Ok first things first, it’s been nearly two weeks since my last adventure, the weather has been pretty poor and I have been busy keeping myself fit. So weekends have been utilised for fitness and the bike has been sleeping in the garage.
However the 8 August was to be my next outing with the Scottish Pan Clan, this was my 2nd outing. I was looking forward to getting back on the Pan and I must admit to having serious withdrawal symptoms.
This trip was again going to be two up, it was a longer trip this time but Eileen was up for it. We were out until late on the Saturday and had very little sleep but I was keen as mustard to attend.
Up to this point most of the weather on the Pan has been very wet, but it was looking more promising for the run.
The starting point for the run was Balloch; this was a good 60 miles from our house, Alan, Pan Clan Area rep kindly agreed to meet us in Dalgety Bay to lead the way. Eight o'clock start meant a morning rush after a late night.
We met Alan and the first leg of the run began.
It was a dull start to the day with threatening clouds, although there was the odd spit in the air we arrived at Balloch dry. First thoughts were that not many riders had turned up but by the time we had coffee there were seven Pans.
Gordon had organised the day and we had a pleasant coffee and chat with Gordon and his wife Sheila. Yet again we had met new members and yet again were impressed by how warm and friendly the club seemed. We met several other members for the first time again all very pleasant.
We set off on a trip up the west coast of Scotland which included, Arrochar, and the delightful Rest and be thankful stretch that I only recently discovered on my previous trips towards Dunoon on the Pan.
Then we went up to Crinan Canal a wonderful little place, here we stopped and I took a chance to snap some lovely boats and landscapes.
From Crinan we took the canal crossing which leads onto one of the most amazing roads I have seen, straight out off a wilderness novel with telegraph poles that looked older than me by a mile. There was just that moment of time standing still.
We headed up to Kilmartin were we stopped for lunch.
We then we set off for the Atlantic Bridge, a wonderful little detour.
We headed to Oban on a great stretch of twisting road. Oban was a huge Ice Cream, a pleasant chat and then off towards Tyndrum. I stopped for fuel outside Oban, my trip meter was showing 190 miles and I still had 3 bars on the petrol gauge. I reckon I could easily get to Tyndrum but still trying to get used to the amazing fuel range. This trip I calculated up to this point was 48mpg, two up, fantastic.
Tyndrum was the end of the run, some riders took off, the rest of us had a coffee and then I followed Alan back to Dalgety Bay.
The last few miles Eileen was beginning to look for home but after 12 hours riding and 300 miles that's still impressive and even with the standard seat that most seem to replace, I would think 300 to 500 miles with a pillion should be achievable. I felt not to bad and could have done another circuit, though I did notice my neck beginning to ache.
This was a fantastic very dry day and not only great company but brilliant roads. I have to say a big thank you to Alan and Gordon for arranging a great club and a great day out.
Of course then there is the bike to give a massive nod of appreciation to.
The Pan: I have felt nothing but admiration for this machine, it has so far in 5 weeks trolled me almost 1500 miles through some of the wettest summer weather I have ever seen, on some of the most demanding roads and surfaces. Even under these circumstances I have nothing but praise for a machine that has every right to lead the pack in this present day of ‘high tech is everything society’.
It’s coming towards the end of its production life and many await the replacement but for me I am already forming the opinion that it’s irreplaceable. If ever there was a bike that deserved to be driven until worn out then this is it. I just don’t know if I will live long enough to do so but I will certainly give it my best shot.
The VFR1200 has remained in the garage for several weeks and the Pan has now the same mileage, now the VFR is without doubt the most outstanding road bike I have owned but it’s a luxury I am seriously questioning. I think that says it all.
The Irony is that after wasting so much money and losing out on trade in after trade in, I think I have found my perfect bike. However under the current climate,
the world is in a mess, employment is all over very fragile. So I pray that I can keep this bike until it is worn out and that my own personal circumstances don’t change.
I love this bike!!!! Long live the Pan.
