Out and about 2022

[Nurse Julie]

Hi Julie,
Yes, it's a very special place - 17 years of pure enjoyment!  It must be about time you folk ventured up here some time soon - can't always promise good weather but can guarantee a warm welcome and lots of interesting stuff to see (as well as lots of tasty machinery)
Ian

I've already added it to my list of places to go Ian. I'm gradually getting through the list 😊😊😊😊

[Johnwebley]

I would love to tour and explore Scotland and the isles,

Julie, you should have a couple of weeks free mid November



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[Laverdaroo]

Can we not get  few of us to do an organised a trip next year maybe? I'd love to go up there, never been and looks incredible. I nearly did the 500 last year but was put off by the camper van horror stories..

[Sesman]

I did the 500 before it became known as the 500….brilliant. Since it became ‘known’ the traffic is horrendous and getting accommodation and shoulder room in the pubs is woeful. Sorry to be a doom munger. It’s great for the Scot’s though.

[Laverdaroo]

Yeah, think I'll choose another bit I reckon.

[Orcade-Ian]

May is often a good month, weather-wise and accommodation shouldn't be too much of a problem either.  On the way up Travelodges can be reasonable.  The M6/M74/M80 and A9 can be tiring but there are some alternatives on unspoilt back roads.  As you say Sesman, the NC 500 with hoards of campervans and hired Ferraris and Lambos looking for the fastest time have spoilt it rather.
There are quite a few good quality self catering places here in Orkney which can make it more cost effective if folks can share.  I'm sure Johnny and I (plus a great many others up here) can put something together to make it a memorable time,
Ian

[Laverdaroo]

That would be a bloody excuse to have a meet up and come pee on somebody else's  bath mat for a weekend.. I'd be deffo up for that.

[Johnny4428]

Absolutely Ian. Great to meet with any members that venture this far north.

[taysidedragon]

I did the 500 before it became known as the 500….brilliant. Since it became ‘known’ the traffic is horrendous and getting accommodation and shoulder room in the pubs is woeful. Sorry to be a doom munger. It’s great for the Scot’s though.

It's got way too busy now and some of the locals hate it. Too many people blocking roads, no manners and dumping litter everywhere. The peace and quiet they had before has mostly gone.

Lots of other brilliant roads in Scotland. The North East is excellent,  the A93 for example, or Cairn O'Mount.

[Johnny4428]

Just to expand a bit on what Gareth has said. You won’t find any congestion from Inverness travelling north to Thurso (130miles) quite a nice road this is the road that would take you to the ferry ports. Also the road accross the north coast travelling west is also fine. Travelling along the west coast route either north or south requires a bit of patience as there is quite a bit of single track road. Just don’t be in a hurry else you won’t enjoy it. Get yourselves up and off before the caravans and campervans hit the road. 😜

[Sesman]

I did the 500 before it became known as the 500….brilliant. Since it became ‘known’ the traffic is horrendous and getting accommodation and shoulder room in the pubs is woeful. Sorry to be a doom munger. It’s great for the Scot’s though.

Just to qualify, I wouldn’t want to discourage anybody from doing it. It’s still a great experience,  but your expectations of clear roads and stress free riding from Applecross to Lock Carron, on to Ullapool and beyond may need some recalibration. Book early, travel early and you won’t be disappointed. It’s just not like it was say 10 years ago, but then again what is?. Me, I’d head for the Massive Central in June….oh, no what have I done😀

[Skoti]

Some pics from the Honda4Fest at Cereglio near Bologna.

[martyn916]

Hi,

Not as far north as the Orkney Islands but weather and roads on Syke have been wonderful last week and another week of holiday remaining so fingers crossed for good weather. Been doing the highlands every year for the last 17 years but never been to Orkney (on list to do) but done Outer Hebredies, NC500 (17 years ago when it eas quieter) and much of Scotland from the borders north. Much better and quiter roads than the northwest of England.

If tou're thinking about doing Scotland - do it and you won't regret it 

Martyn [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Laverdaroo]

I did the 500 before it became known as the 500….brilliant. Since it became ‘known’ the traffic is horrendous and getting accommodation and shoulder room in the pubs is woeful. Sorry to be a doom munger. It’s great for the Scot’s though.

Just to qualify, I wouldn’t want to discourage anybody from doing it. It’s still a great experience,  but your expectations of clear roads and stress free riding from Applecross to Lock Carron, on to Ullapool and beyond may need some recalibration. Book early, travel early and you won’t be disappointed. It’s just not like it was say 10 years ago, but then again what is?. Me, I’d head for the Massive Central in June….oh, no what have I done😀

I had a fantastic time in the Central massive, been about a dozen times. my old outlaws lived down there, awesome roads and great people. Bit dull motorwaying it down there but once youre there its fantastic

[Johnny4428]

Lovely scenery there Martin, and nice bike!