New UK based ADV Forum

[Rasher]

Not sure if this has been posted, but worth a look:

http://www.adventurebikers.net/

Covers all adv bikes with a UK focus - and not dominated by BMW's as they probably are all happy with their huge site. A few S10 owners there already, not sure who else from here has a login :question:

 

[Salmon Sam]

Thanks for this. I like the ST mug that you can buy.

 

[cakeboy]

yea and its a cracking site as well ::026::

 

[RED CAT]

Wasn't aware they had any Adventure riding in the UK. All paved stuff? Guess we're lucky in NA. ::001::

 

[macca]

Wasn't aware they had any Adventure riding in the UK. All paved stuff? Guess we're lucky in NA. ::001::

I think our local authorities are trying to turn rural roads in to gravel tracks by letting the tarmac degrade naturally
I was out recently and avoided a pothole that was large enough to take the full front wheel and at least 1/2 foot deep (from where I was sitting as I skimmed past)

 

[Mikeybikey57]

I envy you Americans, Canadians and Aussies, with your wide open spaces, breathtakingly spectacular landscapes, enormous skies and freedom to roam the land unhindered. We used to have plenty of unpaved roads, woodland tracks and country byways that we could trundle along without a care in the world. Trouble is that lots of them have now been closed off to "green laners", by local authorities, farmers or landowners who take offence at finding tyre tracks across their new croquet lawns. O

Also, on a more personal note, riding any bike is risky enough at the best of times and I'd like to be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. So to risk being shot at by some obscenely wealthy landowner with a shiny new 12 bore and a chip on both shoulders, just so I can get a bit muddy, somehow fails to appeal.

So until the day that another social revolution comes along (not holding my breath), I'll continue to take my chances dicing with the veggiebox drivers on Her Majesty's highway. ::021::

 

[Rasher]

I think our local authorities are trying to turn rural roads in to gravel tracks by letting the tarmac degrade naturally

Yep, with each year passing out main roads start to look more like minor roads, and minor roads continue to become less and less paved

 

[Salmon Sam]

Mikeybikey,
You make a good point. You grow up in North America, and you take it for granted. Doesn't everyone live like this? Now that I have an ST, I can't believe the world it opens up. In fact, it is amazing that everyone doesn't get one of these exploring machines. Almost a crime not to! However, ignorance is bliss (to the rest of us). Wouldn't like the forest roads anymore crowded!

 

[snakebitten]

Ok, everything you say is true about the USA, Canada, and Australia. It's fairly convenient to put together an Adventure ride in almost any direction.

However, if you do a map overlay of those 3 countries, you would find that England is just as close to some AMAZING places as say....Texas is to Colorado or Utah, or Tennessee and North Carolina.

In other words, load up those panniers and head out. How far away is France? Italy, the Alps?

My biggest complaint would be the lousy weather on your island. But lousy road conditions is something I almost look for.

I'll be interested to hear what Ole Git says about re-assimilating back into the homeland. He knows more about this than I ever will.

 

[Rasher]

In other words, load up those panniers and head out. How far away is France? Italy, the Alps?

Not too far for most of us to get to France, but the better roads are still a few hours away, the Black Forest, Vosges, Ardennes and Eifel region are all a full days ride for me, the Alps is 1.5 days each way and the Pyrenees two full days each way (or an expensive 20 hour overnight ferry ride to save a day of motorway)

It means I need to make up a 4 day trip for Europe to really be worthwhile, although I am grateful to have Europe "on my doorstep" I would love to be able to go out and just ride some dirt tracks for a few hours on a sunny Sunday.

 

[snakebitten]

No argument rasher. I would suffer without the daily dose of dirt rode and hooligan short cuts through ditches and empty lots. It's not much, but it's vital for my soul.