer mesh jacket from Spada. Next, I'd like to figure out kevlar jeans and buy a pair. I also signed up for Bikesafe day on May 3rd.
I might aim for another cafe on Saturday. Last weeked I had a nice pastry and coffee stop off at the Ace Cafe on Saturday.
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Nice ride on A1A on the east coast of Florida. 50 miles!
Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App
2013 F800GS with 50,000 miles ( 8-2021 )
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I had a short ride of just 60 miles in nice mild weather. Met up with another rider and a club member for a brew and a natter. Our bikes were the only other two-wheelers on the road.
Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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Where is the photo taken Will?
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
Where is the photo taken Will?
And is that a "For Sale" sign hanging on the back !?
Last edited by Norfolk UK; 02-13-15 at 04:28 AM.
Reason: typo
2014 GT
Orange. Just the comfort pack and heated grips - not into gizmos.
"Pity the man who wasn't born in the Highlands and hears the pipes"
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Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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What's the number plate? Looks like a couple of letter and the number 1, worth a bit more than the bike!
I have a couple of plates but never thought of putting either on my bike, you see very few motorcycles with cherished plates.
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
What's the number plate? Looks like a couple of letter and the number 1, worth a bit more than the bike!
I have a couple of plates but never thought of putting either on my bike, you see very few motorcycles with cherished plates.
The plate was a late retirement present to myself in 1995, 3 letters and the 1.
Last edited by Will; 02-17-15 at 02:18 AM.
Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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Good choice of destination Jim, we used to have a childhood holidays in a caravan in Margate! It's all gentrified now with highbrow galleries and organic food! It was kiss me quick hats and amusement arcades 40 years ago, glad you had a good ride, keep the reports coming!
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
Good choice of destination Jim, we used to have a childhood holidays in a caravan in Margate! It's all gentrified now with highbrow galleries and organic food! It was kiss me quick hats and amusement arcades 40 years ago, glad you had a good ride, keep the reports coming!
Thanks. I just booked my ferry ride from Lymington to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight for this Wednesday. 7:00 a.m. start from home, 10:00 a.m. sail to the island (40 minutes), 3:00 p.m. sail back to the mainland and ride home. Should be fun-- I haven't even thought of where to go on the island yet. We used to sail there often (and to Lymington), so I might sneak into the Folly Inn for a crewpot. Maybe I'll see Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
By the way, your call name (Carlos Fandango) was mentioned by Guy Martin in his recent show about motorcycling in India. In the segment when he was strapped to a colorful para-glider, he said something like he felt like Carlos Fandango.
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Cool pic with Guy Martin.
Ride Safe, ( 2014 F700GS
) Richard K7TNT-DN74 IBA #59670, MOA #114372, GS Giant Bighorns & Be the Adventure Billings 2015
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
Great. Now I want to take up smoking skinny cigars...
I hope you don't rike like he drives.
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Ironically after 25 years of not smoking my wife bought me a lovely fat Havana cigar for my 50th earlier this year, just waiting for an opportunity to light it up! I don't have an Anglia 105E though, I was more of an Escort man!
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You lucky devil, that was an epic days adventure, I'm down in Bucklers Hard next weekend overnight with some friends to celebrate my belated 50th, lovely part of the country.
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Originally Posted by
Carlos Fandango
You lucky devil, that was an epic days adventure, I'm down in Bucklers Hard next weekend overnight with some friends to celebrate my belated 50th, lovely part of the country.
I almost feel guilty-- the A3005 Military Road was completely empty. I could have blown my license doing 130 down that f'ing road. It was simply another level of life riding that tarmac this week.
Second part of the detailed ride report is on ADV: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1044908 I will post the last part tomorrow night.
BTW, have you ever been up to the park above The Needles? There's a cool installation there that you can walk around that was the UK Rocketry program:
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/island-gu...sting-station/
Now, I have to decide on a ride for tomorrow (but not this ambitious...). I wonder if I've earned a breakfast at the Ace tomorrow morning...
UKRider
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