Peter Foley's blog

Sunday in the Cotswolds

The day started with a cool fog that burned off quickly around 8 am. I was riding towards Burford with a group of bikers splitting lanes a speeding through the countryside.  It was to become a perfect day of riding. A cool morning opens up into a brilliant fall sun. My first stop was at Chipping Norton for some breakfast. I then headed north and to avoid a bad access to the highway, I took a side road out of town.  This led to an english 1-1/2 lane road which meandered towards Banbury hardly a car to be seen, and spectacular views. I ambled about for a while and stopped for the occassional pic.

Sheep

Tidiest Hamlet in the Cotswolds

I had a good map of the area so I could follow the various routes for the narrow roads.

After touring around for a few hours, I veered towards Boughton on the Water where I had a very large "carvery" lunch and sat by the river.





Following lunch it started to cloud, and went south to get closer to my Monday destination of London. Found a great little town on the river Thames that had a collection of houseboats and river travellers.

Lechlade

Lechlade

Saturday off to Oxford

I rented a VFR (9 years newer than mine) and road up to Oxford. Without a definate plan or destination I did much wandering as I found my way out of London. It was a grey day with the prospect of some sun that never materialized, but there was no rain and I quickly found a few twisty roads south of Oxford. This VFR has a VTEC engine which opens an additional 8 valves once you hit 7K revs, and sounds more like a Ferarri.

My first stop was just south of Oxford where I referenced my UK Bikers Bible of bike roads.

Aldworth

Arrived in London

Arrived in London on September 11th. Very few people on our plan and was able to stretch out in the middle seats. I made a hotel reservation for the 10th (flight date), but didn't take into account that day change, oops. So our hotel reservation was cancelled. Fortunately we could get a room for the night, but a busy week in London and again several hotel hops during the stay. Great client meetings throughout the week and accomplished our goal of furthering design of gitello. 

VFR back on the road

It took almost a year but the VFR is back on the road. After the crash last October, I had to dismantle the bike to determine which parts need replacing, purchase some parts, have some rebuilt, and get the body parts painted (black instead of red). It came together quickly after I had the subframe re-welded, and I was somewhat surprised to see how easily it started up. I first went for a ride around the neighbourhood and it sputtered a bit, but after a longer ride everything seemed to settle down, and the engine is purring (well maybe roaring is a better term. A few pics prior to the first big ride.

pic4

pic3

I did my regular run out to guelph line and then up to 15th line and across to Georgetown where I headed back to Toronto. About 100km in total.