Had a free day yesterday (the other half was at a Spa day) so I thought I would make the most of it. Weather didn't look too brilliant at first but by 11.30 am the sun was starting to show - didn't expect 24 degrees later though! Breakfast stop as at Moto Corsa in Gillingham, Dorset. Food here is excellent and the cafe is attached to a large motorcycle dealership specialising in Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, KTM and Royal Enfield. The old brewery building next door has been converted into luxury flats. Next stop Shaftesbury - joined by a nice Bonneville. The top of Gold Hill. Gold Hill where the old Hovis advert was filmed in the 1970's. (@andyc1 will be along shortly to tell you that one of the houses was infamously used as a brothel in 2003) Down to Poole next but sadly the S Bomb cafe was closed - remember "Titch" the former SBS guy who had a one off TV programme where he converted a bike for a disabled veteran? - this is his place. Poole Quay Rainbow Warrior III - Greenpeace sailing vessel. I seem to remember that the French sank the previous one in 1985 ( well I suppose they sank f*ck all in WWII)
I've dropped by S-Bomb a couple of times but have never found them open. I wonder if they're still operating.
According to their website (www.sbomb.uk) they are still open: Tuesday night 5-10pm Friday 12—6pm Saturday 10—6pm Sunday 10—6pm Posts on their facebook page are quite recent.
@steve lovatt Nice report and great photos, Steve! Not sure how I managed to miss it back when you posted it. I guess I need to do a Watch Forum for the Rideouts, Track Days, Touring, and Spotted Forum as I do love seeing reports like this one of your and those of others, too.
Missed this Steve. I’m guessing this was one of your last rides in the south before you move north. Good pictures mate….
Steve Lovatt Brother what great photo's i love them especially the cobbled streets. Thanks for sharing them and the great story and info. Joe
Thanks Joe, I'll have to get out and about soon around the new area. Expect a few castles and ruined abbeys
@steve lovatt Hi, Steve. Are you all settled in to your new home? I'm missing your always excellent photos. But perhaps as you've moved north, the weather doesn't suit riding right now? Hope all is well!
@Sandi T Hi Sandi, kind of you to ask! Yes, we are slowly getting there but there's lots to do. The house is 26 years old but with a new kitchen and bathrooms. However, we have had various plumbing and electrical issues - new boiler just fitted - and we are currently redecorating the whole house. Will also be knocking down the conservatory and building a new extension next year (then the garden will need landscaping!). Not had much chance for rideouts I'm afraid apart from a weekly 120 mile round trip to visit my mum in West Yorkshire, and taking the Tiger for it's 12000 mile service in York. I'm also travelling back down south for work once or twice a month, about a 530 mile round trip. Weather wise it's actually been warmer here than in Hampshire, where we used to live and much drier! We are on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park in a small Georgian market town called Stokesley. There are lots of new areas to discover and the roads here are much quieter. I promise I will post rideout pictures as soon as I can! Here are some random ones from travels in the past few weeks. Bringing the Tiger up north from my mates place near Salisbury. Coffee stop at the classic car Auto Barn near Winchester. We've just got the keys to the house here. Coffee stop at the village bakery in Hovingham. The road through Castle Howard estate. The historic port of Whitby is only 45 minutes away. Famous for Captain Cook, Dracula and Goths. The castle at Helmsley, 19 miles away on one of the best roads in the area. The square is a popular meeting place for bikers. The castle ruins at Sheriff Hutton. 17th century pack Bridge in Stokesley. Hopefully be out and about soon - two trips needed back down south in the next two weeks but that will be motorway slogging!
Ahhhh, yes! There's the @steve lovatt we all know and love. Fantastic photos, Steve. Thanks for sharing them with us along with an update on your move and new home (both house and geographic location) and what you've been up to lately. It sounds like you've found some ways to get some riding in even if it's for "functional" reasons. Riding a motorcycle to commute and do errands puts the FUN in FUNctional. Glad to know you're doing well!
