Catching some rays.

In complete contrast to last Monday... I'm not moving today... Sun is shining, the sky is blue cuckoo in the distance and I'm relaxing for the day. No point rushing around this week. I've got plenty of time to explore Italy's wonderful interests, but for now its a very pleasant 24 degrees with a nice cool breeze. Why do anything else? After a long grey dull British winter, the first chance to sit in the sunshine is something I'm enjoying. 

I have done one thing today and that was to check the bikes cooling system. I replaced the coolant with fresh just before I left.. On Saturday whilst riding in warm temperatures it was bubbling a bit after I switched the engine off.. bit of an air lock I think. sadly to get at everything on the Versys you have to dismantle the body work.. Even the coolant expansion tank cap is inaccessible without getting the spanners out. Nice design Mr Kawasaki!

Anyways its sorted.. moving on :o)

Another peaceful night after a bottle of wine(again) - think I might have a night off the alcohol tonight..will check my INR tomorrow. not that it makes much difference,it seems better when I do drink.. That's my excuse anyway. It was a little low last week, so I have been compensating with increased doses of warfarin. I don't expect it to be far out when I do check

I think I'm starting to get myself a bit more organised with camping and the gear on the bike.. I was frustrated last week by misplacing everything. In such a small space it shouldn't be possible. For anyone that has ever seen my garage you will understand. I've always had a mischievous fairy that follow me around moving things I need and putting them back when I'm no longer looking for them. She/it seems to be accompanying me on the trip !

So having struggled mentally, across France's overcast skies its amazing how a little sun and warm temperatures can ease your mind. I'm sure there are fiercer temperatures to be experienced over the coming months but for this sun starved Englishman, right now its just perfect thanks. 

Looking at the map Imola is about an hour and half away I think. setting off on Friday morning will see me there by around lunch time easily..A weekends racing action will be in stark contrast the relaxing atmosphere of this Italian hillside, but that's a good thing, contrast is what makes life interesting - ying and yang 

Not moving on!

(yet)

Oh Yeah! - Captains log - supplemental  - I have uploaded a few pictures to the Flickr album.. Link is on the right near the youtube link. - just in case your interested :o) 

And if you see an advertisement on the front of the youtube vids - be a little patient and see it through (its only a couple of minutes) but hey I get paid for them ! lol - thanks

Bolognese blogging

After 3 days lake side in Garda it was time to move on as the rain made a valiant attempt to catch up with me. Not the best campsite in the area I'm sure but it gave me time to catch my breath after racing the weather since leaving the uk.

A fairly uninteresting ride across the flatlands of northern Italy's Po plain through Modena and slightly lost around the periphery of Bologna see's me in more entertaining countryside with typically Italian landscape wonderful scenery and the constant call of a distant cuckoo to accompany my pasta tea..

I have lots of video of the ride over the Alps and into Italy to upload when I get a decent WiFi connection. , but until then I'll keep on filming for when the opportunity arises.

Next target is the world superbike round at Imola, which is about an hours ride away so I think this is a place to sit back for a while and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Italy's rolling hills.

Chasing dreams just got chilled..

Ciao

Easing through the day Italian style

First day of not covering distance today. . A day off sitting by lake garda after getting up later than I have recently. . No rush to leave a hotel room. . Breakfast sat by the lake eased of into the day. A short trip to the supermarket for provisions, wine cheese, tomatoes and olives. . A man needs nothing more. . . Well apart from a motorbike.

The alps crossing was amazing, but arriving in Italy has eased my mind. . It has always been a place I feel at peace in. . I don't know why. Maybe I just get the way of life here. The passion for living without the British obsession for more than we have.

Anyway I have a few weeks here to find myself and relax, laugh out loud at the driving experience and marvel at the scenery.

I have a week before going to imola for the WSB meeting and then a couple of weeks before motogp at mugello.

I will update the YouTube channel when I get a WiFi connection again . Might have to find an Internet cafe to upload the video. .

Ciao for now

I've decided that I will not post the videos here as they detract from the narrative. Videos belong on YouTube where they are hosted. I want to use this blog for written word that give you a feeling of what I'm experiencing. 

Click the you tube link on the right of this screen to see the video updates. 

Or go to https://www.youtube.com/

So after a comfortable night in Chur we'll see what today brings.. 

Watch out for quick updates on Twitter

@trackdayrider