Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Down to Earth ?
Never think for one minute that friends in Northern Europe are holiday friendships. That is not what we did. A stranger may be a friend you are meeting for the first time. Be aware of this always. Last year I made a journey of a lifetime, and met wonderful people along the way. The thing is, I went back! 2 Months is long enough to learn an area and get a feel for a culture, and to develop relationships further. I joined the MC club. Correction. Friends joined me up! They didn't have to do that, but they did. It is a wonderful gift to be treasured. I have a second home. A club house where I belong, and roads I love to ride my bike down with friends. Will I move to Sweden? Eventuelt. I love the country very much. Not now anyway though, and who can tell what the future holds for us all. Life is what hits you around the back of the head while you are making plans. I can see my next year ahead of me all being well, and that is in England. Is that a hardship? Not at all. Old Friends and family. Familiar places. A typical English country pub that will have a fantastic log fire going in the middle of winter. A fire to sit around and tell stories. To catch up on news, and to make plans.
Am I going back? Oh yes, and it puts a big smile on my face thinking of it. Saturday evening last week and the gang 'phoned from their weekend traffen. All having a wonderful time by the sound of it. Thanks for the call guys. See you soon.
What of Mum? Forgive an old hairy biker a little sentimentality please. I promise to use my heated grips sparingly, never to moan about the weather, and to do my best to keep both wheels on the black stuff at all times. She is never coming back, but I carry her in my heart, always. It's time to move on.
What of Vatta? I could say that he has been the silent partner in this years adventure. Maybe I have written in such a way as to imply that he has been hiding away, healing quietly as I took charge and looked after him. Is that true? No. Not at all. Who did you meet when we were all getting drunk and partying hard at the weekends? Who did you meet when we sang The Streets of London at four in the morning? If you looked in your wing mirrors and Elsa was virtually flat on the road coming out of a corner riding hard behind you, who was at the controls? Seen any chaos? I can be organised and sensible, adult, but sorry, not this summer. The thing is, if I ever get him completely under control, it would be a sad day indeed.
It's important to be a child sometimes.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Back to Old Blighty
The early hours of Monday morning I was awake with the pouring rain hammering on the roof of the cabin. Not a good omen for a motorcycle journey of 379 miles. At seven in the morning it was still pouring with rain and the breakfast news was showing pictures of flooding in Gothenborg. My Swedish is very poor indeed, but the forecast appeared to say clearing from the West during the day. Some times you just have to get on with it.
The first leg to the ferry at Helsingborg was wet. It varied from torrential to drizzle, but never stopped completely. A comfort break drinking hot tea through the face plate of my helmet is memorable for the wrong reasons. As the ferry arrived in Denmark the sun was shining, and it stayed dry (just about) all afternoon. My clothes actually dried out before I reached Henrik and Anna's. 200 miles across Denmark and it is an easy journey. Toll between Zealand and Funen and arriving at my friends house for "Tea Time". Nice.
It has been just over two months since I saw them on the way out. A wonderful dinner of roast beef (if only beef was always this good), a beer or two, and convivial chat in good company. I really hope we get to ride together sometime. We shall look for that opportunity. I spent Tuesday exploring Jutland, making my way across from the east coast to the west with it's sand dunes and resorts. It could be the east coast of England. Very similar indeed. Finally after tiring myself out on the bike all day, I arrived at the port at Esbjerg to catch the ferry back to Harwich. Meeting fellow bikers in the queue in the rain. You never know who you are going to meet. It's a good crowd and I have company for the voyage. Talk of bikes, trips, English riots, and how our country seems to be going to hell in a handcart. News from home is so depressing. Some say we have to understand what made them riot. Hang em up by their thumbs I say!!
Noon in Harwich and it's a dry day. I know the route home from here well. I worked out this way for some time, and still have friends in the East. Adjusting to driving on the left took no time at all. Soon I was humming alone at a progressive pace, eager to get this last leg done. A break at a supermarket at Bury St Edmonds for basic provisions. My fridge at home is empty, as it should be. Also a card for my nephew. It's his birthday in two days. I remembered, got the card, now all I have to do is deliver it. Three hours gets me into Warwickshire with no fuss at all. This has been a very easy return from Jonkoping, in stark contrast to last years adventure.
I surprise the hell out of my little sister, turning up on a fully loaded bike, unshaven and needing a cup of tea. I even remembered to get the card I bought out of my luggage and hand it over to the lad himself, who popped in to see his Mum. Homecoming into my street and neighbours greeted me with a beer. I guy could want no more. Friends on either side of the North Sea. I am truly blessed. At last bed before I fall over exhausted. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
The first leg to the ferry at Helsingborg was wet. It varied from torrential to drizzle, but never stopped completely. A comfort break drinking hot tea through the face plate of my helmet is memorable for the wrong reasons. As the ferry arrived in Denmark the sun was shining, and it stayed dry (just about) all afternoon. My clothes actually dried out before I reached Henrik and Anna's. 200 miles across Denmark and it is an easy journey. Toll between Zealand and Funen and arriving at my friends house for "Tea Time". Nice.
It has been just over two months since I saw them on the way out. A wonderful dinner of roast beef (if only beef was always this good), a beer or two, and convivial chat in good company. I really hope we get to ride together sometime. We shall look for that opportunity. I spent Tuesday exploring Jutland, making my way across from the east coast to the west with it's sand dunes and resorts. It could be the east coast of England. Very similar indeed. Finally after tiring myself out on the bike all day, I arrived at the port at Esbjerg to catch the ferry back to Harwich. Meeting fellow bikers in the queue in the rain. You never know who you are going to meet. It's a good crowd and I have company for the voyage. Talk of bikes, trips, English riots, and how our country seems to be going to hell in a handcart. News from home is so depressing. Some say we have to understand what made them riot. Hang em up by their thumbs I say!!
Noon in Harwich and it's a dry day. I know the route home from here well. I worked out this way for some time, and still have friends in the East. Adjusting to driving on the left took no time at all. Soon I was humming alone at a progressive pace, eager to get this last leg done. A break at a supermarket at Bury St Edmonds for basic provisions. My fridge at home is empty, as it should be. Also a card for my nephew. It's his birthday in two days. I remembered, got the card, now all I have to do is deliver it. Three hours gets me into Warwickshire with no fuss at all. This has been a very easy return from Jonkoping, in stark contrast to last years adventure.
I surprise the hell out of my little sister, turning up on a fully loaded bike, unshaven and needing a cup of tea. I even remembered to get the card I bought out of my luggage and hand it over to the lad himself, who popped in to see his Mum. Homecoming into my street and neighbours greeted me with a beer. I guy could want no more. Friends on either side of the North Sea. I am truly blessed. At last bed before I fall over exhausted. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Homeward Bound
It's throwing it down outside. Lars is tiling his roof, but he has to stop now surely. Inside the cabin I am trying to make sense of all of my belongings. That which came with me and the stuff I have acquired. I hope the goods I have consumed is greater than the goods purchased and wanted. We shall see. It looks promising.
boB, Satnav Isabella (another tiff with Jane) and I are route planning. Vatta is making friends with Little Elk (?????). Elsa stands in the pooring rain getting clean and not caring. Tomorrow I finally hang the last bits on her frame, say my final Vi ses, and begin the long journey to Aahus, Denmark, and a chance to catch up with Henrik and family. It makes the going so much easier and nicer, because I feel the trip isn't over while I have people to see. I hope it stops raining. I have a final visit to the VMCK club house for coffee with the gang later. Stiff British upper lip, to brace the wobbly bottom one I hope!
"Of all the many human relationships the sweetest of all is friendship. For it is born not out of duty or blood tie, but the simple delight in the company of another."
It takes nothing away from family. It is it's own thing. Thanks to all where ever you live, and how ever we met, and how ever long ago or recent. It is what this trip has been about. Riding motorcycles and enjoying the company of friends. Laying down foundations for the future.
I have a sister and friends in England who have held the fort for me for nine weeks so far. I look forward to seeing them very much, and am hugely grateful for their help. Tuesday I board the boat to Harwich, and then the final leg home. I'll write about the final journey later. It is not over until it's over. I learend that the hard way last year.
The rain has slowed to a drizzle. Dare I take one more long forest walk down to the lake. Maybe say Hej to Roland and see how his house renervation looks on my last day? I think so, if I go now.
boB, Satnav Isabella (another tiff with Jane) and I are route planning. Vatta is making friends with Little Elk (?????). Elsa stands in the pooring rain getting clean and not caring. Tomorrow I finally hang the last bits on her frame, say my final Vi ses, and begin the long journey to Aahus, Denmark, and a chance to catch up with Henrik and family. It makes the going so much easier and nicer, because I feel the trip isn't over while I have people to see. I hope it stops raining. I have a final visit to the VMCK club house for coffee with the gang later. Stiff British upper lip, to brace the wobbly bottom one I hope!
"Of all the many human relationships the sweetest of all is friendship. For it is born not out of duty or blood tie, but the simple delight in the company of another."
It takes nothing away from family. It is it's own thing. Thanks to all where ever you live, and how ever we met, and how ever long ago or recent. It is what this trip has been about. Riding motorcycles and enjoying the company of friends. Laying down foundations for the future.
I have a sister and friends in England who have held the fort for me for nine weeks so far. I look forward to seeing them very much, and am hugely grateful for their help. Tuesday I board the boat to Harwich, and then the final leg home. I'll write about the final journey later. It is not over until it's over. I learend that the hard way last year.
The rain has slowed to a drizzle. Dare I take one more long forest walk down to the lake. Maybe say Hej to Roland and see how his house renervation looks on my last day? I think so, if I go now.
Friday, 12 August 2011
Vatterbygdens Motorcykelklubb
My time here is winding down now. The weather is stormy and cool. It feels like Autumn already. I have one or two things left to do before I leave this wonderful place for this year.
A meeting of the members of VMCK at the club house. On the agenda is included my full membership. I agree to do my part with the work of running the club house and campsite, even though I live in England. They voted on another new member first, Carina. She is in. everyone said yes. Next it is me. My name is called and I stand. The proceedings are in Swedish of course, but these days I can follow the conversation (more or less). I say Ja in the right places comfirming my details. Then the vote and I too am in. The feeling of belonging is real. What a wonderful gift. Tack. I am so pleased. I look back to Limatraffen registration last week. I thought I had a real chance of the prize for the furthest travelled motorcyclist, all the way from England. Nope. The guy said I was VMCK from Jonkoping therefore 450k only. Cool!
Today starts mundane. Washing clothes ready to pack tomorrow. I have mixed feelings. My heart is heavy to leave, but I know I will see everyone again. This is just Vi ses. I am keen to see friends and family in England so need to go. In the mean time I have a grill to go to tonight. I'll get some rest. It's a long way home.
The images of home showing mindless rioting disgust me. As an old Liberal I am so sad at the way people have taken the piss with the freedoms we won for them. The Nanny State has bred fecklessness. My personal brand of Liberalism though is the hard edged European variety. If you cross the line, expect to be punished. If only!!!
Evil wins when good men stay quiet. Have we had enough yet? Our politicians seem to be hard of hearing. We need to tell them loud and clear what we need from them. Maybe we should replace them at elections, with independant ordinary people!
A meeting of the members of VMCK at the club house. On the agenda is included my full membership. I agree to do my part with the work of running the club house and campsite, even though I live in England. They voted on another new member first, Carina. She is in. everyone said yes. Next it is me. My name is called and I stand. The proceedings are in Swedish of course, but these days I can follow the conversation (more or less). I say Ja in the right places comfirming my details. Then the vote and I too am in. The feeling of belonging is real. What a wonderful gift. Tack. I am so pleased. I look back to Limatraffen registration last week. I thought I had a real chance of the prize for the furthest travelled motorcyclist, all the way from England. Nope. The guy said I was VMCK from Jonkoping therefore 450k only. Cool!
Today starts mundane. Washing clothes ready to pack tomorrow. I have mixed feelings. My heart is heavy to leave, but I know I will see everyone again. This is just Vi ses. I am keen to see friends and family in England so need to go. In the mean time I have a grill to go to tonight. I'll get some rest. It's a long way home.
The images of home showing mindless rioting disgust me. As an old Liberal I am so sad at the way people have taken the piss with the freedoms we won for them. The Nanny State has bred fecklessness. My personal brand of Liberalism though is the hard edged European variety. If you cross the line, expect to be punished. If only!!!
Evil wins when good men stay quiet. Have we had enough yet? Our politicians seem to be hard of hearing. We need to tell them loud and clear what we need from them. Maybe we should replace them at elections, with independant ordinary people!
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
The Streets of London
"Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London.
I'll show you something that will make you change your mind."
Monday, 8 August 2011
99%
The trouble is caused by 1% of bikers who get the rest of us a bad name. The chapters that make up that 1% no surprise are proud of their status. We met some on the road. No names here.
I felt just as proud when I met a nice guy at the Traffen displaying a 99% badge. We are proud to belong to the 99% that cause no trouble. We see the others, and just move along. No fuss.
I know Monica wanted to fight them really, but we held her back :-)
I felt just as proud when I met a nice guy at the Traffen displaying a 99% badge. We are proud to belong to the 99% that cause no trouble. We see the others, and just move along. No fuss.
I know Monica wanted to fight them really, but we held her back :-)
The Dawn Chorus
Lima certainly know how to do a Traffen. Great music and dancing, kept us well fed, breathaliser available before leaving. A Traffen is what it is. It isn't anything else.
Lars foretold the future. The guy is an oracle. Lars said I would ride 300 miles north into the wilderness, get very drunk, take two days to recover, then ride 300 miles back to sleep a lot. The only thing he missed was the torrential rain in both directions, and the supurb company. As I rode through the pooring rain heading north...............
Sorry about this:
Thor the god of thunder was riding upon his filly.
"I'M THOR" he cried, and the horse replied,
"Your forgot your thaddle thilly!
It is not compulsory to get totally drunk, and I resolved not to. If others want to do that fine, I will show restraint. As we pulled up outside the football ground where the motorcycle meeting is held, I knew it was going to be difficult. A ten foot chain link fence kept the drunken bikers in. It looked like Guantanamo except that the inmates were dressed in biker leathers, and very happy indeed. "HEJ KEVIN!" Oh shit. The drunken bikers in question are OURS! Boy they are having fun, and have been for some considerable time. Having registered and eased the bike through the hole where tthe turnstile should be, I faced the wet, grassy drop to where the hoard watched my final approach. I didn't drop Elsa. It was however hard to get her safely onto her stand holding the glass of whisky someone had thrust into my gauntleted hand while I was still on the bike. Yikes!
Happy bikers helped me get my tent up in the rain. I counted drinks. I can count quite high in Swedish. You could feel the energy in the crowd as we waited for the dinner hall/dance floor to open. We're off! What a fabulous night.
I fogot to go to bed. So did others. Two young guys were playing their guitars to an appreciative group well into the early hours. As I picked up the lyrics to Streets of London, the sun was rising in the East. I really let it go. An English voice singing a very English song. I honestly didn't care just then. The moment was very sweet indeed.
A mention for my riding companions for the weekend, Linus and Monica. This pair cross continents together. I can see how they do it. Their riding style is light and efficient. No fuss, but progressing nicely at a fair pace. Threading their way forward. Travelling with the traffic, but not in it. Very nice people as well.
Lars foretold the future. The guy is an oracle. Lars said I would ride 300 miles north into the wilderness, get very drunk, take two days to recover, then ride 300 miles back to sleep a lot. The only thing he missed was the torrential rain in both directions, and the supurb company. As I rode through the pooring rain heading north...............
Sorry about this:
Thor the god of thunder was riding upon his filly.
"I'M THOR" he cried, and the horse replied,
"Your forgot your thaddle thilly!
It is not compulsory to get totally drunk, and I resolved not to. If others want to do that fine, I will show restraint. As we pulled up outside the football ground where the motorcycle meeting is held, I knew it was going to be difficult. A ten foot chain link fence kept the drunken bikers in. It looked like Guantanamo except that the inmates were dressed in biker leathers, and very happy indeed. "HEJ KEVIN!" Oh shit. The drunken bikers in question are OURS! Boy they are having fun, and have been for some considerable time. Having registered and eased the bike through the hole where tthe turnstile should be, I faced the wet, grassy drop to where the hoard watched my final approach. I didn't drop Elsa. It was however hard to get her safely onto her stand holding the glass of whisky someone had thrust into my gauntleted hand while I was still on the bike. Yikes!
Happy bikers helped me get my tent up in the rain. I counted drinks. I can count quite high in Swedish. You could feel the energy in the crowd as we waited for the dinner hall/dance floor to open. We're off! What a fabulous night.
I fogot to go to bed. So did others. Two young guys were playing their guitars to an appreciative group well into the early hours. As I picked up the lyrics to Streets of London, the sun was rising in the East. I really let it go. An English voice singing a very English song. I honestly didn't care just then. The moment was very sweet indeed.
A mention for my riding companions for the weekend, Linus and Monica. This pair cross continents together. I can see how they do it. Their riding style is light and efficient. No fuss, but progressing nicely at a fair pace. Threading their way forward. Travelling with the traffic, but not in it. Very nice people as well.
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