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indeed. I do the overthinking so the people who come along with me don't have anything to worry about. if the weather is going to turn bad and we need to move, I can tell them about where we're going, how far it is and what to expect when we get there. Im not sure that's actually a bad thing. I know people who take a different approach: "we're going to X. if it rains - tough. if there's low cloud and you can't see anything - tough. we're going to X. pack waterproofs" no thanks. This is my second attempt at a group ride to Austria. previously defeated at the last minute by bad weather that was set to last for days, rain for the ride down and more rain once we arrived. I had a plan B that had already been mentioned - so it wasn't such a disappointment for the guys. none of whom wanted to be riding through heavy rain for days on end. We saw the rain clouds in the distance as we headed in the opposite direction. to the south of France and the Vercors. and the sun and heat.

Well Cambodia is a bunch of fun. One of the few countries in south east Asia where more roads are dirt than are bitumen. There's a lot of off road happiness to be had. I've been exploring the Cardamom Mountains, dodging storms and nihilistic road users; blessed with good luck for the Khmer New Year by way of being soaked with water and smeared with talcum powder by roadside gangs of revellers. (Actually, the talc has made the lining of my helmet smell a lot better than it did before.) I had to abort mission briefly when my bike nearly fell in two due to the failure of tank bolt bushings, but soon sorted that out and got back on the road again. I got a little tired for a moment there... but took a rest and now I'm all good again. Unbelievably I've already been here three weeks! Only one week left until I have to scoot back to Thailand to run a tour through the jungle - which will be great fun too.

One of the usual waifs and strays @ReggiePezza who normally comes along each year has decided to throw away all sense and join up for this year too. Had a bit of a rethink about the Sunday and assuming good weather, an early start and a bit of enthusiasm we may head directly for Zell am See. So we will then have the possibility of trying for the Grossglockner on the Monday. If not then there are other options and we can try again on the Tuesday or move south close to the Italian border to our (hopefully) long term base camp. Near the south end of the Glockner road and handy for the Dolomites. Again, if the weather moves in that location allows an easy escape either south into Italy. (Probably towards Garda) or south east to Slovenia. Where we can bask in the sun until the weather moves away. im quite keen on going to Slovenia if possible. Lovely place.

Isn't it clear....@Mawsley narrated for us

This is most of you Twats....

Isn't that the bint that Prince Harry married ?

dont know , but the one in the front row with jeans and dark hair looks a sort .

No. No and... No. I don't think Ive even mentioned this years trip once in public, its been kept strictly "in house" private messages or phone only. Back in the day we all met on another, long departed forum and joined the other one when the previous forum closed down. The previous forum was very much into touring, The original owner did yearly tours and a lot of meets and organised local, or localish ride-outs, yearly camping meet-ups, with arrangements made for those unwilling to camp. And did a lot for charity too. The owner was killed on a tour to France. Then I came along and thought. I can do that. And so I did. Once we moved to the new forum, almost immediately I noticed a big difference.. an almost complete lack of interest or enthusiasm for touring. So, its mostly been the old gang ever since. And that's fine by me.

Listen @Six30

What the hell is going on in that picture?

Sad boring old cunts you mean.

You don’t half overthink your planning!

I wouldn’t trust him in a pig trough.

I think billy's waiting for his turn.

That's me out of the picture! Thank fuck!

Narrow road through a forest by the coast, it’s only a few kms and you do have to watch out for oncoming traffic even though it is scarce, but I love it

@Mawsley front room

You can put that on your beans on toast to replace the cheese

Old, but always worth a repeat.

Cambodia until the end of the month

Cambodia, Phnom Penh: WE'RE BACK

Holiday in Cambodia in T-1... Also discussion of air and fuel filtration. This is so important.

Woot! Guess who is booked and on a rescue mission? Yes, I'm going to Cambodia again! At last! Beastie, hold on, I'm coming for you....

Managing people who do mining and making sure they don't do stupid shit. Which is apparently important but difficult...

Too awesome! Thanks mate! Woa it's real, I'm in print. Unbelievable.