Traveling for work away
Discussion
Thought the biking hive mind might be able to help with this one.
I work offshore and am seriously considering using the motorbike to travel up, at least in late spring through to early autumn. I live in the Midlands and mobilise out of Aberdeen, where the bike would be left.
Advantages: it's more reliable than flying up (flights from Brum are often delayed / canceled), cheap with free secure parking for the bike, it leaves my car at home for the missus in case hers breaks down, plus it will be a bit of an adventure. Disadvantages are numerous, including mechanicals, bad weather, possibility of crashing, @rse going numb, noise, loads of other things. But I'm feeling like I want to give it a go!
I've done the same journey countless times in my car. Well aware that bikes are more fatiguing, and of course it's not like I can stop for a nap... I'm relatively new to riding, have covered about 2500mi since passing my test last year. Currently starting to go out with the IAM, doing the RoadSmart course and picking up a lot of tips. I've made a route plan with a fuel stop every 120mi or so - 24h stations with fast food and loos available so I can stop and warm up if needs be. Bike is a CBR600f4i, I find it pretty comfy over longer distances - but the longest I've done is a 180mi trip. I've got breakdown cover through my insurance (MCN).
Route will be straight up the M6 / A74M as far as Abington, turn northeast to take in the amazing roads through the Pentland Hills, then north to Aberdeen from Edinburgh. This avoids the drudgery of the Central Belt motorways and that long stretch of the A90 between Stirling and Perth.
I've made a list of things I'd need to bring such as locks, bike cover, waterproofs, maintenance / repair / chain care kit, even a small fuel bottle. I'll be carrying two bits of soft (waterproof) luggage for work but could probably get that down to one. Plus another bag for all the bike-specific kit. I can stow all my biking gear in my company's office.
The questions are a. is this totally nuts and b. if not, what else do I need to think about?
I work offshore and am seriously considering using the motorbike to travel up, at least in late spring through to early autumn. I live in the Midlands and mobilise out of Aberdeen, where the bike would be left.
Advantages: it's more reliable than flying up (flights from Brum are often delayed / canceled), cheap with free secure parking for the bike, it leaves my car at home for the missus in case hers breaks down, plus it will be a bit of an adventure. Disadvantages are numerous, including mechanicals, bad weather, possibility of crashing, @rse going numb, noise, loads of other things. But I'm feeling like I want to give it a go!
I've done the same journey countless times in my car. Well aware that bikes are more fatiguing, and of course it's not like I can stop for a nap... I'm relatively new to riding, have covered about 2500mi since passing my test last year. Currently starting to go out with the IAM, doing the RoadSmart course and picking up a lot of tips. I've made a route plan with a fuel stop every 120mi or so - 24h stations with fast food and loos available so I can stop and warm up if needs be. Bike is a CBR600f4i, I find it pretty comfy over longer distances - but the longest I've done is a 180mi trip. I've got breakdown cover through my insurance (MCN).
Route will be straight up the M6 / A74M as far as Abington, turn northeast to take in the amazing roads through the Pentland Hills, then north to Aberdeen from Edinburgh. This avoids the drudgery of the Central Belt motorways and that long stretch of the A90 between Stirling and Perth.
I've made a list of things I'd need to bring such as locks, bike cover, waterproofs, maintenance / repair / chain care kit, even a small fuel bottle. I'll be carrying two bits of soft (waterproof) luggage for work but could probably get that down to one. Plus another bag for all the bike-specific kit. I can stow all my biking gear in my company's office.
The questions are a. is this totally nuts and b. if not, what else do I need to think about?
I suspect as a one off adventure it'll be fine
I don't think it's something you'll want to do on a regular basis, particularly not on a CBR600
I bought a bike from Glasgow and spent 2 days coming back via the scenic route, it was great
But normally I'll jump in my van, sit on the motorway and switch off - faster, easier but obviously less fun
I don't think it's something you'll want to do on a regular basis, particularly not on a CBR600
I bought a bike from Glasgow and spent 2 days coming back via the scenic route, it was great
But normally I'll jump in my van, sit on the motorway and switch off - faster, easier but obviously less fun
It's where your head is that'll make the difference.
Yes, it's easily doable and other than the occasional really s
te weather event, could be quite good fun. You don't need a specific bike but one that can easily and securely carry to luggage is an advantage. An AirHawk seat cushion may be a good idea.
Yes, it's easily doable and other than the occasional really s
te weather event, could be quite good fun. You don't need a specific bike but one that can easily and securely carry to luggage is an advantage. An AirHawk seat cushion may be a good idea. The best way to find out is just do it.
Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
airsafari87 said:
The best way to find out is just do it.
Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
This, 100%Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
normalbloke said:
It will be utterly miserable most of the time. Keep the bike for the fun stuff.
The long bits of motorway and D/C i.e. most of the route will definitely be a trudge. KurtFlew said:
How many weeks on and off do you work? If it's a few weeks I'd do it, good excuse to buy another bike too that's more suited to long distance riding 
KTMsm said:
Ignore my previous post ^^^ this is clearly the correct answer 
Haha that ain't happening! I wish! Still the CBR is pretty comfy, and for 50 quid I can get some 20mm bar risers if I decide to do it regularly... I do 3 on 3 off. I have no idea the route you would take but if Skelton lake services is one of the ones you would stop at then plan a different one as it’s a target for organised bike theft.
Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
I've just done 6 years on a refinery construction on the Johor straight Malaysia, not a off shore on off, rota, but hotel accomodation and 13 weeks holiday a year, I had one of my cars at the hotel, but did all the trips to my home in Kuala Lumpur on my bike, 420 km one way, no problem, but weather is easier to predict, never cold and rarely rains befor mid afternoon.
4hours 15, which was actually quicker than flying door to door.
4hours 15, which was actually quicker than flying door to door.
hiccy18 said:
From north of Preston until you get near Edinburgh that's an enjoyable enough ride. My biggest concern would be the comfort of your bike over that distance, I suspect vibrations will become fatiguing. I suspect a larger sport tourer would make the journey quite a bit easier.
black-k1 said:
It's where your head is that'll make the difference.
Yes, it's easily doable and other than the occasional really ste weather event, could be quite good fun. You don't need a specific bike but one that can easily and securely carry to luggage is an advantage. An AirHawk seat cushion may be a good idea.
Good info, thanks both. I've got gel pants on the list of gear to wear, will have a look at those cushions as well. Hopefully they improve grip a bit too - I'm planning on wearing textile trews as they're warmer and waterproof, but they have a tendency to slide about on the seat, which will be a pain over long distances. Yes, it's easily doable and other than the occasional really s
te weather event, could be quite good fun. You don't need a specific bike but one that can easily and securely carry to luggage is an advantage. An AirHawk seat cushion may be a good idea. airsafari87 said:
The best way to find out is just do it.
Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
Yep I can only suck it and see, I have a feeling I'm going to like it though. I've really enjoyed longer journeys on the bike so far, just feels so much better than in a car.Do it once and you will either love it and can’t wait to do the journey again. Or you will hate it and say ‘Eff that for a game of soldiers’ and never do it again.
Your bike might not be the ideal bike for that kind of journey, but again, until you do it, you will never know one way or the other.
My vote is to use the bike next time you’re heading that way because bikes are f*cking tremendous.
vindaloo79 said:
I have no idea the route you would take but if Skelton lake services is one of the ones you would stop at then plan a different one as it’s a target for organised bike theft.
Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
Fortunately, not on my route! Thanks though, I'll give it a wide berth Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
Berw said:
I've just done 6 years on a refinery construction on the Johor straight Malaysia, not a off shore on off, rota, but hotel accomodation and 13 weeks holiday a year, I had one of my cars at the hotel, but did all the trips to my home in Kuala Lumpur on my bike, 420 km one way, no problem, but weather is easier to predict, never cold and rarely rains befor mid afternoon.
4hours 15, which was actually quicker than flying door to door.
This is a big part of it too, I'm allergic to crowds lol and hate airports... And with travel there, checking in, security then waiting around, it's about a 4hr journey all told. The 1h 20min flight time makes it seem a lot quicker than it actually is.4hours 15, which was actually quicker than flying door to door.
Going up and off to work is fine.
But who in their right mind, after X amount of weeks working away chooses to have their beer time at airport/train station etc removed and instead replaced with even more toil (potentially in the pi$$ing rain/wind) to ride all that way back?
From what I hear, offshore work is quite taxing and your time off should be spent relaxing?
As a ride to enjoy during your time off fine, but as a commute to and from your place of work? Forget it. It'll never work.
But who in their right mind, after X amount of weeks working away chooses to have their beer time at airport/train station etc removed and instead replaced with even more toil (potentially in the pi$$ing rain/wind) to ride all that way back?
From what I hear, offshore work is quite taxing and your time off should be spent relaxing?
As a ride to enjoy during your time off fine, but as a commute to and from your place of work? Forget it. It'll never work.
LeftField500 said:
who in their right mind
Haha well that might be it. Yes offshore work can be taxing, but riding / driving is a different kind of 'toil'. Appreciate your reply, but looking at the whole thread, so far I can't see any convincing argument against at least giving it a try. carinaman said:
If you're going for the IAM advanced test it would be a good way to get more experience.
I was thinking this. Each time I go out I try and apply IPSGA constantly, it turns the ride into a kind of constant active meditation where you're thinking and engaging with everything going on. I did the car IAM course about 15 years ago and the bike stuff is pretty similar. Not saying I'm great at it mind you, biking is almost a totally new skill. But in terms of getting that unconscious familiarity with the controls, you've got to put the time in on the bike...vindaloo79 said:
I have no idea the route you would take but if Skelton lake services is one of the ones you would stop at then plan a different one as it’s a target for organised bike theft.
Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
Is this sort of thing widespread? Last time I stopped at Clacket Lane for a bite to eat, I parked up next to a police car as it was the closest space to the entrance - seems like an accidental good move!!Same goes for the springs retail park. All day everyday they scout for people leaving their bike unattended for a few mins.
As for the OP: I'm torn on this one as the train sounds more comfortable, although I can see that it would be a bit of an adventure. Scottish weather would probably put me off......
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