Alps Road Trip Day 8: Time to chill and the sun came out
As if we hadn’t been on the bikes enough for the last few days today we went on a short ride up to the next town/village up the valley. The plan was to have lunch but it is the end of the season and everywhere was shut! So we rode back down after enjoying a sit in the sun. That evening we had a lovely BBQ with Charlie and Gina.
Alps Road Trip day 7: Time to Chill
Alps Road Trip Leg 6: Hot hot hot
The next day we set of again. Lovely ride through the Jura alps. I was getting the hang of being on the back of the bike by this time. Even was able to take little videos.
We passed grape vines and stopped for coffee and crepes. Later had a swim in lake Annecy. It was very hot and we did get very hot and bothered as we negotiated the traffic through Annecy. The swim was lovely and we continued on to Charlie and Ginas. It was a King day in the bike but we made it!
Notes to change.
Don’t try to ride so many miles in a day. Always have some water to hand. Make sure the panniers fit the bike and have room for my feet.
Alps Road Trip Leg 5: Ducati Luxembourg and back on the road
We waited and waited for the breakdown truck to arrive, we rang and waited and waited! Eventually the truck came and we headed to Ducati Luxembourg to see if it could be fixed. After an anxious wait the conclusion was that the battery was knackered and after a new battery and €130 we were back on the road. By now it was about 5.30. We decided to ride for as long as we could and at about 12 midnight we found a motel and slept the night.
Turning into quite an adventure.
Alps Road Trip Leg Four: Bastogne and Breakdown!
After a comfortable first night in an air B&B in Bastogne we hit the raid again. We went to the American war memorial as our first stop. It was really impressive but very hot lugging all out bike gear around. We could have stayed longer but were aware we had a long ride ahead of us. Unfortunately the bike was still playing up and kept stalling in the end in the outskirts of a small town it conked out completely as kenny was trying to fix it another Ducati rider stopped to offer help. After stops at a garage and a agricultural machinery place we reached the conclusion at it needed a Ducati dealer. They were all shut as it was Monday. We ended up in a hotel for the night and called the break down people to pick us up in the morning. It was a nice chain hotel opposite a Chinese restaurant. So we passed a pleasant evening.
We didn’t know if the bike could be fixed or not. If it was something simple they would be able to but if not they were booked up for the next couple of months!
I am beginning to enjoy the riding. But only for an hour at a time!
Much more from Kenny’s blog at Ducati Diaries
kenny feeling brighter in the beer section!
Leg three: across the sea to Amsterdam and beyond
Amsterdam to Bastogne 240 miles.
Trouble began at the beginning with Kenny’s bike. It didn’t want to start. We managed to get it off the boat but it was not right. While Kenny was trying to sort it out a young guy came over and offered help. Between them they got it going and we ended up riding a long way with them. I am feeling more comfy on the bike although the panniers are a bit of a pain. They are stopping me getting my feet on the pins properly. Just before we arrived at the B&B we stopped at Foy it was the sight of a big battle in WW2. When we went to set of again there were more problems but we got to our B&B ok and the nice man drove us into Bastogne to get some food. We had a beer with him before we settled into our room. We were both shattered! A nice meal some wine and an early night.
Alps road trip: Leg Two
Musselburgh to port of Newcastle 100 miles
We decided to avoid the A1 and take the inland road through Jedburgh. Which was definitely a good choice. I am getting into the swing of being in the bike although the panniers are a bit in the way. Lovely road though. We stopped in Jedburgh for a bacon butty and coffee. And again at the border for a selfie.
Right now I am sat on the ferry with a nice glass of larger. A good cabin with bunk beds and shower. We are booked in for our al a carte meal at 7pm. Feeling hungry now. Before our lovely meal we went on deck to see the boat leave. Beer and wine was a hell of a price though. Note to self. Next time take a carry on! 
Alps Road trip: Leg One
Glenlivet to Musselburgh: 150 miles
I must admit I was pretty apprehensive before I set off but I actually quite enjoyed the trip. It took a bit of getting used to leaning over round the corners. We first stopped at the wee tea room in Glenshee. Had a lovely platter of meats and cheeses with oat cakes and chutney. Our next stop was at the service station on the way to Edinburgh for a cup of tea and a stretch. We then called in at bod’s kennys friend and Halfords. We arrived at Micky and Jo’s at about 8pm. We are now enjoying a glass wine and waiting for a Indian takeaway.
Better day than expected. Yay
lunch at the wee tea shop In Glenshee
Bod selfie.
Overnighter Day Two
D: 30.50km T: 3hrs 12mins El:194m Cal:625 Av Sp: 9.5km/hr Max Sp 36.7km/hr
I was wakened by janet with a lively cup of tea. Brewed my water and made my porridge- which was better than expected. Followed by fresh brewed coffee and a rocky road.
Had a good night. A little cold at times. The tent was perfect but got a lot of condensation inside. Instant porridge in my tent then a cup of rather nice coffee that anne brought made for a good breakfast.
We set of at 9.30 and made good progress there were a couple of river crossings early on but I managed to hop across the stones. Helen had arranged to meet her man at 11.30 in Blair atholl and it was becoming clear that we would not make it. As she was deciding to go on ahead anne had a bit of a catastrophic mechanical with her bike. The derailleur snapped off her frame! In an attempt to break the chain and make it a fixed chain my multi tool got stuck
On the chain as Janet’s alun key broke. We taped the tool up with gaffer tape and cable ties and hobbled on. Eventually it fell off and we were able to fix the chain. We learned a lot about bike mending and gave Ian a right good laugh when we got home. I also leaned that my multi tool splits in half and so you can use the chain breaker and the alun keys
A brilliant trip. Glen tilt is beautiful.
Overnighter day one
D: 26.5km T: 3hrs 11mins El:402m cal: 508 Av Sp: 8.3km/hr Max Sp: 30.2km/he
Bike packing trip to Blair Atholl from Glen Feshie.
It is fair to say that I left the packing of this trip to the last minute I finished just 6 mins before Janet arrived to pick me up.
Other preparations were a bit last minute too. I tried the tent out the day before and also discovered tha my small stove was in fact a pan set. Luckily kenny lent me his and it has been brilliant. I decided to go for real food not dehydrated which I think was a good choice. Although I am a bit amazed at how much I have eaten.
The weather has been kind to us. Only a few spots of rain and plenty of sun. Lots of river crossings places to swim and a long bit of single track. We med Duggie from landward on the trail with a film crew. We were filmed and interviewed by them. Mental. We set of at 10.45 and arrived at our camp at about 6pm. Lovely sunset, we all cooked together near an old bothy. Eventually cold and midges drove us to our tents. I am all snuggly now. So it will be an early night. And all down hill tomorrow.
Mountain Days and Photo Nights 