December 2011 that went quick.....

By definition, winter has seen 'leaner' times in the Johnson household. Being in the home improvement sector for some years, the cold and wet weather results in less work and yours truely looking for different work for the pre-easter, season.
This year work has never really got going. The situation in the UK is not good at the moment with the building industry on its last legs.
Normally Jan-Feb is my 'other job' time, but this year it has come early.
By pure chance I came across a great little job as Santa for a month.

I love kids and have always said I would be a santa when I got older..... not this old but really old.

Right through to the 24th December I will put on the suit and be Father Christmas for a few hours a day. Brilliant fun and though the beard itches like hell, that's another bucket lister to cross off.

Ho ho ho !

Have a fantastic Christmas and lets hope 2012 is a better year for everyone.

PS: follow me on www.twitter.com/road2manchester and www.facebook.com/roadtomanchester

Man-Lon-Man

Over the past month, bike travel has been interupted again and again by work, holidays, work and weather.
A nice days ride over the Yorkshire Dales with my brother in Law (Arn) was welcome, as he hired a Honda from Hunts in Manchester for the weekend.
For once the weather was in our favor, and the ride over to Settle then towards Ingleboro and Hawes was fast and the quiet roads gave us a chance to take in the great views.
160 miles of 85% small twisty lanes and the rest a mix of motorway and a few towns to get us into the countryside.

I got the opportunity to do a bit of writing, and the book is at least 3000 words in the making. Lots more to go though.

October already, and despite a week of silly high temperatures in the 80's , the 6th (Thursday) returns of high winds and heavy rain makes it feel more like autumn.

Yesterday I went off to London on my trusty GS, to see a new client.
7 am start 196 miles each way, got the deal and back by 5pm without getting wet.
Sore all over, and rode in high winds most of the day.
£40 in petrol, but I did 'get along' at a pace on occasion.
London is a crazy place to ride, but most drivers are very bike aware compared to most roads in the UK. Still mad.... just aware that any gap will be filled with a bike.

Today is the launch of the Ted Simon Foundation at the Coventry National Transport Museum. 6-11pm
6.11.1973 at 6pm Ted started his RTW odyssey that became Jupiter Travels. The rest is history and tonight at 6pm the adventure biker world meet up to launch the foundation.

Am I going? Not 'arf !


www.jupitertravels.org

Facebook/thetedsimonfoundation

see more. www.facebook.com/roadtomanchester

www.twitter.com/road2manchester

BIG NEWS MANCHESTER

GREAT NEWS WOW,
Within the next 7 days, the final planning will STOP and re-start as there will be some awesome news about the trip. Can't say more at the moment, BUT IT'S FANTASTIC NEWS.
Happy Face..... 8-)
SSSHHH! 7 days and all will be revealed.

URGENT
The route between the towns called Manchester have to be 'looked at', and en-route 'things to see' places to visit, bike events, people to meet.
It's a long road, and this part of the 'plan' is what will make the video, book and blog worth it's salt.
If you live in the areas, near or on the route to Manchesters across the USA (see list) PLEASE send ideas.
FACEBOOK Roadto Manchester Twitter; @Road2Manchester or here on comments. E-mail Road2Manchester@37.com


SEE YOU ON THE ROAD.