(Five trials bikes wedged into Mike's van... space for a few more!)
Saturday we met up early with Alan (a friend of Mike’s) and by 08h00 we were heading out of Peebles toward Edinburgh. The mission was to get from Peebles to Mike’s Dad’s house on the outskirts of Edinburgh - 40 miles as the crow flies across forest, streams and hills. The weather was rubbish: 6.5 degrees and rain.
(Jack and Al in good spirits before we set out - Al's so handy on a bike he only needs a traditional Scots helmet!)
We cut through farmland, wilderness, forest and streams. It was wet. Very wet. Coming down a hill, sliding front and back wheels, we hit a hidden bog at the bottom. The tall, thick grass looks and feels pretty even, but then the front wheel would suddenly drop into a foot-deep stream that’s hidden in the grass.
(Party on! All larfs before the going got tough)
Mike was the first off… followed a few seconds later by Ant. I ride past Ant spread out in the wet grass. “Alright?”. “Yeah.” Clump! My front wheel disappears into another hidden stream and stops dead… I go over the bars and land in a heap in the thick, wet grass. Doh!
(Al doing a stream crossing in style! I just rode through them.)
We did some cool stream crossings, big hill climbs and crazy descents – tricky in the driving rain on wet grass! Then Jack’s wee 50cc twist-‘n-go bike failed to start. We couldn’t sort it so Alan towed Jack a few miles to the nearest road and then to the next village. That was the fastest that wee bike had ever gone!
(Stopping for a bite to eat out of the wind and rain)
We leave Jack in the town to be picked up and head off toward Edinburgh again. The weather turned worse and the rain was driving at 45 degrees in the howling wind with raindrops the size of grapes and some hail.. The earth under us was just water-logged grass and mud. We’re about 2/3 of the way to Edinburgh. Going down a big hill, out the corner of my eye I see man and bike cart-wheeling down the hill! Ant hit a hidden hole, front wheel just stoped and he has a big one over the bars. Moments later Mike lands in a hole the size of a car!
(We attempt field repairs on Jack's bike. Poor design on the wee bike let us down... the carb and airbox were full of grass, mud and water!)
We stop to check is all’s alright and a quad approaches from the top of the hill. The quad is the local landlord. He’s pissed off. He’s been chasing us for about 3 miles. The first thing he tells us is that he doesn’t like motorbikes and that we must get off his land. He was in no mood for discussion, but Mike and Alan try. He having none of it and is quite irate. Then Alan’s bike doesn’t start – water in the electrics. The farmer tows him a bit before we sort it with WD40. Our last conversation with the farmer was:
"Cross my palm with silver."
"How much?"
"One-hundred pounds"
"We'll give you twenty..."
(Leaving Jack in the village - Ant dressed warm and waterproof... I was soaked and cold! Notice the real kilted Scottsman waiting for the bus.)
We don’t see a way through to Edinburgh without going on the farmer’s land so we decide to head back to Peebles… cross country of course! We have a wicked ride back in double-quick time, only water in Alan’s carb slowing down.
(Getting Al's bike going again)
By the time we get back to the van it’s stopped raining, the sun is shining and we’re knackered. A brilliant day, despite not completing the mission – rounded off with beers, a home-cooked meal and the day’s war-stories with friends around an open fire. Nothing better!
