Long Way Down

Have you been watching the series? I have and almost finished the book of the same trip, what’s your thoughts on the antics of Ewan and Charlie? For my tuppence worth, I thought the first series was excellent, the trip across Eastern Europe, Mongolia Kazakhstan and the road of bones in Russia was compelling viewing for me. Not so much though this series, I was really looking forward to this trip as an Africa trip has always been a dream of mine but unfortunately all we seem to see is the heroes of the piece being rushed from place to place followed by heavily armed guards and government fixers. The constant moaning wouldn’t be out of place on a film set and I’m afraid this is what it’s become, a film set with two highly paid prima Donnas bemoaning their situation all the time. A trip across Africa, not only fully sponsored and supported is the stuff most of us can only dream off and in this case our two heroes will no doubt make a fortune from it and yet they constantly whinge.

Even the trip across France seemed to be a drama for them, bemoaning the fact that they had to do 400 miles in a day when it was raining, try it on a Norton Commando gents! The BBC haven’t got the mix right on this one in my mind, whereas the last series was good enthralling stuff not to be missed this has all the charismatic magnetism of a cookery programme. As my old teachers used to say “must try harder!” The long Way up, supposedly the final in the trilogy (but there will no doubt be scope for “Ewan & Charlie, the early years”) will have to resort back to the boys own adventure stuff The Long Way Round was made of otherwise the pair may have to resort to acting as their day job!

The Road to Gobblers Knob

I’ve just finished the book The Book to Gobblers Knob by Geoff Hill who is a journalist for the Irish Times, having a mid life crisis he decides to blag a Triumph Tiger from Triumph and travel from Chile to Alaska, he is joined on this adventure by Clifford Patterson a former MGP Lightweight winner in 1978. The book is hilarious and Geoff Hill really writes an excellent story and the factual content gives you a good idea of what to expect if you ever considered the trip yourself. I suppose if he had two 4X4’s full of cameramen, fixers, bodyguards, translators, doctors and Kung Fu experts following he could have saved Boreman & MacGregor the trouble of attempting the long way up, and I guarantee the book is funnier than any future offering from Filmstarstryingtobereal.com .

Drivel

November so far has been a quiet month for motorcycling, I’m still persevering with the Mk3 Commando using it as much as I can to find out interesting faults, it’s now going fine and apart from the left hand fork seal leaking occasionally (strange) and the head gasket weeping occasionally (strange) and leaving embarrassing oil spots all over the polished primary chaincase it’s pretty good, The fortunate thing is that the oil leaks usually take it in turn so at any one time I only usually have one. The Mk3 has a different feel to the earlier pre electric start Commando’s, I’m not sure if it’s the extra weight or the lower compression head but the difference is noticeable, at the end of the day it’s down to individual preference I suppose and a functioning electric start can be very handy.

Dave Templeman has fitted a single Mikuni on the bike formerly known as smokey Joe, initial reports are good and he suspects a definite improvement over the Amal mk2 conversion. The good news is that the exchange rate is excellent at the moment with Uncle Sam’s dollar languishing around the 2 for every pound mark so Stan at Rocky Point Cycle www.rockypointcycle.com is the man to talk to at the moment. Including taxes and extortionate Royal mail charges it comes in at around £210 ready to fit which is a saving of around £50 getting it in the UK.

Hopefully Dave will give us a write up on his findings.

Forthcoming Events

End of Season Do, Clachan Hotel Lochearnhead in only 9 days. I’ve booked everyone in who asked, if you fancy it and haven’t booked, give them a call and mention the Norton Owners Club Dinner to get your discount. At £40 per head for Dinner, Bed & Breakfast its good value for money and sure to be a good night.

2008 National Rally to be held at Stirling Rugby Club

July 25^th - 28^th

At the moment we still have a blank sheet of paper as far as the weekends activities go, I will be expecting you all to help and offer your input to make the weekend an excellent experience for our visitors. I suggest that after Christmas we have a regular Rally planning session as part of the Club meeting.

2008 Calendars

The Calendars have arrived and apart from a pink Commando the photo’s are up to their usual high standards. George is holding the stock, first come, first served.

2008

Looking forward to next year the Ireland NOC will be holding their get together weekend on the last weekend in May in the South West of Ireland. I’m hoping to get over for the weekend so if anyone else is up for it let me know.

The following Weekend (First weekend in June) the BBA will be holding their 60’s & 70’s café racer weekend in Belgium which I guarantee will be worth a visit, further details nearer the time.

Then the weekend after that (Second weekend in June) will be the Vezio Classic bike Rally in Switzerland, it’s a shame that there are so many excellent events in such a short timescale but I suppose that’s the nature of our Summers and biking calendar

Of course lets not forget the Begonia Rally on the 22^nd – 25^th of August, after a break last year its back on in its normal weekend.

Lets try and make an effort to get out there and support as much as we can, remember you may enjoy yourself along the way.

The Small Print

The views and opinions contained within this publication are not necessarily those of the NOC or of the branch but are probably mine as I wrote it.

No one accepts any responsibility for anything, if you have a good time don't say I didn't warn you.

Gino Rondelli

November 2007