1st Trip of 2019

Boris

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Dec 21, 2013
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midlands. UK
Off to Scotland for a week in the morning. Friday through the Peak District, then Hebden Bridge, Hawes and on to Moffat for the night. Saturday, scenic route to Oban, Glencoe and finally Fort Augustus for a few days. Then to Durness including an overnight stop up there, before heading down the eastern side and back to Fort Augustus.

Weather is looking good for the ride oop north!
 

JamesGang

I'm Rick James
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Jun 16, 2018
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Cape Breton Island
Hey Boris, could you post a link to a Google Map of your route? Scotland is a "bucket list" trip for me. I would like to book passage on a freighter for the Tenere and I. Are July and August the warmest months?
 

Boris

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midlands. UK
July and August are definitely the warmest months, but also the months that the midges/bugs are out in theirs billions. They really are a pain in the, well, anywhere exposed really! Hence why we go early summer.

I’ll add the route/roads when I’m back.
 

fac191

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Jun 22, 2016
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London
I've found May, June Sept to be good months in the past, there are a few Midge forecast sites as well to help with planning.

https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

Air Canada do great deals on shipping bikes over the pond

https://advrider.com/f/threads/fly-your-bike-2018-air-canada-program.1283632/

Looking forward to a RR Boris.
I usually go first or second week in May and the weather is usually good. If your up Fort William way the loop around the Cairngorms is one of the best rides in Scotland.
 

Boris

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midlands. UK
Back now, was a great trip. Scotland really is a visually stunning place, with some brilliant roads and spectacular photo opportunities. I’ve been before and had good weather and although mostly dry on this occasion, the weather in Durness and John O Groats was cold and very wet.

We were based in Fort Augustus, where the six of us had rented a house. Nice little town on the southern tip of Loch Ness, with a few bars and restaurants. From here we took day trips to various locations, however for the very north of Scotland (Durness and John O Groats) we booked an 2 night overnight stop in Durness, as it’s too far for a out and back in a day trip.

A few noted points,
Rukka gear is totally waterproof, but you must use the neck storm guard!
Heated grips are a must that far north.
Fiamm horns need turning so the opening isn’t rain facing.
Tourance tyres really are very good, in both wet and dry conditions. Was especially impressed with wet grip!
200 miles minimum, every tank. Steady riding would comfortably see 260-270.
Bike ran as expected, no issues in 2200 miles (all did in fact, 4 versys and a 1200 GS)
Saw about 4 other Super Teneres in Scotland, including one at John O G and one nearish to Inveraray in a petrol station.

A few pics to follow and then routes.
 
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