Roadholder 370 - October 2018

31 Day 8 The day started wet but eventually cleared for a short while to enable some super photos to be taken. We also could not believe how quiet the roads were, although sheep and cows did give concern in areas where fences had not been erected. Paul became very happy with the capability of his 1948 Model 50 when, on a couple of long stretches, we took off like Freddie Friths on roads that begged to be sped along. At the end of these couple of bursts, Paul could not have had a bigger smile on his face and I was so chuffed how my bike and rider had performed. The rain came again so we throttled back and eventually pulled over. The walk we had planned to see the Old Man of Stoer wouldn't happen as the thought of a cuppa at the hotel in Drumbeg and a warm shower was far more appealing. about all the wonderful views which were now firmly etched into our minds. We left Drumbeg having had a super evening meal and breakfast. While checking over the bike nuts I found I had lost one in a most inaccessible place, however I eventually overcame the problem and continued with greasing of nipples and topping up the oil to the total-loss system. I am pleased to report I have only just used half a gallon so far, so with one and a half gallons left, I could almost do the trip again (will wait till next year, as hoteliers tell us how they are booked up so far in advance). The chain has not needed adjusting at all due to the two engine breathers being directed onto it. This does however, mean that some excess oil does find its way onto the outside edge of the tyre and needs an occasional wipe. Pushrods have just been adjusted once so very few problems to cope with (thanks George). Those of you with eagle eyes might have spotted the missing oil cap that jumped ship on the second day and has now been replaced with two plastic bags to keep in the liquid sunshine. The roads from Drumbeg to Durness have been super, the scenery out of this world again and Day 9