Tag: ted simon

The Long Ride South (part 3: León)

by blacridere

I roll out of Vitoria-Gasteiz and towards León. The distance to be covered is not too great: I am travelling to Leon to meet with a business contact, Jorge, and have planned my stops to try and arrive in the mid afternoon so as to be able to get my bearings and catch my breath before we meet. He has suggested I take the National Routes instead of the motorway, and having learned what I have on previous trips, obviously I take his suggestion and join one upon leaving the city. 

Continue reading “The Long Ride South (part 3: León)” →

Forever Delayed

by blacridere

My first long distance motorcycle ride in 2018 was epic by my own standards, but not at all so by the standards of someone like Ted Simon. It was certainly much less epic by the standards of Nick Sanders who had circumnavigated the world on a motorcycle nine times, on one occasion doing so on a Yamaha R1 (a 1000cc sportsbike) in nineteen days. Still, for me the post journey funk lasted a number of months, just as Ted had warned. The ennui was interrupted now and then by some event or other, including the Alexandra Palace Motorcycle Show where I met Nick in person for the first time.

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9 Lessons For The Solo Motorcycle Adventurer (learned the hard way)

by blacridere

“My biggest thrill is when I plan something and it fails. My mind is then filled with ideas on how I can improve it.” 

~ Soichiro Honda    

5,244km later, the first journey is complete, the loop is closed. This is not part of the narrative, more a join on the much wider arc of thought and experience.

I had the blessing of Ted Simon, a machine built by the disciples of Continue reading “9 Lessons For The Solo Motorcycle Adventurer (learned the hard way)” →

The Best is Yet to Come

by blacridere

2018 Brands Hatch

There is a strong wind but the skies are clear. The scenic route from the West Country back to London goes via the A38 and the A303 which runs through picturesque Wiltshire. It takes in several Stone, Bronze and Iron age sites and monuments, the most significant one of these being Continue reading “The Best is Yet to Come” →