IN ENGLISH London, UK: from theory test to CBT to full motorbike licence Our motorbike experience so far resumes itself to the daily commute to work and the odd short trip at the weekend. I (Nelly) have completely adopted the pillion passenger attitude; Suzie is comfortable; we've got intercom system to talk to each other; iPod is playing in my ear; no stress for me as John is bearing all the road concentration. Life's good but... Only one rider means the fatigue and the physical strain on the road could potentially limit our trips, or so to speak limit the length of our journeys ie stop more often for John to rest, ride a maximum of five hours per day. And besides, I wanted to 'give it a go' too, wanted to feel the experience myself. ... read more

IN ENGLISH London to Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK: 75.8 miles each way, 5 July 2009 A bit of historyThe Festival of Speed is the largest motoring garden party in the world - a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ to create the largest car culture event in the world. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb event is a true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive. From current Formula 1 racers and 200mph supercars to steam-powered carriages of the 19th Century, and from 3000bhp top fuel dragsters to classic rally cars, the Festival of Speed attracts the heroic and the evocative from every era in an exuberant display of style, sound, smell and colour. From home we headed ... read more