Scot Sprint Tour 2007
Riding the Triumph Sprint ST 1050cc
My first thoughs on where to ride my new bike had been set in Scotland!
In all the tours I've ridden solo over the years it's never taken me long to decide where to ride, Great Britain has diversity and challenging roads, it's a relatively small island which means you're never too far away from home but surprising enough your can still be in the middle of nowhere and cut off from technology .
I've ridden round Scotland once before and I think I know where I going or at least to the borders of Scotland anyhow, what a place Scotland is for riding a motorcycle but should I spoil it by mentioning the weather?
It's a good feeling riding a British bike, flying the flag to Scotland you might say but what a shame our manufacturing industrial is basically nonexistent these days, I'd say to anyone who wishes to ride a motorcycle, give it a try it's never too late..
After crossing the border into Scotland I visit my favourite city, I never thought I'd say that! Edinburgh is the only city I've grown fond of and it's not just the lively atmosphere which Edinburgh captures, it's the city's mixture of buildings formed to match the natural surroundings or so I think anyway! Many Cities I visited over the years have left me looking for the exit.
So on with the tour riding north across the Forth Road Bridge into rain and fog, did you know it's now free to cross the bridge and Scotland is the only place free of bloody road tolls, also speed cameras become less of a dangerous road detraction and once you're riding the highlands your away on the open road.
So I set my course for Dundee following the A90 which runs up the east coast of Scotland, I planned to see more of the west coast this time and found Dundee to be a place which never really made me stop for long, I guess Dundee was ok but not what I was finally going to come across. Aberdeen is bustling with people and there's a sense of tourism, Aberdeen when I arrive was raining but the place had one road it seemed that focused on the cities function, I didn't stay for long and moved on round the coast to Inverness where I find a convenient campsite located in the heart of the city.
I decided from there I would ride the long leg to John o' Groats, this is the furthest north you can go on the UK main land, Lands End is the furthest south and between the two is 874 miles, there are many people which ride the leg from the two points and more common than not are people riding two wheels. The time I was there a number of motorcycles arrived; some cyclists also which had ridden the full Lands Ends to John o'Groats, their picture is taken in recognition of their achievement.
I planned to ride over the Sky Bridge on this tour and visit the Isle of Sky for the first time, The Cuillin Hills are the first thing you see after crossing the bridge which shows off some amazing views of the land around you, sweeping passed the Cuillin Hills your left with a choice of two roads but don't worry there both scenic and worth the ride apart from the A87 takes you to the main town called Portree which is a great place to stop for the night.
A campsite is within walking distance of the town and is perfect place for a few beers and fish and chips, the locals are friendly and the atmosphere is full of good mood, I was lucky and sore a Scottish parade which cause crowds of people to line the streets and stand outside pubs drinking beer.
Scotland never fails to please and has always been a top destination for motorcycle touring