Kielder Camping Weekend - Lessons Learned

What lessons have I learned?

When the route you have planned starts to go wrong, take the time while everyone is parked in a safe place, to work out a proper alternative route. Jumping at the first viable option, might well see you on a merry goose chase and plan B and C also quickly turn into dead ends. Even though it might feel like everyone’s eyes are burning through the back of your helmet, I am sure they would rather the next action is actually going to take you closer to the destination rather than further away.

Even though you have planned your route on the native OEM route planning software/app for the device you are going to use, there might have been map updates that make the intended route un-navigable, leaving you stood proudly at the head of a group of motorcycles, with all eyes on you looking for to confidently take them on the interesting full days riding route that they all signed up for months ago. Even though the route has been synced with the device, please check it opens correctly.

If someone says “come on in, the water is lovely” they’re lying.

Lastly, as always, those with the most inappropriate bike probably had the most fun.

What does the future hold?

The forest drive gravel road proved to be a popular choice. It was enough of novelty to be interesting and exciting though it remained accessible to those with standard road bikes, not just adventure bikes. There were no steep climbs or deep ruts or rock steps. It really was just a nice smooth gravel road. There are a number of Forest Drive roads in the UK, I think I can probably string 3 of them together into a coherent ride out. Watch out for the warning order for a forest drive weekend, where I will try and find a suitable overnight venue to allow us to join the Forest Drive at Kielder with the Raiders' Road in Galloway Forest and the Three Lochs Forest Drive near Stirling. Bring yourself, your bike - whatever it is, and your sense of humour. Oh and probably a waterproof jacket!