The Boneyard Bike Show

If it's Summer, it's bike show time! Lookin' forward to The Trip Out and popped along to The Boneyard show in Leeds at the weekend.

Balloon tyres, Taylor Made front ends, Scooter engravings by legend Don Blocksidge, Dragons, cafe racers, stretched and LOUD choppers - The Boneyard had 'em all. 

Hoggin' the vineyards Au Sud

Holiday time at last.Which meant a call to the ever-helpful Fanny (f-nah, f-nah) at Moto Macadam in Montpellier. 

This was the second time I've hired from Macadam. My schoolboy French just about managing thanks to Fanny's similar level of English and a little help from Google translate on the pre-arrival emails.

Moto Macadam really puts UK MoCo dealers in the shade - and not only because of the blue skies and 80+ degree temperatures in the South of France. It's great because it's a got a bar as an integral part of the showroom.

You can sip a rose, down a demi or just settle for an expresso in air conditioned comfort while you try to work out how the two bikes on the wall stay there. It's a fantastic meeting place for Les Becanes and also flags up local events:

Sadly I had a schedule to meet and countryside to see so didn't make it along. 

After riding back from Montpellier to base in Uzes (about 30-mile north of Nimes) I picked up the other half for a few days biking in the wild Cevennes National Park and the twisty mountain roads between Arles and Florac.

As ever, the French roads outside the cities were a dream. Hardly any vehicles and stunning views in every direction. 

The hire bike was a new Heritage (replete with pirate tassels) - great for the long straights but a bit of a handful in the hairpins.

I tried a few riding shots with my phone but it was a tad difficult tapping in the unlock code of Apple's finest at speed so most of the shots are static. 

The sheer bliss & freedom was beyond words. I just wanna get down there on the Freaker some day. 

Merci Fanny!

Hashtag Road Trip

Two years in the offing the stars, English sunshine  and available days off finally resulted in a much anticipated road trip to Scottish Border country with cousins Jonathan & Paul. 

The carrying capacity of the Ducati and Triumph meant The Freaker could run free of most clutter - although a fuel can was strapped to the sissy bar for emergencies.

The route was all B roads through the beautiful Pennine hills that run north up the spine of the country. 

We took the western route up from Yorkshire. Through the dales and the fringes of the English Lake District. Then inland to Geordie Land, Hadrians Wall and the edge of Hoots Mon and Kilt country.

Gas stations were few and far between. But the bike made it with only limited stops to fill the Sportster tank and no call to use the plastic fantastic back-up.

The route back hugged the eastern side of the Pennine ridge - with some amazing wild moorland and hill country roads and no traffic to speak of. 

A total blast from start to finish:

                                    Ribbleshead Viaduct

Hartshead Top Bikers Cafe

                                     Scottish Border

Campsite Cabin at Keilder Water

                                         Kielder

                        Had to stop at this place on my return journey. 
                  Blanchland venue for my wedding reception an eon ago

Pete's Triumph

Pete is an acquaintance who I enjoy a quiet chat with now and again over our mutual love of biking. 

Built like a very solid (and very tall!) exterior defecation unit and man of few words, he ain't one to mess with.

Back in the day he was close with club members and I've no doubt he could be handy whenever needed. 

These days he just rides with mates for fun. But he still takes his bikes seriously. 

There's not a mark on this old Triumph. It's a regular ride but pristine inside and out.  It won't let you down.

Bit like Pete. A true gent through and through.

Freaker @ The Farmyard

Annual road trip to The Farmyard and annual stop off for cuppa at the last pub before Helmsley (I love the toilets - a mini-museum dedicated to all things bloke including models of the world's most beautiful cars).

The Farmyard just isn't the Farmyard without the traditional English summer downpour. But it wasn't too bad this year.

After setting up in my usual spot, I went & joined the throng. Good to see old workmate Cal. Still doing ad agency stuff but this weekend, manning the Harley stand.

Back Street Heroes editor Nik and his single sider.

Highlight for me is the custom show. Not a patch on the Trip Out but some interesting machines nonetheless.

Show over, it was time for a mooch in Helmsley. I usually stay on site but the weather was good and the craic in the pubs was mighty.

The Farmyard comedy show was great as ever - and the Saturday night bands even better.

   ...til next year.