First Long Ride

I have just arrived home after a trip on the Forza down to Ruislip (near Watford) to attend the wedding of a First Cousin, Once Removed i.e. the son of my cousin.
I didn't do it all in one go; I overnighted in the Premier Inn in Grantham both on the way down and back and stayed the two nights either side of Saturday in another Premier Inn near the wedding venue.
The weather was fine on all five days but cloudy and very chilly although there was some light rain today - not enough to force the use of waterproofs, fortunately.

The bike performed very well. I sensed but didn't really miss the reduction in power from the Silverwing, never being prevented from moving from Lane 1 to Lane 2 into a line of fast-moving traffic.
Travelling at a sustained 70 MPH does mean fuel consumption takes a bit of a dive, of course, but I wasn't troubled by it. I didn't bother to make any note of that although I collected receipts when I filled up.
I put my trust in the 'Range' gauge and it seemed very accurate.
Two slight downsides:
Naturally, as it's smaller than the Silverwing and one sits more 'on' it than 'in' it, it's a bit more drafty so I must remember to wear my kidney-belt on longer rides.
The Forza, for me really doesn't have a 'Feet Forward' position. Half-way home I reluctantly decided to ride flat-footed but quickly found it much more comfortable. Result!

I travelled somewhere between 530 and 540 miles, predominantly on motorways and duel-carriageways. As with the petrol consumption and price I didn't record departure and arrival times.

All in all I'm very pleased.

I'll post this elsewhere, too.

Four days of riding and a wedding who needs an excuse anyway. 540 miles and sights seen well worth it . Ride ON.

Missing my chance to ride tomorrow (finally a decent forecast) as I have my SWing tore apart. Glad someone's riding.

Mech 1 twa wrote:

Four days of riding and a wedding who needs an excuse anyway. 540 miles and sights seen well worth it . Ride ON.

I can assure you that riding down to London from the North East, or Yorkshire on what once was called the Great North Road is in reality a most tedious and boring ride.

There's no interesting sights to see from the road on either outward or return journeys, and has the same overpriced bland fast food served in every service area if you stop for a break.

The only relief from this mind numbing monotony is the odd glance at the sat nav counting down the miles to your destination and the estimated arrival time.

I'll second that, the A1 is distilled tedium, but it does get you from A to B quite efficiently.
I think it's fair to say all motorways are boring with the exception of that bit of the M6 past the Howgill Fells.

Just back from another weekend away, this time to Calne, a little town between Bath and Swindon for those not familiar with the area.
As with the 'Rickmansworth Trip' I spread both journeys over two day since I have the time and enough cash to stay in reasonable hotels.
Total miles: approximately 600 - I'll add it all up in due course.
The Forza performed faultlessly although is a little more susceptible to the rather strong winds encountered today.
Sadly, it rained for the Friday morning leg of the trip and as I was on country roads, the bike got very muddy. Happily, the heavy showers today washed off most of the mud; I think the jet-washer will make short work of the residue tomorrow.