Buy Me A Coffee is a great way for anyone, anywhere in the world, to contribute to the channel, and future videos, or if you just want to buy me a coffee, tea, pork pie, or chicken vindaloo. Cheers buymeacoffee.com/countryhousegent
This is my favourite vlog of all time, as my Dad was born in Laxdale and I still have cousins living there. We live in Australia and have been to Lewis 5 times in the last 15 years, but our travel days are behind us now (I'm 80), so it is fantastic to have this vlog to look at. I called my cousin Janet last night and she was thrilled with your positive review, especially of the cooked breakfast which she has cooked for us on numerous occasions. Thank you so much for this Kevin.
Hi Kevin, Thank you very much for taking me to Stornoway, we watch all on this video thr that village, personally i think that we would have to go up there for a holiday. Enjoyed your video alot. Hope you are well ??? ❤ Take care X X X
Really enjoying your motorcycle adventures. I'm a long time viewer of your narrow boating however, this is refreshing viewing. Cheers from New Zealand.
I just stopped the video at 8.21 and straight ahead is a white cottage between a large green shed on the left and the green Laxdaleschool on the right - that it Bridge Cottage where my Dad and cousins were born. My cousin Robert still lives there, and my cousin Janet lives up at Benside (meaningside of the hill) - you had just passed the turnoff to Benside at 8.16. This is absolute magic for me.
Grand scenery lovely castle and my I did smile when you finished the amazing brekky I defied all odds and had toast with real butter for the first time in four years my word it was good and I am still sucking in air so why not have what you like lol tc now Kevin glad you are safe and looking so well. The oldies 🤗👍👍
What a delightful day in Stornaway! The kind of place my husband and I would have loved exploring during our traveling days. Many thanks for sharing it with us, Kevin. A perfect bookend to a lovely weekend shared with friends near and far. 😊
Kevin- Every mile is a joy to experience with you. My only visit to Scotland was the manland, so now I know the glory of the many islands that you are sharing with us. Your BMW is amazing, so smooth and quiet yet powerful. Some of your views have reminded me of a fine Scottish-American movie, "Local Hero". Have you seen it? I understand it was filmed in the village of Pennan. When you passed through Fionnphort I immediately connected this with the little village in the movie. Everything about this film is near-perfect. There are stunning coastal locations, plus the characters are hilarious and the soundtrack is some of Mark Knopfler's best and most-moving work. I'm so grateful for all you've offered through your narrow boat and biking adventures, and I will continue following you on YT. Thanks! -Nebraska Tom
Fabulous to hear that Thomas, thank you for watching and enjoying the channel. Indeed I'm very familiar with Local Hero. I believe there were several locations used around the UK to make up the fictional village, including the beach?
You made all my wishes come true with this one, Kevin! I wanted to know how it went with Tesco and thoroughly enjoyed your description of the cordial and professional cashier. I wanted you to go inside somewhere that sold food and show us the beautiful food and you did that with J M Macdonald. I wanted you to have a hearty breakfast that you shared with us and you did that with Shen’s Cafe! I am now craving that sort of breakfast; alas, I’m only able to make a facsimile of such a glorious-looking breakfast here in Portland, Oregon. Maybe I’ll do that soon again. I have done it in the past. I also enjoyed your walk in the wood, the signage about Lews Castle, as well as the views of it and the surrounding area of Stornoway. See you again next time, from over here in Portland, Oregon!
Thanks Kevin, for this particular episode of this marvellous adventure as Stornoway looks like a beautiful seaside town with everything there that you could need but up away from the nonsense that is the mainland. It is very annoying to lots of us that our leaders never seem to get advice from genuine experts about science and engineering, adding corn liquor to petrol fuel is only good for fuel company profits and taxation as it is not good for the car or bike as it draws water into the fuel tank and also rots the plastic and rubber components of the fuel system. Generally it is bad for performance and economy, just think of the land used to grow all the corn/maize to ruin fuel instead of feeding people or being left as nature intended it. The breakfast that you had did look like the best breakfast ever, a breakfast for a King. Have a great week. Take care and all the best. Stevie
Happy Halloween Kevin! I wish there was a way to post pictures. I love your videos! They are relaxing, interesting, inspiring, and entertaining! I know how much time goes into making them and I want you to know that I appreciate the time you take to make them!
Another greatly enjoyable show! Sometimes here in the US, they have the “my Dad works here” signs where there is road construction (road works) going on, to get us to be careful not to endanger workers.
Whether on a foggy canal or a remote Scottish wilderness, real adventurers with a built-in man compass 🧭calibrated to perfection trump a satnav every time! You’ve got that explorer’s intuition dialed in, Kevin-sniffing out the elusive Tesco each & every time…too right! Cheers!😃
Iv just watched the vid now heading to watch the rest😂👍ps was in the hebrides last year superb... year before Shetland and Orkney....as a Cumbrian resident we are spoiled for good roads and as with Shetland no passports needed😂😂
Hi Kevin, Absolutely loved this episode. What a great town is Stornaway. Loved exploring it with you. The castle was magnificent, but I thought the woodland walk was even better. The campsite wasn’t bad either! That breakfast was huge, but I guess it had to last you a while. I had to laugh at your remark about your “man compass”. My husband didn’t have one and wouldn’t ask for directions so we sometimes spent ages driving around before we discovered our destination! Stubborn man . 😂 Now I’m looking forward to seeing Ullapool. See you next week.
Great to hear you enjoyed it, Connie. Wish I'd taken more video of the woodland, it was a very nice walk. Yes my internal compass has saved my skin on a few occasions, not mentioning Wigan on one particular new year's. Ullapool and the ferry journey to it are one memory that will stay with me.
What a lovely place. I shall add Stornaway to my places to visit before I die. Seeing that breakfast made me hungry! Great video as always Kevin. Thanks for taking us along.
each installment serves to increase my admiration for your many skills: narrowboat pilot, distance motorcyclist, comfort food cook and keen-eyed Tesco spotter
Thank you for another video. I am enjoying them. It is so good that you were able to make this trip and enjoy it. Some of us are likely riding along with you vicariously. 😂 What great memories you are compiling. In your old age they will be a source of joy.
Hello Kevin. It’s been a while since I’ve commented but rest assured Ive been watching your trip from the beginning and enjoying it from day one. It looks amazing as usual brother. Thanks for the vids they’re always great!
Great episode again, nice to see you sampled the black pudding, I had some Stornoway black pudding with my breakfast this morning in north Yorkshire, ride well and stay safe Kevin.
@@CountryHouseGent Hi Kevin, yes I get one every couple of months slice it and freeze it, it costs about £20 a tube, but I don't like the shop bought ones now I have had Stornoway.
good episode! you're spot on about ethanol too. Around here in America places now sell "real gas" as a special commodity. It's amazing first how much better your engine runs and second how much better mileage you get
One episode we see an almost self-confessed hermit craving anonymity and the next episode he's in the fleshpots of Stornowa' loving the vibes of Tesco! Made me think of the dichotomy of having a successful UA-cam channel while wanting to get away from it all - you just have to tolerate the attention of being recognised, Kevin. However you travel, by boat or by bkie, the footage is magical.
According to Jeremy Clarkson it’s not speed that kills. It’s the sudden unplanned stop that renders a sudden unplanned disassembly, along with the motorist’s assuming ambient temperature.
See you are having a great time Kevin you surprised with the MPG on the bike Think I will stick to my 13 plate diesel focus on fast roads set cruise at 65mph and in return around 55/60 mpg and the brekkie looked fab but where was the brown sauce 😄😄😁😁keep the vids coming loving this series 👍👍
I was a little critical with my comment on the last episode but to make amends I thoroughly enjoyed that episode. Great views and content, I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you 🙏
I love being cheerful in shops. Here in Munich, it gets reciprocated with some version of "you're wasting other customers' time". Over many years of not responding to this in any way, the ladies in the bakery now simply respond to my chirpy comments with thunderous looks and exaggerated hyperactivity. I rather enjoy it.
I know what you're saying. I'll always be very cheery, chatty and jolly, even when the sales assistant isn't. Seems to annoy them if they're unhappiness doesn't reduce mine. 😆
Last week I drove from Middlesbrough to my daughter's home in Cheddar, Somerset in a 12 year old 2 litre Insignia diesel and got 58 mpg over the 285 miles. Some of that was due to the 50mph limits in the copious roadworks, but the rest of the time I was hovering around 70 mph using cruise control. It's acceleration/deceleration that uses fuel.
Key points about speed: 1. You spend far more time in close proximity to other cars when driving below 30 mph, mostly city driving. So it stands to reason there would be many more collisions below 30 mph. 2. Constantly changing throttle, such as the start-and-stop driving that you would experience in city driving, drinks fuel like crazy. I suppose that reducing speed out on the highway from 85 to 55 mph (Hey, I live in Texas!) would save some fuel, at the risk of becoming a hood ornament on somebody's F-350 Country Cadillac.
In the USA the phrase "speed kills " was a reference to methamphetamine. I'm a bit older so maybe the usage changed . I didn't know if I was going to enjoy this series but I find myself looking forward to each episode. I think it's the host .
Yup, constant speeds, saves fuel. My sweet spot is 90 kmh. But we have discussed this before. PS. That drive carefully sign, my dad works here, is the sign we use here for road workers. Drivers drive so fast. 2 killed a while back.
Those GSs are thirsty if you only got over 47 mpg at cruising speeds, but at least the large tank gives a decent range. You are loaded though, I think my unadventurous 1200 could get over 50mpg with just me on it.
Stornaway is Far and Away The Best town you"ve visited so far ! A Tesco AND a Co-op ! And a Re-LAX- ing Place to Camp and Recharge your Personal Batteries ! I think Mr Matheson was a bit Naughty, BUT he did give away a lot of money for the public good !est ! THAT Breakfast ! And Another ? or was this just my Double-take ! I had to go and Lie down to let it all Digest ! Carry-On Camping ! Stay Safe ! Stu xx
Many thanks for watching and enjoying Stu. Yes it's always very mixed when looking back at these old wealthy businessmen. Whilst they did a lot of good for the local populace, they're methods of making that wealth were often questionable. Well spotted with the breakfast. While I stayed for those extra 2 days, I had a full breakfast each morning. 3 in total. 😆
The landscape around you seems quite “rugged” to say the least. We are just wondering what the people in the area do for a living. We’re not seeing farms, at least not right along the road, and the countryside seems pretty empty.
Best travel show I've watched. Kevin, you should syndicate and get paid to travel the world! Like Anthony Bourdain! Nah... time to chill back into life with Aslan. You really do have an eye for what is interesting for the vicarious viewer.
Thank you, you're too kind 🙂 I am toying with the idea of travelling (on foot/train/boat/plane), across various countries whilst filming, editing and uploading as I go, for a year. 🤔
@@CountryHouseGent Do it! Sounds highly exciting! Again, I am jealous and in awe of your Aslandian life, your roaming bent, your specific know/how/experience mechanically... .... ... and yes... see the world... it's huge! and hugely beautiful. Must say again... there are many... that want to do what you're doing. So... keep doing it... until... . I watched everything you have shared (I don't sleep but for 4-5hrs daily). From the pre-launch, with much excited anticipation on your part... camping out a few days in your overloaded van... waiting for the unbirthing of Aslan... captained by a country house gentleman. I am taking notes... as I thoroughly enjoy you shared travels. Thank you Kevin Idontevenknowyerlastname !
Breakfast looks delicious. Do you tip like I’m accustomed to here in the states? Just curious that was a lot of food, 😮 cheers Kevin, Charlie from Pennsylvania 😊
Great to hear from you Charles and hope you are well. It's not customary to tip in the UK but many will add a few pounds to the bill, or put a couple of coins in the jar. In fact our tipping laws are being updated, whereby the full amount actually goes to the staff, rather than a chunk being scooped up by the restaurant/cafe owner. About time to.
Nice video Kevin, wow 33mpg that seems very low my previous 1250GS got an average 55kg and my current 1250RT gets 58 to 65mpg thunk you’re right about the speed read somewhere a constant 55mph is the ideal balance between drive and wind resistance for best mpg. As to E10 there are a number of people who have tested petrols from different stations and find varying amounts of ethanol from 2 to 6% E10 doesn’t mean it has 10% it means it can have up to 10%. Seen tests on E5 as well and some of those had 0%.
Great video as usual. 😊 I wonder about this, do you leave your keys in the ignition when you leave? Is theft a problem there as it has become here in my home town. Safe travels my friend or as we say vaya con dios.😊
Bang on the mark with the fuel comments Kev.....that E10 fuel is a great big con.....we noticed that tank range dropped a bit when we started using it in our runabout Smart Car instead of E5 as it has become the new standard option for unleaded. You end up having to drive the motor harder for the same power out, hence mpg drops and you end up refuelling more often😕😕. If one also has an old classic / hobby car like me (1961 Rover) then it must be avoided wherever possible like the plague - it (E10) is death to older fuel systems as it does some awful things - only way you can still get E5 in most situations is to shell out (no pun intended!) for pricier high-octane fuel option where offered
Yes, I avoid E10 unless there's no option. Then I add an E10 neutraliser additive, that eliminates the water absorbing properties of E10. Not an ideal solution though
Whilst Lewis and Stornoway probably wouldn't make my top ten of places to visit in Scotland, the Stornoway black pudding is some of the best I've ever had.
Thanks Kevin for another great vlog. Please observe the roads while talking to us lol.Talking about fuel economy Kevin,it almost sounded you wanted people to increase their speed to economic.🤔 We appreciate no ads in your vlog, but I read that you're 33% better off,so really you're not doing it for us hey. By entertaining us superbly once a week, however are you going to give us the quality when you get back to "Aslan. Until next week my friend Stay safe😎
For some reason I felt compelled to break out the Bible and read a New Testament passage...😉 BTW Kevin, if you want really long straight roads, visit North Dakota' Hwy 46 W. My mother was from ND, so yeah I've been on that stretch a couple times way back when and yes you will go crazy, even on a bike. It's a bit Pythonesque if you get that reference. Stunning midwestern plains landscapes/vistas in their own little way up there...and humbling.
They're called Zig Zags and they're placed either side of pedestrian crossing to warn drivers not to park there, hindering a pedestrian's view of the road.
I’m getting used to the British side of the road but the roundabouts still give me a turn, ( so do the US ones ) but I’m getting better. Road workers are destroyed at 30 mph when struck, so “ my dad works here “ is also used in our country. E10 is for farmers to sell more corn. And is crud for autos politics as usual.
I think the stopping at starting, constant shifting, slowing and speeding up in traffic, climbing hills... might have something to do with getting worse gas milage than driving at a constant speed of 50mph on a long unfettered straight stretch. Something tells me that if you drove 20mph on a long straight stretch you would get much better gas milage than driving the same road at 50mph. 🤷♂ But, I agree that big oil, big auto... only do what is best for their profit margin. Unfortunately, corporations have been given more power than individual citizens and now control and determine virtually all of our governmental decisions.
Hello Kev, I have already commented to much fanfare and so forth about the first glaring irregularity on your voyage, and that was it was quite noticeable with all that water around, lakes, oceans, brooks and branches, you name it.... in the background of all of your vids no one is fishing. No boats on the water. No kids out with their poles catching supper. Zip. Strange. In the latest edition you park your bike at the local Tesco and sally forth.....and you do it again in town.....leaving all your worldly goods sitting on the bike screaming to be stolen. And it wasn't. That was pretty weird, bro Kev. Now, by comparison....across the pond.... I'm here to tell you that there are way more places in the good old USA type of America that those goodies would NOT have been stolen than would. However, nobody no place would leave their stuff unattended on the bike like you did bekez over the last 50 years or so would we've trained ourselves to expect the worst case scenario. Lastly, here in good ol Alabam, unless one is strange one does not chew pork and beanies for breakfast. However, more than once I have eaten fried ripe tomatoes with breakfast. Prolly the only person in Alabama to do that. Had some the other day. Got onto that stuff from some Irish cop show or the other. Not too shabby! Ruh-ther! You attentive fan, Norm
Tesco has just caused the Natives of Lewis, to bring down the Wrath of Yahweh, as they are proposing opening on a Sunday, the Management team will go to the Burning Fire, for Eternity.
Firstly human error is yhe biggest cause of accidents not speed. Motorways are the safest roads. Secondly no idea about motorcycle fuel consumption. World record holding production vehicles get the furthest through reduced speed since over 40mph most of the fuel burnt goes into fighting eind resistance which increases rapidly, and the reason during the US fuel crisis speed limits were reduced. I do know some vehicles can't get into a higher gear until 60mph which is more efficient than the additional wind resistant from the higher speed. Lorries often drive at 50mph to dave fuel.
Buy Me A Coffee is a great way for anyone, anywhere in the world, to contribute to the channel, and future videos, or if you just want to buy me a coffee, tea, pork pie, or chicken vindaloo. Cheers buymeacoffee.com/countryhousegent
@@CountryHouseGent i got your coffee. Make mine a decaf. I always enjoy your adventures. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Enjoy your vlogs. Safe travels. 😊
Brilliant Cliff, thank you and coffee received. Cheers,
Fabulous to hear that Gordon, thank you and coffee(s) received. Cheers 🤗
Has anyone else noticed that wonderfully, there are no ads interrupting Kevin’s vlogs?
Indeed, I never put mid-roll ad's in my videos.
I suspected that this was your option & choice. Very thoughtful, Kevin. Thank you.
It’s refreshing
@@CountryHouseGentmuch appreciated, Kevin, I hadn't realised it was under creators control.
I must point out that in choosing to do so (for the sake of the viewing experience), I take (up to) a 33% revenue hit. 😳
This is my favourite vlog of all time, as my Dad was born in Laxdale and I still have cousins living there. We live in Australia and have been to Lewis 5 times in the last 15 years, but our travel days are behind us now (I'm 80), so it is fantastic to have this vlog to look at. I called my cousin Janet last night and she was thrilled with your positive review, especially of the cooked breakfast which she has cooked for us on numerous occasions. Thank you so much for this Kevin.
Every mile a joy every moment sublime.
Hi Kevin, Thank you very much for taking me to Stornoway, we watch all on this video thr that village, personally i think that we would have to go up there for a holiday.
Enjoyed your video alot.
Hope you are well ???
❤ Take care X X X
That look on your face on completing that breakfast said it all.
Excellent video, as ever.
Indeed, it was almost a meditative experience. Quite superb 😁
Really enjoying your motorcycle adventures. I'm a long time viewer of your narrow boating however, this is refreshing viewing. Cheers from New Zealand.
Very pleased to hear that Chris. Thank you for watching.
I just stopped the video at 8.21 and straight ahead is a white cottage between a large green shed on the left and the green Laxdaleschool on the right - that it Bridge Cottage where my Dad and cousins were born. My cousin Robert still lives there, and my cousin Janet lives up at Benside (meaningside of the hill) - you had just passed the turnoff to Benside at 8.16. This is absolute magic for me.
Grand scenery lovely castle and my I did smile when you finished the amazing brekky I defied all odds and had toast with real butter for the first time in four years my word it was good and I am still sucking in air so why not have what you like lol tc now Kevin glad you are safe and looking so well. The oldies 🤗👍👍
Oh I bet that toast and butter was an incredible experience, Ann. I like the butter to melt and eat it all while still warm. 🤗
What a delightful day in Stornaway! The kind of place my husband and I would have loved exploring during our traveling days. Many thanks for sharing it with us, Kevin. A perfect bookend to a lovely weekend shared with friends near and far. 😊
Kevin- Every mile is a joy to experience with you. My only visit to Scotland was the manland, so now I know the glory of the many islands that you are sharing with us. Your BMW is amazing, so smooth and quiet yet powerful. Some of your views have reminded me of a fine Scottish-American movie, "Local Hero". Have you seen it? I understand it was filmed in the village of Pennan. When you passed through Fionnphort I immediately connected this with the little village in the movie. Everything about this film is near-perfect. There are stunning coastal locations, plus the characters are hilarious and the soundtrack is some of Mark Knopfler's best and most-moving work. I'm so grateful for all you've offered through your narrow boat and biking adventures, and I will continue following you on YT. Thanks! -Nebraska Tom
Fabulous to hear that Thomas, thank you for watching and enjoying the channel. Indeed I'm very familiar with Local Hero. I believe there were several locations used around the UK to make up the fictional village, including the beach?
wow! great breakfast Kevin & u belong to the clean plate club as we say in the USA! gorgeous scenery and nice campsite @ the end!
Thanks Larisa. It would be a crime to leave any of that breakfast uneaten.
Kevin, when you plan a road trip, you really plan road trip. What a wonderful journey this has been.
I appreciate that and thank you for watching and enjoying.
You made all my wishes come true with this one, Kevin! I wanted to know how it went with Tesco and thoroughly enjoyed your description of the cordial and professional cashier. I wanted you to go inside somewhere that sold food and show us the beautiful food and you did that with J M Macdonald. I wanted you to have a hearty breakfast that you shared with us and you did that with Shen’s Cafe! I am now craving that sort of breakfast; alas, I’m only able to make a facsimile of such a glorious-looking breakfast here in Portland, Oregon. Maybe I’ll do that soon again. I have done it in the past. I also enjoyed your walk in the wood, the signage about Lews Castle, as well as the views of it and the surrounding area of Stornoway. See you again next time, from over here in Portland, Oregon!
Hi Kevin. Stornaway looks like a great place to stay. A happy Tesco, 8 hours free parking and a tasty breakfast 😋Take care. Nick
Thanks Kevin, for this particular episode of this marvellous adventure as Stornoway looks like a beautiful seaside town with everything there that you could need but up away from the nonsense that is the mainland. It is very annoying to lots of us that our leaders never seem to get advice from genuine experts about science and engineering, adding corn liquor to petrol fuel is only good for fuel company profits and taxation as it is not good for the car or bike as it draws water into the fuel tank and also rots the plastic and rubber components of the fuel system. Generally it is bad for performance and economy, just think of the land used to grow all the corn/maize to ruin fuel instead of feeding people or being left as nature intended it. The breakfast that you had did look like the best breakfast ever, a breakfast for a King. Have a great week. Take care and all the best. Stevie
Happy Halloween Kevin! I wish there was a way to post pictures. I love your videos! They are relaxing, interesting, inspiring, and entertaining! I know how much time goes into making them and I want you to know that I appreciate the time you take to make them!
Another greatly enjoyable show! Sometimes here in the US, they have the “my Dad works here” signs where there is road construction (road works) going on, to get us to be careful not to endanger workers.
Whether on a foggy canal or a remote Scottish wilderness, real adventurers with a built-in man compass 🧭calibrated to perfection trump a satnav every time! You’ve got that explorer’s intuition dialed in, Kevin-sniffing out the elusive Tesco each & every time…too right! Cheers!😃
Too true Mark, though the Tesco are easy to find, if you know there hiding places. 😁
So refreshing to watch and escape again for a while.
Your vlogs are capturing the isles so well and in a unique way. Thank you again. 😀
Thank you so much Deborah.
Kevin you really enjoyed that breakfast, It looked great,
Fantastic views again 👍
Dave and Elaine.
Thank you to both of you for watching. It was a breakfast to remember. 🙂
Every time you said Barahbas the first thing through my mind was "I ain't getting on no plane fool" 😂
Especially if it's being flown by Howling Mad Murdoch. 😆
@@CountryHouseGent if he's flying then we're dying
Looks like talking whilst riding also uses more fuel when you have to backtrack 😂😂😂😂😂. We’re so loving these vlogs ❤
Ah yes I hadn't considered that. 😁
Each episode gets better and better! I absolutely LOVED this one!!!!
Always great to read that you've enjoyed watching. 🙂
21:27 agree 100%
Iv just watched the vid now heading to watch the rest😂👍ps was in the hebrides last year superb... year before Shetland and Orkney....as a Cumbrian resident we are spoiled for good roads and as with Shetland no passports needed😂😂
Hi Kevin, Absolutely loved this episode. What a great town is Stornaway. Loved exploring it with you. The castle was magnificent, but I thought the woodland walk was even better. The campsite wasn’t bad either! That breakfast was huge, but I guess it had to last you a while. I had to laugh at your remark about your “man compass”. My husband didn’t have one and wouldn’t ask for directions so we sometimes spent ages driving around before we discovered our destination! Stubborn man . 😂 Now I’m looking forward to seeing Ullapool. See you next week.
Great to hear you enjoyed it, Connie. Wish I'd taken more video of the woodland, it was a very nice walk. Yes my internal compass has saved my skin on a few occasions, not mentioning Wigan on one particular new year's. Ullapool and the ferry journey to it are one memory that will stay with me.
Loved that! Kind of like walking thru a new town with an old friend. Nice work!
Thankyou that started my Saturday morning of good. Enjoyed it .all . take care
Thank you Carol, you're very welcome.
Thanks!
Many thanks Billy, most appreciated.
What a lovely place. I shall add Stornaway to my places to visit before I die. Seeing that breakfast made me hungry! Great video as always Kevin. Thanks for taking us along.
Always a pleasure to have you along on the journey, Marty. Thank you
Hmmmm... beautiful. Thanks.
each installment serves to increase my admiration for your many skills: narrowboat pilot, distance motorcyclist, comfort food cook and keen-eyed Tesco spotter
Ha yes, quite the skill set Larry. Cheers for watching.
@@CountryHouseGent my pleasure
Haha your “man compass “. Love it! Great video for a Friday afternoon. Thanks Kevin.
Never lets me down. 😆
Thank you for another video. I am enjoying them. It is so good that you were able to make this trip and enjoy it. Some of us are likely riding along with you vicariously. 😂 What great memories you are compiling. In your old age they will be a source of joy.
Hello Art and I'm delighted to hear you're enjoying the road trip. You're right, this is quite a collection of holiday snaps I'm gathering. 🙂
wow - brought back so many happy cycling holiday memories - make sure your sample some whiskey - great vlog
Hello Kevin. It’s been a while since I’ve commented but rest assured Ive been watching your trip from the beginning and enjoying it from day one. It looks amazing as usual brother. Thanks for the vids they’re always great!
Hi and it's very rewarding to hear that. I appreciate your watching and enjoying. Thank you,
Great episode again, nice to see you sampled the black pudding, I had some Stornoway black pudding with my breakfast this morning in north Yorkshire, ride well and stay safe Kevin.
It was well worth the wait Derek. Do you order it for delivery to Yorkshire?
@@CountryHouseGent Hi Kevin, yes I get one every couple of months slice it and freeze it, it costs about £20 a tube, but I don't like the shop bought ones now I have had Stornoway.
good episode! you're spot on about ethanol too. Around here in America places now sell "real gas" as a special commodity. It's amazing first how much better your engine runs and second how much better mileage you get
Oh my Kevin ,what a breakfast ❤
Great episode, Kevin! Enjoyed the town and facilities tours.
Oh the moors. Good pictures. Thanks.
I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed that Billy, thank you.
Thanks for another wonderful video. Cheers!
You're very welcome
One episode we see an almost self-confessed hermit craving anonymity and the next episode he's in the fleshpots of Stornowa' loving the vibes of Tesco! Made me think of the dichotomy of having a successful UA-cam channel while wanting to get away from it all - you just have to tolerate the attention of being recognised, Kevin. However you travel, by boat or by bkie, the footage is magical.
It's inevitable and necessary that a visit to a town will happen at some point or another. Ok in small doses. 🙂
@@CountryHouseGent Understood, used to use Fort William in just the same way.
Stornoway looked a cracking wee place
It was a complete surprise and most welcome after being through miles of wilderness.
Nice
Thank you for watching and enjoying so much of my channel Ivan. 🙂
According to Jeremy Clarkson it’s not speed that kills. It’s the sudden unplanned stop that renders a sudden unplanned disassembly, along with the motorist’s assuming ambient temperature.
That definitely sounds like a Clarksonism. 😁
My goto breakfast roll is a black pudding and egg roll with a runny yoke, you cannae beat it.
That's sounds fantastic. Now to get some more black pudding and eggs. Ketchup or brown sauce?
See you are having a great time Kevin you surprised with the MPG on the bike Think I will stick to my 13 plate diesel focus on fast roads set cruise at 65mph and in return around 55/60 mpg and the brekkie looked fab but where was the brown sauce 😄😄😁😁keep the vids coming loving this series 👍👍
Brown sauce? Well I have to watch the calories. 😆
That breakfast looked wonderful!!
It definitely was. If I ever go back to Stornoway, that's my first port of call.
I was a little critical with my comment on the last episode but to make amends I thoroughly enjoyed that episode. Great views and content, I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you 🙏
I'll let you off, Stephen. 🤗
Thanks Kevin😃
Glad to see you had the Lorne sausage!
It was a completely new style of sausage to me, together with the completely incredible breakfast
Love breakfasts like that.
great vilog on travels thanks lee
Blown away by Stornaway!!!! How could you leave?!
Thank you we don't have that in Canada
I love being cheerful in shops. Here in Munich, it gets reciprocated with some version of "you're wasting other customers' time". Over many years of not responding to this in any way, the ladies in the bakery now simply respond to my chirpy comments with thunderous looks and exaggerated hyperactivity. I rather enjoy it.
I know what you're saying. I'll always be very cheery, chatty and jolly, even when the sales assistant isn't. Seems to annoy them if they're unhappiness doesn't reduce mine. 😆
Facts and truth are no longer safe and effective Kevin 😉
Ah those were the days. 🙄
The amount of place names in Quebec that are the same is astounding. Example Stornoway is the Canadian PMs summer residence (cottage)
The fuel efficiency thing applies at higher speeds. Efficiency at 80 mph is much lower than at 55.
Last week I drove from Middlesbrough to my daughter's home in Cheddar, Somerset in a 12 year old 2 litre Insignia diesel and got 58 mpg over the 285 miles. Some of that was due to the 50mph limits in the copious roadworks, but the rest of the time I was hovering around 70 mph using cruise control. It's acceleration/deceleration that uses fuel.
Key points about speed:
1. You spend far more time in close proximity to other cars when driving below 30 mph, mostly city driving. So it stands to reason there would be many more collisions below 30 mph.
2. Constantly changing throttle, such as the start-and-stop driving that you would experience in city driving, drinks fuel like crazy. I suppose that reducing speed out on the highway from 85 to 55 mph (Hey, I live in Texas!) would save some fuel, at the risk of becoming a hood ornament on somebody's F-350 Country Cadillac.
In the USA the phrase "speed kills " was a reference to methamphetamine. I'm a bit older so maybe the usage changed . I didn't know if I was going to enjoy this series but I find myself looking forward to each episode. I think it's the host .
Would not mind other Bike not had one for years got no idea what kind .Would have be a Yamaha or Honda maybe Next year
Yup, constant speeds, saves fuel. My sweet spot is 90 kmh. But we have discussed this before. PS. That drive carefully sign, my dad works here, is the sign we use here for road workers. Drivers drive so fast. 2 killed a while back.
You know quite well by now that when the gov’t say something is a fact, the polar opposite is going to be true 😆🤦🏼♀
Ain't that the truth (in a non-ironical way) 🤗
Those GSs are thirsty if you only got over 47 mpg at cruising speeds, but at least the large tank gives a decent range. You are loaded though, I think my unadventurous 1200 could get over 50mpg with just me on it.
Indeed, 51mpg is typical unloaded but as you say, I'm carrying kit. The tank still gives a range of around 320 before looking for a pump.
Especially when you consider a vw T5 with a 1.9 TDI campervan can achieve over 40mpg.
@@sim6699 My 2.5tdi T4 can do well over 40mpg when driven carefully, even when loaded. But it's not as much fun as a bike.
Stornaway is Far and Away The Best town you"ve visited so far !
A Tesco AND a Co-op ! And a Re-LAX- ing Place to Camp and Recharge your Personal Batteries !
I think Mr Matheson was a bit Naughty, BUT he did give away a lot of money for the public good !est !
THAT Breakfast ! And Another ? or was this just my Double-take !
I had to go and Lie down to let it all Digest !
Carry-On Camping !
Stay Safe !
Stu xx
Many thanks for watching and enjoying Stu. Yes it's always very mixed when looking back at these old wealthy businessmen. Whilst they did a lot of good for the local populace, they're methods of making that wealth were often questionable. Well spotted with the breakfast. While I stayed for those extra 2 days, I had a full breakfast each morning. 3 in total. 😆
Both my bikes do more MPG on E5, the result being that even though it's more expensive at the pump the overall cost to me is lower over the tankful.
Agreed Bren, and the bike runs so much better as well I find.
The landscape around you seems quite “rugged” to say the least. We are just wondering what the people in the area do for a living. We’re not seeing farms, at least not right along the road, and the countryside seems pretty empty.
I'm not so sure myself. Besides farms as you say, there's little else. They can't all work from home.
Best travel show I've watched. Kevin, you should syndicate and get paid to travel the world! Like Anthony Bourdain! Nah... time to chill back into life with Aslan. You really do have an eye for what is interesting for the vicarious viewer.
Thank you, you're too kind 🙂 I am toying with the idea of travelling (on foot/train/boat/plane), across various countries whilst filming, editing and uploading as I go, for a year. 🤔
@@CountryHouseGent Do it! Sounds highly exciting! Again, I am jealous and in awe of your Aslandian life, your roaming bent, your specific know/how/experience mechanically... .... ... and yes... see the world... it's huge! and hugely beautiful. Must say again... there are many... that want to do what you're doing. So... keep doing it... until... . I watched everything you have shared (I don't sleep but for 4-5hrs daily). From the pre-launch, with much excited anticipation on your part... camping out a few days in your overloaded van... waiting for the unbirthing of Aslan... captained by a country house gentleman. I am taking notes... as I thoroughly enjoy you shared travels. Thank you Kevin Idontevenknowyerlastname !
Breakfast looks delicious. Do you tip like I’m accustomed to here in the states? Just curious that was a lot of food, 😮 cheers Kevin, Charlie from Pennsylvania 😊
Great to hear from you Charles and hope you are well. It's not customary to tip in the UK but many will add a few pounds to the bill, or put a couple of coins in the jar. In fact our tipping laws are being updated, whereby the full amount actually goes to the staff, rather than a chunk being scooped up by the restaurant/cafe owner. About time to.
Nice video Kevin, wow 33mpg that seems very low my previous 1250GS got an average 55kg and my current 1250RT gets 58 to 65mpg thunk you’re right about the speed read somewhere a constant 55mph is the ideal balance between drive and wind resistance for best mpg. As to E10 there are a number of people who have tested petrols from different stations and find varying amounts of ethanol from 2 to 6% E10 doesn’t mean it has 10% it means it can have up to 10%. Seen tests on E5 as well and some of those had 0%.
I didn't know the percentage figure was anything 'up to' that number. Interesting. I do know Shell often tests as the highest quality fuels.
Great video as usual. 😊 I wonder about this, do you leave your keys in the ignition when you leave? Is theft a problem there as it has become here in my home town. Safe travels my friend or as we say vaya con dios.😊
Unless I'm stood right by the bike, I always take the keys no matter how little time I'm leaving the bike.
Bang on the mark with the fuel comments Kev.....that E10 fuel is a great big con.....we noticed that tank range dropped a bit when we started using it in our runabout Smart Car instead of E5 as it has become the new standard option for unleaded. You end up having to drive the motor harder for the same power out, hence mpg drops and you end up refuelling more often😕😕. If one also has an old classic / hobby car like me (1961 Rover) then it must be avoided wherever possible like the plague - it (E10) is death to older fuel systems as it does some awful things - only way you can still get E5 in most situations is to shell out (no pun intended!) for pricier high-octane fuel option where offered
Yes, I avoid E10 unless there's no option. Then I add an E10 neutraliser additive, that eliminates the water absorbing properties of E10. Not an ideal solution though
Whilst Lewis and Stornoway probably wouldn't make my top ten of places to visit in Scotland, the Stornoway black pudding is some of the best I've ever had.
Thanks Kevin for another great vlog. Please observe the roads while talking to us lol.Talking about fuel economy Kevin,it almost sounded you wanted people to increase their speed to economic.🤔 We appreciate no ads in your vlog, but I read that you're 33% better off,so really you're not doing it for us hey. By entertaining us superbly once a week, however are you going to give us the quality when you get back to "Aslan. Until next week my friend Stay safe😎
Ha yes, as strange as it sounds, fuel economy and safety would increase if everyone speeded up. I actually said I'm 33% worse off.
@@CountryHouseGent I do apologise.
No worries Glenn
Absolutely - that is why I use nothing but ethanol in my vehicle!
Dragster fuel?
@@CountryHouseGent sorry I didn't say NON-ethanol! Duh. Woman driver. Love your vlogs! Becky W.
😆 I did wonder 😁
You are such a gentleman - not making fun of me!! Thank you.
@richardwhipple3522 Ah cheers. It's all about upbringing. 🤭
For some reason I felt compelled to break out the Bible and read a New Testament passage...😉 BTW Kevin, if you want really long straight roads, visit North Dakota' Hwy 46 W. My mother was from ND, so yeah I've been on that stretch a couple times way back when and yes you will go crazy, even on a bike. It's a bit Pythonesque if you get that reference. Stunning midwestern plains landscapes/vistas in their own little way up there...and humbling.
One day, one day. The USA on a big twin. 😎
What are the white line that have wave about them on the road
They're called Zig Zags and they're placed either side of pedestrian crossing to warn drivers not to park there, hindering a pedestrian's view of the road.
I’m getting used to the British side of the road but the roundabouts still give me a turn, ( so do the US ones ) but I’m getting better.
Road workers are destroyed at 30 mph when struck, so “ my dad works here “ is also used in our country.
E10 is for farmers to sell more corn. And is crud for autos politics as usual.
Don't see many charging points for charging electric vehicles in those areas kevin? 😅
I know. Such a terrible shame. 😉🤭
HI Kevin, Just to say that I enjoyed your video, hope you are okay, Can I ask who is looking after Aslan! Take care...
Many thanks Stephen. I'm back on Aslan now.
Tell it like it is. Big petroleum helps big petroleum. Sent you a coffee or pie.
Thank you so much for that Linda and cheers for watching. 🙂
TescoCardGent
I think you'll find Istanbul is in Turkey and not India 🤣 Probably a nice takeaway all the same. 🙂
I might be stating the obvious here Mike, but geography was never my strong suit. 😆
I think the stopping at starting, constant shifting, slowing and speeding up in traffic, climbing hills... might have something to do with getting worse gas milage than driving at a constant speed of 50mph on a long unfettered straight stretch. Something tells me that if you drove 20mph on a long straight stretch you would get much better gas milage than driving the same road at 50mph. 🤷♂ But, I agree that big oil, big auto... only do what is best for their profit margin. Unfortunately, corporations have been given more power than individual citizens and now control and determine virtually all of our governmental decisions.
yeah, the ethanol scam will go down in history as one of the top 100 scams of all time. It also decreases the life of engines etc.
Yep awful stuff, starts turning to mush after just a month.
Fancy for an opium dealer.
Gotta love the elites. 😆
I was wondering, are you missing boat life yet. Even though we're enjoying the road trip a LOT was wondering when you will be back on the canal.
Whilst I've been back on Aslan editing since the end of May, I'm currently very much enjoying producing and sharing the road trip.
Hello Kev,
I have already commented to much fanfare and so forth about the first glaring irregularity on your voyage, and that was it was quite noticeable with all that water around, lakes, oceans, brooks and branches, you name it.... in the background of all of your vids no one is fishing. No boats on the water. No kids out with their poles catching supper. Zip. Strange.
In the latest edition you park your bike at the local Tesco and sally forth.....and you do it again in town.....leaving all your worldly goods sitting on the bike screaming to be stolen. And it wasn't. That was pretty weird, bro Kev. Now, by comparison....across the pond.... I'm here to tell you that there are way more places in the good old USA type of America that those goodies would NOT have been stolen than would. However, nobody no place would leave their stuff unattended on the bike like you did bekez over the last 50 years or so would we've trained ourselves to expect the worst case scenario.
Lastly, here in good ol Alabam, unless one is strange one does not chew pork and beanies for breakfast. However, more than once I have eaten fried ripe tomatoes with breakfast. Prolly the only person in Alabama to do that. Had some the other day. Got onto that stuff from some Irish cop show or the other. Not too shabby! Ruh-ther!
You attentive fan,
Norm
I wish I could watch these, but they make me car sick by watching.
It's going to be boring on the canals Kevin with no cattle grids to cruise over.
Tesco has just caused the Natives of Lewis, to bring down the Wrath of Yahweh, as they are proposing opening on a Sunday, the Management team will go to the Burning Fire, for Eternity.
I was reading about that on the BBC. Surely the island is big enough for Church and trading on a Sunday? 🤔
Firstly human error is yhe biggest cause of accidents not speed. Motorways are the safest roads.
Secondly no idea about motorcycle fuel consumption. World record holding production vehicles get the furthest through reduced speed since over 40mph most of the fuel burnt goes into fighting eind resistance which increases rapidly, and the reason during the US fuel crisis speed limits were reduced. I do know some vehicles can't get into a higher gear until 60mph which is more efficient than the additional wind resistant from the higher speed. Lorries often drive at 50mph to dave fuel.