Mega train

Normal service from Exeter. Cost £35 return to London for the two of us . bargain.no Fat man to be seen which is only disappointment. ​We have probably taken more space then needed with our luggage and dietary requirements. Tea £1.60. 

At heathrow airport and Julie has booked us into sky lounge.all drink and food iincluded  so we are getting monies worth.  check in was fine. The plane was over booked and we were offered free night in Hilton hotel,600 euros each and flight tomorrow. We declined. Now I am writting this thinking…..fuck!

Australia 2

Today we set of for Kualla lumpa. Via Exeter St Davids. Flat white £2.80. Avin a laugh. Waiting for mega train, hope it’s got a picture of fat bald man on the front.

Newcastle v Palace

After meeting with the lads for breakfast and being entertained by the stories of their night out, we went for a long walk around the toon. Followed by a cheeky pint in the grounds bar. By this time every one had got the measure of each other and it soon became apparent I was in the company of a nice group of lads.
As in any football ground the walk up the steps to view the pitch is always a special moment. You feel so small as you enter this massive gladiatorial arena.
So, St James Park, Newcastle very Crystal Palace. Matts team is Newcastle United so that’s who I offered my support too.I did, however, have a 33/1 bet….palace to win 3.1.
North/South allegiance maintained.

           The pitch and lads

After a relatively tame First half the home side gave it all in the second half, securing a 1.0 victory and staying to fight in the premiership another day.

Newcastle

Waiting at the bus stop rehearsing my required destination. Taake iz to the toon centre, like , please pet.

Hostel

After happily negotiating the metro and local bus service, I found my out of town hostel with little trouble. It’s set in a very old historic well kept building. And that is the best of it. Very tired inside and I have stayed in cleaner. Usually abroad. We still haven’t got the hostel idea. Having spent time in HMP channings wood, (as a teacher) my room would cause a full blown riot.saying that, it is sufficient for what I require. A bed and a shower that nearly works.

Planes trains and motorcycle

Today I am embarking on a trip to Newcastle to join a group of much younger lads to celebrate ones forth coming wedding. When I say ones I don’t mean mine, I mean one of the other lads. Not gone posh. Anyway in my wisdom and to save a little cash I have ridden and parked my motorbike at Exeter airport to catch a flight to the famous city. Fortunately I have panniers to store my riding gear and parking is free! So happy. I am, as I always am very early. Still it gives me time to absorb the atmosphere and silence of loads of British people sitting as far apart from each other as they can. I might even purchase an overpriced kit kat or coffee as I am in credit from the parking.
I have opted for a pint of John smiths and a home made cheese and pickle sandwich.

Last night

Tonight is our last night. Last night Jerry and I had a session in weatherspoons. As entertainment Manager jerry had insisted we all wear a loud shirt for one evening. All welcomed the idea and Martin won the prize for being the loudest. Jerry and I stayed until closing time talking, rubbish.
Today’s ride took us through scenic villages with nice clear flowing roads lined with hills and rivers.
Good last ride before the motorway journey home from Shrewsbury to Bishopsteignton.

Mesages:-We have always said brothers in arms all stick together, we are stronger as a pack , so we left Mick to sort his bike and had a great day.
For the record , it’s 11.45.and we are still in weather spoons . Jerry wanted another pint and like the friend I am I support.

Toilets

I know how I harp on about toilets a lot, but to be honest I am trying to achieve the government quota of 2 litres of water a day. This as you can imagine means I visit the urinal fairly regularly. In Wales I have not come across a public lavatory that does not charge 20p to enter. I feel I should do more to get value for money. Maybe the income is spent on the English/Welsh signs everywhere.

Wet weather Wednesday

So again we wake from our trusty travel lodge to heavy rain and dark clouds. Today, I fear the rain is going to stay for the duration of the day.
For me, it doesn’t spark a great deal of enthusiasm as you have to wear so much gear and waterproof clothing that apart from feeling very chlostrophobic I bare a passing similarity to the Michelin man of the past.
Arrived at Colwyn Bay travel lodge. God They are so characterless but do the job. I managed to get rear tyre replaced and spent the day in Porthmadog while others rode on. Met old bloke with crash helmet and had pleasant chat about our various trips. All in all good day.