Told myself it is time to take the old GS off road with the boys and managed to convince Louis to take the Africa Twin and join me in the Pilgrim ride.<br><p>
So sweet talk the boss at work to let me free before 17:00 and meet up with Hentie and Louis in central London. Before we even set off some delivery dude reverse without looking straigt into Hentie's bike. Luckilly the GS is stronger than the van and after
quick inspection we set off confinced the GS is fine and the van came off second best.<br><p>
An hour later working our way through London traffic we arrive at Eyensford and take the GS for a quick swim in the ford<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0001.jpg"></img><br><p>
Not long before Judge arrives on the airhead and even takes the Marrakash Express for a quick wash & dry in the cool ford waters.
<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0002.jpg"></img><br><p>
All jokes and laughs as we get ready to set off on the offroad session, not often in London you get the opertunity to see some dirt and actually ride in the bushes and on gravel. This is only the second time in the UK I managed to go offroad and very excited about the prospect of getting the bike dirty and testing my dreamy off road wannabe skills<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0003.jpg"></img><br><p>
Looking at these more acceptable off road machinery I do wonder if the GS is suitable for ruts and mud at 240kg's with me a mere
84kg lightweight trying to manhandle the beast.<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0004.jpg"></img><br><p>
Some time later dirt, ruts, mud and bushes that kept my wits refreshed and the nerves in peak condition. A sight of relieve and satisfaction comes over me when I realised that there was a few tense moments where I just had to let go of the iron grip on the handlebars and let the GS steer it's own way. Easier said than done when it gets hairy with this big bike picking his own route through the ruts. Something I realise soon is to look well ahead of me and drive to points instead of focusing down at my front wheel which got the better of my confidence.<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0005.jpg"></img><br><p>
Louis looked relaxed on the Africa Twin and Hentie sure got the better of his 1150 well away from delivery vans. I followed the Africa Twin and all the time it looked so natural offroad but due to my negative mindset about the bike did not realise how well it performed untill later.<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0006.jpg"></img><br><p>
Phil and Greg swapping some offroad tips perhaps or dicussing the madness of actually taking a GS offroad to start with. They sure did seem to handle things much easier and relaxed on the lighter offroad bikes.<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0007.jpg"></img><br><p>
Bill our offroad tour guide for the day on his Suzi and Steve who managed to drop his Adventurer only 3 times. Luckilly no damage and he was the only one starting off with a GS and finishing with one. I swapped 1/2 way through for the Africa Twin.<br><p>
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0008.jpg"></img><br><p>
Myself on the GS and Louis on the Honda, a great afternoon and as I am wrinting this feeling very tired but very happy.
<img src="http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/pilgrim/pilgrim_0009.jpg"></img><br><p>
Untill next time and keep it out of the hegdes:)