Nice job being part of the solution! With the rain you all seem to get, I don't know how you can keep up with it without everyone helping when they see an issue. We could all benefit by following your example... Ride safe friend!
Thanks fior showing our pics Keith. Well done on the pruning, happiness is a well-trimmed Bush 😊. So many obscured signs, many of them very important to road safety. My pet peeve is Lane markings at roundabouts. Many are worn out so badly that you cannot determine the correct lane on approach. Easy to get tangled with local drivers who know the location. So cold here after the 30+ degrees at Budapest. It'll soon be time to slather the big bike in the various oils and greases necessary to keep it corrosion free during it's winter layover. The Classic 350 will continue until the frosts arrive. We've a ride out planned with RE a week on Saturday (One Ride 2024). Then Ride to the Wall weather permitting. It's been a very short season this year. Caravan or Motorhome? I've had several caravans over the years and don't mind towing. The benefit of a 'van is that you can set up at your location and then have the car for driving about in. Motorhome or camper requires a different approach, but you can't argue over the benefits of being "self contained" with very little setting up. Pull up, kettle on - so easy 😊
Can't disagree with any of that mate. The sign thing was obviously only tongue in cheek but it does highlight the issue a little. Looks like Autumns arrived now, oh dear, long winter? Ride safe buddy. 👍
There used to be a council employee that unblocked drains on our very rural road. Now we do it. What’s worse is we get comments from neighbours like, “It’s flooded down the end of your road” as if it’s our responsibility 😂
Shame isn't it. We all know it's not our job but we all know the councils are cash strapped. If they put the council tax up to pay for it we'd all be up in arms. So it doesn't get done and the general infrastructure goes down the pan. Ride safe bud👍
@@ness-ee As a kid growing up in the 70's there was often one of those road cleaner lorries knocking about. Several times a year it would do the estate with it's vacuum pump going from drain to drain. A lot of the flooding we see on roads these days is more to do with lack of maintenance rather than any "climate emergency" 🙄
Another cracking ride Keith, you want to watch out for the clipboard men, not your job sunny 😂 how about getting a caravan and a van to tow it with big enough to get the bike in as well 👍😉 all the best buddy 👍
Great video Keith with valid points. Most of our villages up here have a lengthsman these days, and keeping signs clear ought to be part of the job really. I used to carry a pruning saw in the coach, but that was to try and protect my mirrors!
Thanks Martin, just more ramblings I'm afraid. I've never heard of a Lengthsman? As an ex driving examiner the difficulty is obvious, overgrown signs you can't see, lane markings missing caused us all sort of difficulties. It gets beyond a joke when you're constantly telling candidates the speed limits or what lanes to get in. Sometimes you got back wrote out a pass certificate and it felt like you'd almost given them turn by turn instructions. That's where the bee in my bonnet came in. Not their fault though. Thanks for commenting, ride safe bud👍
Cheers Keith, yeah parish councils up here were given funding to employ a lengthsman, mainly to keep verges trimmed etc. It's been suggested that it's a way for highways department to offload responsibilities - not that I'd EVER make such a suggestion! 🤫
That would be my '99 FXDL in Colyford, East Devon this summer. Went out to warm the oil yesterday but it turned into an hour and half. Warm and windy with high cloud. It got darker and colder, lighting up time at 3:30 pm. Didn't rain until at least a minute after getting the bike back in the hallway to warm the house.
Thanks Mate, do you know, honestly. I thought it was in the US. Thinking about it, do they have Shell in the US? Probably not. Great photo though. Ride Safe mate 👍
Hi Keith, enjoying your vlogs and thought I’d put my ‘tuppence ha’penny’s worth forward for you to consider. I caravanned for 12 years and mostly loved it and as you have said you still have the freedom to go places with your car. Currently have a Motorhome, bit of a big bugger and as you correctly say again you can’t take them (very easily) into towns and park anywhere you like, it takes a lot of planning and once on site that’s where it stays until we move on. It does work well with our two Labradors though and that’s where I’d think you’d struggle in a camper van, space seems to be at a premium, What I’d be considering above anything else …is living space. Also the £££’s always is the main one. Good luck in your quest, hope you come to a decision that suits you and your other half’s needs. It’s swings and roundabouts with them all. cheers Martyn.
Thanks Martin, I can't argue with any of that, as my Mate used to say your pushing an open door. They all have their advantages and disadvantages don't they. I guess the most important thing to consider first is how you intend to use it and then work from there. But thanks for your kind words and Ride safe Mate👍
I worked for highways department most of my working life, in latter years sorting out problems. Sadly we saw budget dwindling year on year, one reason I retired when I got to 60. No problem with cutting vegetation back though you’ve probably taken away someone’s loophole to escape a speeding ticket 😊 That Bloke On A Motorbike was camping at Hulme End with his Enfield Classic on his last video
I think the Councils and Highways Authorities would insist you first to do a full risk assessment (including how you carry your tools on your bike) before allowing you to trim the vegetation covering any road signs. Don't forget the hi-viz and always wear eye protection!
Full PPE, cherrypicker, cones, banksman, road closure notice, waste removal and disposal, suite of risk assessments, SQEP operators, training, insurance.. the list is endless. Imagine the fun if a resident comes out and questions why you are cutting their tree. Or a passing car clips the cuttings. Better off with a battery powered angle grinder and go for the speed cameras 😄
Here in the US a lot of folks wait till spring to have service work done on their bikes, and it takes awhile to get any repairs done since the shops are busy. You would know the situation better in the UK, and it may not be difficult to get tires installed in the spring there.
Good job Keith when you get here bud you can get stuck into my overgrown back fence 👍 I’ll even give you some extending loppers 😊oh and gloves 👌 you do realise mate you could get pulled up by the police as you haven’t got fluro on and somebody with you in fluro with safety glasses and a hard hat to make sure you don’t step into traffic 😳 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 all joking aside mate good for you 👏🏻 I used to go around my park in the mornings with the dog and bin liner in the summer and fill the thing with plastic bottles cans and crisp packets cake boxes etc etc and the occasional BBQ tray, unfortunately this wasn’t all from kids but from families having picnics. of course mate camper van, if you had a tow car and you like caravans it’s not a lot of money sat on your drive, that’s why I bought one but preferred the spontaneity of the camper so changed back to a camper van. Decisions Decisions ….. Pete🇫🇷
Definitely go for a campervan. When I had to retire through ill health 7 years ago, I bought mine as my "daily user" as well as my weekend camper. You can get rid of a car and it won't need storage like a motorhome or caravan (unless you have a 70' driveway. I bought mine new and went for one based on a Renault Trafic as they were/are £6k cheaper than the VW equivalent as you are just paying for the badge.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I'm glad you have found the solution that works for you. I do think everyone is different and has varying requirements but interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing Ride safe👍
Never mind laying out for vans, use hotels / AirBnB instead. Less hassle and less dosh in the long run..no maintenance, tax, insurance or ridiculous site fees !!
Do you know John, that's a very good point. This Caravanning/ motorhome malarkey is definitely not a cheap option. So your suggestion is duly noted. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe Mate👍
There is basically ZERO road sign obstruction here in the USA, perhaps because the revenuers (rozzers to you) are staunchly opposed to anything that might be an impediment to successful prosecution. As for motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans... I understand the superficial appeal of motorhomes and camper vans (caravans remain a ghastly abomination to me), but if you spend a few minutes examining the reality of touring with either, you may conclude that hotels are easily the best option. For the expenditures involved with either (initial purchase price, insurance, taxes, maintenance, fuel - and most of these are ongoing expenses), you can stay many, many nights in a decent hotel and still be way ahead financially. Plus, and this is a big one, you don't have to face the choice of "Hmm, chemical toilet, or campground communal toilet?". Heaven forbid! Thank you for the video! FG Rides in Pennsylvania, USA
Thanks for commenting and you raise I am sure a valid point. I completely agree with you on the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses involved with a campervan or Caravan purchase and as you say the price of campgrounds,pitches, insurance etc are expensive. I can't deny it's not cheap. I do think it somewhat depends on how much you use it. In defense I would say that I do enjoy my own space, I enjoy being able to take my 2 dogs in my own timescale. I enjoy the freedom of not really having to book, if it's raining I can stay at home. I enjoy Campervanning as a hobby, looking after it, even Driving it. In the UK, they are expensive but unlike cars they do seem to hold their money well, depreciation is slow. I, and I am sure many others prefer my own space. I agree it's not for everyone and that's fine, I think it's probably different in the US to here in Europe. Emptying a chemical toilet cassette is just routine maintainance, just like picking up after my 2 dogs. It's just necessary and is part of the ownership experience. Thanks for your comments. Perhaps the vlog should of been Hotels or Camping? Ride safe Mate 👍
@@shottostravels I hadn't considered the dogs! There's no doubt that camping is the best option if you've got doggies along. I'm looking forward to seeing what you ultimately decide to get. You are going to make videos about it, aren't you?
@@FGRides I don't think there's any doubt that if you are 'only' going for a week or two, maybe because you still working I think hotels are the best option. But now retired, with plenty of free time to kill, and 2 dogs ( costs a fortune to put them in kennels,) then a camper and a European tour ( or two) become a distinct possibility. But thanks for your thoughts they are not wrong. As for vlogging, that too could be a good idea, it would obviously be a different audience to the biking audience but might be a good idea. If you like that sort of stuff, have a look at the channel I mentioned in the last vid, I find them very amusing. Thanks again Ride safe👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
@tomolitravels2276 Hi Mate, good idea, not sure how keen my missus would be though. They look great trailers though. Food for thought. Ride safe Mate 👍 Thanks for commenting.
Good job Keith when you get here bud you can get stuck into my overgrown back fence 👍 I’ll even give you some extending loppers 😊oh and gloves 👌 you do realise mate you could get pulled up by the police as you haven’t got fluro on and somebody with you in fluro with safety glasses and a hard hat to make sure you don’t step into traffic 😳 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 all joking aside mate good for you 👏🏻 I used to go around my park in the mornings with the dog and bin liner in the summer and fill the thing with plastic bottles cans and crisp packets cake boxes etc etc and the occasional BBQ tray, unfortunately this wasn’t all from kids but from families having picnics. of course mate camper van, if you had a tow car and you like caravans it’s not a lot of money sat on your drive, that’s why I bought one but preferred the spontaneity of the camper so changed back to a camper van. Decisions Decisions ….. Pete🇫🇷ps with my scooter on the back of course.
Thanks Mate, I knew you'd say that.All fair dinkum. I think it'll come back to how much money I've got next spring. I have a very expensive French trip planned.😉 Ride safe bud.👍
Nice job being part of the solution! With the rain you all seem to get, I don't know how you can keep up with it without everyone helping when they see an issue. We could all benefit by following your example... Ride safe friend!
Thanks Mate, just highlighting a little issue
There are far bigger ones!
Wasn't always like this.
Ride safe Mate 👍
Thanks fior showing our pics Keith. Well done on the pruning, happiness is a well-trimmed Bush 😊. So many obscured signs, many of them very important to road safety. My pet peeve is Lane markings at roundabouts. Many are worn out so badly that you cannot determine the correct lane on approach. Easy to get tangled with local drivers who know the location. So cold here after the 30+ degrees at Budapest. It'll soon be time to slather the big bike in the various oils and greases necessary to keep it corrosion free during it's winter layover. The Classic 350 will continue until the frosts arrive. We've a ride out planned with RE a week on Saturday (One Ride 2024). Then Ride to the Wall weather permitting. It's been a very short season this year.
Caravan or Motorhome?
I've had several caravans over the years and don't mind towing. The benefit of a 'van is that you can set up at your location and then have the car for driving about in.
Motorhome or camper requires a different approach, but you can't argue over the benefits of being "self contained" with very little setting up. Pull up, kettle on - so easy 😊
Can't disagree with any of that mate.
The sign thing was obviously only tongue in cheek but it does highlight the issue a little.
Looks like Autumns arrived now, oh dear, long winter?
Ride safe buddy.
👍
Thank you so much for the recommendation 😊. Great video as always. I’m learning a lot from your channel.
Absolute pleasure. My youtubing is on the back burner at the moment but I hope to be back soon.👍
Thanks for taking us to Llandudno.👍
Brilliant!
Thanks for commenting.
Ride safe bud👍
There used to be a council employee that unblocked drains on our very rural road. Now we do it. What’s worse is we get comments from neighbours like, “It’s flooded down the end of your road” as if it’s our responsibility 😂
Shame isn't it. We all know it's not our job but we all know the councils are cash strapped. If they put the council tax up to pay for it we'd all be up in arms.
So it doesn't get done and the general infrastructure goes down the pan.
Ride safe bud👍
@@ness-ee As a kid growing up in the 70's there was often one of those road cleaner lorries knocking about. Several times a year it would do the estate with it's vacuum pump going from drain to drain. A lot of the flooding we see on roads these days is more to do with lack of maintenance rather than any "climate emergency" 🙄
Another cracking ride Keith, you want to watch out for the clipboard men, not your job sunny 😂 how about getting a caravan and a van to tow it with big enough to get the bike in as well 👍😉 all the best buddy 👍
That's a good idea Mate, Ian Hughes does that.
I'm not sure my missus would be that keen though.
Don't know why.😂
@@shottostravels you can keep the leci car and tell her it’s just to pull the caravan and plenty of room for the dogs 🤣🤣
Great video Keith with valid points. Most of our villages up here have a lengthsman these days, and keeping signs clear ought to be part of the job really. I used to carry a pruning saw in the coach, but that was to try and protect my mirrors!
Thanks Martin, just more ramblings I'm afraid.
I've never heard of a Lengthsman?
As an ex driving examiner the difficulty is obvious, overgrown signs you can't see, lane markings missing caused us all sort of difficulties.
It gets beyond a joke when you're constantly telling candidates the speed limits or what lanes to get in.
Sometimes you got back wrote out a pass certificate and it felt like you'd almost given them turn by turn instructions. That's where the bee in my bonnet came in. Not their fault though.
Thanks for commenting, ride safe bud👍
Cheers Keith, yeah parish councils up here were given funding to employ a lengthsman, mainly to keep verges trimmed etc. It's been suggested that it's a way for highways department to offload responsibilities - not that I'd EVER make such a suggestion! 🤫
That would be my '99 FXDL in Colyford, East Devon this summer.
Went out to warm the oil yesterday but it turned into an hour and half.
Warm and windy with high cloud.
It got darker and colder, lighting up time at 3:30 pm.
Didn't rain until at least a minute after getting the bike back in the hallway to warm the house.
Thanks Mate, do you know, honestly. I thought it was in the US.
Thinking about it, do they have Shell in the US?
Probably not.
Great photo though.
Ride Safe mate 👍
Hi Keith, enjoying your vlogs and thought I’d put my ‘tuppence ha’penny’s worth forward for you to consider. I caravanned for 12 years and mostly loved it and as you have said you still have the freedom to go places with your car. Currently have a Motorhome, bit of a big bugger and as you correctly say again you can’t take them (very easily) into towns and park anywhere you like, it takes a lot of planning and once on site that’s where it stays until we move on. It does work well with our two Labradors though and that’s where I’d think you’d struggle in a camper van, space seems to be at a premium, What I’d be considering above anything else …is living space. Also the £££’s always is the main one. Good luck in your quest, hope you come to a decision that suits you and your other half’s needs. It’s swings and roundabouts with them all. cheers Martyn.
Thanks Martin, I can't argue with any of that, as my Mate used to say your pushing an open door.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages don't they.
I guess the most important thing to consider first is how you intend to use it and then work from there.
But thanks for your kind words and Ride safe Mate👍
I worked for highways department most of my working life, in latter years sorting out problems. Sadly we saw budget dwindling year on year, one reason I retired when I got to 60.
No problem with cutting vegetation back though you’ve probably taken away someone’s loophole to escape a speeding ticket 😊
That Bloke On A Motorbike was camping at Hulme End with his Enfield Classic on his last video
Hi Mate, shame isn't it.
But it's the general spiral downward of our infrastructure.
Shame but unavoidable.
Ride safe bud👍
@@shottostravels It's not unavaoidable though. It's us, accepting it..
I think the Councils and Highways Authorities would insist you first to do a full risk assessment (including how you carry your tools on your bike) before allowing you to trim the vegetation covering any road signs. Don't forget the hi-viz and always wear eye protection!
I think you are probably correct.
Ride safe Mate👍
Full PPE, cherrypicker, cones, banksman, road closure notice, waste removal and disposal, suite of risk assessments, SQEP operators, training, insurance.. the list is endless. Imagine the fun if a resident comes out and questions why you are cutting their tree. Or a passing car clips the cuttings. Better off with a battery powered angle grinder and go for the speed cameras 😄
Here in the US a lot of folks wait till spring to have service work done on their bikes, and it takes awhile to get any repairs done since the shops are busy. You would know the situation better in the UK, and it may not be difficult to get tires installed in the spring there.
Fair point, I don't think it would be an issue here, particularly as I'm not dead fixed on any particular brand.
But a fair thought.
Ride safe bud 👍
Motorhome (a small one!) with a C350 on the back rack - perfection?
I bought an old sprinter van and converted it on the cheap myself. Ended up with exactly what I wanted for not a lot of money….
Hi Steve, fair enough.
I wish I was as handy as you.
Some self builds are great.
Thanks for commenting.
Good job Keith when you get here bud you can get stuck into my overgrown back fence 👍 I’ll even give you some extending loppers 😊oh and gloves 👌 you do realise mate you could get pulled up by the police as you haven’t got fluro on and somebody with you in fluro with safety glasses and a hard hat to make sure you don’t step into traffic 😳 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 all joking aside mate good for you 👏🏻 I used to go around my park in the mornings with the dog and bin liner in the summer and fill the thing with plastic bottles cans and crisp packets cake boxes etc etc and the occasional BBQ tray, unfortunately this wasn’t all from kids but from families having picnics. of course mate camper van, if you had a tow car and you like caravans it’s not a lot of money sat on your drive, that’s why I bought one but preferred the spontaneity of the camper so changed back to a camper van. Decisions Decisions ….. Pete🇫🇷
Definitely go for a campervan. When I had to retire through ill health 7 years ago, I bought mine as my "daily user" as well as my weekend camper. You can get rid of a car and it won't need storage like a motorhome or caravan (unless you have a 70' driveway. I bought mine new and went for one based on a Renault Trafic as they were/are £6k cheaper than the VW equivalent as you are just paying for the badge.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I'm glad you have found the solution that works for you.
I do think everyone is different and has varying requirements but interesting thoughts.
Thanks for sharing
Ride safe👍
Never mind laying out for vans, use hotels / AirBnB instead. Less hassle and less dosh in the long run..no maintenance, tax, insurance or ridiculous site fees !!
Do you know John, that's a very good point. This Caravanning/ motorhome malarkey is definitely not a cheap option. So your suggestion is duly noted.
Thanks for commenting.
Ride safe Mate👍
Waity says do u want buy a pair of cordless hedge trimmers.
As long as they fit in my topbox 😉👍
There is basically ZERO road sign obstruction here in the USA, perhaps because the revenuers (rozzers to you) are staunchly opposed to anything that might be an impediment to successful prosecution. As for motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans... I understand the superficial appeal of motorhomes and camper vans (caravans remain a ghastly abomination to me), but if you spend a few minutes examining the reality of touring with either, you may conclude that hotels are easily the best option. For the expenditures involved with either (initial purchase price, insurance, taxes, maintenance, fuel - and most of these are ongoing expenses), you can stay many, many nights in a decent hotel and still be way ahead financially. Plus, and this is a big one, you don't have to face the choice of "Hmm, chemical toilet, or campground communal toilet?". Heaven forbid! Thank you for the video!
FG Rides in Pennsylvania, USA
Thanks for commenting and you raise I am sure a valid point.
I completely agree with you on the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses involved with a campervan or Caravan purchase and as you say the price of campgrounds,pitches, insurance etc are expensive.
I can't deny it's not cheap.
I do think it somewhat depends on how much you use it.
In defense I would say that I do enjoy my own space, I enjoy being able to take my 2 dogs in my own timescale.
I enjoy the freedom of not really having to book, if it's raining I can stay at home.
I enjoy Campervanning as a hobby, looking after it, even Driving it.
In the UK, they are expensive but unlike cars they do seem to hold their money well, depreciation is slow.
I, and I am sure many others prefer my own space.
I agree it's not for everyone and that's fine, I think it's probably different in the US to here in Europe.
Emptying a chemical toilet cassette is just routine maintainance, just like picking up after my 2 dogs.
It's just necessary and is part of the ownership experience.
Thanks for your comments.
Perhaps the vlog should of been Hotels or Camping?
Ride safe Mate 👍
@@shottostravels I hadn't considered the dogs! There's no doubt that camping is the best option if you've got doggies along. I'm looking forward to seeing what you ultimately decide to get. You are going to make videos about it, aren't you?
@@FGRides I don't think there's any doubt that if you are 'only' going for a week or two, maybe because you still working I think hotels are the best option.
But now retired, with plenty of free time to kill, and 2 dogs ( costs a fortune to put them in kennels,) then a camper and a European tour ( or two) become a distinct possibility.
But thanks for your thoughts they are not wrong.
As for vlogging, that too could be a good idea, it would obviously be a different audience to the biking audience but might be a good idea.
If you like that sort of stuff, have a look at the channel I mentioned in the last vid, I find them very amusing.
Thanks again
Ride safe👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
If you can get a camper van
Campervan, more versatile than a motor home. Get a trailer and a lightweight bike and go exploring
Great idea, not sure how keen the Mrs would be though.👍
@@shottostravels I keep saying that I will buy a bike trailer to put behind our camper. I quite fancy a collapsible trailer as it's easier to store.
@AliasMrHackenbacker sounds great. It's gotta wait till next year, but I guess that's not a real hardship as winters coming now.👍
I tow my T100 behind my Campervan. I have a folding trailer from phoenix trailers of Shropshire. Very happy with it.
@tomolitravels2276 Hi Mate, good idea, not sure how keen my missus would be though. They look great trailers though. Food for thought.
Ride safe Mate 👍
Thanks for commenting.
Good job Keith when you get here bud you can get stuck into my overgrown back fence 👍 I’ll even give you some extending loppers 😊oh and gloves 👌 you do realise mate you could get pulled up by the police as you haven’t got fluro on and somebody with you in fluro with safety glasses and a hard hat to make sure you don’t step into traffic 😳 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 all joking aside mate good for you 👏🏻 I used to go around my park in the mornings with the dog and bin liner in the summer and fill the thing with plastic bottles cans and crisp packets cake boxes etc etc and the occasional BBQ tray, unfortunately this wasn’t all from kids but from families having picnics. of course mate camper van, if you had a tow car and you like caravans it’s not a lot of money sat on your drive, that’s why I bought one but preferred the spontaneity of the camper so changed back to a camper van. Decisions Decisions ….. Pete🇫🇷ps with my scooter on the back of course.
Thanks Mate, I knew you'd say that.All fair dinkum.
I think it'll come back to how much money I've got next spring. I have a very expensive French trip planned.😉
Ride safe bud.👍