A dark and wet Merthyr gave way to a wet Wrexham but a bit of sunshine found us in the Lake District.

A big well done to the lads today. Over 400 challenging miles, under intense scrutiny, but a welcome meal in Kelso.

Through Cumbria and The rolling landscape of Northumberland, we’ve done two of our 3 Countries and have just crossed the border into the third. Tomorrow we seek to conquer the Scottish Highlands & The Isle of Skye. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

Heading North, cos that’s where Scotland is!

The on road section of our 3 Countries Advanced Course starts today. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

I think he means the Scooter!

Nik who is with us today on a back to biking course has an old Lambretta at home which he last rode years ago.

But he is getting a 650 bike this Spring so is on a one to one refresher day today.

Being the baby boy in my family, and growing up in the Sixties, all my elder brothers had Scooters. Original Lambrettas & Vespas.

They also had winkle picker shoes & a bootlace tie to go with them. But the less said about that the better.

No matter what you ride, its the only way to travel. But be careful out there.

Wales has seen an horrendous Easter (and the holiday isn’t over yet!) with five bikers killed in Wales this weekend. Make sure you stay safe. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

Here is Kris & Ashley at the start of their cbt today. You will notice that one of them brought their own flask of coffee.

Very thoughtful! But you will also notice that the flask is clearly not big enough to keep the instructors refreshed!

Guess who’s buying the coffee when we take a break beneath The Golden Arches.

Have a great day……. I could murder a cuppa….. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

After the equipment talk the students have the controls of the bike explained & basic maintenance checks that can be carried out.

Here is Nick & Jon on their cbt today as Paul talks them through the bike. Enjoying the Sunshine at last. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

The cbt starts with a talk about protective equipment and laid out ready are our props. Discussing different helmet styles and the ‘cut away’ shows the construction of a typical helmet. Boots & gloves also at the ready.

Our students are loaned equipment for their cbt and are given a discount voucher for Bikegear in Bridgend for when they start shopping for their own kit.

(I lied… The cbt starts with a cuppa, and then the talk)! From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

Cbt today and when one student turns up in a Peugeot RCZ and the other in a Porsche Panamera they might be in for a shock when they feel the power and exhilaration from my YBR 125s…… (Or they might not)! From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

Speed Bonny Boat, Like a Bird on the Wing…. Over the sea to Skye.

This is the Skye Bridge so we don’t need a boat. We will be riding over the sea to Skye this time next week as our 3 Countries Advanced Motorcycle Course nears the end of it’s 2nd day on the road.

Some great miles covered and plenty more ahead of us. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

Revealed here with her new bike! Mikaela was the one who took on the trials and tribulations of a car crash the day before her bike test and passed with just two minor faults last week.

Now the very proud & happy owner of a very shiny Ducati Monster.

Mikaela says “it’s the only way to travel”…. Now where did she hear that?? Well done. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD

The new issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out.

Get it from us if you want one. It’s free.

We will be at the training site from 8am till lunchtime tomorrow & Saturday so why not pop in. From: http://ift.tt/1hd7ojD