Lived around here for 30 years. Three of the houses I’ve lived in were on this video. I love the book, I just wish it also gave some of the local history to see. You passed some amazing historical spots.
Very many thanks, M.F., for your excellent videos, probably the best motorcycling vlogs on TH-cam for quality and variety. You have inspired me to buy a GoPro and have a go myself, as I go to some very interesting parts of the world, and it would be good to have some memory joggers for later. Please keep up the great work, all aspects are interesting. I am really enjoying the Bikers Britain loops, I have just started doing a few of these and it's good to see some more.
TheMissendenFlyer I'm not that tall actually, only 6ft 3" but my grandchildren think I'm tall and jolly, so they named me after one of the characters in Jane Hissey's children books, a stuffed giraffe called Jolly Tall. Anyway, I find the GS just right. I live on the Isle of Wight, and I have just arrived home from a trip up to Oxfordshire to do Ride 10 in Simon Weir's "Bikers Britain" called the Charlbury TT. You may gave already done this ride, as it is quite close to you, but if you haven't, I can highly recommend it and I think it might be you "cup of tea". Would love to see all those twists and turns and ups and downs on one of your great videos.
Living at Felixstowe in Suffolk, this vlog prompted me to dig out my copy of Bikers’ Britain, and it must be a different version. It doesn’t have the Southwold Loop or Cromer Loop, but does have a Norfolk loop starting at Diss and circling round Attleborough and Thetford. You probably know that what your folks call Silly Suffolkers, we know such exhibitions of idiocy as Normal Fer Norfolk! Next time you are up this way, try the A1120 from Stowmarket to Yoxford.
I just love the way you keep talking in your English accent and commenting on your surroundings. Pretty narrow and thus scary roads you have there. Beautiful landscape though! Ride safe!
I often wonder about this as you're not the first to comment on my "English accent" - given I' am English and speaking English, surely I don't have an accent, you do (assuming you're an English speaker not of English birth as your comment implies). Probably an argument to be had there, but either way it matters not as you were in fact being kind to me. so thanks for that! ...and I love the way you find the roads scary, I suppose they are if you're used to being on wider lanes but of course this is all we know so it seems quite fine! Cheers for watching and for stopping by - all the best - TMF
Certainly my fav vid of yours, simply because I've lived and grown up on these roads. Worked in Reydon for 6 years too. You are indeed right, the driving around here is atrocious. I put it down to the aged population in these parts! Shame you caught the traffic on some of the best roads too. Had my first (and only so far) bike crash on that road between Wrentham and Southwold :)
Coolio man. All scenery was awesome. Loved the beach front and yeh man quite a surprisingly small bulb, lol. Your panniers look good, I want some for the tracer, thinking of getting some shad ones. Now the bikes all acf50'd up I'm hoping to get some routes in before we start getting real cold. Tcrs fella ✊
Good day mate. Do like your trips around the countryside. This one was very good, has I never been too that side of the country. Has I be form Dorset. (LOL) Right on the coast, and not far form the New Forest. When you get the chance, I can highly recommend, a run along the B3157 form Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and Sidmouth. Then Devon well open up before you, (nice) Keep riding, and Keep safe.
First comment. Hoorah. Guy at work raves about Southwold and goes there every year. Nice that you gave Southend a mention, even if it was unintentional.
Thanks Jack, yes great long weekend spent up North...another video from the area in the can that I'll upload in due course....cheers for watching and your continued support - TMF
Just stumbled on your blog, very well brought over. its my area which I spend lots of two wheeled time on with or without an engine. did you know the beach huts reach a 100 thousand pound price tag...must be the Adnams going to people's heads. great vid
Enjoyed watching this a lot especially as I frequent these roads a fair bit being local. I wonder of your wood work teacher is any relative being a Curtis lol. Nice job - Cheers - Mike Curtis Walsham Le Willows.
Lings (Honda) in Harleston are a Husqvarna dealer - :D Worth trying out the Wortwell Bell if you're round that way too. Real ale and good food... If you're ever passing though again, take the back road through Eye to Debenham, not particularly long but it's a nice twisty road and you get to avoid a chunk of the A140. Also Dunwich, most expensive fish and chips ever :(
I can echo that as I live at Debenham. Did you try the A1120 Stowmarket to Yoxford? Nice Saturday morning relaxer. If you’d like a day out on my DCT Africa Twin, come and see us.
Hi good morning MF lovely and sunny in north devon. just about to start the " West Country Loop " recommended in the first book down here for 12 days hope the weather holds. regards. Colin.
Morning Colin, yes beautiful day here too - think I'll be firing up the Ducati shortly :0) Enjoy your trip, I'll keep my fingers crossed for the weather (12 days for 95 miles??..lots of stops then!!!!!).
"If it was the highlands of Scotland we wouldn't see all this traffic" Actually, their fine days are so rare that the traffic on the A82 increases literally tenfold given even a hint of blue sky and, what's worse, mostly with retired people who are NOT in a hurry. That's another advantage of owning a bike that's fun to ride slow
as a HGV driver I can tell you any small or old car is normally driven slowly is by a pensioner attempting to save fuel as has no concern about most other road users (just hope they don't have to reverse) . I don't wish to paint all with the same brush but most seem to find coastal roads whether it be Suffolk / Norfolk or any other county. By the way I know the back lane near Beccles I have to drag 30tons of fertilizer around there.
Rather you than me Vince, I have nothing but respect for HGV drivers, you guys make it all look very easy (especially where reversing is concerned)....
No I haven't but it's very much on the "to do" list - the only Scotland riding so far has been on the CRF (see >> th-cam.com/video/NIJX0b-FTFg/w-d-xo.html ) etc...
If you want a beach hut at Southwold best you dig to the bottom of your pockets to the tune of around £40,000. Yep that’s right 40 grand. If you’re ever back this way look me up in Beccles show you some other routes. PS I used to fix the lighthouse at Southwold
Nice one MF! I thought an overnight stop would be required. I went to Dunwich a few years ago, sadly it is slowly disappearing into the sea - it used to be a major port 100's of years ago apparently. Regards, Jon.
...err, without checking, I think I'm on about 14.2K something like that - it's the bike I ride more than any of 'em - if it's just me going somewhere, I tend to take the GS rather than a car....
...it's just the light that let's me know my auxiliary lamps are on - I tend to always ride with them on for conspicuity purposes....well spotted by the way!
The most expensive beach hut went for £170k and you can't even sleep in them. My mother in law lives in Southwold but I still visit the town on my motorbike on my own. Go down the old harbour and visit the harbour cafe. Maybe go on the little ferry to Walberswick. Drivers are zombies in Southwold.
TheMissendenFlyer folks from London. The economy is geared for them. Shopping items are dearer, spuds for example. Same goes for Aldeburgh, we laugh about this and say that all the shops in the towns have signed up to" I saw you coming. Com. Grockles(Londoners) are not savvy at all. My mother in laws house is valued at £295k. It is an ex council house in a very average street in Southwold. They bought it off the council 15 years ago fully refurbed, replumbed, and new roof for£18 k😂😂
As mentioned in Part 1 I live in Stowmarket & have to report that the drivers on the Suffolk coast are probably the worst in the UK as you have now experienced! There are lots of retirement people on the 'Southwold Loop' I need say no more...lol...
Hello sir. Top box plus 2 panniers. Suffolk via Ulaanbaatar I presume! Ride safe. GS riders I dunno! Seriously thoughts though TMF, the ageing population is I'm sorry to say an absolute scourge on our roads nationwide. Whilst the youngsters may carve you up or sit on ya parcel shelf they don't generally impede your progress (until the road closure because their wrapped around the next available Oak tree, the one with flowers nailed on to). To make good progress is the whole point, it escapes the elderly. If you're behind a Jazz or Micra or any small Suzuki, or any assortment of small S Korean made cars you're gonna be in a world of pain. The 3 blue fiestas you were stuck behind I'm guessing were not jockeyed by teens. Javelin Missile system anyone?
...aha! Found you lurking in my "likely spam" folder again! ...and yes completely agree re the young v old drivers - why can't they all be perfect like us!?
I'd just settle for less unpredictability and danger. I've not done much E.Coast stuff particularly Constable country must get over those sides one day.
I'd just settle for less unpredictability and danger. I've not done much E.Coast stuff particularly Constable country must get over those sides one day.
Maybe but I actually think that may be too big/heavy - a lot of the press reviews seem to favour the RT....but again, I've not ridden the K1600GTL (and the new model is no doubt brilliant)...
Great pair of vids chap, love the rambling narrative, especially behind the Fiesta in part 2. It somehow reminded me of this old country chap th-cam.com/video/rGRa_ZoOX24/w-d-xo.html. And not all drivers of pensionable age are a liability! :)
lots of "city cars" as they're called don't need road tax. My mum has a citroen c1. It's pretty odd - If the car had enough power, the gearing would allow the 3 cylinder 1 litre little engine to get up near 90mph in 3rd gear. But it can only do about 84 mph (although that might be my mums fault). Guess that's fuel economy for you.
I'm a huge fan of these sort of cars, there used to be no such thing as cheap motoring, but with this sort of efficiency I think that may no longer be true!
Suffolk, like Scotland.... I don't think so. That's like comparing Denmark with Switzerland! East Anglia is very flat(and in my opinion less intestesting) and Scotland very mountainous (and in my opinion more scenic and interesting). I'm sure some will disagree, but East Anglia (where I live), is not the best roads for a good biking tour. I always respect your views never the less.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
very nice to see someone else riding my local roads
+TheBluebiker Good stuff, glad you found it of interest - all the best - TMF
Lived around here for 30 years. Three of the houses I’ve lived in were on this video. I love the book, I just wish it also gave some of the local history to see. You passed some amazing historical spots.
So cool - thanks for that John!
what a great beach... beautiful and so few people 😉
nice video again 👍
Thanks Thomas....and yes, with the rubbish UK weather those beaches are somewhat wasted aren't they!
Very many thanks, M.F., for your excellent videos, probably the best motorcycling vlogs on TH-cam for quality and variety. You have inspired me to buy a GoPro and have a go myself, as I go to some very interesting parts of the world, and it would be good to have some memory joggers for later. Please keep up the great work, all aspects are interesting. I am really enjoying the Bikers Britain loops, I have just started doing a few of these and it's good to see some more.
Very kind of you to say so 27jollytall, glad you've found them of interest....and if you don't mind me asking, how tall are you then?
TheMissendenFlyer
I'm not that tall actually, only 6ft 3" but my grandchildren think I'm tall and jolly, so they named me after one of the characters in Jane Hissey's children books, a stuffed giraffe called Jolly Tall. Anyway, I find the GS just right. I live on the Isle of Wight, and I have just arrived home from a trip up to Oxfordshire to do Ride 10 in Simon Weir's "Bikers Britain" called the Charlbury TT. You may gave already done this ride, as it is quite close to you, but if you haven't, I can highly recommend it and I think it might be you "cup of tea". Would love to see all those twists and turns and ups and downs on one of your great videos.
Two great blogs and very informative. I'm tempted to do that loop when I visit uk next year. Cheers for that.
Where are you coming from Steve??
TheMissendenFlyer Albi, South West France.
Just watched both parts back to back great vids yet again tmf. Dadwold must do Southwold.
Cheers Dadwold!
Nice one again, more good Suffolk roads ridden, and a few missed too. Come back and try the rest!
+monstermarkone oh I'll be back for sure! :0)
Living at Felixstowe in Suffolk, this vlog prompted me to dig out my copy of Bikers’ Britain, and it must be a different version. It doesn’t have the Southwold Loop or Cromer Loop, but does have a Norfolk loop starting at Diss and circling round Attleborough and Thetford. You probably know that what your folks call Silly Suffolkers, we know such exhibitions of idiocy as Normal Fer Norfolk!
Next time you are up this way, try the A1120 from Stowmarket to Yoxford.
I just love the way you keep talking in your English accent and commenting on your surroundings. Pretty narrow and thus scary roads you have there. Beautiful landscape though! Ride safe!
I often wonder about this as you're not the first to comment on my "English accent" - given I' am English and speaking English, surely I don't have an accent, you do (assuming you're an English speaker not of English birth as your comment implies). Probably an argument to be had there, but either way it matters not as you were in fact being kind to me. so thanks for that! ...and I love the way you find the roads scary, I suppose they are if you're used to being on wider lanes but of course this is all we know so it seems quite fine! Cheers for watching and for stopping by - all the best - TMF
my neck of the woods great riding around there,was in southwold and did the 1123 last week, nice vid fella
I wonder if we passed each other!!
Certainly my fav vid of yours, simply because I've lived and grown up on these roads. Worked in Reydon for 6 years too. You are indeed right, the driving around here is atrocious. I put it down to the aged population in these parts! Shame you caught the traffic on some of the best roads too. Had my first (and only so far) bike crash on that road between Wrentham and Southwold :)
Oops - let's hope that's the one and only then.....
Coolio man. All scenery was awesome. Loved the beach front and yeh man quite a surprisingly small bulb, lol. Your panniers look good, I want some for the tracer, thinking of getting some shad ones. Now the bikes all acf50'd up I'm hoping to get some routes in before we start getting real cold.
Tcrs fella ✊
tHANKS AGAIN dOTICASTER - MORE IN THE CAN SO STAY TUNED! - bOLLOCKS - CAPSLOCK!!!!
Good day mate. Do like your trips around the countryside. This one was very good, has I never been too that side of the country. Has I be form Dorset. (LOL) Right on the coast, and not far form the New Forest. When you get the chance, I can highly recommend, a run along the B3157 form Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and Sidmouth. Then Devon well open up before you, (nice) Keep riding, and Keep safe.
Thanks Andy - I love Devon, must head that way soon! Cheers for watching and for stopping by - TMF
First comment. Hoorah. Guy at work raves about Southwold and goes there every year. Nice that you gave Southend a mention, even if it was unintentional.
hehe - are you in Southend then?
about 10 miles away in Laindon.
Nice one really enjoyed that
Great :0)
Spent many days there with the kids...great old pier.......beach and those Oll beach huts cost an absolute bomb.....rsmf
Yes it is a gorgeous spot - much under-rated I reckon...
My eldest daughter does woodwork at an all girls grammer school. If they do it there I'm sure most schools in England must do it.
Another great ride, hope your stay was good
Thanks Jack, yes great long weekend spent up North...another video from the area in the can that I'll upload in due course....cheers for watching and your continued support - TMF
Just stumbled on your blog, very well brought over. its my area which I spend lots of two wheeled time on with or without an engine. did you know the beach huts reach a 100 thousand pound price tag...must be the Adnams going to people's heads. great vid
Wow, I knew those huts were expensive, but £100K is just daft! Thanks for watching and for your kind words - all the best - TMF
Excellent!
Glad you liked it!
Enjoyed watching this a lot especially as I frequent these roads a fair bit being local.
I wonder of your wood work teacher is any relative being a Curtis lol.
Nice job - Cheers - Mike Curtis Walsham Le Willows.
Ray Curtis his name was - he was the Design and Tech head at the Hewett School in Norwich......any relation?
No relation as far as I know - just as well i guess being north of the Suffolk border lol.
have enjoyed these 'tours'. Giving me some ideas for next year. Try the scottish borders, would be interested to hear what you think
Yes would love to do Scotland, it's very much on the radar just need to get it sorted! Thanks for the kind words, all the best - TMF
Lings (Honda) in Harleston are a Husqvarna dealer - :D Worth trying out the Wortwell Bell if you're round that way too. Real ale and good food...
If you're ever passing though again, take the back road through Eye to Debenham, not particularly long but it's a nice twisty road and you get to avoid a chunk of the A140.
Also Dunwich, most expensive fish and chips ever :(
Thanks Andy, and cheers for stopping by - TMF
I can echo that as I live at Debenham. Did you try the A1120 Stowmarket to Yoxford? Nice Saturday morning relaxer. If you’d like a day out on my DCT Africa Twin, come and see us.
Hi good morning MF lovely and sunny in north devon. just about to start the " West Country Loop " recommended in the first book down here for 12 days hope the weather holds. regards. Colin.
Morning Colin, yes beautiful day here too - think I'll be firing up the Ducati shortly :0) Enjoy your trip, I'll keep my fingers crossed for the weather (12 days for 95 miles??..lots of stops then!!!!!).
I would like to ride to Cromer from Harwich harbour once the covidrules are less! Cheers from the Netherlands!
I wouldn't get too excited about it!!
"If it was the highlands of Scotland we wouldn't see all this traffic"
Actually, their fine days are so rare that the traffic on the A82 increases literally tenfold given even a hint of blue sky and, what's worse, mostly with retired people who are NOT in a hurry. That's another advantage of owning a bike that's fun to ride slow
I have got to visit Dingle Hill Tea Rooms! That just sounds idyllic. 🏍☕️😎
I assume they do coffee too....
Oh. I certainly hope so. 😀
wow,its good to see you so close to where i am
..where are you?
Just a few miles outside of beccles
Nice!
Yes 140 watt bulb as seen through a large lens to magnify it a bit.
Indeed....
as a HGV driver I can tell you any small or old car is normally driven slowly is by a pensioner attempting to save fuel as has no concern about most other road users (just hope they don't have to reverse) . I don't wish to paint all with the same brush but most seem to find coastal roads whether it be Suffolk / Norfolk or any other county. By the way I know the back lane near Beccles I have to drag 30tons of fertilizer around there.
Rather you than me Vince, I have nothing but respect for HGV drivers, you guys make it all look very easy (especially where reversing is concerned)....
You mentioned the highlands, have you toured em on the GS yet? I'm planning a trip there on the GS in early spring 👍
No I haven't but it's very much on the "to do" list - the only Scotland riding so far has been on the CRF (see >> th-cam.com/video/NIJX0b-FTFg/w-d-xo.html ) etc...
TheMissendenFlyer if your interested I'll shout you when I'm going
If you want a beach hut at Southwold best you dig to the bottom of your pockets to the tune of around £40,000. Yep that’s right 40 grand. If you’re ever back this way look me up in Beccles show you some other routes. PS I used to fix the lighthouse at Southwold
How are you getting on with the new handlebar grips?
Lovin' them..
Nice one MF! I thought an overnight stop would be required. I went to Dunwich a few years ago, sadly it is slowly disappearing into the sea - it used to be a major port 100's of years ago apparently. Regards, Jon.
Thanks Jon - yes I was in the area for a few days staying with my folks so was a good chance to get some riding in....all the best - TMF
Oh forgot to ask! How many miles as your GS covered now? Just interested.
...err, without checking, I think I'm on about 14.2K something like that - it's the bike I ride more than any of 'em - if it's just me going somewhere, I tend to take the GS rather than a car....
ok I have a request. do you think you could get your hands on an MT09 for a day? I'd be interested in your opinion comparing it to your tripple.
I would love too! Just need a friendly Yamaha dealer to let me have one :0) One day I will get to ride one....
lings in Halstead is a husqvarna dealer and so is lings in Lowestoft
Looks like I need to aim for Lings next time! ...thanks for watching - all the best - TMF
silly question coming but what is the green light on your dash ?
...it's just the light that let's me know my auxiliary lamps are on - I tend to always ride with them on for conspicuity purposes....well spotted by the way!
Thanks
The most expensive beach hut went for £170k and you can't even sleep in them. My mother in law lives in Southwold but I still visit the town on my motorbike on my own. Go down the old harbour and visit the harbour cafe. Maybe go on the little ferry to Walberswick. Drivers are zombies in Southwold.
Wow - who would pay that for a shed on the sea!!!
TheMissendenFlyer folks from London. The economy is geared for them. Shopping items are dearer, spuds for example. Same goes for Aldeburgh, we laugh about this and say that all the shops in the towns have signed up to" I saw you coming. Com. Grockles(Londoners) are not savvy at all. My mother in laws house is valued at £295k. It is an ex council house in a very average street in Southwold. They bought it off the council 15 years ago fully refurbed, replumbed, and new roof for£18 k😂😂
Wow.....
*Adnams pigs are happy pigs* The waste by products of the brewing process were fed to local pigs..
...nice one - I bet they are happy, hic!
As mentioned in Part 1 I live in Stowmarket & have to report that the drivers on the Suffolk coast are probably the worst in the UK as you have now experienced! There are lots of retirement people on the 'Southwold Loop' I need say no more...lol...
I think you're right Robert, it must be an age thing....
Hello sir. Top box plus 2 panniers. Suffolk via Ulaanbaatar I presume!
Ride safe.
GS riders I dunno!
Seriously thoughts though TMF, the ageing population is I'm sorry to say an absolute scourge on our roads nationwide.
Whilst the youngsters may carve you up or sit on ya parcel shelf they don't generally impede your progress (until the road closure because their wrapped around the next available Oak tree, the one with flowers nailed on to). To make good progress is the whole point, it escapes the elderly.
If you're behind a Jazz or Micra or any small Suzuki, or any assortment of small S Korean made cars you're gonna be in a world of pain.
The 3 blue fiestas you were stuck behind I'm guessing were not jockeyed by teens.
Javelin Missile system anyone?
...aha! Found you lurking in my "likely spam" folder again! ...and yes completely agree re the young v old drivers - why can't they all be perfect like us!?
I'd just settle for less unpredictability and danger. I've not done much E.Coast stuff particularly Constable country must get over those sides one day.
I'd just settle for less unpredictability and danger. I've not done much E.Coast stuff particularly Constable country must get over those sides one day.
TMF, R 1200 GSA or R 1200 RT for touring?
I've never ridden a GSA so I don't actually know, though I struggle to think any bike could better the RT on a long tour (on road).....
TheMissendenFlyer Well maybe the far more expensive K 16000 GT/L
Maybe but I actually think that may be too big/heavy - a lot of the press reviews seem to favour the RT....but again, I've not ridden the K1600GTL (and the new model is no doubt brilliant)...
TheMissendenFlyer The K 1600 GT/L is too expensive for me. I think its aimed at the Honda Goldwing and more for the US market.
Great pair of vids chap, love the rambling narrative, especially behind the Fiesta in part 2. It somehow reminded me of this old country chap th-cam.com/video/rGRa_ZoOX24/w-d-xo.html. And not all drivers of pensionable age are a liability! :)
Thank you Geoff as ever...not sure about the Kenneth Williams reference but I'll let you off.....
lots of "city cars" as they're called don't need road tax. My mum has a citroen c1. It's pretty odd - If the car had enough power, the gearing would allow the 3 cylinder 1 litre little engine to get up near 90mph in 3rd gear. But it can only do about 84 mph (although that might be my mums fault). Guess that's fuel economy for you.
I'm a huge fan of these sort of cars, there used to be no such thing as cheap motoring, but with this sort of efficiency I think that may no longer be true!
I can back the lorry up better than the car, lol
Suffolk, like Scotland.... I don't think so. That's like comparing Denmark with Switzerland! East Anglia is very flat(and in my opinion less intestesting) and Scotland very mountainous (and in my opinion more scenic and interesting). I'm sure some will disagree, but East Anglia (where I live), is not the best roads for a good biking tour. I always respect your views never the less.
Yes well, that was a bit of a tongue-in-cheek remark....you've got to admit the heather is similar! ;0) Thanks for watching, all the best - TMF
My sister in suffolk calls bad drivers in her county silly norfolkers. :)
I thought that may be the case! :0)