This weekend I went to the MZRC rally in Tighnabruaich.
Although it has the feel of remote Highland village it is only 36 miles as the
crow flies from my home. The shortest route there is using the ferry from
Grourock to Dunoon But I went the long way via Helensburgh and Loch Fyne to
make a run of it.
This was my first opportunity to go camping on my SV650. To
carry my gear I fitted my compact Givi E21 panniers on SW Motech frames. I
carry my tent and air mattress in a tube bag strapped onto the pillion seat.
Despite the SV's sporty nature it makes a good solo tourer. The V twin engine
is grunty in the twisties and relaxed at motorway speeds.
The weather was dull and a bit cool but dry.
|
Route |
|
The SV in touring mode |
|
I don't think I'm giving away state secrets by saying the
home of Britain's nukes is at the Faslane base on Gare Loch |
|
The ruin of old Castle Lachlan on Loch Fyne…. |
|
….and the nearby New Castle |
|
Ardlamont point at the bottom of the peninsular. There are a
couple of houses here with one of the best views in the country even on a cloudy day. The island of Arran is in the centre of the picture. This is an
high dynamic range panorama to make things more dramatic. |
|
Bikes at the hotel |
|
We camped in the grounds so didn't have to walk far for food
& drink |
|
Customised MZ Trophy…. |
|
…..with the owner's portrait on the tank. This was his
expression when he realised that the brakes don't work |
|
Sunbeam S7 with balloon tyres |
|
Me trying Andy's Bullet outfit. I stopped smiling shortly
after when I realise how scary riding a bike and sidecar is. |
|
The Kyles of Butes on the way home. |
|
Dunoon under heavy skies |
|
On the ferry heading home |
That MZ Trophy... What a funky looking bike (I love it). And the rider's tale about its brakes--too funny.
ReplyDeleteThe Sunbeam S7--well, it's just all-around pretty. Nice.
I made up the bit about the brakes. It's a bit unfair of me since the owner proudly told us how he fitted a twin leading shoe brake from a CZ to the bike.
DeleteHey, it makes for a great story, and it gets a chuckle, so no harm done. ;-)
DeleteYou always have such beautiful views. The skies seem so large. A good excuse for a multi-day ride too.
ReplyDelete