When we reached Southampton both of us were stopped at the gate to the docks, the security guy wanted to know why we were there, 'what's your business ? ' Michael did a sterling job of communicating with this guy as two 660cc single cylinder engines ticked over, HGV's drove by and while he was also sporting a motorbike helmet and ear plugs. This really brought home to me the benefits of the bluetooth communication device, as I sat behind him on my bike I heard it all, as it got louder and louder and .....
We also had to raise the front of our flip-front motorcycle helmets so we could be CCTV'd, understandable as we all know what a menace to society bikers are. The support crew in their cars were waved through, car drivers have less room to hide stolen goods, obviously.
Happy and relaxed with a big cube behind him which they say is a ship
Great to finally get underway after all this time but also quite scary leaving our precious bikes in the hands of strangers. All went well, had the bikes checked by a young guy, he stamped the paperwork and took the keys, we walked away. The whole place was filled with cars for export. I had read about someone dropping off a motor home for shipping and being stopped from taking photos by security as it was a 'restricted area' but we were keen to get some shots of the bikes and us, mostly for proof if we get them back in Halifax damaged, the bikes, not us. So apologies for the quality, I had a fear a guy from G4S wearing a Ford Fiesta and RayBans may appear. At least we have the evidence.
Trying to look relaxed but failing, a combination of leaving the bike with a stranger and awaiting security. (Note: that's not a cigarette in my hand, it's a tail feather from a seagull, I snatched one as a bird flew by).
Next stop Halifax, less than two weeks to go. A final note, many people have asked what happens when you prise a biker from his bike, luckily I was able to get some photographic evidence. In the UK he turns into a metrosexual.
UK based Metrosexual (Def: one who lives in an urban, post-industrial, capitalist culture who is especially meticulous about his grooming and appearance) ummm that fits, I think ..
Looking forward to Halifax and the start....
