No photos, but a ride out to Matlock Bath and back today, about 115 miles all in.

Hopefully I can get back to posting about the bike and not my sh1ty personal situation. Hoping for a ride out this weekend.

Found a place, and been accepted today. A little over budget but I can make it work. Great setup, garage etc, and a quiet area. It's about 15 minutes from Congleton, so whilst I lose the MTB from the door(which I'm gutted about) everything will work for me.

Well the house that I was refused insurance on, I've withdrawn my application. I'm not going to give up my bike. Hopefully I can get somewhere sorted soon.

Cheshire East. I live in Congleton and looking to stay in that area.

Nope. Don't have any mates.

In another blow, as I'm moving house due to my separation, my insurance company won't cover me at my new potential address as it's not garage. Great. If I can't get reasonable cover, the bike will have to go.

Thought I would put together a short post and a few photos on my first ever touring trip.

I left home with a 250 mile trip from south of Manc to Cairnryan. The weather forecast was really good for the whole trip.

Steady run up the M6 with a quick detour via Kendal and a bit of the A6, just to ...

Arrived in Letterkenny around 4. Few spots of rain this morning but it brightened up nicely later in the afternoon. Coast Road was mainly empty, so I really enjoyed that. Route planning for tomorrow, weather looks good.

Yea, will stop a few photos at the harbour there. Fine day today, 140 miles done out around Mourne. Rain forecast tomorrow, hoping it won't be too bad.

Successful first day, 300 miles done. Weather was nice, ferry was good. Having slight issues with my keyless, I've needed to turn the fob on and off. Was a bit embarrassing at security at the port, couldn't get the panniers open.

Looking forward to the Antrim Coast road. Last time I did that I think I was on a 125, many years ago.

Weather is looking decent, a bit of luck I could do with right now.

Hopefully take enough photos to do a report after.

Weather looking okay at the moment. Bike washed tonight. Will sort panniers and bags tomorrow for an early start on Saturday. Have kept my smaller screen on, was going to put the bigger screen back on. At least this will be a good test of it.

Almost cancelled, but more to do with personal situation.

Taipan wrote: Sun Jun 14, 2026 10:42 pm TBH, i'm more worried that my wife no longer feels safe in her own home, than looking for answers from yosenite Sam!

Sorry to hear this Taipan. It is really scary. I felt like that in the last house I lived in when I had a bike stolen. It's really frustrating with the Police, too.

I've sorted somewhere in Letterkenny, thanks @Skub

I'm pretty shy, so unlikely to be mingling with the locals. My plan is a ride to Scotland via some Lakes roads on Saturday to catch my ferry, then Sunday a local ride, then Monday and Tuesday to Donegal.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Still not decided exactly where I am staying, but likely in Donegal somewhere.

I'm sure you're going to have a wonderful time!!!


I'm stressed already!


What about?


The weather, will the rides go well, will I find the right roads/route, can I find somewhere decent and safe to stay, will I be okay for time and not be rushing. I want to try and relax and realise I ...

Trinity765 wrote: Fri Jun 12, 2026 4:51 pm I'm sure you're going to have a wonderful time!!!

I'm stressed already!

So, I've booked my first bike trip. Heading back home later this month. Will spend 2 days in NI doing some local riding and seeing family and friends, and then off for a night somewhere potentially in the far NW somewhere in Co. Donegal.

I'm taking the ferry from Cairnryan, so will have a days ...

Well, I've finally booked a trip home on the Motorbike via Scotland on the ferry.