This is the route we took in the end, mostly made up as we went along, thanks to my iPhone charger failing before we even left. Bloody technology rubbish. So with sat-nav binned, it was old fashioned navigation all the way: sign posts, AA atlas, Sun directions (yes it was out, pretty much all the way round) and the odd local questioned for specific locations. Much more fun!
Most of the tour from a riding perspective was stunning, with particular highlights through the B-roads of Somerset, Dartmoor, the south coast roads of Cornwall and large amounts of the A39 back, including the rollercoaster roads of Lynmouth gorge and Porlock Hill. Fuel efficiency was good, especially from the Yellow Peril, with its single cylinder apparently sipping reservedly away at its petrol and being seemingly about 25-30% better than the T'Alp - although I do box at a heavier weight to be fair!
Seat comfort seemed to be the main issue with the bikes over the trip, with numb arse a common ailment. So Airhawk style padding is added to the wish list. P also had issues with the high winds on some of the exposed roads, catching the tent and dry bag luggage, so maybe some downsizing is in order when we look for a new tent to take to Morocco.
Comms worked okay, was good to have and used to good effect a lot, but the in helmet speakers did irritate our ears with the slight extra pressure. Also at our greatest time of need, when we got separated down the A303, it failed as soon as we were out of line-of-sight. We never did bother recharging them and by the time we rode home were glad of the lack of comms and hurting ears.
In total we clocked up..
590 miles
2 ferry crossings
2-3 wrong turns
zero breakdowns/punctures - hoorah!
zero accidents - despite several terrible elderly car drivers (mostly along the A39)
at least 10 yummy pasties - worst was definitely Newlyn Bakery
.. and a generous amount of Cornish Rattler and assorted ales..
.. good times.
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