So we were up early for this leg of the travels. Wanted to make sure we have enough time for any 'navigation dilemma's' along the way to Calais and the 'Le Shuttle' (Euro Tunnel) terminal.
[At the last minute we had to change back to the old panniers as the elastic hooks I had taken would not fit the new panniers 'lid loops' ]
As it was we (me) got a bit confused on the 'ring' road around Brussels, but finally got the right off ramp and made the check-in terminal about 2 hours early. We selected a 'free' departure time change from 14:36 to 12:36 and after UK customs we went to get a bite to eat.
At the loading / waiting area we got chatting to another biker couple (Brit's) coming back home. They gave us some info on sights and events we can see in London. We'll leave the bike parked and catch the Tube.
[ For those who have asked for videos of riding on the Autobhans and Motorways. Here is a link to a directory of movies we took during the day. These files are large, and might take some time to stream. Click here for the Web Directory. There will be more flies uploaded as my Google Drive can up load them]
We had planned to camp at a scout park called Gilwell Park. Which is a land holding given to Lord Baden Powell early in the Scout movements history. After some UK motorway fun we arrived to (not unexpectedly) find the park filled with scouts and cubs on camps and activitities (it is holiday time after all).
After a walk about checking out the small museum and store. We got talking to a scout leader ... Yeah of course we did ... And found out that an Aussie group of Salvation Army Scouts were on site. We made our way over to the camp site and more talking and chatting ensured.
During my email conversations with the support staff I was not told I'd need my "Working with Children card", and we did not bring them (we cleared our wallets of un-needed cards etc) and because there were youth present on site we would not be allowed to stay.
As it was, we had seen enough and were happy to leave. Even in the rain that had started to fall. So when we had fitted our rain liners to pants and jackets we left. As we made our way across the north London ring road section the heavens opened up with heavy rain which lasted for about 1 hour. After about 20 mins of this on the busy Motorway with trucks and cars speeding past me (I was down to 80kmh with low visibility) we took an exit ramp and stopped in a parking area. Selected "find Lodgings" from the Garmin 60csx GPS and tried a few. We ended up at "Premier Motel/Inn at 'Kings Langley'.
At 70 Pounds for the room it is expensive, but dry. So you pay the price or leave... We paid...
Next door to the Inn is a Pub, where we had a feed, Deb actually had a glass of wine (white) with dinner, but that's taken its toll on her now, as she has crashed out. Now this is all from me today.
(nb. a REMINDER to Steve, we did get up at 3:45)
The new plan is to find a camping site (weather looks better for the next few days) which is close to a railway station. We can spend several days exploring London.
Also for those interested here is the Google Earth .KML file to see our route. 05Aug.KML
Cheers,
Stephen and Debbie.
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| Stopped at a road house for breakfast |
 |
| Notice something different? |
As it was we (me) got a bit confused on the 'ring' road around Brussels, but finally got the right off ramp and made the check-in terminal about 2 hours early. We selected a 'free' departure time change from 14:36 to 12:36 and after UK customs we went to get a bite to eat.
At the loading / waiting area we got chatting to another biker couple (Brit's) coming back home. They gave us some info on sights and events we can see in London. We'll leave the bike parked and catch the Tube.
 |
| waiting lane for the bikes. |
 |
| Parked and we're ready. No strapping needed as the ride is smooth and fast (160Kmh) |
[ For those who have asked for videos of riding on the Autobhans and Motorways. Here is a link to a directory of movies we took during the day. These files are large, and might take some time to stream. Click here for the Web Directory. There will be more flies uploaded as my Google Drive can up load them]
We had planned to camp at a scout park called Gilwell Park. Which is a land holding given to Lord Baden Powell early in the Scout movements history. After some UK motorway fun we arrived to (not unexpectedly) find the park filled with scouts and cubs on camps and activitities (it is holiday time after all).
After a walk about checking out the small museum and store. We got talking to a scout leader ... Yeah of course we did ... And found out that an Aussie group of Salvation Army Scouts were on site. We made our way over to the camp site and more talking and chatting ensured.
 |
| Museum entrance. |
During my email conversations with the support staff I was not told I'd need my "Working with Children card", and we did not bring them (we cleared our wallets of un-needed cards etc) and because there were youth present on site we would not be allowed to stay.
 |
| Tents at the Jamboree |
As it was, we had seen enough and were happy to leave. Even in the rain that had started to fall. So when we had fitted our rain liners to pants and jackets we left. As we made our way across the north London ring road section the heavens opened up with heavy rain which lasted for about 1 hour. After about 20 mins of this on the busy Motorway with trucks and cars speeding past me (I was down to 80kmh with low visibility) we took an exit ramp and stopped in a parking area. Selected "find Lodgings" from the Garmin 60csx GPS and tried a few. We ended up at "Premier Motel/Inn at 'Kings Langley'.
At 70 Pounds for the room it is expensive, but dry. So you pay the price or leave... We paid...
Next door to the Inn is a Pub, where we had a feed, Deb actually had a glass of wine (white) with dinner, but that's taken its toll on her now, as she has crashed out. Now this is all from me today.
(nb. a REMINDER to Steve, we did get up at 3:45)
The new plan is to find a camping site (weather looks better for the next few days) which is close to a railway station. We can spend several days exploring London.
Also for those interested here is the Google Earth .KML file to see our route. 05Aug.KML
Cheers,
Stephen and Debbie.
Hi Steve and Deb, Looks like you are having fun! Let us know when you will be in the Harrogate area. Anne
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