Slow Down!

It was their fault for speaking to me in the first place “You’re the guy with the Rocket”, as one of them stood and threw his hand out in a friendly gesture. I duly accepted the offer of a handshake and proceeded to scattergun them with all things motorcycling and travel related. That’ll teach them for talking to strangers! The two English bikers from York, were having a peaceful pre-ride coffee outside the hotel when I spoiled their peace. It transpires that we are returning along the same roads so maybe I’ll see them again, unless they see me first! 

Reflecting on our conversation, yes they did have chance to get a word in edgeways, it seemed that I was a bit hyper! Whether it was because they were the first English people I’ve spoken to on the trip, and that they were fellow bikers, I’m not sure. I don’t feel any need for contact, and certainly have no desire to ride with anybody else, maybe I was still buzzing from yesterday’s exploits and also looking forward so much to today?

I’m intoxicated

The snow dappled mountains and silver ribboned waterfalls reflect in the gently rippling icy turquoise waters of the fjords.

I’m a scenery person, yes I can appreciate a good beach, but mountains and lakes are my favourite. We all know that Norway’s scenery is spectacular, and having spent two weeks here previously I knew first hand what to expect. But like going down ‘The Lakes’ in my own county, I’m still in awe every time I see these sights.

How opinions can change

On the long trek north through Sweden I again questioned if motorcycling is the best and most enjoyable travel option for me. 

When Rachel and I were teenagers and in our twenties we used to say “Who’d have a car, being confined in a metal box in hot weather, there should be a law against it”! 

During our van life the bike subject would occasionally pop up, usually in response to seeing some poor motorcyclist battling with the elements. We had done our fair share of biking through the years and then, in our late fifties and early sixties, we were ‘vanners, We both had that ‘seen it, done it etc’ view, and had no desire to get back into it. My opinion at the time was “It’s either too hot, too cold, too wet or too windy”. 

Well today it wasn’t any of those things and motorcycling was the best option.