And thank zou Duncan for winkling the photos out of Gordon and for sending them to us. I think they should also go on the TT site – leave it with zou. Meanwhile I will practice reversing the y and z kezs before I have to start emailing one of mz other worlds.

It all happened in a flash, but not long after Jane introduced herself she’d managed to blag a ride up the famous Nochalmstrasse on the back of my mate Gordon’s Fazer 1000. Just had her first ride in a long time a few days before and obviously keen to repeat the experience, can’t argue with that! She wasn’t even Fazed(!) over the next few days with tales of Gordon’s TT exploits, World Championship races, crashes, bits of metal and screws holding various limbs and bones together etc. Definitely up for it, no messing.

A good hearty breakfast and a blue sky set the scene for a perfect ride to the Nochalmstrasse high alpine road, Jane suitably kitted out in not exactly the best fitting gear she’d managed to borrow from Ros but perfect for a gentle ride out (Ros tall, Jane not as tall). Jane’s head was still full of various nuggets of advice from Gordon on the subtle art of ‘being a good pillion’. Didn’t even look nervous, or else she was hiding it well!
John, with Ros onboard, led the way from the hotel, various guests in tow, with plans to stop a few miles up the road to check everyone was OK with the pace. Sure enough, a few miles up the B99 a quick pit stop and we were off again. A quick chat over the intercoms and everything seemed OK with Jane and Gordon. “Yeah, she’s doin’ OK”. Knowing Gordon for as long as I have this was praise indeed!
A swift ride along stunningly beautiful yet quiet roads ( and a quick stop for the adventurous ones among the group to do the toboggan run down the hill at Turracher Hohe ) led eventually to Ebene Reichenau and the toll gate at the start of the Nockalmstrasse alpine road. And what a road. Cutting right through the heart of the Nockberge National Park it’s a 35km long delight, little traffic, smooth tarmac, hairpin switchback bends galore and stunning views. Fantastic. About halfway up the pass is the Glockenhutte mountain restaurant, perfectly situated for us to drop in for some lunch.
How was Jane getting on I wondered, as I watched Gordon pick a parking spot? Well, I wish I’d had my camera handy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile that wide coming from inside a crash helmet. She was loving it and the look on her face said it all. Priceless!
After lunch I left the group to do my own thing and take some pics which left John and Gordon to play cat and mouse down the rest of the Nockalmstrasse route, all for Jane’s education and enjoyment, of course.
What a great day. What a great road. If you’re heading down to the Gasthof Hochalmspitze anytime soon, ( If you aren’t, why not? It’s brilliant ) watch out for Jane, she’ll be blagging another ride no doubt. Hooked she is!

Nice to know you’re having a good time. I have to say you’re not missing much here (work or weather). I’ll just get back to my database! See you at the end of August.
Jo

my best

cosmo