I had some misconceptions about going to the National this year and now that I have had time to look back, here are my findings
Misconception no 1
The Area -- thought that Norfolk was too flat, not enough hills or scenery
Wrong ------ Paul S took us out on a great ride out on the Friday, really nice area and Bernie took us out on the Saturday, across a cable ferry, some really gnarly lanes, excellent stuff.
Thanks so much the pair of you. Bernie, great meeting you and sharing a wee dram. Paul thanks so much for offering to go sweeper, know it's not as you normally ride
,
and I can only imagine you needed to change gears more frequently than normal
No 2
The weather ---- Looked horrendous on the long term forecast
Wrong --------- We had the best of weather on the ride outs, only to get enveloped in rain when we returned to camp. I found it particularly exciting sharing Alba's small tarp with
himsel and Alastair, thunder and lightning crashing away not too far from us , great stuff
Anyways, it dried up really quick
No 3
The campsite --- Looked on line, funny toilets, no pub nearby
Wrong ------ You would never know the toilets were self decompose, hot showers. Bernie laid on loads of free firewood, joined us for a wee dram every night,what a star
Free use on freezer chest and phone charger, brilliant for cooling the beers, who needs a pub when you have cold beers on tap ?
No 4
The turnout ---- Saw that the list was getting smaller and smaller due to various personal issues, thought it would be bit quiet
Wrong ---- The craic was awesome, everyone sharing a wee dram which I really enjoy, just great. I hope someone can post a picture of Pete's Vader Blaster.
Absolutely awesome
No 5
The distance --- Not really a major issue for me, but a long way none the less for a weekend
Wrong ---- Enjoyed the way down on me tod, never got lost once, thank you Mr Garmin, and on the way back was accompanied by Alba, Mike and The Auld Git
Excellent company, helped by the fact that I didn't over indulge on the Saturday
Was getting tired close to home when I saw an open gate leading to
a forestry track, stopped and thought about going up for a blast but the Auld head in me kicked in thankfully and I turned around to go back home.
Many thanks to all who made such a fantastic weekend.
If someone said let's do it again I'd be up for it as fast as a ferret up a rabbit hole
Slainte everyone