2024 Dragon Rally, my 2nd attempt at this notorious event.

[@PKandL]

I enjoyed the format of the video, so many Dragon rally videos are the same. Great to see the event through different eyes.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

That's great to know and that you found it enjoyable, there were indeed a lot of Dragon videos to compete with. Thanks a lot. 👍

[@anidiotonboard6539]

Great video Martin. Don't sell yourself short. You are so knowledgeable of where you are going its unbelievable. Thank you so much for the shout out. It really does mean the world. Sorry I didn't get to catch up with you properly. Will certainly make the effort to join up with you this year and get out if you fancy it. Keep them coming 👍

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for those supportive words Chris, yes my coach touring days have given me a wealth of useless information, and it's great to have an outlet for it again! The Dragon's a busy event, only being a one-nighter, but it's good to catch-up with so many faces, however briefly. Thanks again Chris. 👍😎

[@anidiotonboard6539]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 never a truer word said. Appologies I didn't mention you in my video. If I'm honest, I completely forgot I'd seen you after a few whiskies until I saw your tent on your video just now.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

No worries Chris, it was red wine for me and it was a bloody good night. My son really enjoyed it as his first rally!

[@anidiotonboard6539]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 excellent. That's what it's all about.

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

Enjoyed this Martin thank you. Great to see Daisy again, she sounds marvellous. Ride safe fella.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks Neil, yes it was great to be able to make use of Daisy's carrying capacity for my creature comforts, but great to use it again anyway. Thanks again Neil cheers. 👍

[@copper6600]

Hallo Martin a very nice ride with your Triumph she sounds great and healthy.The video reminds me of my days when i was younger and we had a bike meeting on the Salzburg Ring with hundreds of bikers called the Elephant Treffen which is launched every year in the beginning of Febuary the last one hier in Austria was in 88 i think it then moved to Bavaria (Schwarzwald) and was launcht this year a few weeks ago,it lasts over a few days but is similiar to Dragon Rally.Thanks for taking me with you and ride safe--Pete 🍀🍀🍀

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Pete, thanks for watching this one. Yes I've considered The Elephant a few times in the past, but chickened out every time. I find it to be a bit of a disappointment that I The Dragon is just the one night, but at least Daisy behaved itself this year, and performed admirably. It was good to have my son with me too - maybe next year I'll have both sons with me.🤞 Thanks coming with me on this one again. 👍

[@TimPriestChannel]

Thanks for the excellent video Martin. Quality knowledge as always.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Cheers Tim, and thanks for watching. 👍

[@johnpawson7400]

Well Martin that was a great adventure, enjoyed it, glad you made it this time. Bike sounded great.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Cheers John, glad you enjoyed it buddy. It made it for me, having my son with me, on his first ever rally! Daisy was a bit of a star too, it's a great rally for sidecar outfits. Thanks for watching anyway. 👍

[@stephenhildick4488]

Hi Martin, That was great. North Wales is yet another of my favourite places, I like to regard it as my second home.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hello Stephen, yes North Wales is in my DNA I think, having been holidaying there from such an early age - Colwyn Bay, Pemaenmawr, Prestatyn, then my early mountaineering days in Snowdonia, finishing up with the occasional five day trip with the coach! - I really ought to shoot more videos across there. Thanks for watching again anyway. 👍

[@sailaway4559]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for that, glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

Oh dear, what a shame we missed the trip through the Ogwen valley, I’ve climbed Tryvan (jumped Adam and Eve many times) and included the Glyders. It’s a lovely part of Wales. Very nostalgic for me, thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi, thanks for watching but yes, the Ogwen Valley was a massive disappointment as we passed through - absolutely thick as a bag mist and no views whatsoever. Tryfan and the Glyders are special to me too, as it's where my mountaineering career started, back in 1968. (my piece-de-resistance used to striding across Adam & Eve!) Thanks again anyway. Cheers 👍

[@themario7462]

Marvellous video, exciting times. One day I too intend on riding the dragon rally

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for that, and thanks for watching. It's a great event that needs to be done. I'll certainly be going again.

[@davidsanderson1891]

Morning Martin. Nice video. Enjoyed the history as always. There's not a lot of utube channels give the history as you do( which I love) but I found One ..the advantages of bleary view (Alex) great videos and stories..Worth a look .I enjoy his content..thank you again sir..old dave

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Cheers Dave, yes Alex (Bleary View) subscribed last week, thanks to your recommendation for which I'm most grateful. Yes, I'll be checking his channel out very soon. Thanks again. 👍

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Dave, I've taken the opportunity to check out Alex's channel, and you're right, it's my sort of channel. Thanks for the connection. 😊

[@davidsanderson1891]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 your welcome. His shows you his patch with history. As you do .and he travels all over. Its what I enjoy

[@davidhead9689]

Glad you made it through the night this time Martin. I'll most likely get to meet you at the Yew Tree at some point this year.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Cheers David, but if Daisy the outfit hadn't spat its dummy 2 years ago, and I'd had my creature comforts with me, I wouldn't have given up the ghost quite so easily last time. 🤔 Yes, you'll have to let me know if you're visiting, and I'll see you there. Thanks for watching again. 👍

[@dewipeach]

Excellent informative trip, do like a good detour, lovely to see... notice the Moths not getting cold in that wallet.. .. Just thought, wasn't a love day at.. you having mentioned Bangor.. and away you went in song .. .. Take care and see you in the next one. Cheers Davey

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Davey, good to hear from you again. Couldn't really go to Conwy without at least having a look at Marine Drive, just wish I'd had the presence of mind to get more footage of the castle etc! Sorry about the singing but it just slipped out - at least it didn't affect the weather! 😎🥶 Thanks for watching again anyway, and yes see you in the next one. Cheers. 👍

[@dewipeach]

Cheers Martin, Singing.. you did hold a good chord, it was just to get warmed-up.. Very funny with the feeds I get and where.. you don't show up on the Dell feed, but do on the Surface Pro.. need to spend more time on that one..! Here's watching. Stay safe and warm. Cheers Davey @@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Your tour around Marine Drive took me back a few years as Marion and I walked round it in glorious sunshine. We stayed in the area for a week, camping and really loved the area there and down the valley to Bettws. Many thanks.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Peter, I reckon Llandudno, The Great Orme and Marine Drive has been part of many people's lives over the years, mine included (mainly during my times there with the coaches!). I'm glad it brought back happy memories. Cheers. 😊

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 Yes I'm back there in late June but not at the Shearings hotel you'll be familiar with. I've noticed that your beard is getting ever more luxuriant 😂😂. I keep mine much shorter otherwise I find my face towel gets very wet 😂. Great you met up with some fellow Motovlogging folk. Great community. I'm just getting very frustrated with the seemingly endless wet this year. I looked at emails and videos from this time last year and then it was cold but dry. Much better for the spirits. But daffys, crocus, snwdrops are all up which is cheering to see. Cheers Martin. and I see you're well over the 750 subs now 👍

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

😅 it's amusing Peter, that you mention my luxuriant beard! It is after all my winter plumage, which is worth the flack I get, living at 1,000' above sea level! What's more amusing, is that my barber this very day offered to trim it for me, which I declined of course (I still need the insulation!🥶) However, I ended up with that very barber as a subscriber!! With regard to Llandudno, I will say that the house red at The Cottage Loaf pub is most palatable! 🍷

[@economicalrides]

Hi Martin, glad to see that everything went well this time and that you were able to enjoy yourself with your son 👍 I'm not sure that I see the appeal of lying in a muddy field, personally. I think I'd much rather be in a warm, dry hotel with a ristorante / pizzeria somewhere nearby 😋 Still, kudos to you for doing it Martin ! I have to say it again, that Trumpet sounds marvellous when it gets its neck in the collar, when it is starting to work hard. Absolute music to my ears 🥰 Thanks Martin and congratulations on a successful video of a successful trip to the Dragon Rally. Now just get back to planning that trip to Spain ! 😛 Cheers Martin, Garry & Ruby

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Garry, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but if one has slightly masochistic tendencies, and a son to whom one needs to prove his hardness/stupidity, it sort of makes sense, plus there's a great atmosphere of camaraderie on the rally site, particularly at the Dragon. Hopefully both sons next year, and who knows, I might just join them! 😅 Yes, Daisy did me proud this time, (and was good enough to cary my log-burner for us!) Slight change of plan for October I'm thinking, maybe drop the Morocco idea, and take in a bit of Portugal instead. 🤔 Thanks for watching again anyway Garry 👍 (Must try and send Ruby a photo of Chloe - has a similar penchant for sossidges!)

[@gavinbetty257]

funny looking tesco

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Yep, memory's letting me down big-style!

[@blearyview2254]

The coast road is my kind of riding, some cracking roads and views. That camp site was a mud fest and got to say is my idea of hell on earth, this old softie is a hotel fella.😁

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Not ridden Marine Drive for ages Alex, so it made a nice change. I must admit that I don't relish the prospect of muddy camping, but The Dragon's a bit of a special case. After 20 years of living in hotel rooms with the coach, it makes a difference. 🥶🥴

[@volt8684]

Part of my riding grounds. Too old to camp though, body is knackered. Ruined horse shoe pass with speed limits and all average speed cameras beyond. Thanks for bringing it to us.log burner immense

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Mick, thanks for watching this one (didn't work out quite the way I intended). Yes, if common sense prevailed, I too wouldn't be camping either! This is the first time I've ventured into Wales since the new limits came into force, and you're dead right - totally spoiled! Thanks again anyway, cheers. 👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Good video I’ve only seen wales from videos from bikers I’d love to come across to wales I’m in Essex near Colchester so for me it’s a bit of a ride but loved the video beautiful scenery haps one day I will ride safe take care 😊

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi, thanks for watching and yes, the North Wales scenery is indeed a bit special. We're lucky to live a couple of hours away, and I really ought to spend more time there. Glad you enjoyed it anyway, thanks again cheers. 👍

[@UncleLongbeard]

brilliant weather for a rally this winter. Nice ride

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for that, yes it great weather, some say a bit too good for a Dragon Rally! 😅

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 yep, I would rather imagine it with a bit of snow. However I would take snow over the mud any day ;)

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

@@UncleLongbeard well yes, that's how it's designed to be, but the snow's not as reliable as it used to be. 🥶

[@Stefan_trekkie]

I like more the tiny greasy lanes then the Spanish trip /Lanes explorer style /.. Obscure lanes riding is why I fallow you in the first place. The music in the party was superb too.. Bon Jovi and Queen, played line by a good band. I am a metal head myself can appreciate that

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks Stefan, that's good to know and judging by my viewing numbers, you're not on your own...... plenty of those lanes to go at. Thanks for watching again anyway. Cheers. 👍

[@johnmckay5711]

I think the last time I was in Wales was about 50 years ago, nice views

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks John, maybe time to revisit then? 😊

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Might have to do this one day! Am riding up to North Wales this summer so will get the lay of the land as it were. P.s Wet camping n no showers then a 5hr ride home possibly feeling rough doesnt thrill me much😉. Suppose could stop nr the border in Salop.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

It's quite an experience, and I'm glad to have done it to be honest, although I don't know how many more I'll do - I must admit that the prospect of camping in mud doesn't really appeal in the cold light of sober day. It was a good laugh though, with like-minded souls. 😊

[@MauriceTarantulas]

@@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121 Yeah I think its worth doing at least once! Have only camped the 1-2 times but this year will get more practice..so the camping side shouldnt be a prob.

[@bsajoss]

ASDA Llandudno . The drylining and ceilings where done by me and a friend . Both bikers from Lincolnshire 😊

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

You did a great job with the camouflage then, I was certain it was going to be a Tesco! 🤣🤣(memory's failing badly!!)

[@shottostravels]

Martin, So that's the Dragon Rally. I've never been. Looks a bit muddy? Did you freeze? I don't know if I'm tough enough for that. I'm a wimp. But thanks for showing it to me.👍

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Yep, that's the Dragon Keith, I only started going to it 3 years ago, but it's allegedly not the rally it used to be - only one night these days, and the weather's rarely as challenging as it used to be (snow and ice etc). Yes it was a tad muddy but the atmosphere was marvellous. Thanks for watching anyway Keith, cheers and ride safe. 😎👍

[@derbyshireruralrider9398]

My only attempt at camping with my mates was at Conwy in Summer of 1976 so slightly different temperatures to Dragon Rally though it side end up with torrential rain that broke the drought. However I’m not 19 any more so not sure of this sort of thing thought In enjoying the KZbin clips, I also follow RDR and I’ve also enjoyed the Monkey Bike group who seem better to get off the boggy field than the big bikes

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for watching, and your comments remind me of the heady days of the 70's, when I was very much a summer rallyist and rally organiser. Having said that I used to help organise the Ariel Owners Club Iron Horse Rally during February at Grangemill. Never brave or daft enough to do a Dragon in those days, but obviously one becomes dafter with age! 😊

[@kevinwalding6779]

Hi fyi …if you go up the Orme again you don’t have to pay if you start at the tram station

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Hi Kevin, yes I know but I just wanted to show Marine Drive from the start... it's the first time I've actually paid! 😅

[@TimPriestChannel]

Also, I should have said. I was High Priest when the channel was mostly about paramotor flying but it's not so applicable now... Screw to Clue Up suits my life!

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Righty ho Tim, I'll keep that in mind! 😊