...but I'm off my lazy arse to relate last Thursday's adventure. Apologies in advance for the lack of pics; (a) it didn't occur until I was halfway home, and (b) I was on a bit of a mission to get home.
I was off last week until Friday night. The plan was hatched and the logistics sorted between Monday and Wednesday.
Up at 0400hrs on Thursday. On the road at 0430, courtesy of 'dad cab', for the 70 mile drive to Bristol Airport. We were a bit early - what a difference travelling on the A37 at that hour makes!
The best airport experience to date was had: no queue for luggage check-in or security. Twas almost a pleasure. The Ryanair flight to Dublin landed on time at 0905hrs.
The luck held as everyone queued for immigration checks. No-one seemed to want to use the 'fast lane' DIY facilities for those with 'chip' passports, despite encouragement from airport staff. I didn't need a second invite - straight through, no bother, as they all queued on...
As I arrived at the conveyor in the luggage hall (I was first there) the belt started....and my bag was the first out! Surely I'll be paying for this later...?
Mine host, Tony, was waiting in Arrivals. He drove us the 35 minutes to his place in Celbridge, a few miles west of Dublin.
Saw bike - liked bike - studied paperwork - bought bike
Spent the next hour drinking tea and struggling to book a ferry online and arrange insurance over the phone. I'd already sorted the cover and just needed to activate it. The VIN number was required as the bike's Irish registered. The biggest problem was trying to figure out what std code prefix to use - the usual Eire to NI code didn't work. Got there in the end.
Luggage packed, suited and booted, headed off back to Dublin with Tony's suggested route in mind. Sod the ring road to Dublin Port. Good call. I rode through the centre of the city alongside the Liffey. Proper picturesque
Got the 1515hrs Stenaline ferry to Holyhead. Again, one of the first on board (only one other motorbike on the boat). I was settled in my comfy lounge chair while cars were still queueing to load
Only managed to snatch about half an hour's kip during the 3.5hr crossing (special thanks to the Chinese extended family nearby who must've shared a bargain bucket of amphetamine
).
The Irish Sea was like the proverbial mill pond and folk were sunbathing on the starboard deck. It were reet nice as I watched countless large jellyfish rotating as they floated past just a few inches under the water's surface.
Disembarked at 1855hrs. Pulled over in Holyhead to add a warm layer and change visors. Got underway at 1920. A55 to Bangor, then onto the A5 towards Betws-Y-Coed. That ride through Snowdonia with almost zero traffic and the crimson sun behind me is one I'll cherish the memory of. I started to click with the bike and made smooth and fairly rapid progress across North Wales.
Trundled past the WPH at about 2030hrs. Sure I glimpsed a solitary blue/white bike outside - that you Steve P.? So, I lied - I DID get to Llangollen this year, but unfortunately a day early
Onward to Shrewsbury. Was almost at Telford and the M54 before it was completely dark. It was my plan to try to hit the motorways by night fall.
I won't lie, the M54, M6 and M5 were no fun at all, but a means to an end. Unsurprisingly I was feeling increasingly tired and it was becoming decidedly nippy - those heated grips were a boon
. For safety I decided to stop every hour after 2100 to stretch the legs and inject caffeine.
Finally hit the A358 at Taunton at almost 0100hrs Made my second and last fuel stop on the A303 at Ilminster before the final leg home. Coasted onto the drive at 0156hrs.
Yep, a long old day but one I don't regret cos I'm now the proud owner of...
Very clean on an 08 plate with 27K miles, sport pack, a FMDSH and a few choice nick nacks. Now I've got to sort the UK registration. Will need a mph speedo first mind...
. Oh yes, those GS pot protectors will have to go too 
Mike
then I got to the…
. Well, obviously that ain't gonna happen 
He'll charge £180 for the whole job including making the new speedo face if successful. If not, it'll be £35 and I'll get my broken instruments back 
).