One long ride.

There is nothing particularly remarkable about the photo above, it's my Norton sitting between other British bikes at a rally in Switzerland, many years ago.

The rally itself was the usual affair of greasy dudes meeting up, drinking beer and talking nonsense about our beloved bikes, laughing loudly as we do. But what was remarkable about that particular rally was the way back. Instead of pacing ourselves and planning a sensible itinerary with a decent rest along the way, I set off early in the morning of our last day with this band of merry gentlemen and we just kept going:

This was actually an unhappy period for my Norton, as it still wasn't fully sorted out (the head had been "modified" to the point where carburation was temperamental at best, the Isolastic were a badly made, poor imitation of the real thing, the rear shock absorbers were too short, exhausts too loud and the front brake was all but useless...) and it was admittedly uncomfortable to ride - especially long distance - with the clip ons. But golly did it look cool...

The reason this particular ride has been on my mind lately, is because of a new trip I'm planning and the distances involved. As the more conservative and prudent side of me says "that's far too many miles in one day", the other says "we did Vezio to Velletri on the Fastback in one go that time, what are you talking about?!".

It was perhaps just a heady mix of recklessness, enthusiasm, youth and foolhardiness but it did see me through these trips like they were nothing.

With nothing but a jet helmet, a bandana and some goggles, I rode from the early hours until well past midnight, when I arrived home, exhausted but elated, hands buzzing, ears pounding and red in the face.

Would I do something like that again today? Certainly not - for one thing my Norton is far more refined these days, and I use a full face helmet for anything more than a quick ride on the Rising Star. But still, I must tip my hat to my younger self for riding 800 kilometers in one go, and to the Norton for managing despite not being in top shape. What a ride!

"no motorways, just down the coast all the way home"

As for the new trip(s) I'm planning? That's for next year and nothing is certain yet, but I have a feeling the Fastback will feature prominently, as will the R100GS.