UK Relay Charity Ride - 18 June to 8 July

[Neil955i]

The Relay Riders UK Charity run started on Sunday last with over 250 riders covering some 10K miles in a 24/7 relay around the UK.  Further details here:  https://www.relayriders.co.uk/

I did my stint (Legs 12 & 13) yesterday and unlike some, had sun and dry roads for its entirety.   This year was also different for me as it was a daytime shift, last year's being overnight in the Welsh mountains which, I have to say, I preferred.  That being said, the scenery out in the Shropshire Countryside this time of year was beautiful and 000's of bugs were squashed en route.

Here's a couple of photos proving it did happen, clue I'm the one without the Kawasaki Green beard!  For my run I was supported by Tommy Slingshot on a Z1000SX (he's in the pix) and William (Hugh) Jackson on a BMW R1000RT.  Glad to say I didn't let the Kymco side down as on the twisties I had to slow up and wait for them 

In all our group did about 170 miles in 4 hours and my abiding memory as I set off from the last handover point for home was "Oh my poor ar*e"!  I can categorically say that the DTX360 is not built as stock for long distances.  My winter project may well involve a seat rebuild to incorporate gel pads.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Good stuff Neil! and a good cause!
Thanks for the pics....!

Yeah, a comfy seat is more than nice - it can mean the difference between ride, or let's go home!
My LIKE200i had a 40 min seat from stock!...then I had to get off - or ...no - I had to get off.

Hope all going well with the sailing adventure?
Does the ship have a name?

Stig

[Neil955i]

Hope all going well with the sailing adventure?
Does the ship have a name?

Stig

Thanks Stig and glad to say that for us (wife & myself) the sailing "adventure" is at an end!  Blue Grass - for that's it's name - is now only 30 mins away by road and son is now spending more time grinding, filling, sanding and painting than sailing.  He's wanted a few weekends doing something other than 12-hour days doing as many miles as possible and I can understand that.  He also needs to make a final decision whether he will moor it semi-permanently one side of the canal loop around us or the other.  One is best for work and the other for his social life.  I suspect I already know which side he'll come down on!

[monkeybongos]

In one sense it's good to hear you encountered plenty of bugs, as they seem to be disappearing from many places.

As for your seat, wonder if a back rest would help.  Allows you to put more weight on your back and feet, instead of all your weight on your bum.

[Neil955i]

Hey MonkeyB good spot re bugs. This is the first year in maybe a decade I’ve had so many on my visor maybe Mr Farmer is finally using fewer pesticides? 🤔

As for a back rest, it might help but to be honest a) I’d hate to ruin the lines of the one piece moulded seat and b) even if I went with it, I wouldn’t trust myself to cut into it!

[GoVanGo]

Every time I watch UK scooter/ rally vids I get so envious .   You guys have huge events and they seem to be all the time and everywhere .   Love seeing the old Mods still at it . 

I would so fit in , I'm out of shape got the bald head and I wear camos .  Oh and I'm half welsh

Here in North Calif I really havent read or seen very much in terms of scooter clubs/groups .
I think so far theres about 4 that I know of with biggest having 20 members.

On a daily ride I might see 1 or 2 scooters at the most.    Rice rockets and Harleys you see all the time.

[Neil955i]

GoVanGo, you're right, we are spoiled here. My nearest scooter club meet up weekly just 6 miles away! Would you believe I've never been? Lol

[GoVanGo]

GoVanGo, you're right, we are spoiled here. My nearest scooter club meet up weekly just 6 miles away! Would you believe I've never been? Lol

Thats a shame but then again I dont know what goes on at a scooter club.   If its boisterous drinking I wouldnt go either

[Neil955i]

Thats a shame but then again I dont know what goes on at a scooter club.   If its boisterous drinking I wouldnt go either

Well it is held at a pub...  My reluctance is more down to the fact that a) I don't own either a Vespa or Lambretta which seem to be the machines of choice and b) I have no interest whatsoever in Northern Soul!  Oh yeah and I also own a Triumph which would probably get me drummed out lol

[Neil955i]

Seem like ages ago that I did my leg on 19th, but the Guys & Gals are STILL going!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Relayridersuk125/permalink/2342819199260194/