IPA UK Motorcycle Section

To Padderborn

2011-06-17T22:49:00.001+01:00

Good run in good weather. Rained as we arrive at Davie's daughters house in Padderborn. Thanks again for the hospitality and to the Unicorn Pub for the quiz and karaoke. Great night out. Heading for the Dutch border or near a bouts for the push to Amsterdam on Saturday.

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Off-roading

2011-06-17T22:46:00.001+01:00

Thanks to all the Danish IPA bikers for their hospitality and the great run round the north of Denmark. A big thanks to Coullie who displayed his off road skills to the Danish. We don't think he meant it but did help the local farmers with the harvest?

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Some pics from Denmark

2011-06-17T22:42:00.001+01:00

Back in Norderstadt

2011-06-17T22:32:00.001+01:00

In the IPA house in Norderstadt just north of Hamburg. Weather very hot today and left Denmark in the heat. Bent and the lads took us on a massive tour yesterday which you can look at by opening my tracker page. Off to Paderborn tomorrow and the forecast is good. More photos when we get wifi'd tomorrow.

Visit to polite HQ

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In the pub in Århus

2011-06-15T00:04:00.001+01:00

Wandering in Århus

2011-06-14T13:03:00.001+01:00

Wandering about in the town after a tour of Police HQ. Bent gave us the tour and some breakfast. Heading out on the bikes this afternoon with the cops from HQ. Sun is shining and the temperature just right for biking.

Location:Århus

Some photos from the bus train and trip

2011-06-13T17:19:00.001+01:00

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Århus in Denmark

2011-06-13T17:10:00.001+01:00

Made our way north to Denmark. The English contingent have gone to Esberg and are on the boat for home. Davies,Tom and Norrie are in Århus and were met by Bent. Heading out for a beer and then a wee tour tomorrow. Weather forecast is good.

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More photos

2011-06-13T16:30:00.001+01:00

Ride out round the Husum are

2011-06-13T16:24:00.001+01:00

Great ride out with minimum rain. Nice countryside and seaside too. Slightly slow for some but we all had a good run. Too many beers and Schnapps and a massive hangover for us all.

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Onward to Husum

2011-06-13T16:19:00.001+01:00

Arrived in the blazing sun to a arm welcome from the organised German IPA. Cakes and coffee and on to the Army Barrack where we stayed. Good accommodation and a short walk to the 2€ a pint. Welcome BBQ and music and pints.

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Trouble with WIFI

2011-06-13T16:14:00.001+01:00

Had trouble with WIFI connection in Husum. Stayed in the IPA house in Norderstedt. The weather was ideal for motorcycling and all went well on the journey from Amsterdam. The house is attached to the police post and is ideal for a visit. The local hotel is ideal for food although we avoided the veg as ecoli is still in town. Some pics of house. The cops at the house are very helpful and we are booked for the return journey.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Husum

Coullie in the bar

2011-06-08T17:36:00.001+01:00

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On the Ships

2011-06-08T17:33:00.001+01:00

Scots are on the ship to Amsterdam and the rest are on the ship to Denmark. We are in the bar and I bet they are too.

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Ready to go!

2011-06-07T15:49:00.001+01:00

All packed and ready to go. Meeting Davie and Norrie at Gyle at 11am and heading to Newcastle. Forecast is good for Scottish summer ie strong winds and showers. Too much gear as usual but we may need stuff like heated hand pads. Got two new pairs of underpants which are 4 way reversible.
Inside out and back to front which covers most of the trip.

- Posted by Tom

using BlogPress from my iPad

Germany 2011

2011-06-06T01:33:00.001+01:00

Germany 2011

2011-06-06T00:49:00.001+01:00

We are all setting off for Germany and Denmark on Wednesday 8th June 2011. The majority from Harwich to Denmark and the Scottish from Newcastle to Amsterdam. The Scots have an overnight in the IPA house near Hamburg (thanks to Kai for the free night there) and the English are overnighting in Århus in Denmark. All meeting up in Husum in Germany on Friday. Here's hoping for dry weather.
Tom

Sent from my iPad

Schloss Gimborn

2010-08-04T16:48:00.000+01:00

Tom

Heading Home

2010-07-26T23:06:00.001+01:00

All packed and goodbyes said. What a great trip full of laughs and new places. A great bunch of people who got on well and shared a great experience. Look forward to the next trip….By the way we got to England and got the stove out and had a wee cup of Scottish Blend to celebrate driving on the left again.

Lille

2010-07-26T22:55:00.001+01:00

Onward to Lille or Tourcoing just north of Lille. The hotel was ok but the town was all but closed apart from a very interesting bar? Headed back to the hotel and had a few drinks and a music quiz before preparing for home.

Tea Stop Northern France

2010-07-26T22:50:00.000+01:00

Hit a torrential rain storm and pushed on through. Some leakage in the wet suites gave Dave C the opportunity to miss a pee stop and get away with it. Soon the rain stopped and we got the stove out to celebrate the dry with a nice cup of Scottish Blend Tea.

Luxembourg

2010-07-26T22:45:00.001+01:00

Arrived in the hotel in Luxembourg and had a pizza. We then went to bed after a few as the motorway next to the hotel had little or no night life…picture attached.

Down but not out

2010-07-26T22:39:00.000+01:00

Had a wee scare when Shaz took ill and was doubled up with pain. An ambulance was called and she was taken to hospital. Thankfully we all got the news that she was ok after some strong pain killers…and as a non drinker we were unable to give her a hard time about hangovers etc!!!

Frankfurt

2010-07-26T22:35:00.000+01:00

Met by some IPA colleagues from Frankfurt and took the tram to the old centre where we were given a guided tour of the city before relaxing in a local restaurant where we tried some local delicacies such as Ostrich with Sauerkraut. Apparently Ostrich is a local game bird???

A wee bit of Scotland

2010-07-26T22:25:00.000+01:00

Stopped for some Scottish Blend Tea, Tunnocks teacakes and a special treat of a Caramel Log. Feeling patriotic eating all those home products we raised the flag and relaxed.

Nurburg Ring

2010-07-26T22:17:00.000+01:00

Heading off from Nuremburg we headed for the Nurburgring. The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. Arriving in drizzly rain we enquired about attempting to break the track record on the GSs and wee Tam’s R1. Alas there was a truck race on and we could not get on until 6pm…Back on the bikes after a Nurburgburger and headed for a Frankfurter in Frankfurt.

Ice cold in Rothenburg

2010-07-21T12:50:00.001+01:00

Rothenburg on der Tauber

2010-07-21T12:45:00.001+01:00

On way to Frankfurt in the baking sun. Visiting Rothenburg which is a
small walled ancient city. Having an ice cream and coffee before
continuing. Bliss!

Prague - Nuremberg

2010-07-21T01:11:00.000+01:00

Arrived in Prague and the weather improved. A great city with amazing buildings. Took the river tour (recommended) and saw the city from a different perspective. Had a chill-out day and got some new clothes from Tesco which saves washing the ones you have. By the way Davy C’s tooth is still missing. Got on the bike to Nuremberg and met some colleagues from Lothian and Borders Police in a service station….small world. Visited Herman Goering’s Castle and arrived at Nuremberg. After some local food we met with the IPA Nuremberg Section who gave us a guided tour of the walled city and castle before being escorted to a tower on the city walls. Surprisingly it was not for custodial purposes. It was in fact the HQ of the IPA in the city. After being forced to try various local beer and the inevitable Schnapps we headed back to the hotel for sleep before heading to Frankfurt. Forecast is very hot!

Krakow - Auschwitz/ Berkinau- Salt Mines

2010-07-18T19:17:00.000+01:00

After exploring the delights of Krakow we prepared for the tour of Auschwitz/ Berkinau and the salt mines. Having a day off the bikes was refreshing but the intense heat (45 degs) made the tour of Auschwitz a little uncomfortable. Fortunately we were booked for a tour of the salt mines later that day which cooled us off.

Auschwitz and Berkinau Concentrations Camps were as expected, both moving and shocking and is a must for anyone who visits this area. The guided tour is a must and is conducted in various languages.

We then spent a fascinating afternoon touring the legendary Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in Europe. Along with the mine's historical importance, its carvings of fabulous figures, monuments and altarpieces have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Legend has it that the salt mines were part of the dowry of the Hungarian princess, Kinga, when she married Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago. We saw the richly ornamented Chapel of the Blessed Kinga and visit an underground salt-mining exhibition. Thomas was mistaken for one of the gnomes who are said to roam the mines. Due to the amount of Sauerkraut and beetroot consumed by our party the night before, our tour was interrupted by a Methane detector activation. The lift journey to the surface is very swift and compact. Compact in the fact that they are about 4 feet square in size and they squeeze about 6 people and an operator in at any one time. Very cozy?

Another few pints that evening and off to Czech Republic and Prague early in the morning. The weather took a turn for the worst and the journey was about 326 miles. The Scottish contingent took the opportunity to commandeer an unfinished petrol station where they set up a feeding station. Tonight we explore Prague and a free day tomorrow.

Wroklaw to Krakow

2010-07-16T17:18:00.001+01:00

Blistering heat to Krakow….36 degs! Too hot to go out so we are in the bar with aircon. Some of the group managed to get underb the solitary cloud and got a ten minute soaking. In the town centre and will go out for grub soon. Met a Polish bloke from Glasgow who was on holiday here and a Polish plumber (the only one here) who lent Thomas a 35mm spanner to adjust his chain…it now just hangs above his naval. Beer and food are cheap and nice. Will publish some photos from Krakow. Off to Auschwitz tomorrow morning.

Having a drink with the pub landlord

2010-07-16T17:17:00.001+01:00

Padderborn to Leipzig and Poland

2010-07-15T18:20:00.002+01:00

Headed on to Leipzig where we had some traditional British grub… an Indian curry. The weather was amazing but we encountered a thunder storm about 2200hrs…lucky the pub had an umbrella. Onward to Poland and it seems to be getting hotter by the day. Stoppped at Colditz Castle where we toured the ex prisoner of war camp. Davy C decided to drop his bike on its side on top of his new helmet …just to test the robustness of the equipment. Not much sun but very humid. Over the border to Poland and onward to Wrocklaw ( Pronounced Wrotstzwoth). In the hotel and planning some Polish grub.

Breaking News

2010-07-15T18:20:00.001+01:00

Dave Coull has lost a tooth..tooth fairy informed. He is showing everyone his tooth before tea.

Padderborn to Leipzig and Poland

2010-07-15T18:14:00.000+01:00

Gimborn to Padderborn

2010-07-15T17:59:00.000+01:00

Headed on to Gimborn in the sun. The castle (IPA) is very impessive and the hotel next to it is typically German with good food. Klaus who is the Direktor showed us round the castle and the magnificent facilities. Onward towards Padderborn trying to avoid motorways. The weather turned and the black cloud that was following dropped some rain on us. Next, Mrs Garmin took the huff after we came across a very large hole being excavated by some Polish workers. Tom took the group on a small tour of the area before finding a way out. Arrive in sweltering heat in Paderborn. This is a quaint town and houses the British army. It has numerous attractive buildings and churches and we tried out a local Argentinean steak house where the carnivores had a ball. Tomorrow to Leipzig.

St Omer to Cologne

2010-07-15T17:45:00.000+01:00

Nice run in mixed weather but very hot. Stopped a La Coupole which is near
St Omer and was used by the Germans to manufacture V2 Rockets during WW2.
Had some good German food and
joined in a birthday party. Cologne is a nice city but very new due to
post war reconstruction. Had the happy 4 hours cocktail menu and consumed
most of the stock of Pina Colada, Gin Fizz, Alligator and Big Black kicks.
Bikes all working well but some Garmin
troubles. Lucky to have a laptop and managed to reinstall maps. Forecast
good for Tuesday.

Belgian Tea Party

2010-07-12T14:05:00.000+01:00

Started in the rain and now in the sun. Boiling up innthe car park. We
are all missing you all already.

Watching the football

2010-07-11T22:04:00.000+01:00

Unfortunatly we are in a pub that supports Spain and Dave is wearing
the orange T Shirt

St Omer

2010-07-11T20:47:00.001+01:00

Ah! Beer.

Made it to St Omer

2010-07-11T20:45:00.001+01:00

Looks like we all made it to St Omer in the warm a sun. Met up with
Dave and the crew in the town square. Forecast rain tomorrow.

Scotland Crew

Underway

2010-07-10T20:27:00.000+01:00

Underway and will arrive at 1.30pm and not 1030. Should make St Omer
about 1830.

Tom by iPhone

Broken Down

2010-07-10T18:50:00.000+01:00

Not us.....the boat. We are still in Newcastle as the ship is broken
down. We have taken to the bar and await a departure? Maybe a bit late
in St Omer or even see the main group in Germany. Awaiting news?

On the boat. Scots

2010-07-10T17:09:00.000+01:00

Made it in reasonable weather to Newcastle. In the bar. Let's start
as we intend to go on.

Tom, Tom, Davy and Dougz

The TRACKER address - Follow the trip to Poland!

2010-07-09T21:36:00.001+01:00

This is a FIND ME SPOT satellite tracker. I will be carrying this which will give all the folks back home a link to a Google Map where you can follow our progress. It updates every 10 minutes. Remember we are starting from Edinburgh tomorrow and will catch the group in St Omer. Copy the link below and paste it into the address bar on your browser.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qnnu0RrOKiDVkupnBQzmsdx3uEQ1ooVb

Tom

Almost ready to roll

2010-07-08T20:36:00.001+01:00

Gear packed and bike checked. Ready to roll on Saturday... Poland here
we come. See you all in St Omer.
Tom, Davy, Dougz and Thomas
Scotland no 1 contingent.

Laying a wreath at The Menin Gate

2010-06-25T12:45:00.001+01:00

Dave Tylor laid a wreath on behalf of our group during the ceremony.

At 8pm every night the traffic is stopped and a bugler sounds the last post.

On this night there was also a piper in replica 1st world war uniform who played the bagpipes.

Last Day - The Menin Gate

2010-06-25T12:42:00.001+01:00

Last day visit to Ypres/Ieper and The Menin Gate

The day ended with a barbeque

2010-06-25T12:35:00.000+01:00

and the diamond jubilee banner made an appearance

Strangely enough, there's a windmill in Heusden

2010-06-25T12:33:00.001+01:00

Well we couldn't go to The Netherlands and not put a picture of a windmill on the blog

Official twinning of Section UK and Netherlands MC Groups

2010-06-25T12:31:00.001+01:00

An exchange of placques and presents

Did I mention The Orange Polo Shirts

2010-06-25T12:28:00.000+01:00

Well now you can se what I mean.

This is at our lunchtime stop in the medieval town of Heusden.

We were treated to a buffet lunch where we were welcomed to the town by the mayor and later given a guided tour of the restored town.

Not 1 but 2 Ferry trips during the day

2010-06-25T12:25:00.001+01:00

Some of the ferries are privately run and have to be paid for and other like this one are state run and free.

A ride through the surrounding countryside

2010-06-25T12:22:00.000+01:00

I can't remember the exact number of bikes but I think it was 36 being led through the delightful Dutch countryside.

Meeting our Dutch friends

2010-06-25T12:20:00.001+01:00

A safety briefing prior to the ride - Note the orange shirts are making an appearance

The hotel in The Netherlands

2010-06-25T12:17:00.000+01:00

This was our accomodation for 2 nights.

Some of the group didn't arrive until about 9pm.

I won't mention the short cut or the powers of observation shown by some of the group - Ask Dave Taylor.

Preserved Trenches

2010-06-25T12:12:00.001+01:00

Sections of the trenches have been preserved together with the underground tunnels at the front line.

Vimy Ridge Memorial

2010-06-25T12:10:00.001+01:00

We dropped south to Vimy Ridge where we stopped to have a look at the wonderful memorial and see just why this location was of such stategic importance.

It's amazing to think that the memorial is some 70/80 years old as the design appears so modern

2nd Day - Map or GPS

2010-06-25T12:06:00.001+01:00

Martyn plans his route using the old fashioned paper method while I stick to my gps.

More importantly, I have to unpack the panniers twice to try and find my keys that I had dropped under the bike and hadn't seen.

Important note to other riders - Always take your wife and you then have someone to blame.

Dave Taylor presents the tour polo shirts

2010-06-25T12:00:00.000+01:00

Polo shirts all round in a lovely shade of orange which will be worn when we met our friends from The Netherlands

The hotel in France

2010-06-25T11:56:00.001+01:00

A lovely hotel and food that was probably the best I've eaten in a hotel restaurant

A queue at the tunnel

2010-06-25T11:53:00.000+01:00

A kind member of staff checked us in individually.

It took so long that we actually missed our departure slot and went on the next one.

All packed - Netherlands here we come

2010-06-25T11:49:00.001+01:00

Start of the trip, Sue had packed the bags and I did the hard work of lifting the sissy bar bag onto the bike.

NCM

2010-06-22T12:11:00.001+01:00

A picture of me and a fellow recruit to the Met in 1984 at the NCM.

Due to the kidnapping of the mascot Arthur Troop at the NCM I have advised Dave to bring some ‘close’ protection for him on the Poland trip……………

Tom

IPA Display - Lothian and Borders Police Family Day

2010-06-14T18:44:00.001+01:00

Had the opportunity to display the Round the World GS Adv bike at the Force Family Day on Saturday 12^th June. Had a few enquiries about the Motorcycle Section so hopefully some new members. Started getting the kit together for Poland. All maps to hotels loaded from Garmin Mapsourse. (If anyone wants them let me know). Looked out my trusty camp chair which was one of the best pieces of kit I had with me and was the envy of many sore-a..ed bikers en-route. 4 of the Scottish contingent (Davy, Thomas, Dougz and me) are travelling from Newcastle-Amsterdam then St Omer to meet you all.

Attached is a photo from last Saturday after the downdraft from the Air Ambulance razed the display to the ground……the IPA Banners just survived?

Tom McInally

Grasp Technology! - A guide to blogging.

2010-05-25T15:01:00.001+01:00

Hi all potential bloggers. This is a simple guide for those attending the Poland trip. Blogging lets you give your impression of the day and lets the folks back home see what you are seeing and keep up with where you are. You can post photos directly or give them to me at the end of the day with a wee spiel for posting. There will also be a link to a page that tracks our position every 10 minutes on Google Maps. I will carry the device for this so all the folks back home need to do is click on the link. This will leave us detailed data of the route we took on the journey. I will publish an example of this later. The page for the folks at home is:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qnnu0RrOKiDVkupnBQzmsdx3uEQ1ooVb

To blog:

1. Send an email with picture attached (or not). Send by iPhone, Blackberry or laptop. (I will send the email address to you before we go or give it to you when we meet up)

2. The SUBJECT of the email becomes the heading.

3. Alternativly give me your photos (on the card from your camera) before I go to the bar in the evening and a comment and I will publish them for you.

4. Tell the folks at home the address of the blog - http://ipauk-motorcycles.blogspot.com/

5. They can leave comments/messages in reply.

That is it! Easy and good fun!

Have a try before you go…email me for the email publishing address at tom@transglobemoto.com

Tom

Missing you Dad

2010-05-21T13:15:00.001+01:00

Dad

Mum and I had a nice day out at Auntie Jacq’s yesterday. So far today mum has been very lazy, she has said she will do some housework before Auntie Zoe arrives tonight. The weather here is nice and warm and we have all the windows open.

I hope you are having a nice time and enjoying the sights. I best go now as I want some more food !!!!!!

Love Emily

XxX