What a send off!
April 6th, 2009
Hi All, Nigel here, just thought I’d put up a quick post to let you know Jo is on his way. The picture below show’s the first breakdown that occurred only 17 miles from home!
Pete tells us more:
“Spoke to Wayne last night and yes the bike blew another fuse about 17 miles after the first, so they got to a service station, pulled the bike to bits, found the problem and fixed it!! When I spoke to Wayne they were at Dover in a pub, so things weren’t too bad, and I assume Jo got on the ferry ok!!!”
13 miles from home - the first breakdown
Bless! At least the Big Monkey’s still smiling, which as I recall, was part of the point of the journey!
Jo got on the ferry ok after tea in a pub and sleeping in a tent I believe…He was in touch today for info on a BMW garage, the other side of the water, which I think Dan sorted for him…let’s hope he gets there
A lovely campsite 4miles from Dover, pitched tent, went for his last supper about 2miles on the back of my moped, a couple of beers or four, chat, put the world to rights and then opened the door to get out of the pub and bloody hell! MIST or what. Very moist in the air. Tentative ride back (i was on lemonades)washed and off into the sack.
Before long, the fog horns from the shipping lanes were sounding, distinct sound to where we were, then the local late night trains passed, before the low flying airplanes. Noise but easily blocked out especially after 10mins when i heard Jo snoring his little head off ZZZZzzzzz.
Woke up to the sound of a woodpecker in the forest surrounding the campsite. AAAaaHHHaa nature at its finest.
Jo showered then we set to repacking the gear with the additional replacement set of tyres. In reality it was pretty easy but then i wasnt having to ride the loaded “shirly Thumper” for the next 53weeks or so. All i had was a 245 mile journey home with a tent and one top box!.
Jo got to the ferry nice and early. About 8.40am for a 10.00am trip. He was very cagey last night and was wondering if, could, should, would he do etc but this morning he was on form, ready and willing.
We hugged and shook hand and i wished him farewell, before taking the last parting shot just at the entrance to Dover Docks.
Whoever is reading this knows he will be missed for the the next year, his character, his endless stories and above all the friendship he gives to all.
Already looking forward to reading his book.
Good Luck Jo
Wayne (Weeen)
That bought a tear to my eye Wayne… Jo’s absence brings others together…I miss knowing he’s just down the road
xxx