England: Grin Oop Norf

Every now and again, an opportunity too good to pass up comes along. I listen to the Front End Chatter podcast, hosted by motorcycle journalists Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons. They put together a week-long trip in northern England, with MCi Tours acting as the grownups in charge of logistics. Called Grin Oop Norf (Grin Up North for us Americans), the tour would be a week in the northwestern corner of England with 24 other bikers. My deposit practically flew out of my bank account. Now, what to ride?

Triumph stepped up to provide me with a brand-new Tiger 1200 GT Pro. What a bike! Miles above my daily ride, I wasn’t intimidated at all by having to navigate it on the “wrong side” of questionable-quality English roads with a promise of English weather in full view of 24 riders with years more experience than me. But life happens when you step outside of your comfort zone, so out I went.

Landing in London, I was immediately lost—a common theme throughout the trip. The British are forever helpful, so after some guidance, I eventually navigated the maze of trains and stations to Hinckley, Triumph’s headquarters. The combination of jet lag and excitement meant I slept the sleep of the just, knowing that tomorrow would bring the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience and a new motorcycle. Not a bad way to start a trip.