YMCA Fitness Instructor Trip
Click on any photo to see a larger version. Return to john.rushworth.com - /pics/
This is my November 2005 trip from Perth to London, via Settle and back via Carlisle to home. I shall stay with my sister in Settle (who swam the length of Lake Windermere this year!) on the way down south to Munstead Water Tower which was built in 1898, and is now a residence, converted and occupied by the architect Elspeth Beard. Elspeth is a round the world motorcyclist and the girlfriend of fellow writer Paul Blezard, who rides the (FF) foot forward Quasar motorcycle you see here. He is also a fan of scooters. He promises to tidy up his garage before I visit! Paul (Blez) has kindly offered to put me up for the week whilst I do my fitness instructor's course at the South Bank Club with YMCA Fit.
I shall ride my overland TTR which I wrote about in the September 2005 issue of TBM. On the way back I'll visit my friend Craig. You see his three wheeler Lomax here. Craig work's for BT and likes Judo. He use to ride the wall of death on an Indian motorcycle and Honda CB250. He is a fan of Honda TLR250s. Thanks to Arcaid and David Churchill for his beautiful pictures of Elspeth's interior.
As I write this, I ponder my trip and think of other motorcycling friends. Craig (another Craig) and David left yesterday for the Gambia on a memorial ride for my friend Simon Milward, who was sadly killed earlier this year in Mali. I hope the memorial riders meet up with John and Su from Motoaventures as they pass through Morocco, for some hospitality. I've had some wonderful rides in Morrocco, Spain, Andorra and Portugal with their adventure company.
It's great to know so many individual and interesting motorcycling friends. It's a hard life (as my Dad says) being a motorcyclist - and becoming a Personal Trainer! I shall be thinking of my Dad, and Mum in Comrie on my travels. My own motorcycle was built to go down to the Sahara this year to meet Simon. At least and at last it is going to get used now, albeit on a smaller distance trip. The panniers were a present from my parents for the original trip and are built by Metalmule. Good luck with the hip op Dad. Thanks to you both for keeping my clothes dry!
Keep an eye out for me folks whilst on the road. If you see Yamaha YJ54 SNU check it out. Today I learn from my friend Dr.Mike at motorcycle co uk that you can look up number plates (Click on Vehicle Enquiry) with the DVLA and check a vehicle status - if you don't believe I've any road tax. My ex girlfriend (Heather) was never a fan of that. I wonder if Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is taxed;)
Time to pack.
Friday Nov 11th. John Rushworth.
20th Novmeber.
The course went well and here are a few photos from the return journey.