Captain_Slash
Community Manager
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2011
- Bikes
- BMW 310GS Honda Wave 125 Honda MSX 125
Steam-trains, Castles and an old Harley
- Thread starter 2wheels
- Start date
garethw
Senior Member
South East England
Bluebell Railway - One of the best family days out in Sussex, England
Have you tried these?
Bluebell Railway - One of the best family days out in Sussex, England
Have you tried these?
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2012
- Bikes
- KTM 613 EXC, BMW R90S & Dakar, MZ250, Norton 16H, Honda - 500 Fs & Xs, DRZs, XLs XRs CRFs CT110s etc
I saw plenty of steam trains somewhere near Oxford. I'll ask where they were.
steaminjungle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2013
- Bikes
- PCX 150 & Jap.postman's bike
Go to the Bluebell Railway Sussex, I believe it goes through to East Grinstead now. There you catch a steam train to Shefield Park. where the loco sheds are. I have not been to the Bluebell for 20 years but I think this info is correct.
At Shefield park you might see 0-4-0 tank loco Baxter. This was the little engine I drove when still a quarry engine when i was a cute 13yo.
At Shefield park you might see 0-4-0 tank loco Baxter. This was the little engine I drove when still a quarry engine when i was a cute 13yo.
steaminjungle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2013
- Bikes
- PCX 150 & Jap.postman's bike
Yes Lone Rider , that's the one , what a little beauty. Thanks fot the pic.
garethw
Senior Member
I think that is near Didcot, I grew up the other side of Oxford and Didcot rings a bell........
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2012
- Bikes
- KTM 613 EXC, BMW R90S & Dakar, MZ250, Norton 16H, Honda - 500 Fs & Xs, DRZs, XLs XRs CRFs CT110s etc
Just got the reply from Gazza, my friend who used to live near Oxford:
I seem to recall they had a "genuine" Thomas engine there (Quainton) even.
I seem to recall they had a "genuine" Thomas engine there (Quainton) even.
2wheels
Community Manager
Thanks very much guys.
Bluebird it will be.
Off to King's Lynn, Canterbury, Dover and Margate now.
Thunderstorms predicted later today!
Bluebird it will be.
Off to King's Lynn, Canterbury, Dover and Margate now.
Thunderstorms predicted later today!
2wheels
Community Manager
Well, that was quite a ride!
Now here in olde Canterbury.
The locals are all talking about 'Geoffrey' and 'Tails'.
Must be a pub game.
More tomorrow.
Now here in olde Canterbury.
The locals are all talking about 'Geoffrey' and 'Tails'.
Must be a pub game.
More tomorrow.
KTMphil
Senior member
Are you going to head south along the east coast?
Ally
Well-known member
Tales of Chaucer Ron?
Ally
Ally
2wheels
Community Manager
Thunderstorms here today Phil.
Wanted to see cliffs of Dover, catch up with a RideAsian who lives nearby and go into Royal Tunbridge Wells for a loco ride.
Then around to hastings and into battle!
Ally ... :RE
I'm finding this a rather pretentious place.
More soon.
Regards to you both
Wanted to see cliffs of Dover, catch up with a RideAsian who lives nearby and go into Royal Tunbridge Wells for a loco ride.
Then around to hastings and into battle!
Ally ... :RE
I'm finding this a rather pretentious place.
More soon.
Regards to you both
KTMphil
Senior member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2012
- Bikes
- KTM 613 EXC, BMW R90S & Dakar, MZ250, Norton 16H, Honda - 500 Fs & Xs, DRZs, XLs XRs CRFs CT110s etc
I hope he didn't mean the forum....
2wheels
Community Manager
23rd August
So it was dull from Hull, over the Humber Bridge ...
... along the A15 through Bisham Wolds, A18 through Kilby and Whyham then the A16 through Burwell and Boston.
Lots of this ...
... due to a 3 day Bank Holiday weekend.
The A17 to King's Lynn and a breather.
The BP station was selling Aussie wine!
Damn expensive to run a car here!
The A10 to Milton, onto the M11 the M25 ... YUK .... what a nightmare!
I noticed locals on bikes zooming through the stopped/crawling traffic, so I did likewise.
No-one seemed to mind; in fact many drivers moved across to give me more room.
And I wasn't arrested at the toll-gates.
And another bonus of bike riding is that we are waved through without have to pay a toll.
Love it!
So then the A2, A228 and M2 to Canterbury.
Raining!
I'll have a bit of a look around and maybe off to Dover then for a loco ride (as suggested by others).
So it was dull from Hull, over the Humber Bridge ...
... along the A15 through Bisham Wolds, A18 through Kilby and Whyham then the A16 through Burwell and Boston.
Lots of this ...
... due to a 3 day Bank Holiday weekend.
The A17 to King's Lynn and a breather.
The BP station was selling Aussie wine!
Damn expensive to run a car here!
The A10 to Milton, onto the M11 the M25 ... YUK .... what a nightmare!
I noticed locals on bikes zooming through the stopped/crawling traffic, so I did likewise.
No-one seemed to mind; in fact many drivers moved across to give me more room.
And I wasn't arrested at the toll-gates.
And another bonus of bike riding is that we are waved through without have to pay a toll.
Love it!
So then the A2, A228 and M2 to Canterbury.
Raining!
I'll have a bit of a look around and maybe off to Dover then for a loco ride (as suggested by others).
crs
Senior Member
He surely can't be referring to Hull as pretentious... I think that observation is impossible - unless you come from Middlesbrough.
Some of them Lincolnshire roads are pretty good - if you take the traffic away.
bsacbob
Administrator (Retired)
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Location
- Chiang Rai
- Bikes
- Honda CRM-AR 250, Honda CRF 250-L, Suzuki V Strom XT 650 Honda XR250 Baja BMW F650GS
"So it was dull from Hull" You're a poet and didn't know Ron 
Keep off the A1 South at ALL costs !!!!
Keep off the A1 South at ALL costs !!!!
2wheels
Community Manager
2wheels
Community Manager
I had planned to explore Olde Canterbury today, but the wevva made that impossible.
Actually, that charming little Falstaff Hotel provided me with the worst night of lack of sleep I have ever had in a guest room anywhere.
My room was next to a footpath and, being a holiday weekend, the young and restless were up to their games right outside my window until the early hours.
The traffic noise was horrendous and the elephants upstairs didn't stop jumping around until 3am. All-in-all a terrible night for an expensive room.
So I arrived tired and checked out tired.
After speaking to the manager ...
... who owns this, I did receive profuse apologies and a discount.
And a free beer and coffee!
Nice drop too.
Big rain storms arrived, so I sat in the Reception area (only location where I could get WiFi) and did some homework.
I met their security guard and looked around.
Sadly, it was far too wet to explore the city and too congested also.
I did catch a glimpse of the Cathedral, but the traffic did not allow me to get near it.
Pity.
So I bit the bullet and hopped onto old 'Bluey' and headed along back-roads towards Royal Turnbridge Wells.
I arrived there soaked to the marrow and checked many places which had 'no vacancies'.
I suspect, with some of those places, it was my bedraggled appearance that created the 'no vacancies'.
So I bit another bullet and headed into Battle, where I am now ensconced in a friendly, warm and inexpensive B&B.
Gloria is already drinking my room fee!
I road the backroads in an attempt to get away from the traffic which was splashing torrents of water as they progressed towards and past me on the A roads.
What a pity the weather was gloomy, because what I rode through today must look delightful on a sunny day.
I retreated to a bus-stop shelter to check my GPS.
There was local flooding and many roads had streams flowing across them.
However the foul weather didn't stop this event.
While checking around RTW I spotted this, which one doesn't see too often.
So I'll be here 2 days, mostly to dry out my ridng gear, but also to go back to this little place for a very special, for me, reason.
Little Penhurst church.
Also to explore Battle, which looks like an intriguing place.
And I've already met some friendly and unpretentious people there!
Now 'fingers crossed' because I had my first little mishap today and hope to revive my Montana which slipped through my wet fingers
and fell onto a footpath, suffering concussion.
Actually, that charming little Falstaff Hotel provided me with the worst night of lack of sleep I have ever had in a guest room anywhere.
My room was next to a footpath and, being a holiday weekend, the young and restless were up to their games right outside my window until the early hours.
The traffic noise was horrendous and the elephants upstairs didn't stop jumping around until 3am. All-in-all a terrible night for an expensive room.
So I arrived tired and checked out tired.
After speaking to the manager ...
... who owns this, I did receive profuse apologies and a discount.
And a free beer and coffee!
Nice drop too.
Big rain storms arrived, so I sat in the Reception area (only location where I could get WiFi) and did some homework.
I met their security guard and looked around.
Sadly, it was far too wet to explore the city and too congested also.
I did catch a glimpse of the Cathedral, but the traffic did not allow me to get near it.
Pity.
So I bit the bullet and hopped onto old 'Bluey' and headed along back-roads towards Royal Turnbridge Wells.
I arrived there soaked to the marrow and checked many places which had 'no vacancies'.
I suspect, with some of those places, it was my bedraggled appearance that created the 'no vacancies'.
So I bit another bullet and headed into Battle, where I am now ensconced in a friendly, warm and inexpensive B&B.
Gloria is already drinking my room fee!
I road the backroads in an attempt to get away from the traffic which was splashing torrents of water as they progressed towards and past me on the A roads.
What a pity the weather was gloomy, because what I rode through today must look delightful on a sunny day.
I retreated to a bus-stop shelter to check my GPS.
There was local flooding and many roads had streams flowing across them.
However the foul weather didn't stop this event.
While checking around RTW I spotted this, which one doesn't see too often.
So I'll be here 2 days, mostly to dry out my ridng gear, but also to go back to this little place for a very special, for me, reason.
Little Penhurst church.
Also to explore Battle, which looks like an intriguing place.
And I've already met some friendly and unpretentious people there!
Now 'fingers crossed' because I had my first little mishap today and hope to revive my Montana which slipped through my wet fingers
and fell onto a footpath, suffering concussion.
steaminjungle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2013
- Bikes
- PCX 150 & Jap.postman's bike
Shame about the weather mate, No better over here, raining all night again. Spitfire is very good beer , as you now know , the bottle of Britain , No Fokker comes close.
If you get to the Bluebell say hello to Baxter for me. Hey how old was the Falstaff ?
If you get to the Bluebell say hello to Baxter for me. Hey how old was the Falstaff ?
2wheels
Community Manager
First bit of good news is that Garmin is now unconcussed.
Just a matter of removing and replacing the battery .... and praying. 8-)
Second bit of good news is that the SUN IS SHINING and my gear is drying.
So here's yesterdays route which, as I've said, would have been wonderful in sunshine.
Canterbury in the rain to Kennington, across the M20 to Bethersdon and Tenterden, to the A286 through Kilndown and to Tunbridge Wells
where there was no accommodation (and no train ride). To Frant, Mayfield and Penhurst via narrow lanes then into Battle
where I dropped the Garmin and concussed it.
So from there it shows a straight green line to Ashton House B&B between Battle and Hastings where I am recovering.
The local hotel owner once owned all the land around here including this farmers cottage which was built in 1840 and named 'Ashton House'
and which is now an excellent B&B.
So I'll have a good look around Battle today and return to the Parish Church at tiny Penhurst.
Just a matter of removing and replacing the battery .... and praying. 8-)
Second bit of good news is that the SUN IS SHINING and my gear is drying.
So here's yesterdays route which, as I've said, would have been wonderful in sunshine.
Canterbury in the rain to Kennington, across the M20 to Bethersdon and Tenterden, to the A286 through Kilndown and to Tunbridge Wells
where there was no accommodation (and no train ride). To Frant, Mayfield and Penhurst via narrow lanes then into Battle
where I dropped the Garmin and concussed it.
So from there it shows a straight green line to Ashton House B&B between Battle and Hastings where I am recovering.
The local hotel owner once owned all the land around here including this farmers cottage which was built in 1840 and named 'Ashton House'
and which is now an excellent B&B.
So I'll have a good look around Battle today and return to the Parish Church at tiny Penhurst.
2wheels
Community Manager
Sorry Feel, unless this is a too subtle joke 'mai kow jai'.
You mean Flagstaff?
See photo. But many renovations of course, so it's just the site that was the original 'Coaching Inn'.
Avoid room 30 if you're ever there and desperate for a bed.
2wheels
Community Manager
By the way; good to see you on RideAsia 'Steamin'.
Now there's no excuse not to report on (some) of those PCX rides you do.
I know you see some attractive sites.
Now there's no excuse not to report on (some) of those PCX rides you do.
I know you see some attractive sites.
2wheels
Community Manager
Given the thorough drenching we all received yesterday, I thought this sticker in 'my' B&B bathroom to be quite ironic.
2wheels
Community Manager
:boxing
2wheels
Community Manager
What a difference a day makes!
Today my clothes are drying in the sunshine and I was able to do some exploring in the dry.
First to quiet little Penhurst, just outside of Battle.
Along narrow lanes ...
... past ancient fields basking in the English sunshine ...
beside a duck-pond ...
... is the Penhurst Parish Church, originating back to 1400 and a few years.
'So?', I hear you ask.
Well, at the back of this ancient, humble and peaceful Church is the 'modern' part of the cemetery.
And amongst these graves lies one of my personal favourite people.
A man who, although he attained wealth and fame (for a while), lived a tormented professional and personal life.
Yet he persevered and always aspired to climb greater heights in life and 'on stage'.
He died a sad and lonely person at too young an age.
But he gave it all a 'fair shake of the stick'.
Yep, resting at peace not far from where he once lived and where he died Mr Harold H Corbett of 'Steptoe and Son'.
The belittled, frustrated and unfulfilled 'son', actor and person.
So, Harry H, here's a toast to your memory.
A TANGLED WEB: You Dirty Old Man!
and, of course, this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VgcxE9Lpw
The last three paragraphs pretty well sums it up.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/30/1030508122380.html
-
Today my clothes are drying in the sunshine and I was able to do some exploring in the dry.
First to quiet little Penhurst, just outside of Battle.
Along narrow lanes ...
... past ancient fields basking in the English sunshine ...
beside a duck-pond ...
... is the Penhurst Parish Church, originating back to 1400 and a few years.
'So?', I hear you ask.
Well, at the back of this ancient, humble and peaceful Church is the 'modern' part of the cemetery.
And amongst these graves lies one of my personal favourite people.
A man who, although he attained wealth and fame (for a while), lived a tormented professional and personal life.
Yet he persevered and always aspired to climb greater heights in life and 'on stage'.
He died a sad and lonely person at too young an age.
But he gave it all a 'fair shake of the stick'.
Yep, resting at peace not far from where he once lived and where he died Mr Harold H Corbett of 'Steptoe and Son'.
The belittled, frustrated and unfulfilled 'son', actor and person.
So, Harry H, here's a toast to your memory.
A TANGLED WEB: You Dirty Old Man!
and, of course, this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VgcxE9Lpw
The last three paragraphs pretty well sums it up.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/30/1030508122380.html
-
2wheels
Community Manager
Then into battle; but it's gone 6pm and I need a drink first.
In the name of research for readers of this thread of course.
In the name of research for readers of this thread of course.
KTMphil
Senior member
Steptoe & Son for the confused
2wheels
Community Manager
The deprived!
KTMphil
Senior member
2wheels
Community Manager
Battle is a nice place.
I met some very friendly locals (none of whom knew about nearby little Penhurst!).
The history wasn't taught in the Aussie schools I attended (not much was!), so here's the info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Abbey
"In 1070 Pope Alexander II ordered the Normans to do penance for killing so many people during their conquest of England. So William the Conqueror vowed to build anabbey where the Battle of Hastings had taken place, with the high altar of its church on the supposed spot where King Harold fell in that battle on Saturday, 14 October 1066."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle,_East_Sussex
"It is the site of the Battle of Hastings, where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II to becomeWilliam I in 1066."
Quite a few original buildings close to the abbey.
And some quirky businesses.
Nearby 'St Mary the Virgin' church is ancient and well worth a visit.
The original structure was built in 1115 and the most recent in 1450!
Last day of my adventure on Tim's Harley tomorrow, when I'll find an interesting route from Hastings to Southampton
(and mix it with the Bank Holidayers returning to their homes!). I see many minor roads ahead!
I met some very friendly locals (none of whom knew about nearby little Penhurst!).
The history wasn't taught in the Aussie schools I attended (not much was!), so here's the info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Abbey
"In 1070 Pope Alexander II ordered the Normans to do penance for killing so many people during their conquest of England. So William the Conqueror vowed to build anabbey where the Battle of Hastings had taken place, with the high altar of its church on the supposed spot where King Harold fell in that battle on Saturday, 14 October 1066."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle,_East_Sussex
"It is the site of the Battle of Hastings, where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II to becomeWilliam I in 1066."
Quite a few original buildings close to the abbey.
And some quirky businesses.
Nearby 'St Mary the Virgin' church is ancient and well worth a visit.
The original structure was built in 1115 and the most recent in 1450!
Last day of my adventure on Tim's Harley tomorrow, when I'll find an interesting route from Hastings to Southampton
(and mix it with the Bank Holidayers returning to their homes!). I see many minor roads ahead!
2wheels
Community Manager
That's it Phil ... "Art mirroring life? Is this the reason why Corbett and Brambell's performance in Steptoe was so good? Tragicomedy on screen, tragicomedy off. Harold Steptoe would have loved the idea. Albert would probably have hated it."
bsacbob
Administrator (Retired)
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Location
- Chiang Rai
- Bikes
- Honda CRM-AR 250, Honda CRF 250-L, Suzuki V Strom XT 650 Honda XR250 Baja BMW F650GS
One of my personal favourites Ron I can share the series when you get back.
By the way have you clocked how many miles you have covered todate ?
Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
By the way have you clocked how many miles you have covered todate ?
Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
Ally
Well-known member
Congratulations Ron, a brilliant trip report, a presentation of 'one mans view' of the UK and pretty good for helping the tourist board 
But as a child of 'the 60's revolution' this paragraph from that article was how I used to hate the old man & cringe at corbetts inability to break from the trap he was caught within. Indeed, a true reflection it turns out of my own life.
But this is how I shall always remember the actors.
Thanks for taking us on your trip Ron.
Ally
But as a child of 'the 60's revolution' this paragraph from that article was how I used to hate the old man & cringe at corbetts inability to break from the trap he was caught within. Indeed, a true reflection it turns out of my own life.
But this is how I shall always remember the actors.
Thanks for taking us on your trip Ron.
Ally
2wheels
Community Manager
Yes Bob, the distance ridden will be in my summary.
Today's final stage via Hastings and around the coast to Tim's place on the other side of Southampton.
Yes Ally, there is such a lot of real life in that brilliant 'Steptoe and Son'.
Next ... Ireland!
Today's final stage via Hastings and around the coast to Tim's place on the other side of Southampton.
Yes Ally, there is such a lot of real life in that brilliant 'Steptoe and Son'.
Next ... Ireland!
2wheels
Community Manager
26th August
Now safely back in Southampton after a wonderful tour.
Too knocked to do report, which can wait until tomorrow.
Now safely back in Southampton after a wonderful tour.
Too knocked to do report, which can wait until tomorrow.
steaminjungle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2013
- Bikes
- PCX 150 & Jap.postman's bike
Flagstaff, sorry Ron that is in Arizona , Route 66. You stayed at the FALSTAFF !!! No leally go look.
2wheels
Community Manager
Just checking if anyone's watching 'Feel'.
You're right; here 'tis.
You're right; here 'tis.
2wheels
Community Manager
26th August
The final leg.
I tried to follow the coast as much as possible from Hastings to Tim Gnasher's home in Southampton.
Hastings to Westham to Newhaven.
Through the lovely Sussex countryside.
At Hove I found this lady basking in the sunshine on the pebbles.
Through Chichester and onto the M27 around Southampton, past where it all started at Beaulieu.
And after a few million gear changes ...
... handed the keys of 'Bluey' back to Tim.
The tour was 3119 miles (5019 Kms).
Absolutely no problems with the '91 Harley (who ever doubted?).
No incidents on the road.
Didn't leave anything in a hotel room!
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief time in the UK and am already planning next year's Ireland and Nth Ireland ride.
This has been a wonderful experience, made possible by the generosity of Mr Tim Gnasher; thanks Tim.
Thanks to bsacBob for the travelling music and to BobS for the research material.
The Garmin was excellent, and survived a thorough drenching and a drop onto concrete.
Thanks to Auke for the maps.
So we went out to celebrate (and research).
(Steak and ale pie)
So the ride is over but there's more to see.
Tim is talking of a loco ride on the Watercress Line and a bike meet at Poole Quay.
The final leg.
I tried to follow the coast as much as possible from Hastings to Tim Gnasher's home in Southampton.
Hastings to Westham to Newhaven.
Through the lovely Sussex countryside.
At Hove I found this lady basking in the sunshine on the pebbles.
Through Chichester and onto the M27 around Southampton, past where it all started at Beaulieu.
And after a few million gear changes ...
... handed the keys of 'Bluey' back to Tim.
The tour was 3119 miles (5019 Kms).
Absolutely no problems with the '91 Harley (who ever doubted?).
No incidents on the road.
Didn't leave anything in a hotel room!
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief time in the UK and am already planning next year's Ireland and Nth Ireland ride.
This has been a wonderful experience, made possible by the generosity of Mr Tim Gnasher; thanks Tim.
Thanks to bsacBob for the travelling music and to BobS for the research material.
The Garmin was excellent, and survived a thorough drenching and a drop onto concrete.
Thanks to Auke for the maps.
So we went out to celebrate (and research).
(Steak and ale pie)
So the ride is over but there's more to see.
Tim is talking of a loco ride on the Watercress Line and a bike meet at Poole Quay.
2wheels
Community Manager
You want bikes?
Just now back from the wonderful Poole Quay Bike Show which is held every Tuesday night.
Just now back from the wonderful Poole Quay Bike Show which is held every Tuesday night.
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