2008 is here,,,   I haven't had a run out in over a month.  The weather hasn't been great!!   but I suppose that's only an excuse.. 

The weather forecast said Sunday  was going to be  a dry day..  and guess what?    it was.   I got the wife off to church,  and headed straight home,  long johns and leathers  on , I fired the R1  up and headed out..

Its true what they say, use it or lose it! I was all over the road, nothing to do with the bike,  just me,  not able to concentrate on what I was doing. by the time I was heading onto the motorway, I was starting to settle down, though still not altogether comfortable.. The  last month or so riding my computer chair, had left me road rusty.

that and a combination of too much turkey and chocolate  over the Christmas holidays.  as the extra couple of stone squeezed inside the leathers tried to break out at every opportunity.

Trying to stay off the main roads and motorways, I came off the m2 at Sandy Knowles, and headed out towards Templepatrick, then on up through Antrim.

The roads were great, the air was mild, and I was really starting to get a feel for the bike again. Keeping up a brisk pace, Ballymena was soon passed and from there it was on into Broughshane. Taking the Tullymore road, just outside Broughshane, I was able to push the R1 on a little harder.  what a bad idea!....   what a bumpy road... my  extra ballast put on over Christmas making the bike bottom out a lot easier than usual.  but the R1 kept me in check and soon I was out through Dargan, and heading for Waterfoot.

Back on to the coast road it wasn't long before Glenarm was reached ,

I was surprised at how many other bikes were out on the road. all shapes and sizes from cruisers , through to sports bikes.. everyone out enjoying the un-seasonally good weather.

So, pit-stopped at Glenarm, the tea van was only just setting up,  so I didn't bother hanging around.

The coast road is a great ride. whether you push it on a bit, or just cruise enjoying the scenery, it's a real treat..

Into Larne, then a stop to visit Michael and June  L.  at the Glynn...

Tea and a biscuit always available  here....

That was about it! headed off home. out through Whitehead , Carrickfergus ( a couple of Harley types in the car-park so didn't bother stopping ) on to the M2 again,

up the Newtownards Road....  and home...

all in all I covered over 105 miles, and got most of the feel for the bike back again...

Its a great feeling too.   all I've got to do now is lose the belly..

Roll on next week!