My boy James on his first bike – probably coming up for eight years old in a field below the Black Mount on Rannoch Moor – while dad was off across the river having fun riding in the Achalder trial —
There’s fresh air under that front tyre – I reckon it’s his first wheelie — 👍🙂
from Braco Roman Camp —
towards the Ochills —
It just get’s better —
and better —
but remember to bring your wellies —
and wear something —
which lies a few miles east of Crieff was the first lending library to be created in Scotland —
Originally formed in the attic of St Mary’s Chapel – built on a knoll on the banks of the River Earn near a ford used by the Roman Legions 2,000 years ago – the library now occupies the whole building —
With views over Crieff to Glen Turret and Ben Chonzie just part of a 360 degree sweep of the eye —
even now in mid-winter while the chapel itself is closed till spring
Yep – this rare pic has the 4 cylinder two-stroke GP bike as ridden by a very young Neil Hodgson in 1995 – he would go on to become World Superbike Champion on a Ducati —
This time it’s the ex-Jim Moodie VFR400 – I bought it from Jim after he had ‘run it in’ at the 1990 TT —
Only to have him borrow it back for the following year’s North West 200 when Jim was in his psychedelic pink period – apparently it showed up better on the telly —
My old trials riding buddy Robbie Allan had been trying to persuade me to go Classic racing at that time but I didn’t fancy the auld bikes.
When I saw Jim riding that VFR400 at the TT I thought ‘I could do that’ – promptly bought the bike and set about getting my race licence and writing another chapter in my ‘book of life’ 🙄
If I’m not careful this big blue fella will be taking over from the red XJR1300SP as my favourite bike – even if long days criss-crossing Europe in it’s unforgiving saddle eventually put me under the surgeon’s knife —
It was loads of fun up to that point but a word of warning – never trust a South African from the Orange Free State with a scalpel – they still think they are fighting the Boer Ear 🤠
on the RE350 Classic – but it’s anyone’s guess just how long they will stay like that if I insist on winter riding on our salt laden roads —
All I can do is continue with my wash down process after every ride —
and not become too precious about a bike that cost just over four grand new 🤠👍
when you are down for an early ferry – watching the town come awake —
This time it’s Oban – heading to Tiree for the very first time —
In late summer the thought can be better than the reality – next time I would pack a tent 🤠
1995 – passing through Galicia on my way to the most westerly point on the Spanish mainland —
Cape Finistere – so the ijit could stand on a rock and pretend to look for America — 😵💫
from-a-distance 