Yesterday was Ernst's last day of Semester so we tired ourselves out riding the region East of lake Vattern. 55mph is enough to enjoy serious bend swinging in the forest twisties. A cable ferry after a large lunch, and try not to fall asleep over the handle bars as we ride back to Fagerhult.
Lars is building a very large and solid car port. My little cabin would fit inside no problem. The roof beams have to go on today. Ernst at over two meters tall (I'm guessing) , and myself, are recruited. The sun shines and five guys raise a roof. Coffee and ice creams and a neighbour arriving to look at the project.
The forest is carpeted with Lindenberries and Blueberries. The first Chanterelles are ready for collecting but you have to know where to look. Can you imagine the sauce I can make with these plus butter and wine? Lars hunts. We need to talk. There was a hare on the lawn last week. Hare in Swedish is Hare.
I'm staying local for a few days, especially since the sun is shining. Besides, I have an invite for a barbecue and lawn camping for Saturday night. It's a hard life if you don't weaken.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Smorgelsbord
Believing myself pretty much recovered from the summer cold I made the journey North East to Stockholm. I met Kirsi in brilliant sunshine that would come and go over the next few days. Afternoon turned to evening as she took me for a mini tour of harbours and marinas. Coffee in the early evening sunshine. Rigging creaking in the breeze accompanying our conversation.
Thursday morning arrived along with the knowledge that I was still unwell. I had been coughing a lot during the night. The weather was poor and we would see rain and fog during our cruise of the archipelego. Kirsi had used the Viking Line ferries to Finland to assemble a very nice cruise. Outward leg to the Finnish island of Aland (It's not really an A, but I don't have the Swedish letter with the circle over the A. The sound is more like E), then swap ships and return. These cruises can cost as much as £5 ! Today less I believe. Buffet breakfast still only half awake, then a morning watching the dozens of islands slip by to port. Change boats, a beer on the desk in rare sunshine, then go to the dining room for the Smorgelsbord. Prawns, Salmon, Herrings, Lump fish caviar I think. Wonderful roast fillet of beef, pass on the sirloin. Many hot and cold Finnish and Swedish canapes, and wine and beer included. Help yourself to refills. This is deffinately what to do with a rainy day in Stockholm.
Swedish and Finnish people are no different to Brits when faced with an as much as you can eat buffet. Some will always eat to ridiculous excess. Did the young woman loading a dinner plate with every dessert available plus all of the toppings and sweet sauces, realise that as well as enthusiastically rushing from cubby towards obese, she was both holding up an ever growing queue, and also providing the entertainment. An English builder at a sunday carvary could not have out eaten the girl! Pass the bucket!!
Friday the sun shone so it was time to set off on foot to explore the city. Kirsi was an excellent host and guide. If she ever needs a new job, she should go and talk to the office of tourism. We walked our feet off as you do in a great city that you have never visited before. The cafe culture in the evening was a pleasent surprise, even if the price of the beer wasn't. I didn't care, for just the one drink. It was a fabulous day.
The weather was cooler on my last day, perfect for riding the bikes. Environs describes what we did with the day nicely. The royal palace, island hopping, and bumping into reality from the outside world on a little ferry that should have been idylic. So many nice people in the world of all races. What to do with the fanatics of all pursuasions? Lock them up in mental institutions as the dangerous lunatics they are. Keep them locked up for as long as they hold their murderous beliefs to protect the rest of us. No excuses of culture or religion. A lunatic is a lunatic! Coffee with Kirsi's friends in an orchard overlooking an inlet, listening to Mick grumbling about the Elk eating his apples last season. I am a long way from Warwickshire for sure. Riding home on Elsa and Babsan in a little more sunshine. Has summer returned eventuelt?
My sincere thanks to Kirsi for her hospitality and friendship. See you next time.
Thursday morning arrived along with the knowledge that I was still unwell. I had been coughing a lot during the night. The weather was poor and we would see rain and fog during our cruise of the archipelego. Kirsi had used the Viking Line ferries to Finland to assemble a very nice cruise. Outward leg to the Finnish island of Aland (It's not really an A, but I don't have the Swedish letter with the circle over the A. The sound is more like E), then swap ships and return. These cruises can cost as much as £5 ! Today less I believe. Buffet breakfast still only half awake, then a morning watching the dozens of islands slip by to port. Change boats, a beer on the desk in rare sunshine, then go to the dining room for the Smorgelsbord. Prawns, Salmon, Herrings, Lump fish caviar I think. Wonderful roast fillet of beef, pass on the sirloin. Many hot and cold Finnish and Swedish canapes, and wine and beer included. Help yourself to refills. This is deffinately what to do with a rainy day in Stockholm.
Swedish and Finnish people are no different to Brits when faced with an as much as you can eat buffet. Some will always eat to ridiculous excess. Did the young woman loading a dinner plate with every dessert available plus all of the toppings and sweet sauces, realise that as well as enthusiastically rushing from cubby towards obese, she was both holding up an ever growing queue, and also providing the entertainment. An English builder at a sunday carvary could not have out eaten the girl! Pass the bucket!!
Friday the sun shone so it was time to set off on foot to explore the city. Kirsi was an excellent host and guide. If she ever needs a new job, she should go and talk to the office of tourism. We walked our feet off as you do in a great city that you have never visited before. The cafe culture in the evening was a pleasent surprise, even if the price of the beer wasn't. I didn't care, for just the one drink. It was a fabulous day.
The weather was cooler on my last day, perfect for riding the bikes. Environs describes what we did with the day nicely. The royal palace, island hopping, and bumping into reality from the outside world on a little ferry that should have been idylic. So many nice people in the world of all races. What to do with the fanatics of all pursuasions? Lock them up in mental institutions as the dangerous lunatics they are. Keep them locked up for as long as they hold their murderous beliefs to protect the rest of us. No excuses of culture or religion. A lunatic is a lunatic! Coffee with Kirsi's friends in an orchard overlooking an inlet, listening to Mick grumbling about the Elk eating his apples last season. I am a long way from Warwickshire for sure. Riding home on Elsa and Babsan in a little more sunshine. Has summer returned eventuelt?
My sincere thanks to Kirsi for her hospitality and friendship. See you next time.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Oslo
I just cannot continue my blog without writing about the most significant and appalling news story in years. I hope I chose the right words to do it.
Everyone knows where they were and what they were doing when certain historic and appalling things happened. 9/11, 7/7, The ousting of Margaret Thatcher, The deaths of Elvis and Princess Diana maybe. It happened again this weekend.
The question was "Why is the flag over the royal palace flying at half mast?" We had our bikes loaded onto a little ferry between islands in the Stockholm archipelego. The sun was shining. It was a lovely morning. The Swedish guy riding the Spyder had just returned from Oslo. He looked aghast as he gave us the news we had not heard, in Swedish. I learned some new words that break my heart to know at this stage. He then kindly spoke English and appalled me with what had happened.
What does an ordinary guy write in his blog about the underlying problems within Northern Europe that lead to an act of terrorism like this? For that is what this is. More terrorism. The answer is absolutely nothing. I cannot, and that is the problem. Ordinary people stay quiet and leave it to the crazies to have their debate with bombs and bullets.
Everyone knows where they were and what they were doing when certain historic and appalling things happened. 9/11, 7/7, The ousting of Margaret Thatcher, The deaths of Elvis and Princess Diana maybe. It happened again this weekend.
The question was "Why is the flag over the royal palace flying at half mast?" We had our bikes loaded onto a little ferry between islands in the Stockholm archipelego. The sun was shining. It was a lovely morning. The Swedish guy riding the Spyder had just returned from Oslo. He looked aghast as he gave us the news we had not heard, in Swedish. I learned some new words that break my heart to know at this stage. He then kindly spoke English and appalled me with what had happened.
What does an ordinary guy write in his blog about the underlying problems within Northern Europe that lead to an act of terrorism like this? For that is what this is. More terrorism. The answer is absolutely nothing. I cannot, and that is the problem. Ordinary people stay quiet and leave it to the crazies to have their debate with bombs and bullets.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Following the Smiley
Five minutes after walking through the door into the appartment and the big guy put a whisky in my hand. The hospitality of Anders and Maria is very nice indeed, as is their home. Another twenty minutes and young Andreas had joined us, also now with a whisky in his hand. We had a nice evening crossing the North Sea together a month ago. Where did that month go? Tomorrow we will ride together north up the coast, collecting Pelle en route, but tonight we can push back and relax. A bus ride into Goteborg Centre to a very nice restaurant. Later I would yet again be mugged by the Beer Fairy, but for now we are having a civilised steak dinner with a couple of large Samual Adams. Very nice indeed in the early evening sunshine that replaced this afternoons heavy rain.
At some point if you are not paying attention, particularly if you are men, Convivial drinks with friends becomes boozing. Where is the line? We all have Viking blood, so no idea! All I can say is that after a wonderful night I woke up in an unfamiliar room confused. The Beer fairy had been, emptied my wallet, hit me on the head with a sledge hammer and filled my mouth with dirt. Over breakfast it became apparent that I was not the only one. Anders was also suffering. Worse actually. Exactly which part of "I'm going drinking with some Swedish Trucker Bikers" had I not understood. Late on he met Vatta. In a squeaky little voice Vatte said "I can't drink any more". The big guy heroically drank mine as well.
As soon as we are sober enough we set off on the iron horses to hook up with Andreas and Pelle. Andreas has also been attacked by the Beer Fairy. Pelle who missed the tomfoolery of last night has no sympathy for us. He stayed home laying a wooden floor in a house he has gutted. He is living in caravan until he can move back in. I am very impressed with his project indeed.
It is simple. Anders leads. On his number plate is a flourescent yellow Smiley. We follow the Smiley. The big Yamaha is a beast indeed and manages to look small riden by Anders. I follow up on Elsa. Andreas next on the K1200S, and bringing up the rear with no fuss and all efficiency is Pelle on the big silver Ninja. We wind our way north along the intricate shore of the Bohuslan Coast. Following the edges of Fjords. Hugging the rocky outcrops into harbours, some of which take my breath away. Clear blue skies and it's warming up. My mild hangover is clearing but I am nasel indeed. If I hadn't got a hangover I would say I had a cold. Northward for hours, slowley adding the miles to the return journey. Late lunch on a very smart harbour front where the big boats belong to well healed Norwegians. Norwegian can be heard in the restaurants as well. Prices reflect the clientel. The wonders of oil money. This coast is as beautiful as any I have ever seen. No surprise it looks like Norway with which it shares a border further north. At times inland I could be in New Zealand.
The afternoon is slipping away and we are more than a hundred miles from home. Shunning the highways in favour of the little twisties we start back, following the smiley. This time we are moving at pace. The others have big powerful machines capable of high performance. Elsa is a gentle giant. Still riding number two I can demonstrate that evenin if left a little on the straights, I catch up in the corners. Elsa is not far off the pace of the sportsters. I never cease to be impressed at how the RT gets into the corners every time. Just exactly where in this machine did BMW install the cornering demon? If there is a problem it is as always I over think. No problem. Let Vatta loose for the evening. Follow the smiley. Yipee! It is a long time since I pushed it a bit, and the adrenalyn rush is amazing. I did back off from the smiley a tad though. I need that extra half a second reaction time. Getting slower old man? That or just slightly less mad. My hangover went ages ago, but I deffinately have something not nice developing in my nasel spaces. I suspect a virus. I pit stop for fuel and we all agree our energy levels are dropping. We switch to the highway to finish the journey, common sense prevailing.
Retiring to a much needed bed, there is no no doubt. I have a cold or something.
Sunday morning and light rain. After breakfast with Anders and Maria, we are off sightseeing around Goteborg. Andreas joins us, and Anders provides the tour guide commentary. The quality of English spoken by Swedish friends never ceases to amaze me. I will mention Maria's wonderful cooking here. firstly because it was absolutely delicious, and secondly because I hope for more another time.
By now unfortunately my throat feels as if it has been cut with a rusty knife. I have an invite to catch up with a friend in Torsby, but contagious and in pain, and with torrential rain, I decide to head home to Fagerhult immediately. I know this body well. I have had it a long time. I have experienced viruses that felt like this one, and I know I am going to get worse very soon. I'm heading for my bed!
Thor the god of thunder knows me well. I am his Motor Cycling plaything. "Ah the little one has his bike out again" his immortalness observes. "Let me see if he can stay upright through this shit". Horizontal rain is his speciality, with buffeting wind. It's OK. I do storms very well indeed. I am not nervous about cornering. I know where the limit is. Elsa does wet just fine as well. Would a Triumph Tiger 800 do this well? Eek! Elsa was listening. I said it out load! Where is the thunder and lightning Thor? Lost your hammer?
Finally I limp into Fagerhult unable to swallow any more. I have a temperature and feel absolutely aweful. Bed and fitful sleep. Rest for two days hoping to be OK to ride up to Stockholm on Wednesday.
At some point if you are not paying attention, particularly if you are men, Convivial drinks with friends becomes boozing. Where is the line? We all have Viking blood, so no idea! All I can say is that after a wonderful night I woke up in an unfamiliar room confused. The Beer fairy had been, emptied my wallet, hit me on the head with a sledge hammer and filled my mouth with dirt. Over breakfast it became apparent that I was not the only one. Anders was also suffering. Worse actually. Exactly which part of "I'm going drinking with some Swedish Trucker Bikers" had I not understood. Late on he met Vatta. In a squeaky little voice Vatte said "I can't drink any more". The big guy heroically drank mine as well.
As soon as we are sober enough we set off on the iron horses to hook up with Andreas and Pelle. Andreas has also been attacked by the Beer Fairy. Pelle who missed the tomfoolery of last night has no sympathy for us. He stayed home laying a wooden floor in a house he has gutted. He is living in caravan until he can move back in. I am very impressed with his project indeed.
It is simple. Anders leads. On his number plate is a flourescent yellow Smiley. We follow the Smiley. The big Yamaha is a beast indeed and manages to look small riden by Anders. I follow up on Elsa. Andreas next on the K1200S, and bringing up the rear with no fuss and all efficiency is Pelle on the big silver Ninja. We wind our way north along the intricate shore of the Bohuslan Coast. Following the edges of Fjords. Hugging the rocky outcrops into harbours, some of which take my breath away. Clear blue skies and it's warming up. My mild hangover is clearing but I am nasel indeed. If I hadn't got a hangover I would say I had a cold. Northward for hours, slowley adding the miles to the return journey. Late lunch on a very smart harbour front where the big boats belong to well healed Norwegians. Norwegian can be heard in the restaurants as well. Prices reflect the clientel. The wonders of oil money. This coast is as beautiful as any I have ever seen. No surprise it looks like Norway with which it shares a border further north. At times inland I could be in New Zealand.
The afternoon is slipping away and we are more than a hundred miles from home. Shunning the highways in favour of the little twisties we start back, following the smiley. This time we are moving at pace. The others have big powerful machines capable of high performance. Elsa is a gentle giant. Still riding number two I can demonstrate that evenin if left a little on the straights, I catch up in the corners. Elsa is not far off the pace of the sportsters. I never cease to be impressed at how the RT gets into the corners every time. Just exactly where in this machine did BMW install the cornering demon? If there is a problem it is as always I over think. No problem. Let Vatta loose for the evening. Follow the smiley. Yipee! It is a long time since I pushed it a bit, and the adrenalyn rush is amazing. I did back off from the smiley a tad though. I need that extra half a second reaction time. Getting slower old man? That or just slightly less mad. My hangover went ages ago, but I deffinately have something not nice developing in my nasel spaces. I suspect a virus. I pit stop for fuel and we all agree our energy levels are dropping. We switch to the highway to finish the journey, common sense prevailing.
Retiring to a much needed bed, there is no no doubt. I have a cold or something.
Sunday morning and light rain. After breakfast with Anders and Maria, we are off sightseeing around Goteborg. Andreas joins us, and Anders provides the tour guide commentary. The quality of English spoken by Swedish friends never ceases to amaze me. I will mention Maria's wonderful cooking here. firstly because it was absolutely delicious, and secondly because I hope for more another time.
By now unfortunately my throat feels as if it has been cut with a rusty knife. I have an invite to catch up with a friend in Torsby, but contagious and in pain, and with torrential rain, I decide to head home to Fagerhult immediately. I know this body well. I have had it a long time. I have experienced viruses that felt like this one, and I know I am going to get worse very soon. I'm heading for my bed!
Thor the god of thunder knows me well. I am his Motor Cycling plaything. "Ah the little one has his bike out again" his immortalness observes. "Let me see if he can stay upright through this shit". Horizontal rain is his speciality, with buffeting wind. It's OK. I do storms very well indeed. I am not nervous about cornering. I know where the limit is. Elsa does wet just fine as well. Would a Triumph Tiger 800 do this well? Eek! Elsa was listening. I said it out load! Where is the thunder and lightning Thor? Lost your hammer?
Finally I limp into Fagerhult unable to swallow any more. I have a temperature and feel absolutely aweful. Bed and fitful sleep. Rest for two days hoping to be OK to ride up to Stockholm on Wednesday.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Isabella
An hour from my destination and The heavens open again. I deploy Elsa's electronically controlled wind shield to maximum increase my velocity a little. The lashing stops and it gets quiet. I close off the vents on my helmet. The pollen filters let the rain through. The anti misting is working. I'm wearing a space suit and I'm used to doing this. The God of Thunder knows me well. I think he likes to play with me when he gets bored, which is often.
Remember my flirtation with the Triumph Tiger 800? As you were. Sorry Elsa old girl. My head was turned by a younger flirtier model. I'm a guy. It happens. Now I remember which side my bread is buttered! The big halogen light array, profile and speed of the bike and no one is pulling out onto me. I drive an Autobahn bike for a reason. I do Autobahns in the rain. A lot! No more talk of new bikes. At least this trip anyway. Sorry gal.
Satnav Isabella informes me in Spanish that we are arriving. The rain is easing off a little, and Anders is already coming out to greet me for the weekend. Before I move on to the weekend, maybe I should introduce Isabella. It is not only Vatta that works magic. Last night playing around with the GPS I found a very curious setting under Tools. Apparently Jane was not allowing U turns. She prefered giving me gravel and dirt roads, bridle tracks or peoples back gardens!! I wasn't amused. How many times had this set up error scared the pants off me? Retribution? You bet. I speak Spanish and Isabella sounds sexy, hence Janes transformation. A me mai gusto mucho Isabella!
Question: How is Isobella going to cope with Swedish? I tried Satnav Ingrid before selecting Isabella. Ingrid confirmed what I already know. I can't understand Swedish. I need lessons to crack this charming language.
Remember my flirtation with the Triumph Tiger 800? As you were. Sorry Elsa old girl. My head was turned by a younger flirtier model. I'm a guy. It happens. Now I remember which side my bread is buttered! The big halogen light array, profile and speed of the bike and no one is pulling out onto me. I drive an Autobahn bike for a reason. I do Autobahns in the rain. A lot! No more talk of new bikes. At least this trip anyway. Sorry gal.
Satnav Isabella informes me in Spanish that we are arriving. The rain is easing off a little, and Anders is already coming out to greet me for the weekend. Before I move on to the weekend, maybe I should introduce Isabella. It is not only Vatta that works magic. Last night playing around with the GPS I found a very curious setting under Tools. Apparently Jane was not allowing U turns. She prefered giving me gravel and dirt roads, bridle tracks or peoples back gardens!! I wasn't amused. How many times had this set up error scared the pants off me? Retribution? You bet. I speak Spanish and Isabella sounds sexy, hence Janes transformation. A me mai gusto mucho Isabella!
Question: How is Isobella going to cope with Swedish? I tried Satnav Ingrid before selecting Isabella. Ingrid confirmed what I already know. I can't understand Swedish. I need lessons to crack this charming language.
Microsoft Misery
What is it with Microsoft and it's updates???? Is it just me?
It's a hell of a long way from Kalmar to Goteburg. Sweden is a large country. It doesn't need much of a motorway system. Long straight highways through the mega forest are enough. The double trucks rumbling on forever. I need two stops this leg, so I find a Macdonalds for a half hour coffee break to catch up with emails. Some of these are important. Am I seeing a friend on Monday? How is the house sale going? OK for Stockholm later?
Macdonalds delivers. Reasonably priced coffee and reliable WiFi. It is a strain to use it though due to an infestation of under 18 month olds. What is happening today? Is it bring a baby get a discount week? There are maybe 25 of the noisy little things, squealing, screaching, whaling and making the place sticky and stinky. I find the least sticky table I can and start up boB. DOWNLOADING UPGRADES. A very hot coffee lasts twenty minutes or so, which is less time than microsoft takes preventing me from using this important tool. This is of course followed by reconfiguring and "please Don't turn off your computor", as if the geeks know exactly how much they are annoying customers. After half an hour of this moronic process, I force a shutdown and get on my way, nothing achieved except a slight headache, and sticky elbows.
Do I like babies? YES! But I couldn't eat a whole one!!
A second stop and another attempt to access my emails. No go. boB needs this session to unscramble himslef after I forced a shutdown upon him.
A plea to Microsoft. Please get a grip!
It's a hell of a long way from Kalmar to Goteburg. Sweden is a large country. It doesn't need much of a motorway system. Long straight highways through the mega forest are enough. The double trucks rumbling on forever. I need two stops this leg, so I find a Macdonalds for a half hour coffee break to catch up with emails. Some of these are important. Am I seeing a friend on Monday? How is the house sale going? OK for Stockholm later?
Macdonalds delivers. Reasonably priced coffee and reliable WiFi. It is a strain to use it though due to an infestation of under 18 month olds. What is happening today? Is it bring a baby get a discount week? There are maybe 25 of the noisy little things, squealing, screaching, whaling and making the place sticky and stinky. I find the least sticky table I can and start up boB. DOWNLOADING UPGRADES. A very hot coffee lasts twenty minutes or so, which is less time than microsoft takes preventing me from using this important tool. This is of course followed by reconfiguring and "please Don't turn off your computor", as if the geeks know exactly how much they are annoying customers. After half an hour of this moronic process, I force a shutdown and get on my way, nothing achieved except a slight headache, and sticky elbows.
Do I like babies? YES! But I couldn't eat a whole one!!
A second stop and another attempt to access my emails. No go. boB needs this session to unscramble himslef after I forced a shutdown upon him.
A plea to Microsoft. Please get a grip!
Oland
I'm at home in Fagerhult for two days, down with a summer cold. I'm resting up to be fit to go to Stockholm on Wednesday. Time to catch up on the blog for sure.
Aki arrived from Finland on Tuesday. Is it really a year since he, Sami and I were leaning into a force 8 at the cape? By the way Sami, I hope that your motorcycle trip with your wife went brilliantly. If so, you have something I am very envious of indeed. That said Aki and I did OK with a years catching up over a beer or two, then planning the route for tomorrow.
We have three days only this trip. Neither of us could get a larger trip together this year. With time short we took the highway down to Kalmar. It was Aki who spotted the Moose, and it obligingly waitied for us to turn around and go back for a second long look. Not long enough to get the camera out though. We did Kalmar castle sort of. We did it in a bloke way. It costs a lot to get in, so we walked around looking from the outside, then spent the entrance money of drinks and food.
Finally onto the island of Oland and a ride South to find the Vandrarhem (hostel) we are booked into for the night. I'll say here and now Aki is an easy travelling companion, well organised and flexible. Between the two of us very little discussion is needed to plan what happens next, or who does what. It works out nicely without conversation. A relaxing meal and the inevitable beer, followed by a good nights sleep, set us up for what was to follow the next day.
What followed was one of those lousy biking weather days you get from time to time. Howling wind and steady rain coming in off the Baltic. To hell with it. We have this time and this time only, and Oland to explore. It's a big island and we take most of the day to do it in full wet weather gear. Never a complaint (is that true? Maybe we did a little). The moors and dry stone walls could be in the wilder corners of the British Isles. The Baltic is having much the same effect as the Atlantic back home. Mid afternoon we reach Byxelkrok with its gift shops and restaurants strung out along the shore. What follows is something all bikers have experienced. We are holed up in our cabin for several hours waiting for the rain to slow. We just got on with it, talking, reading, working with our GPS's on routes for tomorrow. The rain never slackened off and we got hungry, so inevitably we plunged out into the storm, got good and wet, and ultimately found a fantastic buffet dinner. The restaurant was large and staffed mainly with Asian workers. There was Korean Kim Chi on the menu which both of us are familiar with and enthusiastic about. Green mussels from the Pacific and prawns stir fried and we are well on our way to three plates of carefully chosen goodies. Buffets make their money when customers load their plates with carbs. We don't apparently. Another absolute soaking on the way back to the cabin.
It's hard to keep track of Aki and the Super Duke as the light strobes through the trees. The sun shines in near perfect summer weather as we enjoy the last few hours of this short but excellent trip. The cars hardly seem awake yet and are easy overtakes. The roads could have been curvier, and the weather better. We don't know the area, and divining the best motor cycling roads is not easy.
Three times this trip a Finn and a Brit riding together actually got comment, and smiles from the locals. People expect companions to be from the same place. We cross the continent for fun. That is what we do. Human Pan Europeans. We finished the trip with coffee and cakes in the square in the centre of Kalmar, then GPS' set we said our goodbyes and headed off in opposite directions, each to get on with whatever the next year has for us. See you next time Aki. Say HI to Sami when you see him. I WILL make Finland soon, but not this trip I guess.
Aki arrived from Finland on Tuesday. Is it really a year since he, Sami and I were leaning into a force 8 at the cape? By the way Sami, I hope that your motorcycle trip with your wife went brilliantly. If so, you have something I am very envious of indeed. That said Aki and I did OK with a years catching up over a beer or two, then planning the route for tomorrow.
We have three days only this trip. Neither of us could get a larger trip together this year. With time short we took the highway down to Kalmar. It was Aki who spotted the Moose, and it obligingly waitied for us to turn around and go back for a second long look. Not long enough to get the camera out though. We did Kalmar castle sort of. We did it in a bloke way. It costs a lot to get in, so we walked around looking from the outside, then spent the entrance money of drinks and food.
Finally onto the island of Oland and a ride South to find the Vandrarhem (hostel) we are booked into for the night. I'll say here and now Aki is an easy travelling companion, well organised and flexible. Between the two of us very little discussion is needed to plan what happens next, or who does what. It works out nicely without conversation. A relaxing meal and the inevitable beer, followed by a good nights sleep, set us up for what was to follow the next day.
What followed was one of those lousy biking weather days you get from time to time. Howling wind and steady rain coming in off the Baltic. To hell with it. We have this time and this time only, and Oland to explore. It's a big island and we take most of the day to do it in full wet weather gear. Never a complaint (is that true? Maybe we did a little). The moors and dry stone walls could be in the wilder corners of the British Isles. The Baltic is having much the same effect as the Atlantic back home. Mid afternoon we reach Byxelkrok with its gift shops and restaurants strung out along the shore. What follows is something all bikers have experienced. We are holed up in our cabin for several hours waiting for the rain to slow. We just got on with it, talking, reading, working with our GPS's on routes for tomorrow. The rain never slackened off and we got hungry, so inevitably we plunged out into the storm, got good and wet, and ultimately found a fantastic buffet dinner. The restaurant was large and staffed mainly with Asian workers. There was Korean Kim Chi on the menu which both of us are familiar with and enthusiastic about. Green mussels from the Pacific and prawns stir fried and we are well on our way to three plates of carefully chosen goodies. Buffets make their money when customers load their plates with carbs. We don't apparently. Another absolute soaking on the way back to the cabin.
It's hard to keep track of Aki and the Super Duke as the light strobes through the trees. The sun shines in near perfect summer weather as we enjoy the last few hours of this short but excellent trip. The cars hardly seem awake yet and are easy overtakes. The roads could have been curvier, and the weather better. We don't know the area, and divining the best motor cycling roads is not easy.
Three times this trip a Finn and a Brit riding together actually got comment, and smiles from the locals. People expect companions to be from the same place. We cross the continent for fun. That is what we do. Human Pan Europeans. We finished the trip with coffee and cakes in the square in the centre of Kalmar, then GPS' set we said our goodbyes and headed off in opposite directions, each to get on with whatever the next year has for us. See you next time Aki. Say HI to Sami when you see him. I WILL make Finland soon, but not this trip I guess.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Bend Swinging
A full day out on the bikes, to Lacko Castle on Lake Vanern. Satnav Jane is jealous because Ernst can plan a route on his GPS, with no highways or gravel roads. Such sophistication is beyond me at the moment, but I will learn. It's like my "Get Lost" game, but just follow the leader. I'm still a follower. I don't expect that to change this trip. My energy levels are low.
The little lanes are a joy. Bend Swinging is one of the great pleasures of motorcycling. Seeing the world from 45%, this way then that. In my mirrors I can see Janne learning his Wing all the way over. rspect to the guy. That is a very large motorcycle indeed.
Coffee and more cinnemon cakes. Unfortunatley "someone" forgot the cups. Forgiven though considering the same guy brought the coffee and cakes. No problem I am Swiss trained and equipped! With my swiss army knife I make cups out of water bottles. Perfect! Back onto the bikes in the sunshine and more bend swinging, heading steadily north west. There is a trail of diesel on the road, spilled from the fuel tank of a truck I guess. I have seen riders come off on that stuff, so my nerve is shaken. I slow and straighten up, also now aware of the gravel at the roads edges. My nerve has gone a little for a while, until the road clears up. I really don't like diesel. I got away with one slick years ago, fishtailing horribly.
Half the day is gone and hunger and thrist beginning to guide us. A lake side harbour and a small restaurant with a sun baked upper deck to watch the world go by. Hot Smoked Fisk Salad. Perfect on a day like this. Swedish words are breaking through at last. I understand a little, but still cannot manage sentances. I am better off than the dog, but probably cannot match a two year old child yet. Fed and watered we make the last few miles to this awesome castle. Very impressive indeed. Sightseeing, ice creams and coffee Then a blast home down the highways. We are starting to eat into beer time.
We all ride for our respective homes and showers, and Christian bless the guy, gets his car out and drives miles to pick us all up for an evening in Jonkoping. There is no return bus to Fagerhult, so I am spending the night at his place. Pre bar drinks and putting the world to rights.I thought we had forgotten the pub, given up on it. Culture! 11 pm is fine to go out. Gods help me! We survived and the hangover was mild, easily remedied by a walk along the beach in the morning, then another very quiet Sunday at my cabin. A pattern has emerged!
Let me say now, one of the joys of a long stay like this is the impromptue invites and visits to friends homes. I am very lucky indeed and enjoying the company. Thanks to Johan for a very nice evening indeed up in Kaxholmen. Great views across the lake and good company. Tony and I were misbehaving eventuelt , goofing off, in a very good mood indeed. The weather is holding and this summer just rolls on. I wish I could bottle this and take it home with me. Cannot, so will just have to keep coming back for more.
What is this wondeful place trying to say to me? I can't make it out. It must be the language problem. Or maybe I'm listening wrong. Riding home along the lake shore, through the city and up onto the 195. I am getting to know my way around these days.
The little lanes are a joy. Bend Swinging is one of the great pleasures of motorcycling. Seeing the world from 45%, this way then that. In my mirrors I can see Janne learning his Wing all the way over. rspect to the guy. That is a very large motorcycle indeed.
Coffee and more cinnemon cakes. Unfortunatley "someone" forgot the cups. Forgiven though considering the same guy brought the coffee and cakes. No problem I am Swiss trained and equipped! With my swiss army knife I make cups out of water bottles. Perfect! Back onto the bikes in the sunshine and more bend swinging, heading steadily north west. There is a trail of diesel on the road, spilled from the fuel tank of a truck I guess. I have seen riders come off on that stuff, so my nerve is shaken. I slow and straighten up, also now aware of the gravel at the roads edges. My nerve has gone a little for a while, until the road clears up. I really don't like diesel. I got away with one slick years ago, fishtailing horribly.
Half the day is gone and hunger and thrist beginning to guide us. A lake side harbour and a small restaurant with a sun baked upper deck to watch the world go by. Hot Smoked Fisk Salad. Perfect on a day like this. Swedish words are breaking through at last. I understand a little, but still cannot manage sentances. I am better off than the dog, but probably cannot match a two year old child yet. Fed and watered we make the last few miles to this awesome castle. Very impressive indeed. Sightseeing, ice creams and coffee Then a blast home down the highways. We are starting to eat into beer time.
We all ride for our respective homes and showers, and Christian bless the guy, gets his car out and drives miles to pick us all up for an evening in Jonkoping. There is no return bus to Fagerhult, so I am spending the night at his place. Pre bar drinks and putting the world to rights.I thought we had forgotten the pub, given up on it. Culture! 11 pm is fine to go out. Gods help me! We survived and the hangover was mild, easily remedied by a walk along the beach in the morning, then another very quiet Sunday at my cabin. A pattern has emerged!
Let me say now, one of the joys of a long stay like this is the impromptue invites and visits to friends homes. I am very lucky indeed and enjoying the company. Thanks to Johan for a very nice evening indeed up in Kaxholmen. Great views across the lake and good company. Tony and I were misbehaving eventuelt , goofing off, in a very good mood indeed. The weather is holding and this summer just rolls on. I wish I could bottle this and take it home with me. Cannot, so will just have to keep coming back for more.
What is this wondeful place trying to say to me? I can't make it out. It must be the language problem. Or maybe I'm listening wrong. Riding home along the lake shore, through the city and up onto the 195. I am getting to know my way around these days.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Tiger Tiger Shining Bright
Motorbikes are not girls. Elsa doesn't mind if I look at other motorbikes. That is just as well, because I have been straying. Only in my mind, and a little internet surfing. Bad I know.
Several times this trip I have turned back faced with Swedish country gravel roads. my experience is that if they are bad where they meet the highway, they sure as hell will be worse later on. Elsa is just too big and heavy (sorry gal) to be good at these roads. I feel a pang of jealousy thinking about Dave's GS, or Aki & Sami on their KTM's. I have the advantage with weather protection and shear ability to carry cargo. Elsa's pillion is one of the most comfortable in the motorcycling world. What do I do with it? Plonk my tent and camping equipment on it!
Turned back once too often, at the club house I happened to see a test review of the "smaller" adventure bikes. The big ones are too much of a handful to be seriously off road in my opinion. The old Triumph Tigers, the BMW R1200GS. If I was built myself to Viking proportions, no problem, but I'm a scrawny smallish Brit! BMW F800GS, KTM Adventure 990, Triumph Tiger 800. ????? I missed that one. Hinckley Triumph bless their British cotton socks have produced a new smaller Tiger as a serious adventure tourer/off roader. The more I look the more I realise that I may be falling in love. This could get to be more serious than my teenage crush on Debbie Harry of Blondie in the seventies!
Steady on chap! This is only a motorcycle. What ever. I don't have the money. I need to find work, but sooner or later I imagine I will be test riding a KTM, a smaller BM, and the Tiger.
Hell. I need a cold shower!
I had a horrible thought. What id boB tells Satnav Jane, and Jane tells Elsa. It's OK. Elsa is a motorbike, not a girl! I may be nervous on my next game of "get lost" though.
Several times this trip I have turned back faced with Swedish country gravel roads. my experience is that if they are bad where they meet the highway, they sure as hell will be worse later on. Elsa is just too big and heavy (sorry gal) to be good at these roads. I feel a pang of jealousy thinking about Dave's GS, or Aki & Sami on their KTM's. I have the advantage with weather protection and shear ability to carry cargo. Elsa's pillion is one of the most comfortable in the motorcycling world. What do I do with it? Plonk my tent and camping equipment on it!
Turned back once too often, at the club house I happened to see a test review of the "smaller" adventure bikes. The big ones are too much of a handful to be seriously off road in my opinion. The old Triumph Tigers, the BMW R1200GS. If I was built myself to Viking proportions, no problem, but I'm a scrawny smallish Brit! BMW F800GS, KTM Adventure 990, Triumph Tiger 800. ????? I missed that one. Hinckley Triumph bless their British cotton socks have produced a new smaller Tiger as a serious adventure tourer/off roader. The more I look the more I realise that I may be falling in love. This could get to be more serious than my teenage crush on Debbie Harry of Blondie in the seventies!
Steady on chap! This is only a motorcycle. What ever. I don't have the money. I need to find work, but sooner or later I imagine I will be test riding a KTM, a smaller BM, and the Tiger.
Hell. I need a cold shower!
I had a horrible thought. What id boB tells Satnav Jane, and Jane tells Elsa. It's OK. Elsa is a motorbike, not a girl! I may be nervous on my next game of "get lost" though.
Visingso
It's great when a special day just sort of happens unplanned. I called Ernst to see what he was doing. The weather forcast for tomorrow is not good, so I wanted to get out on the bike today. Ernst was having a similar thought, but was on his way into town shopping. He would call back after lunch. Time then for a four mile walk to the lake and back. I have my exercise regime under control again. A light lunch of salami and salad half eaten when the 'phone rang. Meet at Osten's at 13:15. Game on!
In my imagination, this is how the summer should be.
Osten had a flask of coffee, fresh cinnamon cakes and idea to ride on over to Granna to catch the ferry to the island of Visingso in the middle of Lake Vattern. Fresh cinnamon cakes may not be the biker image, but what the hell. If they are like the ones Lars and family make, I am deffinitely enthusiastic. Filling the tank first we hit the highway around the top of Jonkoping. No time to lose. The day was slipping away. It is amazing how much "day" you can get out of a few hours around midsummer. It's light until 11pm so totally do-able. Ferry crossing in full summer sun. The weather is smiling upon us at last. Cold drinks at the terminal on the otherside and we toottle south. The views are beautiful, the sun warm on my face, Elsa sounds happy. All is well with the world, and we still have cinnamon cakes to look forward to. Did I see Ernst up ahead walzing his VStrom? Elsa and I lay down some big S's anyway. No one is looking! Boys and toys.
A castle. A lake. Another unbeatable Swedish view, and an empty table for three friends to share coffee and cakes. Conversation is light. Not much is needed this afternoon. Eventually the sun burning my head (the guys object to my Norwegian army peak cap!) we set off north. There is a church with a tower to climb which gives stunning views of the whole island and the lake shores miles away in all directions. Photos later, but I always say that. Up north and onto a gravel road. Teeth gritted, there is no turning back from this one, a beach to ourselves for more leisure. The afternoon feels to stretch on forever, but eventually we are back at the little harbour for the return ferry. It's not over yet though because hungry, there is a restaurant meal to be had. Flat fish stuffed with shrimps, breadcrumbed and served with fries. It is not fine dining, but it IS fine food, if that makes any sense. I can feel the summer stretching long ahead of me, but it is an illusion. Summers are short. Autumn will come. But that can wait. Live in the here and now. Enjoy the fish and friends.
Life is made of moments like these. The "REAL LIFE" everyday stuff is just in fill between magic moments. Stomachs full, and plotting more trips, we head off home, via the club house for coffee and to talk about our wonderful day out on the bikes.
In my imagination, this is how the summer should be.
Osten had a flask of coffee, fresh cinnamon cakes and idea to ride on over to Granna to catch the ferry to the island of Visingso in the middle of Lake Vattern. Fresh cinnamon cakes may not be the biker image, but what the hell. If they are like the ones Lars and family make, I am deffinitely enthusiastic. Filling the tank first we hit the highway around the top of Jonkoping. No time to lose. The day was slipping away. It is amazing how much "day" you can get out of a few hours around midsummer. It's light until 11pm so totally do-able. Ferry crossing in full summer sun. The weather is smiling upon us at last. Cold drinks at the terminal on the otherside and we toottle south. The views are beautiful, the sun warm on my face, Elsa sounds happy. All is well with the world, and we still have cinnamon cakes to look forward to. Did I see Ernst up ahead walzing his VStrom? Elsa and I lay down some big S's anyway. No one is looking! Boys and toys.
A castle. A lake. Another unbeatable Swedish view, and an empty table for three friends to share coffee and cakes. Conversation is light. Not much is needed this afternoon. Eventually the sun burning my head (the guys object to my Norwegian army peak cap!) we set off north. There is a church with a tower to climb which gives stunning views of the whole island and the lake shores miles away in all directions. Photos later, but I always say that. Up north and onto a gravel road. Teeth gritted, there is no turning back from this one, a beach to ourselves for more leisure. The afternoon feels to stretch on forever, but eventually we are back at the little harbour for the return ferry. It's not over yet though because hungry, there is a restaurant meal to be had. Flat fish stuffed with shrimps, breadcrumbed and served with fries. It is not fine dining, but it IS fine food, if that makes any sense. I can feel the summer stretching long ahead of me, but it is an illusion. Summers are short. Autumn will come. But that can wait. Live in the here and now. Enjoy the fish and friends.
Life is made of moments like these. The "REAL LIFE" everyday stuff is just in fill between magic moments. Stomachs full, and plotting more trips, we head off home, via the club house for coffee and to talk about our wonderful day out on the bikes.
White Van Man
I can't let this pass without mentioning it. We all know them. Sorry to the decent guys who happen to drive a white van in support of their jobs, and are thoroughly decent. I want to talk for a minute or two about the arseholes in white vans who bully the rest of us on the roads. Guys whose driving behavior is properly described as dangerous driving, and who if caught deserve prosecution. You know the sort of guy, speeding, tailgating, using his mobile phone while eating his fish and chips! Where is this going?
On Monday Ernst and I were rolling along the 195 Southbound between Hjo and Fogerhult. Orderly overtakes on the monster timber trucks performed by each of us in turn. I saw the van rocketing up behind me as Ernst performed an overtake. A bend and double white lines prevented me from following. White Van Man was up my backside, lights blazing, in seconds. Just how fast had he been going? He was on my rear mudguard as I moved left ready for the overtake. I hesitated because instinct and experience told me what was going to happen next. He hammered past, then swung in on to me, forcing me to break. He took my space, pushing me further back, before barreling past the huge truck in a reckless overtake. I was honestly surprised to meet this foul disgusting behaviour in the middle of knowwhere in Sweden. They have them to?
No they don't! The arse hole was British!!
Thanks mate! You saw I was a Brit biker and stuffed me anyway. You are a low life disgrace in somebody elses country. I hope you got food poisoning from the dodgy hamburger you were eating!
Annoyed? You bet.
On Monday Ernst and I were rolling along the 195 Southbound between Hjo and Fogerhult. Orderly overtakes on the monster timber trucks performed by each of us in turn. I saw the van rocketing up behind me as Ernst performed an overtake. A bend and double white lines prevented me from following. White Van Man was up my backside, lights blazing, in seconds. Just how fast had he been going? He was on my rear mudguard as I moved left ready for the overtake. I hesitated because instinct and experience told me what was going to happen next. He hammered past, then swung in on to me, forcing me to break. He took my space, pushing me further back, before barreling past the huge truck in a reckless overtake. I was honestly surprised to meet this foul disgusting behaviour in the middle of knowwhere in Sweden. They have them to?
No they don't! The arse hole was British!!
Thanks mate! You saw I was a Brit biker and stuffed me anyway. You are a low life disgrace in somebody elses country. I hope you got food poisoning from the dodgy hamburger you were eating!
Annoyed? You bet.
Monday, 4 July 2011
British Small Arms
VMCK hosted the BSA club meet this weekend. It has been a regular fixture for many long years. This year less of them, their numbers bolstered by Triumphs, An Arial and a Matchless. I'd have loved to see a Norton as well but hey. Bertil's excellent old Nimbus was there and looking well.... excellent. To hear the old British bikes running brought back fond memories of my teenage years. Ride outs planed with a girl on the pillion, then cancelled because the bike broke down!
The VMCK gang provided breakfasts, a barbecue and extra party goers for the evening. Many thanks to the two pretty teenage girls who recruited me onto their tug of war team in the unlikely hope of winning. We actually won our first bout, so well done us! Note to self. I am an agressive, competitive little sod.
Those who could still stand jived the night away, and some of the morning as well. Sunday for me arrived with no serious hangover, but absolutely exhausted. "Success!"
Monday morning I took off into the forest on Elsa. I had a plan. Switch Jane off, get lost, then find my way home. Ernst 'phoned half way through this process "where are you?". My plan worked well. I didn't have a bloody clue. I suggested we meet at Hjo which is just daft when you don't know where you are. When I switched Jane on she gave me the surprise news. How the hell did I get all the way over here? By switching her off and riding willy nilly for an hour. That is how. Ice cream and a coffee in Hjo and I was forgiven. "Where have you been?" got the honest answer. "I'm not sure. It was West though". Thanks for sharing an afternoons hooning around on motorbikes Ernst. Let's do it again ASAP.
I have an idea for an adventure next year. See which way the wind is blowing and ride for a week in that direction. Problem. I live on an island!
The VMCK gang provided breakfasts, a barbecue and extra party goers for the evening. Many thanks to the two pretty teenage girls who recruited me onto their tug of war team in the unlikely hope of winning. We actually won our first bout, so well done us! Note to self. I am an agressive, competitive little sod.
Those who could still stand jived the night away, and some of the morning as well. Sunday for me arrived with no serious hangover, but absolutely exhausted. "Success!"
Monday morning I took off into the forest on Elsa. I had a plan. Switch Jane off, get lost, then find my way home. Ernst 'phoned half way through this process "where are you?". My plan worked well. I didn't have a bloody clue. I suggested we meet at Hjo which is just daft when you don't know where you are. When I switched Jane on she gave me the surprise news. How the hell did I get all the way over here? By switching her off and riding willy nilly for an hour. That is how. Ice cream and a coffee in Hjo and I was forgiven. "Where have you been?" got the honest answer. "I'm not sure. It was West though". Thanks for sharing an afternoons hooning around on motorbikes Ernst. Let's do it again ASAP.
I have an idea for an adventure next year. See which way the wind is blowing and ride for a week in that direction. Problem. I live on an island!
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