MyRides

Ride Reviews & Routes

Reviews of memorable rides, both short and long, categorised into areas. Follow the links for more information and photos. The content is constantly being updated and expanded :

Europe

Although relatively new to motorcycle touring in Europe, I've now clocked up over 25,000 miles of superb continental riding. My first trip in 2005 saw me head off for Spain via France, traversing the Pyrenees twice, which got me well and truly hooked on mountain riding! The following year I headed off for the Alps via the Black Forest. Later that year I took the ferry to Santander and explored the Picos de Europa in northern Spain, the Pyrenees, before heading north through the Alps and into the Vosges region in France. In 2007 I set out to explore the Dolmites in Italy via the Swiss and Austrian Alps. 2008 I returned to the Highlands of Scotland before two more trips into Europe. In July I toured the high Alps and the Gorges of southern France. Later in August, I joined an organised tour to Germany based on the Mosel at Cochem. 2009 saw me return to explore more of the Dolomites and highest Austrian and Swiss Alps. Details and routes for all these trips can be found by clicking the photo or link below.

more info here
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Canary Islands

In recent years I've been lucky enough to enjoy a second home in the Canary Islands. This archipelago provides perfect conditions for motorcycling during the winter months. So a couple of years ago I rode out on a Triumph Tiger to keep on the island of Tenerife with the aim of fully exploring this and the other six islands.

more info here
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Scotland

If you've yet to visit Scotland, particularly the northwest Highlands, then you're in for a great surprise! Legendary scenery, fantastic roads, just add some reasonable weather conditions, a motorcycle, and voila!, a bikers paradise. Last year I returned to explore Argyle & Bute, and again in 2008 to visit Skye. It's so easy to head south and overlook what Scotland has to offer; highly recommended.

more info here
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Ireland

Only one tour in this section but the perfect introduction to Ireland. This route uses the Holyhead/Dublin outbound ferry and Belfast/Stranraer return, and therefore passes through five countries! It's a great ride and will give both first time and seasoned visitors the full flavour of Irish scenery and hospitality.

more info here

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Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria needs little or no introduction. This area of the UK is blessed with stunning scenery and challenging routes which are are fortunately all within easy reach for me. The only downside is the mountainous terrain results in a relative lack of roads compared to other areas. A two or three day visit will soon exhaust the available tarmac so it's best to take it slow and easy and enjoy the scenery. The highlight for those with a taste for adventure are the Hardknott and Wrynose passes.

more info here

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South Wales

South Wales is a superb area for motorcycling. Simply add the Brecon Beacons National Park to the rolling hills and lakes of mid Wales and you have a bikers paradise. I've only recently discovered this beautiful area as it's too far south for a days riding but ideal for a weekend tour. The next stage will be to add the Pembroke coast some time in the future....

more infor here

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Peak District

The Peak District in Derbyshire offers some great riding for motorcyclists in the UK and it's central location provides easy access for vistors from all surrounding areas. There are lots of roads to choose from to form a full and varied days ride-out through fantastic countryside, with many small villages to provide interesting breaks. I'm still discovering what this area has to offer and I'm confident more routes will be added to this section soon.

more info here

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Yorkshire Dales

The Dales located in west Yorkshire and have become my favourite destination for full-day ride-outs. Main roads, country lanes, and lots of single tracks, provide the perfect combination for a rewarding ride. The area has a charm and beauty all of it's own and there are lots of pictureque villages to stop by for lunch etc. The abundance of roads means the routes are endless and here you'll find some of my favourites.

more info here

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North Wales

From gentle rolling hills to the mountains and lakes of Snowdonia, miles of coastline, North Wales has it all with great roads too. But take care as Brunstrom's Trafic Taliban are keen to ensure you don't stray over the speed limits on the main roads. There are still lots of lesser known routes to enjoy and here you'll find some of mine.

more info here

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Ribble Valley

Being closest to home this is my local stomping ground, great for shorter summer evening rides or more extended forays into this beautiful area of Lancashire. It's often easy to get sucked into straying further afield than planned and this area is easily linked up with both the Lakes and the Dales for more extended rides.

more info here 

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Miscellaneous

Interesting rides that don't fit into any of the above categories. Great routes none the less.

more info here

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