Pannier Down: I REALLY hate this tail gating trend, I usually try to let them pass, so they can shoot off up the road and have their accident without involving me.
Took the Beemer out to properly stretch its legs yesterday.
The original plan for breakfast in Cornwall went out the window when I suddenly realised I would be spending at least an hour, probably more on the A39 after dark.... not much point in being on a picturesque road if you can see further than the headlights beam.
I wanted to try motorway, and my new comms setup, my first in donkey's years. I then wanted a nice cross country ride home, so an alternative breakfast venue was sought on line..... but they were close for 'family time' during half term... fair enough. That meant a third venue was needed and Jolly Roger's in Bovey Tracey was it .... no need for sat navs, these are all familiar roads.
The GS is excellent on the motorway, just a bit more planted and lazily faster than the Vstrom. The comms seem to work fine, I listened to a RAW podcast for a while and could hear everything being said.... but I soon got bored with sitting in on a conversation between friends, which I was not involved with, so I turned the volume down and enjoyed Telegraph Hill at speed.
Jolly Rogers was closed!
Right! Off to Mortonhampstead.
The road just outside Bovey was litterally running with water and I managed the equivalent of a water crossing at one point, although in truth it was just a giant puddle. The bloke in the SUV in front REALLY didn't want me to attempt an overtake (I has no intention given the conditions), so after five minutes of watching him accelerate too hard out of corners and weave across the road on short two lane sections, I stopped for a break and a sip of my flask of coffee.... mmmm.
That done I set off again via some excellent lanes to Copplestone, where there is a very nice little farm shop.
Not my usual fare, but a home made pasty and a slice of very indulgent fruit flapjack later, I was ready for the rest of the ride in the most glorious sunshine.
Copplestone is just outside Crediton, so I skirted the town and headed over to Tiverton. The fuel gauge on the Beemer is a bit odd (not uncommon), so despite not believing its pessimistic view, I topped up. 11 litres into a 20 litre tank that was full when I left. I worked that out later to 48 mpg.... not bad.
From Tiverton it was onto the now reopened A396 and over to Wheddon Cross where I turned right onto the B3224 (I think) with views right across the Bristol Channel. At Raleigh Cross I turned left and headed down towards Watchet and the A39. A twerp in a Range Rover was easily dealt with (why do people in cars think they can race bikes?) and I 'enjoyed' the twists and turns covered in all manner of farm detritus.
The A39 was not too busy and the bloke with the large white box van was soon passed, then it was just enjoy the ride and views all the way back to Bridgwater, onto the M5 for a blast to J21 and home.
170 miles-ish.
Really enjoying the Beemer, but I can also feel where the VStrom is more suited, and that will remain my primary UK touring machine.
