By the end of the week Mike (Cherrym) is feeling a bit better and we arranged to meet up and make the most of the settled ( and sometimes sunny) weather.
Usual meet up point is Kingston Park Tescos. After a lie in (been busy the day before) we had a quick conflab and taking the forecast into account, I suggested a trip to show Mike and his wife Barter Books which fitted in quite well as Mike needed to visit Hardy's fishing supplies in Alnwick.
I'd changed my wheels and tyres back to the GoodYears.
Being ex bikers we head out on our favourite routes with some really challenging and technical roads - all great fun but the road surface is still inconsistent and despite taking care, slides were inevitable but not serious. Where the road was dry and clean(ish) it's was brilliant to let the Zeds revs rise and enjoy some of the terrific driving to be had.
Live firing on the ranges - this really is a beautiful part of the country despite the red flags!
Following Craig's (Chezsherman) lead, we swopped Zeds for part of the route. I was impressed with Mike's 2.5si and he still felt happy with his choice after trying my Zed. Interesting comparison though. The roof went down when I tried his Zed - (we'll forgive Mike leaving his roof up when he's still not feeling 100%)
Through Rothbury and past Cragside to head for Alnwick - the sections up to Thropton and Rothbury are really twisty and tight - I love it despite the road surface and possible traffic hold ups. After Cragside - climbing up and over to Eglingham. . . photos don't do it justice.
Some of you will have heard of Hardy's - they are a well established and well known firm and there is a museum on site attached to their retail outlet in Alnwick. Mike needed some fishing kit so we all went in to take a look. Superb quality goods but not cheap! If you're passing and have the time it's worth a look. It's probably Mecca if you're into fly-fishing!
Just up the road was Barter Books and we negotiated the difficult parking (it was half term so quite busy with families - not normally that full). We called here with Craig earlier in the week and it's a great place to visit if you're in the area - in the old station buildings with coal fires and velvet and leather settees - very special. We had lunch here in their café.
After a lengthy lunch and time looking through the books (300,000 of them!) it was getting late and so we headed down the A1 to Morpeth and from there took a turn down back lanes to the A69 where Steph and I gave a warm wave to Mike and Shirley as they headed home on the A68.
A similar route to that taken with Craig on Monday - but we don't care - we'll get out in the Zed whenever we can - thanks Mike!
Now the only down side - having to clean the Zed again. . . . but very pleased to have my good tyres back on the road.
Usual meet up point is Kingston Park Tescos. After a lie in (been busy the day before) we had a quick conflab and taking the forecast into account, I suggested a trip to show Mike and his wife Barter Books which fitted in quite well as Mike needed to visit Hardy's fishing supplies in Alnwick.
I'd changed my wheels and tyres back to the GoodYears.
Being ex bikers we head out on our favourite routes with some really challenging and technical roads - all great fun but the road surface is still inconsistent and despite taking care, slides were inevitable but not serious. Where the road was dry and clean(ish) it's was brilliant to let the Zeds revs rise and enjoy some of the terrific driving to be had.
Live firing on the ranges - this really is a beautiful part of the country despite the red flags!
Following Craig's (Chezsherman) lead, we swopped Zeds for part of the route. I was impressed with Mike's 2.5si and he still felt happy with his choice after trying my Zed. Interesting comparison though. The roof went down when I tried his Zed - (we'll forgive Mike leaving his roof up when he's still not feeling 100%)
Through Rothbury and past Cragside to head for Alnwick - the sections up to Thropton and Rothbury are really twisty and tight - I love it despite the road surface and possible traffic hold ups. After Cragside - climbing up and over to Eglingham. . . photos don't do it justice.
Some of you will have heard of Hardy's - they are a well established and well known firm and there is a museum on site attached to their retail outlet in Alnwick. Mike needed some fishing kit so we all went in to take a look. Superb quality goods but not cheap! If you're passing and have the time it's worth a look. It's probably Mecca if you're into fly-fishing!
Just up the road was Barter Books and we negotiated the difficult parking (it was half term so quite busy with families - not normally that full). We called here with Craig earlier in the week and it's a great place to visit if you're in the area - in the old station buildings with coal fires and velvet and leather settees - very special. We had lunch here in their café.
After a lengthy lunch and time looking through the books (300,000 of them!) it was getting late and so we headed down the A1 to Morpeth and from there took a turn down back lanes to the A69 where Steph and I gave a warm wave to Mike and Shirley as they headed home on the A68.
A similar route to that taken with Craig on Monday - but we don't care - we'll get out in the Zed whenever we can - thanks Mike!
Now the only down side - having to clean the Zed again. . . . but very pleased to have my good tyres back on the road.
