I am going on a stag weekend to Llangollen in a couple of weekends time. Myself and a friend are not able to make the departure time for the minibus due to work commitments, we are both bikers.
I thought this would be a great opportunity to give my bike a good run, so I suggested going up to Wales by bike, for 2 reasons, it would probably be quicker than by car (Friday afternoon / evening traffic) and it is an excuse to actually ride my bike which I do very infrequently at the moment.
Initially my pal was up for the long ride, but has since decided that he doesn’t have enough luggage capabilty (I can lend him some as I have plenty) and his bike needs refuelling after 90 or so miles so he’d need 3 tanks of fuel (I’d need just the 2) and so wants to go in his car (which he’s just bought, is quite old, and from the sounds of things, may not complete the trip).
I can understand his reasoning for using the car, split fuel costs, more space, weather protection (which doesnt bother me) etc…
So my question is, should I go by bike anyway (and him by car), because that is what I wanted to do and got all excited at the thought of doing the long journey (and effectively be seen as being a stubborn nuisance just because I want to ride), or, suck up the disappointment of my pals wish to go by car, go with him saving fuel money for another pint when in Wales and not being seen to be unreasonable, but once again, missing out on getting to ride my bike?
We do have a lot to take as we’re white water rafting, mud buggy racing etc and he doesnt want to carry a rucksack and he doesnt have any other bike luggage. I have a spare large tank bag he can use, but he would still have to use a rucksac just as I am even though I have panniers, tank and tail pack. I have said he can use some space on my bike.
He isnt as well “bike kitted” as me regarding waterproofs etc… I think he just wants to use the car and think that his wife has a lot of influence.
Gotta say, for once, I’d take the car in this case.
You’re going on a stag do. Unless you fancy going easy on the beers and getting an early night, I’d let your mate drive you there while you sip a few cold ones in the passenger seat, and then let him drive you back, while you nurse a hangover and a bit of tiredness.
If you were going for any other non-****-up type event, I’d say deffo the bike.
He’s taking hte car anyway, so I’d just go in the car with him, so you can both have some company for the journey. You can ride your bike on your own another time. Everyone else is going together, it seems to make more sense for the late arrivers to travel together.
I know if I was driving a distance like that, at a crummy rush hour time, I would feel a bit disappointed (is that the word I want?) if my friend was also going, but speeding off on their motorbike rather than sharing the journey with me. Even if he liked the bike idea at first, his reasons for taking the car seem justifiable, as you say he’s not as ‘kitted out’.
Oh I hate the voice of reason! I will be might peeved if we get stuck in traffic, miss evening festivities knowing I could have been there a lot earlier on the bike.
Am not a big drinker, so not such an issue for me, plus I’d be making him make pit stops every 2 mins if I was drinking.Would rather ride over have a drink any day.
Having done the trip many a time and knowing the roads I’d go by bike BUT… think of the time of night you will be riding up, the roads are interesting to say the least in daylight let alone darkness :w00t: and knowing the weather it could be very…wet
If you both cant throw your luggage in the minibus earlier and ride up together later then I’d take him up on his offer of the car (just make sure one of you has Breakdown membership lol) I don’t know what the motorway will be like traffic wise as we always go via A & B roads which are great fun on the bikes.
Whatever you choose BSV have a great weekend it sounds like alot of fun.
We would probably be leaving about 3/4 in the afternoon, to north wales via M1, M6, A5 straight to Llangollen. Straightforward and hopefully before night. I would go A&B roads, but time will not permit.
Social wise, I was going to be purchasing bike to bike coms, and whilst doing the trip alone could be lonely, riding with another biker isn’t, whether you can talk or not?
Sounds like a right wuss to me. im going to the BOL D’OR tonight with 4 other bikers. I have a Suzuki GSXR 600 and Im carrying a pillion of the same weight. Id love to take my straighteners and creature comforts but I only have a tank bag for my vitals so its a no. Oh and one other small thing…we will be tenting it so no plug sockets (big french laugh).
I hope he sorted himsen out. Tell him he’s no biker…he belongs in a car LOL
I will be might peeved if we get stuck in traffic, miss evening festivities knowing I could have been there a lot earlier on the bike.
