Modern Vespa

You deserved that win Alice. That was a fantastic story. Thank you.

Loved the story Alice. I also got a tear. A story of companionship, love, and hope is always a joy. Hope to see you next week. I will post more, and email you more details.

Thank you for all the lovely comments, you guys! Seems I really hit on something with the wolf/bike combo

Trep - apparently you can do the journey by train and tube in 1hr 40 http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/LTN/Heathrow/230714/0930/dep but basically Luton is nowhere near London and even further away from Heathrow. Unless you're going to Birmingham, try to get your flight changed and avoid ever going to Luton.

Only just got round to reading it, but that was excellent stuff. Really very good indeed. More please.

Sorry trep darling. I can't pick you up this time, I'm in spain again. But I know a man that can work miracles. Thats If you have to go down the "car route" he's a professional nutter..[mini cab driver] if anyone can he's your man. you will need toilet paper.
PM me and I'll give you his number.

This is very good advice and applies to a very wide range of circumstances.

In the end, the back end of my trip may have changed to the extent that I will be able to fly in and out of Heathrow. I won't know for sure until tomorrow, though. Here's hoping.

In other news, the travel desk seems to have placed me at a hotel with the following improbable name:

RADISSON BLU MAMMY YOKO HOTEL, FREETOWN

I sh*t you not... you can look it up!

I may have to ask them to change my reservation to a different property just because the name sounds vaguely racist, and gives me a strange urge to break up the Beatles.

for comparison, here are some even worse hotel names: clicky

in other news: i rode home from work today in shorts that's right - bare legs. i never do this. however, it's 30C out there and i was feeling adventurous. i'm pleased to report that i arrived home with all my skin intact.

Had a taxi driver like this in Paris once. It was a new mercedes benz, taxi driver is hauling butt weaving in and out of traffic and flying down the roads and freeways. I put on my seat belt and was thinking Princess Di, Princess Di.. The whole way. He gets to the airport and announces rather proudly... New record in a French accent.
No need for coffee that AM

It's the perfect day for a free, outdoor, WW1-flying-ace-themed JAZZ PICNIC.

That's lucky!

http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/jazz-picnic-albert-balls-flying-aces

Yep, today has definitely been T-shirt, shorts and sandals.

SANDALS!!!!!!!

'Fraid so. I'm now rather Californian/Mediterranean in my local riding habits. If I was going to go more than 30mph it'd be better gear, no worries.

You beat me to saying it Although I often ride through Luton en route to London Donk meets, as its marginally more interesting than more miles on the M1...

Have we got no Lutonians (or is it Lutonites?) on here?

Having almost melted my way to Italy riding in gear in the 38-40 degree heat wave they had, I was more than happy to ride around Mantova in shorts and t shirt (as did everybody else). I even did the short ride out at the Italian Day when I was back the same, even though there were a few mutters of 'you're brave..' and 'HE'S RIDING IN SHORTS!' from our crowd. Yes, it feels risky, but sooo liberating. I do wonder if we get a bit twitchy about All-The-Gear-All-The-Time sometimes... (easy for me to say I suppose, given I'm not a daily city rider)

MV oddity - when I originally typed A-T-G-A-T-T above without the hyphens, it was changed to Toreador Pants! Jess humour?!

Rest assured they probably wern't black socks and Velcro sandals.. I hope

Keens.

And definitely no socks.

Oh good.
Carry on sir... 8)

no no no no no no no no nooooooooo sandals ever.

How about Crocs with socks? There are only a few of us that can pull that look off.

I would have to shoot you I'm afraid.....

Reposting from the GTSOC Facebook page as it made me smile (just nobody mention GTS build quality OK?!)

They say the holes in crocks is to let your dignity run out.

Hotel Kuntz anyone ?

Its real.

Bill xxx

We should visit. I can see the photo caption already - Skoks in Kuntz.

I'd do it.

You know I would.

Bill x

What a last name to have.

What is your first name?

Hairy? oh great....

Richard Neil? Dick N?

Hinz and Kunz are common last names in Germany.

My ancestry is German. Love the names. My maiden name is quite german.

--

No need for that fleece.

Bill

Hangs head in shame

Damn Germans

I was told yesterday by my daughters Brazilian swim instructor that my daughter will never pass her current level. I pointed out that Brazil was not the current party place, rather it was Berlin. She was obviously not impressed!

Who in here recently said that somewhere spayed on a wall in Berlin is -

American Hipsters Go Home !

ref the World Cup - Did Brazil expect to win it ?

Bill x

Though it isn't really safe, I do live in San Diego, so ride in shorts all summer. In fact, I'm sitting in my shorts with my helmet next to me in my empty classroom right now. But, Jim, I never do sandals, though if I did, Keen's would be best. Sperry Topsiders today, because I'm going for a sail, right? Actually, I debated the shorts because since I will be in England in less than a week, I want to show up with all my skin intact.

I will be in London on the evenings of July 23, ride to Amesbury on the late afternoon/evening of July 24 after my husband arrives, then after rallies, Cornwall, etc., back in London the evenings of Aug. 6,7,8. Thurs. Aug 7, I know we're going to the ACE for the monthly Mods n Minis.
Unfortunately, won't have the rental scoots in London, just the two weeks in between.

Beautiful
Simples x

So did I, but I was lacking an engine. It's hard work cycling there and back but worth it for the exercise. I just need to get a lighter laptop to carry with me. Car tomorrow then cycling again on Friday when it'll either be 30 degrees or thunder and lightning.

Yay! Are we Skoks going to get together and show Mega a UK welcome in London? I'll come down for an evening dinner - I can make pretty much all those dates. I need to get some riding in, not to mention some company and laffs 8)