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On Sunday I was helping to dig a hole in a mate's back garden for a concrete shed base. I dug out an old pair of work boots I had knocking about in my garage, they'll do I thought. Big mistake, within 15 minutes of starting work the left hand boot's sole decided to make a break for it, including a steel plate inside which I caught as I was walking and bent out of shape. I had a roll of duct tape with me so I got my mate to tape it up. That fell off after a few minutes so I did it again myself and this time really went for it. That stayed on for the rest of the day, BUT!!!! the other boot went after an hour or so and did exactly the same thing and I had used up all my duct tape. I had no other footwear for digging in (I was a long way from home) so I had to manage as best I could with a steel plate hanging out at a funny angle. I had to walk slowly lifting my foot high up on each step. I looked like one of those Dressage horses.

I have a little room off the living room its messy because its my room the wife is forbidden to tidy up in here because when she tidies things up things go missing

A few days ago me and Sofia decided to go for a ride along the Douro river, following it all the way from Porto (where it reaches the Atlantic ocean) until the border with Spain a little north of Miranda do Douro where it enters Portugal. The Douro is the oldest demarcated wine making region in the world, the river and the weather make great grapes. The land is very steep and mountain like, so farmers have been making steps on hills to make use of every single square meter they can get a plant in, this practice makes for unique landscapes. The weather here varies from extreme heat in the summer to freezing cold in the winter, the soil is arid and rocky, which makes for a hard living if you're a farmer. The locals are used to tough conditions and are built like their houses, not big but resilient, they show a hard exterior but as soon as you say hello they're nothing but smiles and hospitality. Portugal is a tiny country, but the high Douro and Trás os Montes are a world apart when compared to the wide open south. Trás os Montes is the name of the region that is more or less the most northern eastern square of Portugal, it is translated to "Behind the Hills". The roads are amazing, I try to keep out of the main ones and if you ride an easy to ride bike you can't go wrong with that, having said that progress can be slow if you stop in a lot of scenic points like we did. On this trip it took us 3 days of leisurely touring to get to somewhere we could easily reach in one day on the same roads, but the point of this trip was to enjoy the region, the roads, the views, the food and wine, and stay in some amazing places taking everything in. This is my report of it, I'm sure Sofia will join in later with some pictures of her own. The day started early, by 09:00 we got the only 15km of motorway we would use for the week out of the way and quickly stopped for breakfast on a small bakery by the road, getting into the swing of things and the rhythm of our traveling. Some very nice bread, fresh orange juice and a nice expresso, couldn't resist a second expresso and a little sweet though. We are following the N108 from Porto until Peso da Régua, 5 minutes after breakfast I take us on a detour out of the main road and climb Serra da Boneca, 2 or 300 meters of gravel road lead to the first view point, this is 20 minutes away from busy Porto: Back on the road and crossing a village riding down the hill back to the N road, we stop by a beautiful old farm house: The little "levada" is a tiny irrigation channel built next to the wall all the way down, they carry water through tens of miles that way Next: DRAMA! A few kms later, and Sofia got a strange feeling of sliding from the back of the Triumph, and then approaching a roundabout it stopped! Looking at it fuel was flowing freely out from under the tank when you hit the starter but stopped with everything off. Clearly a fuel line had come off, but I couldn't see it. The tool kit had lost the allen key that you need to lift the tank and I only carry torx for my bike. It could be a disaster, but spirits were still high. I called a nearby shop and dealer, which I found on google maps being only 5km away, their pictures on google made me confident they were the right place to get anything going. Sofia went to work taking the luggage off. 20 minutes later and the Triumph's tow arrived, a little push got it over the ramp that is more used to dirt bikes and in a few minutes we were on the way. Once there the Speed Triple went straight in and they went to work with it. I made myself busy getting out of their face and made a photo report of the shop. It turned out to be a very interesting shop and dealer with some surprising bikes there. This is the heart of dirt bikes in Portugal, the dirt season is coming to an end with the summer dust, lots of quads in for repairs and rebuilds, let me take you on a tour of the place. The shop's garage, all sorts of quads in need of help: An old Sachs V5 with the forks being rebuilt, it's a common daily ride in this parts: Supermoto quad, they race these in karting tracks, some use plated ones to have fun on roundabouts too ... An old CBR600, with a nasty paint job and what must be an incredibly loud exhaust Xstreme Motorsport quad, it's for tiny kids but still smaller than it appears on the picture DT50 engine being built, it's not going to be a 50cc anymore ... Artwork A nicely rebuilt Sachs V5, 5 speeds in a 50cc made this a fast bike in Portugal back when in England you were riding big twins Up on the street level we went to have a look at the dealership part of the businesss, and it threw in a few surprises: Sofia trying out a tiny but impeccable DT50LC, the only pink bike a guy could have. One of the most sold bikes in Portugal over the years. They're here Mawsley, they're in Portugal! Mawsley? Offroad equipment section Kid's bike section, cuteness overload: Big bike section Pete would love this: And an extra big one: And now for special bikes, first a 2 stroke race bike for the local street races Something odd: And two really cool old Harleys A little later and the guilty part was found, the red clip doesn't clip into place anymore, and allows the thing to come out with pressure. They obviously had none in stock so reverted to a little improvisation and a couple of cleverly tightened zip ties now hold the clip from opening. Back on the road after a wash to get all the fuel stains off, which pleased Sofia as the bike was filthy from the previous day's rain getting north. Back on the road, the two hours delay was annoying but all turned into quite a fun experience. A quick stop for a snack and we're back to sightseeing, quick stop in Mesão Frio: We rode straight through Peso da Régua, it was quite busy with tourists and we wanted to make a little time. After Peso da Régua we got out of the N108 but continued on the north bank of the river, heading to Covelinhas and São Leonardo da Galafura via tiny roads. Sofia had been here last year but really hated it, she didn't feel confident after a car running into her in the morning, worn tires, and some other stuff, today with fresh Michelins on, handlebar risers helping the Speed Triple becoming friendlier on these slow speed roads, and what is a really fun tiny road was finally appreciated São Leonardo da Galafura is a high view point, it makes for an amazing stop if you bring your lunch with you as there is plenty of cool shade and a breeze. Between Pinhão and Porto, this is a mandatory stop for me: Heading to Pinhão from here you'll start getting proper twisties, some parts with worse surface and not really a place for riding fast on sports bikes, the ocasional gravel right on the middle of a corner making it a little interesting, but a true Douro landscape. We stopped at a famous vineyard to check it out for future trips: From there on we rode straight to the hotel I booked for the night. It was a proper posh place 5km after Pinhão, belonging to an old wine farm and with such amazing views as you roll into the property that we had to stop even though it was properly hot Roses react to mildew before vines do so they serve as an indicator and help treat vines before they're affected, which means that huge amounts of roses are planted all over the place. Someplaces smell amazing even on the bike when riding through. Picked a few of the few ripe cherries straight from the tree and ate them looking at the scenery before going in As I went to park the bikes after check in, this little dude crossed paths with me, he couldn't care less about me: Nothing like a dip in a swimming pool after a hot afternoon on the bike, more so with a view like this: After relaxation and cooling down, some cold wine was had, at sunset, before dinner. This was a great ending to a great day, not a lot of kms as one can easily reach where we got by 14:00 starting at 09:00, but that would mean no long scenic stops. Next chapter, still the Douro river, a little of the Tua river and it's amazing lookout places, and sleeping in an old stone village.

I’m in very sunny Somerset enjoying a few beers with the wife and some live music ohh and I rode the bike as well full of normal people not like that weird place yen went to

Some umming and arring looking at the dark clouds and spots of rain. My good mate from work bailed, "a bit cold". But me old man and his pal Donkey Dave turned up at 5 and I was almost ready for once, it took a bit of effort to get the bike out the shed (it was rammed in, covered in crap). Off to West Stockwith for pie and paaaes (mushies). And look at the sunshine. The triumph is my Dad's, CG with useful topbox mine, CB500X Donkey Dave's. Nice bit of rotax. My Dad was very envious of the front and rear gold suspension pieces. I don't think it will be long until he splashes some cash. An old one. Some more old ones . Cheeky or what. No pictures of the pie or peas because I was hungry but the chips were good and the pie full of meaty bits. £6.50 Donkey Dave, after sending umpteen videos to his mate showing the sky getting bluer and bluerer, took us a different way back home on daft roads I've never noticed, into the sunset. Good night out. And cheers to me Dad who got the beer and food in, he's a good un.

Went for a 2 mile run early doors so no one sees me sobbing....didn't die Hyrox prep has started so my posts are all going to be about fitness and healthy eating from now on......well for today at least.....ignoring the croissant ive just crammed into my face Im so shit.

Probably fire damage

The boys at the beach in Aguilas yesterday!

As you know I had a couple of days to go see the daughter. Best start with an apology as there's not much in the way of content, you know I don't stop unless I have to as it was a boring blat down to the ferry and back. But once or the other side I dumped the bike and gear and off to the pub we go. Samantha says Hi. As you can see lovely weather although the wind was a bit keen. These are from the south west coast. We travelled along part of the route which will be the IOW TT. Riders won't have time to enjoy the views though. Samantha and Matt said hi. Stop off for dinner in the hot sun and than onto Gods hill, doesn't get much more picturesque than this. Stopped for petrol where you have to tell the "attendant" how much you put In as there's no screen to tell her in the shop, but they did have this old gem in there. Sorry, could hardly see the window reflection on the phone. We then stopped off at the "shop" where Matt got his Bandit. He'd told me of this place before with bikes and part over 2 floors of this unit and he now spilling out into the surrounding area. As always with me the basted decides to have a holiday, back June the 3rd. Gutted. We had a quick stop at Robin Hill, where Matt works and then back to their house. Don't think I've mentioned that they like on a street which it more akin to something Bob and fed would have fun on. I've been up and down it many times but this time I picked the wrong line and had Samantha on the back. I'd switched off the engine and we were rolling down to her house when we went over a large rock, this was the result. Basted rock Engine oil contents The fix was a trip the the local Halfords, fresh oil, some 80 grit, carb cleaner to get rid of the oil and some metal putty. This was the result that got me home, well happy. Got to decide on a new sump or get it off and weld. Bloody thing stunk of oil all the way home which kept me checking. Don't think I'll leave it as a repair but def got me out of trouble. It'll now be something I carry in the top box along with the tyre seal.

his BMW has arrived at the garage....

Better get one in since i'm not here on the weekend

Bold of you to assume he has ridden them.

apparently posting pics of his scabby mange on internet forums

Loaded and ready to roll early tomorrow morning. Going to leave in the dark so the neighbors don't see me driving a truck with a bike in the back. They'll think I'm a Harley rider or something....

Boot story............ So when I had my accident in 2001 my leg was left hanging on by a piece of skin and my work boot was still attached to the leg. Once I was out of intensive care and on the recovery ward I had a nice view of the incinerator chimney puffing away during the day. One day I was looking out of the window when a nurse came in . I asked her if that's the incinerator over there, she replied yes and asked me why I was asking. I asked if that's where they burnt my leg, she looked at me slightly worried and replied , yes I suppose so ? I said 'well that's a disgrace' , she looked slightly shocked now and was almost scared to carry on the conversation but as nurses are trained so well she said 'why do you say that' ? I was trying not to laugh now but said with a straight face 'I had a brand new work boot on my leg, they could have given it back to me before they burnt it' , she now looked very concerned but as I grinned you could see the relief come back to her face. She came over to me and said ' you wait till I've got to take your catheter out' , you won't be laughing then

After i broke my leg and the paramedics cut off one of my sidi on roads to save my leg i duck taped the boot back up and used it for a few more years.

I see you have your wank bank open.

My lap …

Happy Sunday Decided no jobs today just experimental kitchen. First off one of their favourites (non-experimental) fusion of curry spices and sunday lunch. The mutton joints been blipping away overnight in a curried stock and I’m planning curry spiced roast potatoes, onion bhajis, cumin mashed carrot and swede (sounds terrible but the butter and spices make it go down a storm) and okra and I’ve not quite decided but some sort of cream curried sauce. Maybe some whole roasted garlic too Then experimental kitchen is going to have a go at dehydrating chillis, baby corn and chicken which is apparently isn’t easy cos unless its very lightly pressure cooked chicken will not rehydrate. Oops forgot- @gymwitch the beef jerky went down a storm. I turned the dehydrator off and the 5 large trays of beef jerky had been decimated by the gannets down to one in less than 3 hours. But it was an involved process and although the flavour and texture was really good I’m not sure it was worth the effort. Thinly slicing partially frozen meat is hard on the hands. There endeth the days posting, sorry I exceeded my word allowance. You may now go in peace

Is he 8?

Needy cunts, you are not going to vote for it anyway.

You need a song for these motovehicler travails of yours.

And here's the Teutonic Oil Belcher in happier times.......

Yeh and it’s not dropping its oil every where

Just another young buck....who resides @ Wallowa lake...

So, second day, we started the day by stopping for fuel and a morning expresso just 5km from where we slept, in Pinhão, while having the needed coffee I noticed the amount of swallows nesting on the building in front of the fuel station. I'm quite happy that Portugal's wildlife seems to be picking up considerably over the last 3 or 4 years. One sees much more birds of all sorts, small animals like rabbits and snakes, and even deer. Next was another stop for investigating a possible hotel for future tours, also in Pinhão. The parking lot full of GSs made my bike feel a little generic , the Renault 4L reminding we're in oldschool Portugal. Just a few kms out of town heading for the Rio Tua via some tiny country roads, Sofia clearly adventuring on the very street oriented Speed Triple, and we stop at Casal de Loivos to look back at Pinhão from a different perspective It was about 10:30 and already getting a little hot, that day it'd get to 33 or 34º. The tiny unkept old cobblestone streets through the center of Casal de Loivos didn't agree with Sofia, but can't really ask locations to tarmac over 200 year old cobbles, the ones in this picture are brand new and very much straight by comparison. Local vehicles behind show how you water crops high in the hills where there's no water well or access to the river. Through some pretty narrow and sometimes very much dust covered cobble farm access roads, we headed to the place where the Tua flows into the Douro Under the old railroad bridge: And onto the Barragem do Tua (Tua's dam), the tunnel to the right of the dam being one of few on the old Tua railroad, this region rich in old railways through very scenic locations. I think this one is now not in use anymore. Over on the other side of that metal railroad bridge in the distance is the Douro. Back on the road we take the N214, a little diversion away from the Douro, a quick stop after some really nice mid speed corners, wide and smooth tarmac to Sofia's content, to reach the Miradouro Olhos do Tua (Eyes of the Tua Lookout) in the small village of Castanheiro, A stop for some work calls and figuring out where to go next in the Sr. da Boa Morte Chapel and lookout, right next to the previous place in the same village. After a while, a course was set and we met back with the Douro, crossed over the Barragem da Valeira below back onto the south bank Crossing over to the other side, we're near São João da Pesqueira, to climb all the way up a chapel located on top of a special viewpoint, Mirador de São Salvador do Mundo has quite an epic name to it, and the place impresses by how old it feels, in English it's translated to Saint Savior of the World Lookout. It was hot and I really didn't feel like walking up the 100 meters we had to, but Sofia had never been there and I it's worth it. Last time the gate was open and I rode all the way up. On that green metal door rested the fattest gecko I've ever seen We tried to follow right next to the river on a tiny road but it somehow went into a farm and through it. It felt like it could be turning into something not pleasant to ride on the Triumph so I went ahead to scout. Sure enough the bumpy cobblestones turned to a soft dirt road, going quite uphill. I turned back and we went a different way. Turning back down this was the view We rode through one of the many half abandoned villages and rejoined the N222, a scenic road up here, many bikers follow it all the way to Porto but doing so lose the best of what you can see, this one taken on an unassuming M541 It was quite hot by now, and by 17:00 we reached our destination for the night. Being mostly self catered, we stopped on a country grocery shop to buy some wine, meat and a couple of vegetables. Murça is a small village with plenty of life in it, but a few of abandoned traditional homes. Some of those were bought up and converted into tourist lodging. I was quick to settle and jump into the cold swimming pool, nothing like jumping into cold water to freshen up and revive after a few hours facing the heat on a bike. Feeling fresh and happy, it was time to have our cold wine on the freezer and that the lovely Sonia baked some fresh bread for us. Sofia can do without some stuff but bread isn't one After cooling down, even the tortuously bumpy stone road looked better: We settled into a little corner of paradise and I got to work on the coal to fire up the BBQ. Cold Douro wine, some nice cheese, and Trás os Montes olive oil to dip bread in, that's a way to start a meal: Some pork and onions were thrown onto the coals, it helped smoke out the mosquitoes too Fed and watered, we went on a little walk, let me take you through Murça at 21:00... Mosquitoes were out in force, so we retreated inside, and sat on quite an unconfortable sofa to watch some 80s tv. Sleep was had in not the comfiest of beds too, but in utter silence, the north was treating us well.

They've taken it for one last last walk for old time's sake, told it to look at something so it turns its head, then a quick double tap with a pistol to put it out of its misery.

Kind of set up I'd like to make, bringing my guitars together along with recording gear....

Here's the Gazebo the wife put up as protection for Terry and Tara from vultures and hawks! Besides having the run of the back patio and garage they have access to the flower beds full of earth.

It’s like this I can’t help it

My neighbour is waaay shorter than me at 4ft 10 !!! Ha ha ha made my heckin day

Off on the bike with the wife to a bike do in Castle Cary this weekend, will be the first time in a long time me and the wife have been away on the bike together not sure i can remember how to pack the bike and i have to tax it

This trip is going to be epic I can’t wait! It’ll be great to catch up Reggie

Day 1 -up at 2:30 am to get ready and the power is out. Heavy snow must have snapped a tree which fell into a powerline somewhere. So I get ready to go in the dark. Nice. I get out to the truck only to be greeted by 6" of new snow. Quick shovel of the steps and I load up and head out.......

Seems my 650 sold in the first few days it was in the dealer. I'm not surprised because I really did a number on it before it went in.

Not sure yet; either to Hays, Kansas or Columbia, Missouri and then dump the truck. I'll stop along the way, get the bike out of the truck, snap a pic and then reload it. Or I might just use someone else's pics.....

Mr Slowlys new monitor is so large he has to look left and right to be able to see it all The current solution which looks like crap is to have one desk with the screen at the back and another in front of it with the keyboard and mouse allowing him to sit far enough back to see it all So I’ve bought this lovely chunk of walnut. It’ll mean he can have the absolute maximum amount of desk space available. Difficult to photograph lent in the hall and it’s still wrapped in plastic so doesn’t look great but I think it will work well.