Day +2 - Hannover (D) to Swindon (UK)

Monday 17/08/2020
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After a bumb-numbing final push, I made it back to the UK in good time. If I hadn't camped and my ass could take the pain, I would have ridden door to door in 18hrs.

It was a very warm night and I struggled to get to sleep initially. Woke-up to heavy thunder, but thankfully no rain. Didn't rush as I had plenty of time to get to the channel tunnel for my crossing....

I took some scenic roads toward the motorway which was nice but the clouds ahead looked ominous so I put-on my waterproofs and packed all the water sensitive stuff away. Rode straight into a massive storm - couldn't see a lot so had to pull-over for a bit. After a few miles the sun was out again so when I tanked-up, I removed the waterproofs.

About 50km down the road an even more menacing cloud loomed and by the time I hit Holland, the wind and rain really picked-up. I stopped under a motorway bridge to put my waterproofs back on, but the location flooded within a couple of minutes so I had to make a move. Very deep water on the motorway, everyone went 20 miles per hour!

Progress had been slow and it was looking like I might miss my channel tunnel slot. I chose to just ride and only take a break for fuel. I kept my average speed-up and made it to Calais with about 30 minutes to spare. I ate my breakfast and lunch on the train (chocolate bars and sweets).

UK journey home was uneventful - the temperature was far more pleasant after 2 weeks of riding in pretty much constant heat. My wife and son flew home today, but I beat them to the house. That said, they were still able to enjoy a day on the Baltic beach whilst I was fighting the bad weather.....

All in all, a long trip with mostly average riding. Poland is a great country to explore, but the roads are not as nice for motorcycling (on road) as they are in many other countries. All in all, a worthy trip, but next time I need to explore something new and potentially more bike friendly! The bike did better than expected, but I think I need something a bit more bottom friendly or I need to give-up the 600 mile days. After all, I will be 50 this year (so getting closer to a camper-van)!

Mileage: 3496
Country count: 6 (GB, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland)
Beers: 52 + loads of other stuff (Whiskey, Moonshine, Brandy, Wine)
Fines: 0
Bribes: 0
Ass pain: 8/10
Mechanical issues: 1 (oil leak - not mine)
Accidents: 0
Wetness: 8/10
Coldness: 1/10