Day 13 - Newcastle Upon Tyne to Hull

We woke up to an overcast and cold day. We had heard while we were in Scotland that the next days would be very cold as a strong cold front descended into the north of the UK and Europe so we were quite keen to be on the road as soon as possible and did not spend a lot of time visiting Newcastle. Our general mpression was that this is quite an industrial city and based on the business activity in the hotel quite a thriving city from an economic point of view. We unfortunately were too tired to enjoy the famous nightlife that the city is well known for. The city was touched by the summer Olympics earlier in the year as St. James Park stadium was host for football matches.

The way south to Hull was done mainly on highway at an average speed of 120Km/h but as we got close to York we went off the highway and drove on a beautiful country road. The sun had come out so Paula was able to take some photographs.

 

We also stopped for lunch in a pub along the road and had curry which I have been craving since coming to the UK but was only able to have it on our last day on UK soil ... but rather late than never. The desert was carrot cake which each slice could fill a battalion. Paula and I tried but could not finish it all.

 

Due to rain or wet roads, the GSA was very dirty and as we had some time as we arrived in Hull we took the opportunity to wash her down. It was great to see the number plate and the stickers appear as by magic. Isn't she a beauty ?

 

As we arrived to the ferry check in we met two other motorbikers from the Hells Angels UK Chapter. As we queued up to wait for check in, rain and frost started to come down and I missed Italy where the motorcycles would just jump the queue and minimized our time in the wet. As we were in England where no one jumps queues we got throuroughly wet and if it was not for the rain gear we would probably be still drying ourselves today. Fortunately the rain gear held, and here I must give a big advertisement for the "Frogs" rain gear. They lasted the whole trip and were a "life" safer for the rain and cold (as a wind shield). They also "breathe" quite well and for me they are the best rain gear out there.

 

It felt good after a day of riding most in the wet to just lie down and read. By the way reading an excellent book called "The Secret Race" by Tyler Hamilton. If you are interested (or even if you are not) in cycling this is one of the best books out there giving a very honest account about the life of a professional cyclist with doping included.

Click HERE for all the pictures for Day 13

 

Posted by Armando