Salisbury Plain (first 2 trip)

Finally after threatening to do so for many months we loaded up the bikes with almost our entire packing list and headed out to the Plains to test the bikes and our kit. Well we actually went over Easter weekend and the weekend of 21-22 April.


On both weekends we camped at Wyke down camp site http://www.wykedown.co.uk which has excellent facilities and a well stocked bar that serves excellent steaks; oh yes and the owner is looking for some Saffa bar staff. On Easter weekend we headed out on the Saturday afternoon but last weekend we headed out straight after work and by 18:30 had the tent up and had beers in hand to catch the sunset while cooking up a chicken-ala-king.


Heading out to the plains and taking the first grys-pad (dirt road to normal people and piste to the other bunch) was really exciting although nervy feeling the bike slide along on marbles but still in control which requires a fair bit more concentration than doing the same with a bakkie. The plains have a maze of roads and paths and tracks and the official take is that you may only use the Byways and Rights of Way (ROW's) but you quickly get lost and end up not being sure where you are legally allowed to be...still waiting for the warden to inform us.


Although it's really nice to get some miles on dirt road we are now a bit bored as it wasn't really challenging or even close to Van Zyl's pass level so we will be trying to find some more challenging trails next time we go.


The first time we went to the plains Heino (NAMSA) met up with us and then last weekend his meisie Allesandra came alongs as well. It was great to have some pleasant company along on the camping trip and Ale got a chance to ride a bike (aided by Heino). It took 5 minutes and she had full control of the clutch...go get that license. Heino and Ale are heading off on the 1st May on their trip to Cape Town http://www.transafrica.wordpress.com/

Lulworth Cove day trip 10.3.07

So at last we had a combination of the bikes being fixed and good weather on the same day so jumped on the bikes and headed off into Dorset and ended up in the Purbecks.


Tank regiment shooting range...spot the cows in the foreground.
Recent visit by US tank Battalion left the British two tanks down...will they ever learn...know your enemy!!!Blue skies, fluffy clouds, green rolling hills, calm seas...ah...England...3 DAYS OF THE YEAR
Lulworth castle with specially trained tank regiment attack sheep...
Lulworth Cove for a quick coffee
Taking the waters in Wellington boots...oh so British. What do you mean beaches have white sand; it's rocks n boulder me tells you...who needs waves if you can't swim.

Corfe castle...on top of a man made hill

Poole chain ferry

Pyrenees and Back: 23rd June - 8th July 2006

23/6/06: Poole - Cherbourg
Caught the 22:00 ferry from Poole to Cherbourg but this time we booked a cabin and had a good rest.

24/6/06: Cherbourg - Parthenay
Left Cherbourg at 5:35. It was a stun sunny morning and it was just fantatic to be flying along the beautiful smooth empty roads of France again. we stopped along the side of the road a few times just to take it all in. Took the N13 and onto the N174 towards St Lo. We avoided the highway A84 and instead took the N174 to Vive and through to Flers.

While making our way through Flers Rensche had one or two hair raising stops as pedetrians threw themselves onto the crossings right in front of her. The roundabouts were chaotic and we ha a close call where a car got hit side-on by someone making a u-turn in the roundabout while strairing at us.

Got onto the D962 to Laval and through to Augers where we went along the D952 which follows the Loire river to saumur. Very beautiful road along the river.

We arrived at Saumur just in time for the rugby. South Africa 26 - France 36....SA lost again...what's new. The barman had a wonderful time mocking our little SA flags we had brought along from UK for the game.

From there we took the D938 and arrived at Larry Dass in the evening just north of Parthenay. Larry had advsertised his B&B on the Horizons website and w said we would spend a night there. We had a wonderful time there and Larry took us around this little farm showing us his special orchard with it's variety of fruits.

25/6/06: Parthenay - Dordogne Motocamp
Woke up at 8am to a overcast and drizzling morning. We hung out in larry's kitchen drinking coffee till 12:30 when the drizzling stopped. We headed south taking the N149 to Portiers, then the N147 to Limoges. while stopping off at a layby for some biltong and snack bars two motorcops arrived and we spent the next half hour watching them catch unsuspected victims with their lazer gun. It was a fresh reminder for us to stick to the speed limit.

At limoges we got onto the A20 but got worried when our tanks started sounding empty but there were no service stations in sight. We pulled oof the highway at Pierre buffiere where we ound the only station in toan was closed (the dreaded Close-petrol-station-on-Sunday syndrome struck again). headed back onto the highway and found a service centre 5 junctions later.

Got off the A20 at junction 53 and then took the N20-D673 to Motocamp Dordogne which I found on Google before our trip. http://www.motocamp.com Lovely biker campsite owned by Dutch couple and their dog. Excellent steaks and lovely friendly bar although it was bit empty as we had arrived a week before their official opening for the summer season. Watched the football world cup match Holland 1 - Portugal 10 (with three yellow cards)...drinks were obviously not on the hosue that evening.

26/6/06: Dordogne Motocamp - Samatan
Started the day with a omelette baguette. Started talking to a biker couple on a GS from Norfolk UK. The pillion was almost 5'4" and she was very interested in Rensche's beautifully powered Funduro. She did her CBT a year and half ago and was about to do her DAS. She was delighted to sit on Rensche's bike and have both her feet down flat on the ground ("Wish I could do that!")

Again only left by 12ish due to rain. The rest of the day consisted of twisties. Rensche battled a bit with the wet raods and tight turns but we managed.

We had lunch at Lauzerte where charlie pointed out that we are not even hafl way to the border yet...twisties are exhausting as it takes a lot of concentration.

We spent the last two hours of the day trying to find a camp site and eventually found the municipal cap site in Samatan after a few U-turns and cursing the road signs etc.

An absolutely non-english speaking camp manager challenged Rensche's travel french to th timit but after some gestating understood that we camp for the night and go pay our fees the next morning at the town hall.

The only restuarant in town directed us to a pizzaria as they were fully book; but at least they spoke english.

27/6/06: Samatan - Castejon de Sos

Had brillliant "Highveld" thunderstorms throught he night but the tent held up well to the onslaught.

Left Samatan after paying for tent site and having a quick coffee. as we were driving along the Pyrennes started appearing in the distance and kept getting bigger and bigger...wooohooo. Took the N125 and soon we on top of the Pyrennes entering Spain. We stopped off for lunch just across the border at Leo and had out first authentic tapas. The we went along a very very very very long tunnel and popped out the otherside onto the Spannish Pyrennes.

It was hair raising riding the tight twisteis with the abyss just inches away. Turned off at the N250 onto the N260 which was a small rural road, lost of twisties, took for ever which took us to Castejon de Sos where we booked into the Pyrennes Hotel. It was about here were we noticed that it is very very very hot in Spain and the town was dead...siesta time.

I must just say one thing about the Spanish drivers: they still drive on your ass like the French but at least they are better at passing you! The Spainish roads are beautiful: straight,broad, with almost no traffic. Again bikes passed us from al over with the usuall friendly wave.

As it got later the town got more lively and thunder clouds started gathering overhead. Rain poured down as we had steak and chips at a small bar while watching football world cup France 1 - 1 Spain...Ole'.

28/6/06: Castejon de Sos - Anzanigo

Booked out of the hotel at 9:00 and headed straight down the N260 into some serious twisties on a road cut inot the side of the canyon of the Esera river. STUNNING. Rensche did well but refused to take her eyes off the raod to take in the stunning scenery. the shear drop of the cliffs was on our side of the road so once again the Abyss was beckoning.

Stopped off at the town and fort of Ainsa. All the restuarants were closed so bought an apple pie slice for breakfast. Next stop was at Broto at 12:30. After lunch while having custard pie and coffee the heavens opened so we stuck around and waited until 15:30 before heading out again.

We ended taking some twisties up to Biesa then the N260 and N330 to Jaca which was a very busy round. At Jaca we drove past the local campsite which did not look very inviting so we took the A1205 towards Anzanigo, another motocamp I found on Google. www.anzanigo.com. Itw as very hot again, we set up tetn, walked around and had a look at the biker memorial wall. That evening we all sat around a table and ate the set menu together while having a lovely conversation with our English being translated to Spanish by a French couple. the conversation took a bit of a dip when one of the guests took a disliking to us "White South Africans". After supper the French guy and I had a go at trying to sort out the camp owners son's Aprillia two-stroke carb. After battling for two hours we recommended he take it to a dealer.

29/6/06: Anzanigo - Sangues
Next morning, after some good wholesome dry bread for breakfast we headed out and immediately were held up by a flock of sheep being hereded along the road. We then carried on up the "hill" to Hecho a pretty little town in the mountains where artists displayed a number of granite sculptures. We also had lunch here. We headed across to Anso via a small little road but after one km the roadworks started and was a bit hairy riding along on the loose gravel chips up and down the tight twisties with the tail sliding out the whole time. head down the mountain from Anso we passed through a stunning canyon with the road once again cut out of the side of the mountain.

On recommendation from the French couple at the motocamp we headed for Ruesta, a small old town which had been abandoned folowing the building of the dam which swallowed their fields. The town was a ghost town with the only life being a restuarant in one of the ruins and a tourist information (which was closed). As it was unbelievably hot we sat outside the bar under shadecloth and had a beer and 2 lt of water for 3 hours. Once the heat of the day had broken we got into our bike clothes again and headed off along a road cutting through real Sierra Navarra country.

Arrived at Sos de Rey where we couldn't find a hotel but when we finally found the "Parador" hotel the consiege said, with a dead pan face, that the rooms were Euro140 a night. We got on our bikes and headed out of town.

At this point we were totally exhausted from the heat, and not drinking enough water, and when we arrived in Sanguesa we followed the signs to the municipal campsite. The campsite restuarant was overcrowded with a large group of elderly people singing and enjoying themselves and cheering us as we arrived. Seeing how hot we were they threw ice at Rensche. Our tent pitch was rock hard clay but we didn't notice. We couldn't be bothered to find a restuarant so simply cooked up some bully-beef and mash with beans (our emergency ration pack we brough along from the UK). It was absolutely delicious.

30/6/06: Sangues - Zudaire
We slept really late on the hard floor and only left at 12pm (we just don't learn!!!) A quick cup of coffee and a few rusks and we headed out of town with all our jacket vents open as it as seeringly hot once again.

We arrived at Olite at 13:00 and strucked to find parking in the old part of town. There was a lot of building work going on and a wedding. The castle in the town was beautiful. We met some other bikers in the town who were part of a tour group from the UK who were heading in the opposite direction. After a refreshing coke and omelette we headed to Puente la Reina. On leaving olite Rensche almost dropped her bike twice on a steep hill...this unbearable heat was getting to us.

We stopped for petrol but the town was so deserted (siesta) and it was so hot we decided to keep moving (free aircon on the bike) to Estella. At Estella the plan was to look for a hotel but after endless walking dragging our heavy helmets and jackets we got back on the bikes and headed to the only apparent hotel in town. It looked rough and we overshot it. Unfortunaley (fortunately) Rensche refused to make a u-turn to go back so we just headed on out of town on a road to nowhere. The road turned out to be very beautifil and full of sharp twisties. After another u-turn (success) we landed in a hotel in Zudaire. Nice and comfortable in a quiet little town against the side of a hill amongst vineyards.

We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling among the houses and had a early night as there was nothign else to do in the town. The rest of the hotel went to bed at 2am (after there all day siesta) and our neighbour was watch TV with the volume at full blast till 4am.

1/7/06: Zudaire - Pamplona
The next morning we got up early and were ready to go at 8:30 but reception only opened at 9:00. After a nice breakfast we ended up leaving at 9:30 and headed out of town. The road from Zudaire up to Aloiti was very beautiful and cut through a nature reserve and ended with a series od 10 tight hairpins coming down off the Sierra de Urbasa.

Once on the motorway we quickly made our way across to Pamplona. We arrived to the overwhelming sight of one apartment block after another. Not all what we had expected. after getting horribly lost in the oneway system we found parking along with hundreds of mopeds on the pavement directly ourside the Stadia de Torros (THE bullfight stadium). We walked around the town for about an hour grabbed a hotel list from informationa nd went and sat at a restuarant overlooking the town square. We got a HUGE fright when we saw the price of the hotels in the area. Euro280 per night. Not surprising as this was one week before the actual "Running of the Bulls". The prices for this one week of the year, and weeks before and after, are 4-10 time more expensive than any other time of the year.

Rensche phoned Virginia (friend from work who's parents live in town). She could join us in an hour so we shared a paella and tortilla and had ice-cream. I must say that when we arrived in town it was clear that we were in for a rather warm day. By lunchtime I was feeling the effects of heatstroke. No matter how much water we drank we just couldn't cool down.

After Virginia arrived she took us on a tour of the route that the bulls run, showing us the best places to stand and watch the tourists get flattened by the stampeding bulls.

The temperature was now 42degC. Virginia organised a B&B at cheaper rates for us about 20 minutes walk from the city centre. The heat was sapping our energy and just the 5 minute bike ride to the apartment had sweat running into our eyes in the helmets. On arriving at the B&B we had to make our way through the foyer of a block of flats where the whole foyer had been stripped out to the bare brickwork and dangling wires...a UK H&S deathtrap. You would understand our apprehension when we had to climb into the lift to get to the 3rd floor.

After a 2 hour rest, and watching England loose the football against Portugal we joined Virginia for supper. It was nice to have a local ordering the food for us at her local, none touristy, restuarant. We had nice calamary, red peppers with garlic and olive oil, asparagus and egg and avocado and prawns with ice cold beer. Our last spanish meal which Virginia insisted on paying for us. Thanks Virginia we really enjoyed the time with you and thanks for the cheap accomodation.

2/7/06: Pamplona - Orthez

After phoning and meeting Virginia to hand over the keys, we headed out of the town at 09h30 along the N240. We then headed north on the NA178 riding through beautiful Narvarra scenery with lovely forrests. We stopped along the road to make coffee with rusks, headed up to the summit at Point de Laura. (1585 meters ) and after taking the stunning view we headed down the other side of the Pyrenese into France. Its amazing to notice the dramatic change in scenery, vegetation, animals, houses, business hours. This all on either side of a mountain 20km apart. The road followed the Saison river all the way down the mountain through a very beautiful valley and down onto the plains. We reached Orthez at 15h35 and followed the signs to the muncipal campsite. Once again it was unbearably hot.

After booking in and pitching the tent we took a stroll into town to find something to eat. The town was absolutely dead. We found one or two historic buildings, a nice bridge and then found a bar and stopped for beer (or two). As everything was closed we resolved ourselves to the fact that we would be eating rice and tuna for supper but on the way back to the campsite we found a pattiserie and bought five various quiches which we gobbled down very quickly. We were in bed by 10pm but was woken by a massive thunder storm which found us sitting in the tent waiting for the inevetable lightning strike. Fortunately the tent theld up well and dry and there was no lightning strike.

3/7/06: Orthez - St Emilion

We left town at 10h30 after we were sleeping in to catch up on sleep lost during the storm. We made good progress and found ourselves in Roquefort at 12h00. Our french guide book said that there was a Roquefort cheese making tour in Roquefort-sur-Soulon. After driving in town for a while it became clear that we were in the wrong Roquefort. At least we had lovely toasted cheese baguette and donuts from the pattiserie.

The radios didn't work too well today and after some investigating it became clear that last nights storm had wet the plugs causing dodgy connections. After some shaking and blowing of the plugs reception improved and we could talk to each other again while wearing our helmets.

After getting a bit lost we made our way through the vineyards of the Bordeaux region to St Emilion where we found a lovely campsite with the most friendly staff. We set up tent, went for a swim to cool down and then pillioned into town for supper. We had a lovely typical french menu and friendly waitor. Starters: Fras Gras (Charlie) upside-down tomato tart (Rensche). Main course: Steak and lamb. Desert: Chocolate cake and Cheese cake)

4/7/06: St Emilion - Ile de Re'

What a dreadful road!!! Billboards, factories, endless traffic and trucks pushing you off the road and radio problems between Charlie and me. Queus and roadworks. But we did well and arrived in Ile de Re' at about 2pm. The weather was nice and cool as we started the endless search for a campsite at the sea. The lady at the tourist information was most unhelpful and we ended up browsing through a french broshure for campsites near the beach. We finally found a campsite at 4pm and had the tent up just before a thunderstorm dumped on us by which time we were at the pool having a beer and eating pizza. Oh yes and the camp pitch was a dust bowl with just two pieces of dry grass!

5/7/06: Ile de Re' - Derval

We decided at breakfast that we had had enough of the french and phoned Brittany ferries and changed our bookings to two days earlier. We just couldn't be bothered to think of what to do for three more days in the north of France. So at 10h30 we got onto the N137 and headed north via Nantes. Stopping at tourist information in Derval, who gave us directions to a B&B. : " take the first right turn out of town and follow the signs." After thirty minutes of getting horribly lost in the maze of country lanes we finally found the town of Marsac sur Don....and per chance found a green Chambre (french B&B) sign. But our french hostess was wonderful, the rooms were great each with a theme and so much attention to detail. She and her husband even invited us for apperatifs on the veranda. She phoned the restaurants in the area but they were all closed due to world cup semi-final: France vs Portugal. We found the local supermarket and got some ham crue, cheese and bread. The other people at the B&B were an English and Danish lady and their child. We had a nice evening chatting into the night over a couple of bottles of wine. http://www.lamerais.com/

6/7/06: Derval - Poole

The next morning we had the most wonderful breakfast at the most beaufiful set table. All home-made breads and jams. Our hostess even gave us a parting gift: little home-made soaps. She was the most friendly french person we have ever met!

We had quite a stressfull ride to Cherbourg: strong winds all the way and bad traffic. The holiday season has certainly started. I was very relieved when we got to Cherbourgh.

There we spent three hours walking around the scummy city centre and people were defnitely harbour city material: scruffy and cheap. At last we got onto the ferry where I had to help Rensche park her bike as she couldn't manage to move it backwards by herself on the slippery deck or get off it.

On the ferry there were school kids EVERYWHERE running around shouting and screaming, throwing food.

Our mood soured as we saw the English coast and realised our holiday had come to an end.

Can't wait for our next adventure!!!

North Devon Weekend Blast: 28 June 2006

A weekend trip around Norh devon and through Exmoor park

Easter Road Trip: 14 - 16 April 2006

This was the first trip that we took on TWO seperate bikes.

14/04/06: Poole - West Woodlands

Took a quick turn around Sandbanks to settle in then at 10:30 headed out of Poole in the general direction of...mmm...North (possibly Stonehenge).

While heading along I snapped this shot of Rensche on the move. At the same moment I heard Rensche in my speaker: "Liefie there is a car behind you!"

Stopped off at the "Wheatsheaf" in Lower Woodford just above Salibary for an excellent steak pie. (Recognise the lyric?)

Headed towards a campsite just west of Stonehenge but as we approached it the road was closed (Army must have been on manouvers). So we headed West. Ended up at the gates of Longleat Safari Park who informed us they only catered for Caravans...no tents but did provide us with contact details of campsites in the area. We headed off to the " " Crockerton. The new owner of the establishment said they don't accomodate campers anymore...I also noted that the pub was a bit EMPTY...business must be slow. Anyway...we then phoned the next name on the list who had a pitch available.

We popped across to Seven Acres Caravan park at West Woodlands at about 17:30.

As we pulled in and before we even switched off our engines the camp cat made a bee-line for our nice warm seats.

What a stunning sight/site...bikes parked, tent pitched...all before the sun has gone down and approved by the local consultant.

15/04/06: West Woodlands - Glastonbury

Woke up to the sound of lions growling in the distance. Guess they were disappointed that we had not ridden through the safari park..."meals on wheels".

Thought we better take in some historical sites so stopped in at Nunney Castle. Very beautiful old ruin. Was informed by a very polite Lady walking her dog that in the 40's the castle was preserved using good modern Portland cement. Recently English heritage had to spent £0.5mil pounds replacing the mortar with a original Middle-ages mortar mix as the modern mix was eating away at the local stone masonary...modern advancements they say...

Stopped off for an excellent breakfast at Nunney's local greasy spoon; on the A361/A359 roundabout.

Stopped off at THE Wookey Hole Cave (http://www.wookey.co.uk/). Commercialised, bad taste, tackie comes to mind. We didn't even go into the caves as they would certainly not come close to the Kango Caves. So we headed off again.

Just at the top end of Cheddar Gorge we saw a bike parked up along the side of the road. Stopped off and the guy said that his engine had dropped all it's oil. He was clearly highly annoyed...it was also a brand spanking new SV650...hope his warrantee is still good.

We had planned to stop in Cheddar but as we cruised through town we were overwhelmed by the heave of peolpe everywhere...just kept on going.

Headed straight for a campsite shown on the map as being just outside Glastonbury. Pitched the tent and as we settled in the first raindrops fell...no surprises there then.

16/06/06: Glastonbury - Poole

Left Glastonbury at 10:00 and headed South. Approaching Crewkerne we spotted a farm stall sign along the road so we pulled in. as we were getting off the bike it was clear they they had been startled by our hi-vis vests as they asked rensche if she was with the police. We walked into the courtyard and clearly it was not a very clean and orderly establishment but it would have been impolite to just leave. So we ordered some coffee and a hot cross bun each and sat at a table. There appeared to be a bit of tention in the air and we overheard a phone call involving: "The TV will be here soon...Sam must be here...yes but we can't do it alone...". It appeared we were in the middle of an illegal occupation of the farm that the Somerset council intended selling off.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4910326.stm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1754218,00.html

We left the scene just as a guy with a camera arrived...

We stopped off at West Bay (near Bridport) for fish'n'chips. Plenty other bikes around until a policeman arrived and started mulling around. Within minutes there were only a couple of us left hanging around who had a good chuckle with the cop who was just checking roadworthiness of the bikes.

Headed back to Poole via Weymouth and were back in Poole by 16:30.

We thank the Lord for protecting us on the trip and praise Him for the amazing and stunning scenary we saw along the way.

Normandy weekend blast:1-3 July 2005

1/07/05: Poole - Cherbourg
Straight after work we took the ferry across from Poole to Cherbourg. Met another bike (Jonathan: Cab driver from Salisbury) on a VFR at the ferry port who was heading south to Spain. This was his first trip abroad and his first motorbike which he bought three weeks earlier.

2/07/05: Cherbourg - Cancale
Arrived in Cherbourg at 6:30. Being our first overnight ferry we learnt the hard way that it's absolutletly impossible to sleep in the reclining chairs. we ended up sleeping on the floor using out jackets as cushions. Next time get a cabin. It will save you feeling like the dogs breakfast when you arrive in port in the morning.
Took the road all along the west coast of the Cherbourg peninsula.
Jonathan was accompanying us and almost ended up in a hedge after losing it going around a gentle bend on a small rural road. Must have been the excitement of riding on the wrong side of the road.
Stopped off at Mount St Micheal.Very very beautiful but climbing all those stairs in leather trousers was hard work.
Went through to Parame near St Malo where Jonathan left us (We think he was getting a bit frustrated with our slow pace). Had lunch there and then made our way back to Cancale to find a place to stay. After riding around in circles for what felt like hours we finally found our way down to the harbour of the town. All of the hotels were full but one of the managers knew someone who knew someone who had just the day before fininshed doing his flat up to rent out...result!!! Note that Cancale is the oyster capital of France and there was fish food a plenty to go around.


3/07/05: Cancale - Poole
Left Cancale early morning and following all the small rural roads across to Bayeux. Stopped in Arromanche for lunch. Rode all along the Normandy beaches stopping at the Longeles Battery and Omaha beach.
Arrived back in Cherbourg at 17:30. Stoppd for quick coffee then got on the ferry back to Poole.

Scotland and Ireland trip 19-29 August 2005

19/8/06: Poole - Cheltenham
Left Poole immediately after work (16:00) and stopped off at a Travel Inn (which we had prebooked) in Cheltenham

20/8/06: Cheltenham - Arrochar
Took the M5-M6-M74 all the way up to Glasgow, got horribly lost and drove straight into the post match Celctic Rangers celebrations in the street. Found our way out of town and took the A82 past Loch Lomond ans stayed over tat Arrochor at the forestry Comission campsite. On arrival we were told it was full and we were too late but qith some gentel persuading we managed to get a site overlaooking the sea. Bought fish and chips at a local chippies. Charlie was ruthlessly and mercilessly attacked and overwhelmed by the mozzies which stayed clear of Rensche.

21/8/06: Arrochar - Beauly
A3-A82-A85-A827-Pitlochry and stopped at a farm stall. Then took the A9-A889-A86-A82-Fort Augustus most of the way in the rain. Rode along the banks of Lock Ness and stopped at Prumnadrocht. the we took the A833 to Beauly and stopped at Information who found us a B&B. Bougth a local Midgey potion at the ship and went to the B&B. Slept in a nice clean room with a 4 post bed in Ornum.

22/8/06: Beauly - Connel
Took the A835-A832-A890 to Plockton stopping along the way to look at some Lochs.


From P{lockton we headed over the bridgre to Skye via thr A87 but as we were heading north big clouds started developing ahead so at Sligacon we turned round and headed south to Armadak where we met bernard, a German on a Transalp at the ferry port. Took the ferry across to Malloig where we stopped for fish and chips and parted ways with Bernard.

Then we took the A830 to Fort William and the A82-A828 to Connel where, in heavy rain, we found a camping ground run by a Saffa. The grounds were full so we pitched in the "spill-over" field outside the main grounds but had access to the facilities.

23/8/06: Connel - Larne
As the day was miserable we stuck to the main roads A85-A82-A8-A78-A77-Cairnryan where we got on the ferry to Larne. Found the Larne Town Council camping ground which was nice a clean and quiet but were kept awake the wholenight by the howling wind and rain. We feared for our lives.

24/8/06: Larne - Londonderry
Took the A2 all along the north coast stopping at Carnlogh for breakfast where we bumped into more Saffa. We then stopped off at Giants Causeway.

This whole coastline is stunning and well worth the trip.

Arrived in londonderry and headed straight for Information. They informed us that the 4 star Hilton was running a special...result!!! Booked in and when up to ur room to find that there were dirty towels and a unmade bed so they moved us to another bigger room. Went and had steak and chips at the local Wetherspoons (sad I know) and bumped into a father and son pari from New Zealand who we saw at Giants Causeway and were hiking around Ireland.

As we were knackered we headed back to the room and slept...to be woken at 2am by the fire alarm and banging and shouting in the corridor. All the guests where herded down into the meeting room and informed that there was a "suspect package" outside the hotel and the bomb squad was investigating. Immediately the Germans gathered together at the front and demanded action and the latest information from the distraught hotel manager; the Japanese sat quietly in a corner; the English ordered beers...and the 2 Saffa's sat in the middle waiting patiently for the all clear. Everyone stuck in the room half asleep intheir PJ's and no make-up was a humbling experience. Two hours later it turned out ot be a empty brown bag and we all went back to bed.

25/8/06: Londonderry - Doolin

Woke up late and managed to catch breakfast. Took the A2-N13. After riding carefully for miles to find the border post we suddenly realise that we were already in the Republic of Ireland when we noticed all the signs in km/h and prices were in euro. For all illegal immgrants wanting to get into the UK unchecked...this is the route to take.

Noticable sparce, scattered, chaotic schemery and development. More like Gauteng but not as well designed. Then we took the N15-N17-N16-N18-N67-R478 to Doolin. Doolin is a MUST SEE when going to Ireland. Stunning coastline similar to SA west coast but very green. When to the local pub and where entertained by local musicians. Also bumped into two Aussies at the bar. pleasant evening had by all.

26/8/06: Doolin - Ring of Kerry

Took the N67-N69 via the Killiener ferry. The took thr N70 along the Ring of kerry to Cahersiven where we found a camp site along the sea. Rensche got caught mid shower with no change to feed the water meter so had to run around with shampoo in the hair to get change from the owner. Found a pub in town who served us a nice rare steak.

27/8/06: Ring of Kerry - Blarney

Left early and took the N70 around the Ring of kerry stopping off along the way to have irish stew for lunch at Sneem which repeated on us the rest of the day along the rough and bumpy roud which tested out bowls and the bikes suspension. Then onto the N71-R584-R586-R590-R618 to Blarney. Climbed the castle tower and kissed the Blarney stone for the Gift of the Gab...which hasn't seemed to help much..yet!!!
Found a site at the Blarney Camp Site. Closest Pub was the Golf course down the road where we put back a couple of Guinness while watch SA loose against New Zealand (big surprise there then). Had excellent trout for supper.

28/8/06: Blarney - Fishguard
Took the N25-R733-R736 to Rosslare to catch the ferry. We joined the queue behind 25 Goldwings each with their own trailers. Got a bit nervous when the small twin hull ferry arrived but we all managed to fit in.

Arrived in Fishguard after dark and managed to find a campsite...well more like a field on the side of a steep hill with many other tents and campers and one toilet and shower. There was nobody to direct us so we just pitched our tent and went to sleep.

29/8/06: Fishguard - Poole

Got straight onto the motorway and made out way back to Poole getting home by 14:00.

Cornwall weekend Blast: 12-14 August 2005

12/08/05: Poole - Charmouth
Left on Friday afternoon after work taking the A35 until it got dark. Found a very nice camp site just off the roundabout on the A35 at Charmouth.

13/08/05: Charmouth - Mawgan
Saturday morning we took the A30 to get to Cornwall as quickly as possible.

Thank goodness for motorbikes...there were just miles apon miles of queues of cars pulling caravans. (We forgot that it was the start of the school holidays)

Approaching Newquay it started to really bucket down and both Rensche and I were soaked to the bone as we didn't stop in time to get out our over-suites. (Note for next time it starts drizzling) Rain cleared up and the sun came out pretty soon afterwards.

We stopped off at St Ives for cream tea. This little arty town is a must see if you go to Cornwall. Absolutley beautyful little harbour town.

Made our way round to Land's End and had a photo taken of us at the sign post (aargh cliche)

Heading back east we stopped off at 'The Minack Theatre' (http://www.minack.com/) which is a amphitheatre perched on a cliff top over looking the sea. We really want to go back there one day when they are presenting a performance (note that they are booked out months in advance).

Carried on east and stopped off in St Micheal's Mount for fish and chips. We were too late to go onto the island so just sat on the sea wall dodging seagulls trying to steal our food.

Headed all the way across to Coverack (following info from our trusty Camping Guidebook) but the campside looked a but sketchy so we turned round and found another campsite a few miles up the road near Mawgan.

14/08/05: Mawgan - Poole
Sunday we stopped off at Port Navas (the town that my family founded as granite merchants). Very beautiful! What on earth made them want to leave and go off to the dark continent?!?

Stopped off in Falmouth for a very good breakfast.

Swung by 'The Eden Project' but as time was short and gate fees were high we just took a few photos from the viewing deck and bought a few bits n bobs made from recycled materials and got back on the road.

Headed through Dartmoor National Park and stopped off in Princetown. There is a lovely tearoom that does a very generous cream tea. Princetown is also home to the notorious Dartmoor Prison.

Headed back through Exeter and on the A35 back to Poole by 17:00.

Excellent first camping weekend and learnt a lot.

We will defintley do a few of these weekend getaway blasts again.

Wales on two wheels: 28-30 May 2005

MayBank Weekend: The start of Summer; who needs an excuse to take the rode.

Another exciting trip on the divvy took us from London to Llanberis in North Wales just below Mount Snowdon. Absolutley stunning place.

Had a burger at Pete's Eats in Llanberis High Street. Fabulous place with very LARGE portions. It's the local hangout for hikers and climbers as well and we bumped into two other bikers who were making there way down from Manchester to Cardiff.

Being a Bank Weekend we had anticipated big crowds so had already booked a B&B.

Sunday we rode down through Wales to Cardiff. Stopped off at biker cafe.

Arriving in Cardiff there was big Football on, being a Bank Weekend, so there was no room availabole anywhere, even for a mouse (or two tired bikers), so we rode through to Bristol to see if there was room...also nothing.

As there was claerly no chance of finding any rooms avaliable we decided to just push on through back to London.

We got back to Rensche's flat in Sutton at 23:30 after 600miles and 16 hours of riding on the bike. NEVER AGAIN!!!

Bath practice trip: 19-20 March 2005

Rensche and I took the Divvy from London to Bath and back as a practice run before taking on France. Rode there on the A303 via Stonehange.

Stayed in a B&B overnight. Did a bit of sight seeing around Bath but as we had both been there before we didn't do the Roman baths or any other major sites.

After breakfast we headed out along the old A4 back to london stopping along the way to see a few historic sights such as...well....a big heap of sand (These poor people on this island)

France by bike: 25 March 05 - 9 April 05

Rensche and I on our first bike trip

Day 1 : Sutton, Dover, Calais, Breinne-sur-Seine

Left very early in the morning from Sutton to catch the ferry from Dover to Calais. Took the A26 south. Went via Albert to see the South Africa WW1 war memorial. Found a B&B in Breinne-sur-Seine on a farm.

Day 2: Reims, Champagne, Ay, Aisey-Sur-Seine

Woke up to a stunning day. Rode through to Reims and did the Reim cathedral. Once done there we took the scenic route through the Champagne Region making our way past all the world famous vinyards. Stunning beautiful. Stopped off in Ay and had 4 course sunday meal with champagne and our first experience of fromage and jambon for Euro15 (We love France) although ordering the food was a wild guess at what was on the menu but everything we did order was very tasty. Carried on south via N77 and on the N71 through stunning scenery following the Seine river. Found a lovely little hotel, Hotel Du Roy, on the Seine river in Aisey-Sur-Seine for the night. Classic little little rural French town.

Day 3: Dijon, Geneva, Chambery

Woke up on time at 7:30 and walked down for 8:00 breakfast. Everyone was busy cleaning and busying around the hotel...ooops....TIME CHANGE!!! We were 1 hour late for breakfast and the hotel manageress was not a happy bunny. Stuffed down two dry croissants and promptly left. Took the N71 down to Dijon where we dismounted and walked around the town. As it was a Easter Sunday everything was closed and deserted. At least we found a small coffee shop to have some coffee. To make up time we jumped onto the Autoroute A39 to A42 then got off at juntion 7 and on to the N75. As it was coming onto noon we started looking aroudn for somewhere to stop for lunch but everything was closed and there one or two restuarants open but fully booked. After passing the point of starvation we found a small pattiserie near Nantua and ahd the most tasty quiches ever.

By now we were climbing up and up into the Alps through amazing mountain passes and somewhere along the way we decided to take to detour to Geneva. Stopped off THE Fountain and ate our custard slices that we had bought at the previously mentioned pattiserie.

Got back on the bike had a bit of trouble find our way our of switzerland. Totally by accident we found our way onto the A40 and then onto the A41 towards Annecy and chambery. this whole route had stunning views and rides alongside Lac du Bourget.

Arrived at Aunty Nettie's at 20h30 after getting a bit disorientated (lost to you and me) in St Baldolph.

Day 4: Chambery

After a wonderful breakfast we went up to Val Morel with Nettie and klein Roland to visit Nettie's brother-in-law who ran a lovely wood cabin restuarant in the mountain valley(note that at this time we had no idea that this was actually the major skiiing area in Europe...ignorant bliss). Ate cured ham, pickled onions and cheese fondue with very strong beer (no it was not the altitude). After this heavy meal we went for a walk in the little bit of snow that was still around. During this stroll Rensche lost her wallet...well actually Rensche gave it to me to keep safe and I lost it. And we actually didn't know we had lost it except that Nettie noticed a wallet lying in the snow on our way back to the restuarant...ooops.

In the evning we went to visit Nettie's in-laws and had some lovely homemade berry spirits with Brut vin de Savoie. lovely stuff!!!

Visited Haniballs Memorial in Chambery at the elephant statue. Chambery is a very neat town and here we once again noticed how the French are so very good at just that little extra something that makes them have that touch of class/finese.

Day 5: Chambery

Slept late again. Had lunch at Les Quatre vallees, a restuarant on the top of the mountain with stuning views overlooking Chambery and the Lac du Bourget. Still lots of snow around. After snooze we went and visited Nettie's in-laws to say goodbye. Had wonderful multi-course meal prepared by Nettie with the family.

Day 6: Chambery, Route Napoleon, Castellane

Left mid morning and took a quiet backroad south towards Grenoble. The D523 "vanished" at Domene so we went back to the A41 to Grenoble were amidst a fountain of swearing and cursing and getting lost in the maze of roadworks we finally found our way onto the Route Napoleon (N85) to Gap. Stunning scenery with valeys and snow covered mountains. After a quick coffe we took the D900 to Digne-les-Bains with stunning views over Savines-le-lac and got one or two snow flakes. While savouring a tasty local beer we noticed that the people and architecture were starting to look more mediteranean. Good health people!!!

Took the rest of the N85 Route Napoleon down to Castelane. After what felt like hours looking for a place to sleep we founda room at a hotel called La farge. Loved the twisty roads in the mountains...big grins all the way!!!

Day 7: Castellane, Gorge de Verdon, Cannes

Due to more dodgey weather we juggling the idea of heading staright for the warm coast or doing the route around the gorge de Verdon (D957-D955-D9-D71-D19-D957). Thank goodness we decided that the coast could wait. The gorge was absolutley stunning...a must do!!!

Got back to Castelane at 13h00 and while having lunch it started hailing and showering. At the first gap in the cloud s we headed south on the N85 but the rain soon caught us and we spent most of the trip down to Caen in varying degrees of drissle to rain.

In Caen we headed straight for the Tourist information who directed us to Le Ranch. After getting lost again and taking 2 hours we finally got to Le Ranch. As the holiday season was only starting the next week there was no one there. Dropped our luggage, dried off and then went for a sunset cruise along the Caen riviera on the bike. Loads of bling people, flash cars, big yatchs, palm trees...the works. We could live here! Had a fabulous 3 course meal at a lovely fish restuarant on the harbour overlooking the bling yatchs.

Day 8: Cannes, Monte Carlo, Antibes, Nice, St Rapheal, Cannes

Todays agenda was to start from somewhere east of Monaco and head back down the coast taking in all the cliche sites and towns. Left our luggage at Le Ranche, donned our jeans and leathers and headed east along the A8 via "hundreds" of tunnels. Got off at junction 59 and stopped of in Menton on the sea front and had crepes and coffee while people were soaking up the sun on the rocky beach. Everyone looks cool, loads of fashion outfits and 1000's of scooters ridden by people dressed in Dior and riding like maniacs...horrors!!!

Stopped off in Monte Carlo and had a stroll along the harbour looking all the yatchs with matching helipoctor on board. Not very impressed with this place. Loads out dated flats and people who think they are very important.

Carried on along the Cote d'Azur but everywhere look very much the same with red and brown dated flats, kamakazi scooters and plastic surgery. Nice is not worth mentioning.

Arrived at the very refreshingly beautiful Antibes with it's stunning little harbour. Had a huge icecream.

Carried on through to St Rapheal with stunning coast road along the way. Found a restuarant but services was hopeless and food mediocre. Got back to Cannes to have a coffee on the riviera among the rich and famous at the Carlton Hotel.

Day 9: Cannes, Grasse, Avignon

Headed out of town to Grasse, the home of perfume. Took the guided tour of Fragrond Perfume factory. Note: There are 150 perfume "noses" in the world of which 100 work in Grasse. A Nose studies for 6-7 years and earns E100,000 per month and can distinguish between 3000 fragrances.

When we took the D502 to Draguigan. Stopped of for a sandwich and coffee at a roadside restuarant. The English may have coined the term "Sandwich" but eh French know how to make them...HUGE and FRESH.

Then took the D557-D560-D554-D4. Nice road with many cork trees along the way. The got onto the N100 towards Avignon which is the most stunning road I have ridden. Stoped in Apt for a coffee and chatted to some bikers. I asked them which road we should take to Avignon and they recommended to carry on with the N100 instead of taking the D943-D973 (green Michelin route). I took their advice and was sadly disappointed. I shoudl have taken their sports bike into consideration. It was a excellent flat straight fast road but no scenery at all.

Got to Avignon via very poor industrial area of town. Got a room in the Central Hotel within the old city walls. Walked around, bought some Ray Bans, had supper in a tent restuarant on the square.

Day10: Avignon, Sete, Carcassone

Woke up late and barely mad it out of the hotel. Left Avignon directly after taking a few photos and took a small country road following the Rhone river south. Stopped off at Beaucare for a coffe and sandwich (a HUGE half baguette with fromage and jambo). It's a very beautiful little town with lots of gyoseys, stalls and boats along the river. We carrie don along the Rhone down to Arles; got lost and back out again; and found our way onto the D570 which took us through the Rhone delta to Stes-Marie-De-La-Mere. The town had a distinct Spanish feel to it with a big Bull and matador statue at the main town round-about. Seaside town with many horse farms along the road. We then went along the coast to Sete. Most of the way the raod passed classic British Tourist trap resorts. Sete was a classic harbour town with 1000's of caravans. We saw lots of other bikers along the way who all waved. We carried on along the coast to Beziers in the rain. got lost again but finally made our way onto the D11/D5/D610 through vinards looking for a B&B all alone the way with out any luck. Following a sign to another B&B onto a small single track road we hit a dead end and had to make a U-turn. It was dusk, I was in a hurry so instead of asking rensche to jump off first I attempted the u-turn on the small narrow inclined road. half way through the turn the bike started going over. I got me foot down but could barely hold the bike; Rensche slid off the seat and got her foot down which immediately made the bike light enough for me to recover; Rensche slid off the bike and I wheeled the bike around...NEVER try to u-turn on a wet cold sloping road with a pillion.

At last after an hour we found a sign to another B&B. The little coutry lane took us along a obscure route past miles of vineyards and finally to a old farm house. The rooms were newly refurbished and had a HUGE bath. After ecovering and cleaing oursleves up we were invited in for supper with our non-english speaking hostes and her two sons. We were joined by an Irish coupe from the Channel islands. We had a lovely supper of asparagus, quiche starters following by rabbit, spagetti and a few bottlels of her own wine. This all finished off with cholcate tart and cheese platter.

Day 11: Carcassone, St George

Good breakfast; said our goodbyes and rode to Carcassone. Walked up into the castle which had been rebuilt y the locals in the 1950's and which was host to the movie "Brave Heart".

Headed out along the D118 to Mazamet and then onto the D112 to St Pons and stopped for lunch and had the plat du jour. The scenery was absolutely stunning the whole way with vineyards and rolling hills.

Carried on the D908, a beautiful road, the found a few moe obscure D roads and arrived at St Pierre. We were clearly in the Pine Forestry area of France. made out way up the D999 through St Africa and by this time we were already starting to look for somewhere to stop over. We went all the way to the outskirts of Millau under the "Bride in the Sky"; turned round and followed another obscure little road to a B&B but after riding for 10miles without any sign of life we turned round and found a hotel in St Georges-de-Luzencon. Had a lovely plat du jour for Euro12. The waiter came over and showed his little Bokke rugby ball. Everybody was very friendly and we had a lovely time even through our room winder was directly next to the hotel's fridge courtyards.

Day 12: St George, Millau, Gorde du Tarn, La Chaise Dieu

Our day started late and we almost missed breakfast but our host had it all ready for us. We had a lovely rest but on the worst matress so far. We then took the road to Millau under the bridge in the sky and into the Gorge de Tarn. Beautiful winding roads inbetween caves and rock formations in the valley. We stopped for coffee in a little village in the valley and saw a few small castles along the turqoise green crystal clear river. We stopped in Mende and it suddenly got colder. ( We were clearly heading north). The N88 climed further and further upwards and we could see some stubborn snow. We rode past many fields where the farmers were ploughing and getting ready for summer.

The right hand heated grip broke in Langodgne. We stopped off and I fixed it with my trusty MacGuyver knife. (not just a pretty face). In the next town we stopped to take batteries out of the pannier and couldn't get it back on. On close examination we found a little stone was jamming the lock. We manage to dislodge it and the pannic was over. We had the most gorgeous quiche on the way with ham and cheese. We ended up in La-Chaise Dieu in a hotel. We desperately wanted to stay in a B&B we spotted in the town but the owner was out of town. We walked around town and found a beautiful old cathedral. Supper started off with a warm cheese salad but the main course we decided to leave it up to our hostess. She surprised us with lentils and sheep stomach for me and Rensche had the gammon steak with mushroom. Desert was nothing fancy. PS didn't get lost today..

Day 13: La Chaise Dieu, Nevers

We skipped the hotel breakfast and got straight onto the road. We noticed sign boards all along the way with numbers identifying the age of the people who has died in accidents along the road. Very effective. We stopped off at Olliequres for breakfast. The waiter had to run across the road to buy bread which turned out to be 8 crossiants and cafe cream grande. This all while the young waiters played DJ for us trying to impress us with french reggae band Trye.

The main aim of the day was to ride as many green roads as possible hence our zig-zagging across the map. Lots of rivers, pine forrests, pretty towns. We almost run out of petrol due to lack of service stations but found one on the way out of Thiers although the owner was just about to lock up. Riding on Sundays - we never learn!

We found our way to Vichy via the D1 from St Just. Vichy was nothing special - just another French commerce town. Pity!

We took the N9 to Moulins and then headed towards the Canal lateral de la Loire. Apparently the D1079 is the N79!! but the French forgot to tell the rest of the world. Once we found our bearing we made our way along the D15 which followed the Loire canal. Lots of small dead towns, farms and cream cows. (never use the Afrikaans word for cow in public in France- it means balls...) We stopped off at one of the beautiful steal bridges along the canal for a rest.

At 15h30 we started the dreaded search for a B&B and stopped off Decize for quiche but everything was closed and there were no B&B. So we headed onto Nevers. There we went straight to tourist information who directed us to a hotel which was full. After trying to negotiate the one-way system for an hour in pissing rain we chose one of the major roads out of town and saw a hotel-du-verdon. Which turned out to be the Marie muncipality office. We headed into Nevers and found a hotel overlooking the town park at 20h30. Forgot to mention but during this entire period of frantically searching for accomodation Rensche said thank goodness it isn't raining to which Mother Nature kindly responded by dumping a thunder storm onto our heads. In bed by 22h30.

Day 14: Nevers, Bar-Sur-Seine

We slept nice and late and at about 09h45 realised we were suppose to be out of the room and at breakfast by 10am. We made it out of the room at about 10am but there was no problem and breakfast was all ready for us: a huge breakfast : eggs and bread, not just crossiant and jam. The hotel was full of animals, birds, fish ,cats, dogs. Our kind hostess mentioned that the weather for the day was very poor - she made a real effort to speak English.

We headed off via the D979 to Clamecy. Beautiful pine forrests, fields with cows, slowly turning into vineyards. Cold and rainy so no photo's taken due to frozen fingers. We stopped in Clamecy at a pub-restaurant and had some coffee to defrost. The pub was crowded with a frog theme but everybody was friendly and returned our greetings in French. We got onto the N151 to Auxerre we took a wrong turn but finally got back on the D965 to Tonnerre and then onto the D944 and again in the middle of nowhere turned into the D44. We stopped off in Chaource for another coffee to defrost.

At 15h00 we found ourselves in Bar-su-seine and decided to stop and look for a place to sleep. Almost immediately we found a beautiful hotel. We seemed to be the only guests. Our hostess was a French speaking English woman who reluctantly spoke English to us. We walked around town and bought boxes of chocolates and quiche as it was too cold.

On recommendation of the waitress we chose the speciality for supper and Rensche ended up with afval sausages. (pofadder sausages) which we didn't eat. But at least desert was nice apple tart and mouse.

Day 15: Bar-Sur-Seine, Reims, St Quentin

Got down to Breakfast at 10:00 and had very very fresh bread with marmalade, chocloate spread and coffee. Took the N71 to the A5/A26 and headed straight up towards Reims. it was very cold.

At reims we went straight to information to get directions to the various Champaign houses. We decided to go to Tattinger. Our tour started at 14:20. Tunnels were already dug into the chalk in the 4th century by the romans. The Champaign making process and explained to us and after the tour it was really pissing down with rain.

We decided to carry on anyway so we headed up the N4/A26 in a terrentual downpour. Got off at Junction 26 to find accomodation As we were riding we noticed a nasty rattle. We carried on inot St Quentin and found a hotel on the way into the Centre Ville. After unpacking I took the bike for a spin to try find the rattle bu the rattle had suddenly vanished.

Went out to a local restuarant in the town square and ordered food we knew...steak and chips..mmm.

Day 16: St Quentin , Calias, Dover, Sutton

We had lots on offer for breakfast including full English (North France clearly caters for the Brits. Due to the worry of the ratlle of the bike and the weather we decied to get on the highway right away and head for Dover. It got bitterly cold and we had to stop at the services to warm up with some coffee. We saw no other bikes but plenty GB cars.

When we arrived at Calais we were informed the ferry was delayed. After waiting in the cold for an hour and a half we were directed in front of the queue and onto the ferry. I hung around to check the bike was tied down but the steward said he would do it. we went up on deck but just before leaving i went back down to the hold and found that my bike had not been tied down...trust the French.

We spent the next hour or 2 being depressed and annoyed about being bakc in the UK. The ferry only docked at 5 and we headed straight for Sutton.

Arriving at Sutton we found that Renches front door had been smashed in and was locked with a HUGE padlock bolted to the frame. Apparently after a power cut a power surge activated the electrical shower which sprayed onto the flow next to the bath. The neighbours below noticed their ceiling getting wet and phoned the police. They broke down the door and called out a plumber/handyman after 22:00 at night to come switch the shower off and fit the lock. We first had to ride around to the police station to collect the key for the padlock to get into the flat...what a homecoming welcome!!!

All in all it was a wonderful first big trip!!!!!

note to self: take less clothes next time