New York

Spoke to shipping at 10 am today and they said that they had seen the examiners and "they will look into it" whatever that means.

I know what it means to me, another day in the hotel and free day to take a look at New York.

We had a fantastic thunderstorm here last night with some terrific lightning flashes, stayed at the window for an hour watching - superb. It promised to be cooler today, don't you believe it, temperature still in mid 90's, this pearly white skinned lad is not used to such highs!!

Anyhow, caught shuttle to Newark airport (free from hotel) then a coach to New York for $25.00 return. God, if its hot at Newark its cooking in the centre of New York with all the concrete, glass and buildings.

Went to Times Square, even impressive in daytime then to Empire State building and went to 86th floor observatory, can't believe the sights from up there, and yes Lou, I remembered the camera this time.

Had a very hot walk to central park before heading back towards Times Sq for the return trip but not before taking a look at Ripleys You Won't Believe it. Hey not bad if you ever here.

Phoned shipping company again at 4pm but inspectors still not been in touch - further phone calls tomorrow and no doubt yet another night in hotel.

Thanks for the comments, its nice to know someone is checking the blog.

If things come to the worse regarding the bike and they keep me hanging on it may mean turning back before Seattle but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Further update. 95 in New York and SNOWING at Yellowstone!!!!

Another step completed

We had a great weekend in Northern Ireland at the NW200 races, however the races were marred by the death of Robert Dunlop during the Thursday evening practice. His 250cc bike siezed at about 160mph and he was thrown over the bars and was struck by a following biker.

He succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.

On Saturday race day, the 1st race was the 250cc race that Robert was practicing for, this race was an absolute thriller and was won by Roberts son, Michael. Believe me, the emotion from the crowd was enormous with many race fans shedding tears. Michael, I don't know how had the courage to race but, well done! Loads of respect.

Anyway, the rest of the races on Saturday were superb, all being very close finishes and most being won by daring moves at the last chicane. If you get a chance to go to the NW200 - go!!!!

Got home from Ireland on the Sunday afternoon, changed the luggage rack on the Blackbird, then caught the early boat to Liverpool on the Monday morning.

Rode down to Birmingham where I caught up with my parents and my eldest daughter, Lisa. My other daughter, Kerrie, whose birthday it was, had travelled to London for a couple a days. (Sorry Kez, won't see you for a few months now, hope you had a good birthday)

On the Tuesday morning I rode down to Southampton to deliver my bike to the shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, who will be shipping her to Newark, New York.

The guys there were very helpful and the bike is booked on Independence II which sails on 31st May, so should be ready to be picked up by myself on 10th June.

So, thats it, all set and just over 2 weeks to go.

2 weeks of the TT races here on the Isle of Man, so should go pretty quick. Can't wait.

Coast to Coast and Back Again. An idea forms!!

Having read a number of travel motorcycle books recently, including Ewan Magregor/Charlie Boorman, Long Way Round and the great Mondo Enduro, I decided - why shouldn't I do a road trip?

I've been riding motorcycles for some years, I am of an age where if I don't do it now perhaps I never will, and given my position in life - I can afford to do it. So the seed starts to germinate.

Question - Where do I go?? Well, I don't speak any forein language so choose somewhere that speaks English. Good start. That means USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

Australia - too hot for me and too many dirt roads - so that is out.

I have been briefly to USA and Canada and liked both, start looking at costs and New Zealand rules itself out due to shipping costs.

Look on internet and find book called "Road Trip USA", a book with loads of routes through USA and Canada that travel either North/South or East/West. South too hot so look East/West and there is my route - Boston to Seattle on route US20 and back again a little further north on US2 via Canada to Boston - a trip of about 7000miles. That is the one for me.

Start to look into costs etc and decide that i will fly to Boston, buy a bike, insure it and away I go. Problem - how to buy veh insurance when I do not have an address in the states??? Answer - don't know. Plan B - contact HC travel in UK and ask.

There suggestion, why not ship your own bike to New York, do your trip and ship it back to UK - that way HC can sort insurance, flights and first nights hotel. What could be easier - so folks that is where I am at present.

I will ship my beautiful Honda Super Blackbird to New York via Southampton in June next year and fly out to meet it sometime around 15th June. I will then spend about 10 weeks travelling across the USA and back again to New York before flying back home to the Isle of Man, with my bike following by sea about 3 weeks later.

Total projected cost of trip including sea freight, flights, insurance, accomadation and spending money - in the region of £6500.00.

Boy I can't wait.

More to follow over coming months.