He said he couldn't bring himself to stop as often as he could have for photos. The riding was just too enjoyable. Looking at this, which he said was typical, I'd forgive him. Must have been one of the few times he took his waterproofs off this day!

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1231865193

He told me this next photo shows where he parked the bike to take the above photo. Having taken the photo, getting the weird rocks in the foreground, he rode uphill to find a safe place to turn. The road promptly got rougher and when he tried to turn, the bike slipped back. The rear wheel skidded off the track down into the rocks and it was what he called a situation. Nearly got bogged in and bike dropped in the sticks. He'd seen no cars for hours.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1231865266
There are long islands offshore but I don't know if they're occupied or not. This whole coastline is very underpopulated. Ed.

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1231865346

I don't know how far north this is taken but Linzi said even a sports bike ridden hard on this road could involve more than a day's riding. Infact he suggested a blast from the Slovenian border to Dubrovnic as a reasonable holiday destination in its own right. Then of course you've got it all to do again! I forgot to ask which bike he'd rather use here, his Le Mans or the BMW. Looks like wild camping is easy but rather wild indeed. It must be hot in summe with so little cover.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1231865828

He said he pressed on for Trieste to get a replacement front tyre and new brake pads. I remember he was surprised how short the distance through Slovenia was as he hadn't looked at it on a map. The tiny road toll was taken using a VISA debit card with no need to give pin!
He hit Trieste after dark at he evening rush hour. The hotel he got was found by asking in cafe and it had a scooter garage next door. This proved to be useful as they fitted the front pads and checked the bike over. The rear tyre needed air but the wear on the front tyre had evened itself out leaving the tyre good for a couple of thousand kilometres more.
The pads and work came to the same cost as pads in UK. Good value then. He found the drivers to be very law abiding and courteous in this corner of Italy and I remember him remarking that he was surprised to find Italy had changed so much. But no. Several hours later after Vicenza all was as it should be. Crazy! No Italy hadn't changed. Most of it is as it always was.
Italy did prove to be a financial disaster though. He complained that there were cables cutting off every piece of waste ground he found to tempt him to use to bivi. Even an Italian later described Italy as a rip off for visitors. That is in total contrast to Italians on a personal level. I too have found that when a punter there's a price but if helped by or entertained by Italians they are fantastic.
I think Linzi said the camera didn't give any photos of this part of the trip but I'm sure he got photos of Italy later. He said the camera finally died in Mandello del Lario and tragically the Go Pro Hero camera failed to ever work. No video then. What a pity. Lets just hope that he gets it replaced under warranty for his Moroccan trip! Ed.

Italia.
 

There was rain and cold in Italy too. The roads across from Trieste, past Verona and Vicenza are Roman straight.

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232032983

The vineyards indicate how warm it gets in summer though.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232033059

This is the wealthy part of Italy with the industrial heartland just south. Next the route led north towards Trento in the Sud Tyrol region, war reparation after WW1. Many peole there speak German and there is a mixed Austrian/ Italian culture.

Northwards
 

Still vineyards as the mountains loom. It is limestone here with marble in the area which provided Micheal Angelo with his raw material. I once visited one of the quarries and was speachless as I looked at the man from the ceiling of the Cistine Chapel! His descendents still work the quarry. It was a spellbinding experience.

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232033417

The road conditions are shown on the sign. Not so bad in reality.



http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232033475

Quite a gorge leading to the mountains.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232033530

Finito.
 

The mountains rise, on the left,

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232033965

and on the right. This area has been pushed up and the centre eroded.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232034017

This is the banks of Lago Como a few kilometres from Mandello del Lario. The Moto Guzzi dealers, Duilio Agostini, rent Guzzies for tours. One memorable run is round the lake. Hundreds of corners of excellent tarmac and few villages but buses on the road.

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...g?t=1232034068

My camera stopped working totally with this shot. Moisture the likely culprit. I must be suffering post-trip blues as I have lost my knack for creative writing. Sorry. I need stimulation to enthuse. MUST get down to it now and earn money as I need to get off on an adventure again. It's in my blood. Best wishes to all, Linzi.

Magazine article
 

Howdy gang! First an update about Damien. His physiotherapy is painful but he is making progress. He is now on crutches so is more mobile.
Second, I wrote an article about the accident for Motorcycle Sport and Leisure magazine. It's out now.

Update for Damien, Tony and Linzi
 

Hi All :mchappy:

Just to let you know the F650GS is now for sale on Biketrader and also on this site. It is looking good and once the shock has been done and refitted, I will then ride the bike down for it's MOT.

Take care.

Regards


Chris

Good un
 

That's good news. I'm sad to see it go. It's a superb, versatile little bike. Deserves a good home. Linzi.

Rotten luck mate, crack open a tinny and throw another shrimp on the barby, the biking can wait. Get well soon.
Pooley.

Glad to hear that Damien is making a slow but steady recovery, read the article in the sport & leisure mag. Nice to see how the people of the hubb pulled together to help out.