Highland Mini Meet
 

High Folks

Just to let anyone who is interested know that a few of us have got our heads together to arrange a mini meet in the highlands for the weekend beginning 28th May - Camping available in Cannich (25 miles from Inverness )

Cannich Caravan & Camping Park - Situated in the Scottish Highlands at Glen Affric near Loch Ness

I have checked with the owners who wont be turning anyone away as i understand has happened on a previous meet

This will be a good opportnity to catch up with Angus and Paul - who should have lots of tales to tell from their Africa trip.

A few definites so far

Bruce and Stella
Doug
Angus
Paul
Chris and Beej

Look forward to some more replies

Chizz (Bruce)

I knew this would happen! Its the same weekend as the Northern Ireland HU meeting, which I've booked on :(

I've been checking on Angus and Paul's blog. Affric 2 Africa - Charity Fund Raiser
It looks like they are making good progress, and would love to hear their stories when they get back! So I'm planning on coming up there sometime over the summer (with loads of Skin so Soft!). Hope to meet Stella, my Serow Sister too!! :scooter:

Sorry Debs

We always knew that whatever date we agreed not everyone could make it - look forward to seeing you in the summer sometime.

Bruce

Bruce - I will also be on the road. See you some other time up at the CNOC

Rob

Hi Bruce, If i can I will be there - may be to early for the back to be sorted but we will see - however I will try to use the shorter / quicker route this time - so by my calculations that must be to Peterhead and turn left. Jake.

Sorry you cant make it Robb i will by you a pint next time you are up,

Jake this is great news - glad to hear you are getting better - it will be great to see you -if it turns out the camping is a problem for the back let us know - i am sure we can find a bed for you somewhere!

Bruce

Hi Bruce if I get there camping will be fine and I am pretty sure I will get there. tchus Jake.

would be great to see you Jake, if you do make it.

have had a txt from the Affric boys on the africa trip. sounds like there will be a few stories to tell !

cheers,
Doug

Im up in Edinburgh that weekend on the bike so who knows !!

I'll talk to my mate !

by the way, I have cracking route from Edinburgh to Cannich. I will probably leave Edinburgh around mid-day-ish, depending on if anyone else wants to ride up?

it's gentle, twisting roads, though about as direct as it gets. on the old military road route.

cheers

Dougie can you pass me the details of your route as I am thinking of splitting the trip up and back into two days each way and camping half way up - my route was stirling - aberfeldy - tummel bridge wild camp loch ranoch near camghouran then Friday north to ranoch station on a9 turn off to Laggan over to south side of the loch a 82 and a87 and work my way to the do.

so, from Edinburgh,

over the Bridge and through Rosyth towards Dunfermline, picking up the A823.
Follow the A823 through Dunfermline towards Powmill (past Knockhill race circuit).
After Powmill, left (still on the A823) to Yetts o Muckhart.
Nadgery junction follows, take a right turn, then immediately bear left following signs to Glendevon.
Through Glen Devon, Glen Eagles (crossing the A9).
Stay on the A823 until it becomes the A822 and goes into Crieff.
In Crieff, go along the High St (heading towards Perth).
After 2 miles or so, and a set of s-bends, take a left at Gilmerton.
Through Sma' Glen (bits of Wade's road), and past Amulree (hotel was an old Kingshouse for English troops)
left onto A826 to Aberfeldy (72 miles from central Edinburgh).

leave Aberfeldy over Wade's bridge, towards Weem.
past Glengoulandie (Schiehallion on the left, where contour lines were invented) and left after Tummel Bridge (another old Wade bridge).
first right (sign The North), then next right to Trinafour
Immediately after Trinafour take a left signed Dalchalloch
after going over the top, you'll join the A9.
take a left and then pull off at the next left, Dalwhinnie.
Then it's Laggan and Spean Bridge, and up to Glen Affric.

I cycled this a few weeks back, and it's one of the most spectacular routes I've come across in central Scotland (I think).

Aberfeldy, nr Tummel Bridge, Kinloch Rannoch, Glengoulandie all have campsites.

Do you have a spot you've been to before for camping nr loch rannoch ? I can do a wee recce for you over the next couple of weeks, just to double check the possible sites. Unless someone else already knows. Certainly higher up everything was pretty sodden because of the snow, and all the lochs were still frozen.

On a good day it's definitely worth going through glen devon, glen eagles, and sma' glen. the road between Trinafour and the A9 is also really good, and is a shortcut.

cheers.

Hi Dougie yes that route up through wades bridge and weem is a route I have used before it really is lovely and there are a few lakeside spots for wild camping along the south side of Loch Ranoch but i have a particular one in mind where I stayed it has great views and is right on a small beach area. But thanks for the offer of the recce - not really needed I will find somewhere along the route in anycase even if someone else happens to be using what i have in mind. Cheers jake.

Dukes Pass Auchray Forest trail
 

Hi Folks I will be in Edinburgh on Friday May 28th. On the Saturday I had plans to take Touring Ted around the dukes pass and maybe onto the Auchray forest trail. Is that anywhere near where you lot will be meeting or camping?

If so maybe we will bump into you before heading back to Edinburgh to stay on the Saturday night.

Regards
GM

If the weather's anything like today, count me in too.

Dougie - when you heading up from Edin?

TT, GM,

I take it you guys are on your own bikes, and not on one bike ? I also assume you guys have already accomodation/stuff planned for the Friday night in Edinburgh (down the docks.. :-) )

We're camping above you, about half way up Loch Ness and then left down Glen Affric. Where we'll be riding out to on the Saturday will largely depend on the weather, we'll be chasing whatever sun there is. I could imagine a loop, returning through Glen Shiel (Bruce?). That would be close-ish to where you are planning to be.

But, obviously, you're more than welcome to come along Friday pm, and you could do your planned route on the way back to Edinburgh on the Saturday ?

Mike,

not sure yet, but I had hope to leave Friday late-afternoon. that would give 3 or 4 hours of light. what time suits you ?

cheers,
Doug

Hi Dougie the plan so far is ride up to Eburgh on Friday daytime. Ted and me will be on seperate bikes but I will have my GF on the back of mine. I have a black Transalp and I am not sure what steed Ted is riding on the day it maybe either an Africa twin or a 350 DRZ.

I will be leaving my GF at my brothers in Joppa on the Saturday while me and Ted go out getting all rough and sweaty for the day. I have to be back in Eburgh on Sat night and then we will head back to the Wirral on Sunday.

No probs with getting up early on Saturday though for a long days ride somewhere. PM me you mobile number nearer the date and we can maybe arrange something? Hopefully the snow will have gone by then. I still wake up screaming and in a cold sweat over the last Northern mini meet at Cropton, lol!.

Sounds like i'm going to be needing my gimp mask for this weekend !:rofl:

We should try and do it green. I'll try and be on the Africa Twin but theres a small chance ill be on the DRZ400.

you should always bring your gimp mask on any trip to Edinburgh... ;-)

PM'd you my number. I'm not sure when I'll be heading there. There's a possibility of me going up on Friday and Saturday (it's complicated...). If there's a few others preferring to go up on Saturday morning, early, I can nip back down ad we can ride up ? To get up there for the Saturday ride out.

You guys do know that 'green laning' is not legal up here ? Do with that you will.

cheers,
Doug

Doug, I'd be keen to head up around friday lunchtime-ish or earlier I guess especially if taking the scenic route

yep, Mike, that sounds like a plan.

I have friends getting married on the Friday, but will come on up assuming I have a) no work and b) money for new tyres, fuel etc.

There is a strong possibility that a and b will be mutually exclusive. :(

Maybe I should take Dougie's approach and cycle

Laura

it would only take you 2 days Laura. :-)

Sounds like a good weekend...I'll be creating stories of my own at the time and will be on my travels.....hopefully just leaving Kyrgyzstan after a very peaceful time there (!).

Have fun everyone, and thanks for the previous weekends folks...hopefully catch up when I get back...eventually.

Cheers
Darren

Hi dont think ill make this but i have been to cannich and then along to PLODDA falls not far away at all have a great wk end ROB

Date is booked!
 

Hi All,

That weekend is booked into our diaries... looking forward to it!

Just back from a weeks touring up north, weather was amazing! :Beach: If it's at all similar then it'll be great! Here's hoping!

Jake... great to hear that your feeling better! :smile3:

Beej n Chris

Bruce,

do you know how long it would (roughly) take to do the loop Ullapool/Durness ? just thinking it might be a possible ride-out, and stop at the chocolate shop in Durness ?

cheers

Or maybe a loop involving Applecross?

Durness loop
 

Dougie

This is a really nice ride but if you really want to enjoy it it would take the best part of a day -Applecross is about a 4 hour round trip. I guess it all depends on what people want to do/weather etc. We could have some shorter rides exploring the local Glens - lots of single track roads - or Bonar bridge - Ullapool
and lots of other variants black isle etc and plenty of other suggestions - Maybe we could have a chat on the Friday night and see what folk want to do.

Bruce

Can a couple of nocives invite themselves along for the Saturday night.
I will probably have to work on the Saturday but usually get finished early afternoon, it would be a leisurly run up after work.
That way we would hopefully get to meet some folks who can give a couple of touring novices some pointers.
We have done 1 European trip which we muddled thru, but its always good to know how to do it right.
Do we have to book a pitch at the camp site and let them know we are with the motorcycle meet.

I would also like to come along. There are some fantastic routes in that part of the world, I advocate the Wester Ross Coastal Trail, the A832.

Ben/Milimut

You are all very welcome - I have been told there is no need to book the campsite but I will take a ride along and see the owner a week or so beforehand once we are clearer on numbers - he has said he will cordon us off a section of the campsite if neccesary.

For those of you that know Angus and Paul I can confirm that Paul is now back in blighty and Angus somehere near Mt Blanc - I am sure they will have a few stories to tell!

Chizz

Hey guys

Wondering if you minded if a lone American showed up/tagged along. Would be great to meet some of the local talent! Sounds like a fun bunch.

Regards
Mark

Hi Mark,

Every one is welcome! Would be great to have you with us!

A group of us will be travelling up north on the Friday afternoon from Edinburgh, let me know if you'd like to join us.

Beej

Well if you are having the Yanks attend, you'll need a real *Teuchter* to give your wee gathering some gravitas:D

Rory

*
TEUCHTER, n. A term of disparagement or contempt used in Central Scotland for a Highlander, esp. one speaking Gaelic, or anyone from the North, an uncouth, countrified person.

Hey Rory

Does that mean you're going to attend the party yourself...or just send a close family member!!:oops2:

Always thought a "teuchter" was like the Loch Ness Monster--simply folklore...they really exist then?? I must meet one then!! Of course in our neck of the woods we have a similar species--called "jack pine savages" --of which I am a very close relative---so thinking I should get along fine with the "teuchters" (they wouldn't hold me down and put one of those funny dresses on me--would they??and make fun of my snow white legs!)

Beej---I might just take you up on that--I'll get ahold of you a few days before that Friday

Mark

For us Highland gentlemen the Kilt is optional
For yank’s with attitude the Kilt is compulsory:eek3:


Rory

YIKES!!!:nono: I'm confident that we could work out a truce between gentlemen--perhaps using a bottle of fine Scottish whisky as a fair and neutral arbitraitor!

Mark

Mark, do you live here or on a visit ?

whisky solves everything... and I can confirm that there's a bar in Cannich that sells whisky. :-)

I must agree.
This will take a lot of philosophical discussion best done over a bottle of finest mountain dew. In fact we could solve the bank crises and world poverty by the time we get to the bottom of a bottle.

Rory :thumbup1:

Weaklinks/Rory
 

Weaklinks/Rory

You are most welcome - if there is any discussion involving whisky though I think I had best test it first - There are two bars in Cannich for those that are interested in that sort of thing!.

Good to see we are getting a few more responses - will need to do a head count a week or so before so I can confirm rough numbers with the campsite.

Chizz (Bruce)

Just visiting....

The only problem with whisky......is after waking up, I can never remember how I solved all those problems the night before!

Room for an Aussie? I'm heading up that way about that time. Probably wouldn't get there till the Saturday or Sunday.

I guess it's just Friday and Saturday nights right? I'm leaving to go north from Bradford on the Thursday afternoon.

Ed

Bungawalbyn

Yep you are welcome - you are right Friday and Saturday nights - maybe you could link up with the Edinburgh crew - most are coming up Friday I think

Chizz

Hey all

"Wasted" some time today and checked out some of the blogs by people talking about showing up at the mini-meet. It sounds like even MORE of an interesting bunch than I first expected--so very much looking forward to meeting and hearing the stories--from both the very experienced and not so experienced! Are tales told around a campfire till wee hours over there?

Hope everyone makes it at least part of the time--but I'm skeptical about that "Rory Highlander guy" showing up---thinking a note will show up from his mum instead--something like falling and skinning his knees or something(that's why we wear jeans over here,Rory!) Perhaps even wager a few shots of whisky on that!:ban:

Also looking for any suggestions--since most all are from the general area or sounds like have traveled it before--am heading from Manchester on the 25th towards Edinburgh I guess--no real agenda--just wandering and looking around--and probably hooking up with a few of you if it works out on that Friday and riding the rest of the way up. Not big into the large cities myself--preferring to stay in more rural areas whenever possible. Is the traffic along the coast heavy this time of year? Anyway, if anyone wants to throw out any suggested sites, places to stay, or routes --that would be great

Mark

Watch it yank !
The hills have eyes

Lots of people come to Scotland
Not all leave:eek3:
Rory

Hmmm... don't think I'll get to worried----unless you show up with one of those magic swords in your pack!!:helpsmilie:

And be forwarned---if you persist in irritating me thru the meet........I may just find out where you live.....and buy the house next to you and move in!!!

The Yank next door---if that doesn't give you nightmares--nothing will!!

I can stand a lot of things , but , a Yank next door is a step to far :rofl:
Rory

ok, I am left wondering how this tumult broke out...

either you are one and the same and indulging in a little weird scene which no-one else gets.

or, you know each other of old and have sparked off some long forgotten grudge/love match.

or, you don't know each other and just need your heads banging together in the old fashioned way.

or, hopefully most likely, you're just having some banter and will be first at the bar buying each other beers and greeting each other like long lost pals, then greetin that you were really sorry for taking things possibly a bit too far and buying each other more beers.

---

anyway, looks like a few of us will head up from Edinburgh (city centre) around 2 pm -ish on the Friday. it should be a nice and easy 3 hours (maybe 4 depending on stops), arriving in daylight with plenty of time to get the tents up.

if anyone wants to come up the scenic way from Edinburgh let me know. If anyone's wanting to join on the way up we're going to be going Edinburgh->Dunfermline->Powmill->Crieff->Aberfeldy->A9->Spean Bridge->Cannich. Happy to arrange meeting points along that route.

we'll get the campsite price posted up shortly, too.

Also, some people have said they may be in Edinburgh on the Thursday night. if you need shown around the low-lights of town let me know :-)

cheers,
Doug

by the way, if it's some sort of 'scene' then I'm not about to play the authority figure. you can't forget that right now !

:)

Christ...I've just realised how far away Crannich is from Edinburgh. "Someone told me it was 40 miles and not a 4 hour ride !!

Due to this, I may not be able to attend. I was going to pop up for the day but i'm not sure if I will be able to fit that into my prior arranged plans in Edinburgh.
:thumbdown:

Never say never though...

it'll be 4 hours on the twisty back-roads with some stops. nip up the A9 to Dalwhinnie and you're looking at 2-2 1/2 hours.

Doug

Sorry if I made you and any others nervous. I assure you I much prefer to drink beer than bang heads--and am quite certain Rory and I will be the best of friends by the end of the first nite of beer consumption. Pretty sure Rory would agree on this too--even tho we haven't met yet

Ted---hope you make it for one night anyway--interested to talk about your future Africa plans

Mark

Righto.. Still maybe too long to go but definately a better option !!!!!!

The miles don't exactly melt away on a DRZ400 :rofl:. The milometre seems to turn very slowly indeed when your arse is going numb and the fillings in your teeth are working their way lose lol.

no worries. I'll have a beer lined of for the pair of you.. :-)

a beer EACH i might add.. !

good practice for the cape town trip. oohhh, that's a long way on a DRZ :eek3:

at least there are no hyenas up here..

I don't even want to think about it.. I'm in denial !! :rolleyes2:

think 'sheltand pony'.. only it can eat you. and it has about 20 mates with it.

man, I really poo-ed the night I came face to face with those ugly things.

Seems an apology and a clarification may be in order. I'm actually planning a northern Europe trip with Rory and friends.(well-Rory and his brother are doing the planning--guess I'm not sure what my part is) And am just exploring Scotland till the trip starts. Didn't know Rory was considering coming to this meet--so when he "announced" his intentions--I couldn't help heckling him abit. Having similar backgrounds growing up in the backcountry--but in two different countries--guess we all work hard and play hard--maybe a little raucous and boisterous at times--but never with any ill intent. I perhaps should have considered that some people didn't understand this and might take offense. Just wanted to explain in case someone decided not to show because of some perceived turmoil during the meet. I have met some of the greatest people in the world thu the motorcycle community

Ummm--the first rounds on me--to hopefully patch up any hard feelings I may have caused

Mark

cheers, thanks Mark.

Update on Campsite
 

Angus has been working his charm on the owners of the campsite and apparently they will only be charging £5 per night per tent - which seems pretty reasonable to me -

Chizz

Sounds good to me.
I.ll catch the second ferry to Ullapool , then a quick 60 miles up the Glens should get me to the campsite about 6.30pm. :mchappy:
In plenty of time to enjoy all the free beer on offer :D

Rory

Geography
 

Yo Ted, the Dukes Pass and Kilmahog are aproximately 40 miles away from Joppa. I have no idea where Cannich is but someone mentioned it is just a few miles away from Brigadoon. Geography was never my strong subject!
If things go to plan we may be headed up to Edinburgh on Thursday night as long as I dont have to spend all day Saturday looking at shoes in Jennas with my sister in law and Beancounter.

Don't worry Rory, me ol' china,

The previously mentioned " colonial" is sitting here in the Antipodies keeping an eye on what is going on. :taz: .

I keep looking at the map and thinking " is 2 1/2 days enough to get from Leeds to Cannich, There's so many places on the map in between.Looks like a long way, then I look at the scale and relax 'cause it's only up the road a ways.:thumbup1:

Seeya There, Ed

Hi all,first time on this thread as no long back from me travels,also hed a wee bit o the post trip blues:frown:Guess what?its efing snowing up here to day:freezing:.Hope that wont last to long and we can welcome you all up here with some good Highland sunshine in a three weeks.Look foreward to meeting you all Cheers Angus frae Cannich

Hope you are camping Angus !
 

Do you think you will make the distance from your house to the camp site - Angus ? must be nearly 1/4 mile !?
After the weekend I will as as many people as possible to confirm and then Maybe we can visit the site and see if we can reserve ourselves a wee corner-

That,s some list of names Rory - lets hope everyone can make it- look forward to seeing you all there

Bruce

Rory

Have you Teuchters no manners at all!!!

How could you forget about Laura! After reading her blog looks like she's got more moxy and riding experience and stories to tell than the both of us put together!

Or do you have a rule to not ride with anyone that looks better than you in a skirt!:blushing:( I can say these things--cuz quite sure I can run faster than you!)

The Yank

And you do remember--there's an old unwritten gentleman's rule---No revenge may be taken on a man--while sleeping peacefully in his tent!!:nono: I may have to remind you several times of this thru our travels!!

Mark,
Since you seem to have an interest in having a kilt, I've taken the liberty of booking an apointment for you with a "Highland Gentlemans Outfitters" (Kiltmakers) in Inverness.
MacKraken & Dune have been servicing American tourists for years . In fact Mr. MacKraken says his granny used to provide the same service to American servicemen in the 1940's. I have been assured that they will take good care of you, so be sure and allow plenty of time for your appointment with Ben Dune & Phill MacKraken.

Rory :innocent:

Hey All...

Please put me down on the list to attend :thumbup1:

I'm new to the HUBB and wannabe adventurer with a ticket to the Ripley meeting so it would be good to see a few regulars before June :clap:


I work in Edinburgh and was planning a half day (finish 12:30)... so would be great if I could join the Lothian posse into the hills on Friday afternoon :scooter:

Paul

Hi,

I think we'll be meeting at the services just before the Forth Road Bridge (the ones on the left by the McD's) at 3 pm on the Friday. anyone in town and wanting to meet a bit earlier for a coffee in town about 1 ish, before riding out to the FRB ?

I've got to confirm this, as I think we're expecting someone from south of the border and that's the predicted time of arrival. Jake, is Keirin coming up ?

but, if we assume 3 pm at the services. We'll then head up mainly via back roads. fuel stop at Crieff, possible fuel stop at Dalwhinnie and then round the south end of Loch Ness.

cheers,
Doug

Great to have you along Paul - your names on the list

Stella and I will be at Ripley too so it will be good to meet up first -

Doug and co - I reckon you guys should arive around 7 via the route you are taking and i think Rory will be at about 6.30 - anyone expecting to arrive earlier? - just thinking of when to leave for my epic 9 mile journey! Ideally i would like tol be there to welcome people as they arrive.

Chizz (Bruce)

Aye Bruce think camping a must,sounds like there will be some good banter around.:thumbup1:Give me a shout when you want to go up and see Mat at the campsite.

Hi Doug!

I think I'll take the Friday off and meet you somewhere around the town! Let me know where you'll be about 1 ish and we'll get there! The route you planned seems cool!

Absolutely can't wait!

Is there a list we need to be put on? Is there enough room for additional two?? :)

See you all out there!
Andy & Gosia

Bruce we'll hang about just outside Cannich. Give me a text when Rory is walking to the bar, and we'll arrive pronto :-)

The "List"
 

Hi Andy/Gosia

look forward to seeing you both - all are welcome - the list is for numbers only really so Angus and I will do a head count next week and then go along to the camp site - seems to be more interested all the time though - and there should be a good group coming up from Edinburgh
- see you on 28th!

Bruce

Now then saying that Ewan and Charlie oops !! - Angus and Paul have at last got round to finish swanning around the Desert and got themselves back and being leading experts in all things African now, how about using your expertise and a few photos from the the trip to give a little talk / slide show to everyone maybe even for a few quid in your charity bucket - Maybe on the Saturday night - it would be good for the newbies to get a taste of the adventure you experienced and the rest of us could just rip the p**s out of you. If you were really feeling up to it you could also knock up Mint tea for the opening of the evening and a nice tagine mid way through the evening, and finish off with a bit of belly dancing. (some nice ladies to do that bit of course !).

Hi Jake,good to see you getting back to your old self,Highland linnament must have worked.!If you can find your way past Perth,might buy you a dram here and you can do the dancing!take it easy ma-ha all the best Angus

I am the bitch of greenmanalishi that weekend !!

I'll be where he is.. he's in charge of navigation ! Should be interesting :D

Hmmm--sounds a bit to drafty for my liking--

Mark

Hehe!

Indeed it should be good leaving Edinburgh in a big bunch! Please just don't laugh at us as we'll be carrying all of our RTW gear just to test it out - so possibly will be looking way overloaded for a weekend bash :)

Can't bloody wait!

I think we'll be heading up to John o' Groats and All the way through the western coast god willing if the missus gets the holiday for the following week :) TESTING TESTING...

Andy

Going to try to sweet talk the boss into granting me some hols then we can come up for the weekend, will wait til I catch him in a good mood tomorrow sometime.
Now have the midge arrived yet, some were spotted in Applecross at the weekend, will need to know so I can adjust the packing list to include all things midge repellant.

That's a good shout actually! I'm just gonna avoid a shower for 3 days - that oughta do it! :)

I'm in
 

Dougie, I'll meet you and your posse in town on the Friday - assuming everything is still attached to the bike that weekend... I think I'll make a week of it and carry on round the Highlands and Islands after the meet too, I need a holiday.

Hehe... I NEED A HOLIDAY TOO!!!!!

I just looked at the calendar and the week starting on the 7th June I'll need off too as I'm heading down to Donington to see AC/DC Aerosmith etc. on Download Festival. This would mean I'd be taking 2 weeks off altogether !!?? :oops2:

I have to do some thinking! I just wanted to find out what are the plans for the Meeting once we're in Inverness and the stories are told. Are we gonna shake off that hangover by a ride out or something? Would this mean we'd be comming back to inverness every day?

Would it be more interesting for example to spend the first night in Inverness the second in John O'Groats or Applecross or Ullapool or something?? Something like a Travelling Travellers meeting? - Just a thought :)

See you all there and some of the geezers in Edinburgh on the Friday!

Andy

nice one Alex.

I am trying to get use of a private parking space behind one of the shops off Bread St (in a back vennel) we can use for a couple of hours. it would keep the bikes off the road and out of the way, if they're lashed up with tents and stuff. My mate's tea/coffee shop (Bread St) would be a good place to hang out and not be at work. Hopefully he'll let me know in a couple of days.

Andy, yeah, we did that a couple of years ago; and it was really good. but motorbikers are a fickle/busy bunch. and we've had 3 of us camping at other times. it does take a bit of organising (though Bruce makes it look easy! :-) ), and trying to get a consensus with such a disparate bunch of people can take a while.

this time around we were really looking to have something sorted for the Cannich boys coming back from their West Africa jaunt. And what with the belly dancing now being put on....

Cannich is a great little place to spend a couple of nights. but, it's just not possible to do it both ways.

so.. get in Friday pm and put in some time at the bar (setting up tent first is optional), we do plan to go for a long ride on Saturday, and maybe back down through the Cairngorms on the Sunday (maybe) and back to Edn for those working on Monday. For the lucky few I guess you'll be heading further north or west. I might head up to Durness to visit a chocolate shop up there.

At least, as we are staying in one place, we don't need to pack/unpack all the camping gear. the guys with the tee-pee's appreciate two nights in one place :-)

cheers,
Doug

travelling meet?
 

Hi Andy

Doug has given a great response above - A travelling meet is a great idea! but getting up to twenty people to all get their heads together can be a bit of a nightmare - and in the past there has also been an incident of people being turned away from a pre arranged campsite which is far from ideal.

I have to say though that the very nature of the people on the HUBB is free spirited and there is certainly no need to be tied to this event - My guess is there will be alot of banter on Friday night and there may be a few different rideouts depending on where people want to go, and how far they want to ride - and of course the many possible variants in the Highland weather ! - maybe a group will be interested in heading North and setting up camp elsewhere on Saturday - that's perfectly cool too

Bruce (Chizz)

Sounds like its all taking shape. Am also thinking of taking the following week off (depending on work..) and want to tool around the west and islands like Mull etc.

Do we have a Friday meeting point at Bread St then Doug?

That's COOL!

We'll work something out definitely!

15 bloody days to go :)

ARGH......

Thank God it's Friday tomorrow!

Over and out! :)

I probably wont get there till the Saturday night. From there I'm heading up to Wick, Thurso etc and ride around the north west till 3rd june when I'm booked in at a joint in Tobermoray. I'd be happy to join a group, or have others join me, for that part of the trip.

Look forward to meeting you all. Don't drink the bar dry on friday. I may be a little thirsty by the time I get there. It's a long way from Lismore (AUS) to Cannich.

Ed

Managed to get some holidays from work, so we will arrive early evening on the Friday night.
Reading with interest the messages wondering what we have let ourselves in for, but looking forward to it.

yep, spoke to the guys today and we're going to confirm with the people who own the parking spaces to check we can use them for a couple of hours.

I was just trying to find somewhere that we could put the bikes out of the way, assuming you guys will have stuff strapped on the outside.

the place is Tea Tree Tea on Bread St; up Lothian Rd and left at Starbucks/Cinema, then a few doors along on the left. If you pull up outside, I'll nip out and point you at the parking which is in the vennel opposite.

I'll head there for about 12:30/1 pm, for a cuppa and a natter. then we can head off about 2:30 pm if we're meeting anyone at the FRB services, otherwise head off when we feel like it.

cheers,
Doug

At least twenty hardy souls
 

After a quick scan through this thread it looks like there will be at least twenty of us - which is great news ! - I am glad you got the time of work Milimut look forward to meeting you.

Met up with Angus yesterday and evidently the local hostelry will be putting on a buffet for about five/six quid a head which means the whole weekend should not put people too much out of pocket - very important for you folk saving for the trip of a lifetime ! - Angus and I will re visit the camp site later this week and see if we can ensure some good pitches. Must admit to being quite jealous of you folk that have a "proper " ride to get here, - should be good fun coming up in the group from Edinburgh.

Chizz

Venison pasties ? (I hope) :-)

Venison Pasties? What time is the buffet likely to be available? I NEED to know, so that I'm there!!! (Ash cloud permitting)

Good food, a little drink or two and some good company in an exotic (to me anyway) location. Sounds pretty damn good to me.

Ed

Bungawalbyn you may get good food the location maybe exotic but as for good company hmmm..... I think your very much mistaken - don't let that band of misfits lure you in on a false sense of security - its bandit country that far up and that Scottish section are nowt more than a bunch of vagabonds, scallywags, bounders and Rievers. Take heed - Keep you wallet closed -tight closed and hide your women, your sheep and cattle more so and you might just get away with it. :taz:

Hi, If anyone is planning on touring the highlands the following week i can recommend the Applecross Festival the following weekend. (I have not read through all this post and if this has already been mentioned my appologies) Andy B

Phew!!! And here I was worried that everyone would be stiff upperlip pommies with a stick up thier butt.:eek3: Thank you, adventure950, for putting my mind at ease. I believe that I may fit in, provided we can overcome the language barrier.:rofl:

Ed

Is Buffet the Friday or Saturday night or both. If its only Friday we might have to twist the throttle a wee bit more to make it in time.
Weather round the coast today is great we may even get away with the summer sleeping bags:-)