After a very long break from Jangle Jangle, myself and Mike decided it would be rather funny to publish a new post, even if it was just for our own amusement.
Things for myself (Loz), haven't really changed, still riding bikes, fixing bikes, collecting bikes and camping trips on bikes.
A few years ago an old school friend who had moved out of the area, moved back and got in touch. on finding out he was still very much into biking, travel plans were hatched. Together we have toured Scotland, Southern Ireland, The North Yorkshire Moors, A trip to Northern Ireland to watch the NW200 road races and several trips to mine and Mikes favourite campsite.
Mike is currently without a bike, but thats not going to stop a mini Jangle reunion, I got an MOT on one of my bikes, fitted some luggage and waited for Mike.
On the morning of departure, he pulled up outside and made several trips to the boot of his car, returning each time with bundles of camping gear, on maybe the 3rd or 4th time I started to wonder how it was all going to fit, undetered, Mike continued retrieving gear. After a bit of shoehorning, it was time to hit the road.
Mikes steed for the weekend
Now, this weekend was opened up to anyone who just fancied a lads camping trip. Ralph who has been mentioned before now has a camper van and said he would bring all the food and beer and keep everything cool in the cool boxes plugged into the van. I’m loving the idea of a support vehicle.
Roadside stop for a leg stretch and a chuff
The aforementioned school friend (Paul) would get up early on Saturday and join us around lunchtime.
Paul's new bike, recently acquired
Also joining us on this trip is a guy I work with and loves the great outdoors and hill/mountain walking.
On arrival, the time honoured tradition of cracking a cold one was dealt with as Ralph was already there and set up.
After a well deserved beer, attention was given to getting set up for the evening. Now with the addition of a support vehicle, came the ability to bring plenty of food and beer, so A few days before departure I collected 2 curries, 2 rice and 2 naan breads, froze it all and handed over to Ralph for safe keeping. Friday evenings meal sorted for Mike and myself.
Garlic Chilli Chicken (Vindaloo hot) Mushroom fried rice and a Chilli and Keema naan. Proper Friday food.
Stan the dog was not allowed any vindaloo for obvious reasons (Stan is Ralph’s dog). After a good feed and plenty of loud mouth soup we bantered on into the evening. As mentioned, Paul joined us mid-morning on Saturday, got himself set up, then announced that he would like curry for dinner. Who are we to argue?
We decided that an afternoon ride out was in order, and on the way back we would find a restaurant to eat at.
A photo stop along the coast road heading to Barmouth.
Unfortunately the chosen restaurant was unable to seat us but a take away was not a problem, luckily there was a pub over the road with outdoor seating where we could admire our bikes in the early evening sun.
Back at the campsite we tucked into our curries and a few cans of liquid stupidity and continued the age old tradition of insulting each other as the sun slowly set into the sea.
From left to right, Mike, Paul, Kev and Ralph, yes they are all 7 foot tall!
Kev who enjoys the great outdoors has been afflicted by the same disease as myself, we both can’t have enough camping gear and gadgets, I now can’t bring all the items that I own that I thought would be a great camping addition due to the limited space on a motorcycle, Kev however has no problem in bringing practically everything he owns in the back of his rather large car.
Well you never know what you will need !
As mentioned earlier, Kev enjoys hill and mountain walking and a bit of wild camping, I’m sure you can see why he can’t get his pack weight under 20Kgs. And as the only hill and mountain walker within our little group, it’s at this point I’d like to point out, he was the only person who fell down on the very shallow, short bank that separated our tents from Ralph’s van, not just a little slip but a both feet in the air affair!
So just to clarify, we may have been away for some time but we've used our time wisely, practicing drinking, eating and being extremely childish. This weekend was no exception.
(Admittedly, we sometimes have a pot of tea... What with getting old and all that!)
As Mike would say, "A thoroughly pleasant jangle" so thanks guys for a great weekend.
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