Personal Update, Travel Plans and Harley Shovelhead

Gooday and it's not long now (hopefully) before we in England will be free to travel and stay away for the night, following the year long lockdown (especially in the North West of England).
April the 12th 2021 is the date but until then, join me at the new and larger CHG R&D Centre, where I give an update on what I've been doing since my previous video two months ago, as well as what I hope to be doing travel-wise in the near future.
Finally I briefly introduce you to a new (to me) motorcycle - something I've yearned after for longer than I can remember - a 1978 Harley Davidson FXE 1200 Superglide (aka, a Shovelhead).
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[@lobstercheescake8264]

Yaay-Kevin sent up a flare! Glad to hear you’re ok-Look forward to watching your future endeavors, wherever they take you. Cheers!

[@JB12345ful]

Yip, glad you’re doing well. It hasn’t been an easy year.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Not by any stretch of the imagination. Praying the end is actually in sight. 🙏

[@dimpsthealien333]

Hi Kevin. My husband and I have recently found your videos and have been greatly enjoying them. They are beautiful and relaxing. I enjoy your cooking segments too. I hope you can get back out on the canal. Take care. ~Leilani in California

[@thefitzs]

"It's diabolical." Absolutely correct.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Amen.

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

Oh yeah! A Harley Davidson! I'm almost as excited for you as you are! It will be an amazing road trip! When I was a young woman and all of about 125 lbs. I had a 1974 Superglide that we built from the bare frame to finished. People dropped their jaws everywhere I went on that bike. It was stolen about a year after it was finished and in hindsight, it was probably for the best. I had fun, but truly had no business riding a bike that big. I would love to have a nice little Sportster now that I'm in my 50s and have a little more sense. Your bike is a beauty! I would have loved to hear you start her up! When you get the battery put back in, do give us a taste of those pipes. Loud pipes save lives! So glad to hear from you. You look well! I used to play golf too, but it got too expensive for me. Haven't swung a club in some years. Take good care of yourself and don't be a stranger. My husband Tim and I are always happy to see a video pop up from you. Tammie (USA)

[@expatexpat6531]

I thought you'd gone down at the helm. Good to see you back in action. Drive carefully - there will be a convoy of Sunday drivers back on the roads soon.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha ha, I'd give anything just to be stuck behind a caravan, or Nissan Micra. 😂

[@scottmcbride5514]

:) good to see you Kevin, the into reminded me to the MontyPython bit, I'm not quite dead yet! Looking forward to see what the future holds.

[@richardfoster1460]

good luck kevin look forward to more stuff mate

[@abyssiniahenry128]

🤣"I'm getting better!", "I don't want to go on the cart."

[@jeffreymorreale7223]

There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting exactly what you want. I hope the Harley delivers the experience you always dreamed it would.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Based on the handful of 'sneeky' (but essential) rides so far Jeffrey, I'm enjoying the Harley dream very much. Beyond my wildest and all that.

[@rebeccaashcraft3675]

@@CountryHouseGent not so lonely anymore aye..

[@jeffreystoddard7201]

Always good to hear from you CHG. You go right on being the unique individual that brought so many of us to enjoy your view of canal life. Congratulations on the acquisition of the Shovelhead. The past year's travails felt as it needed a theme song on the order of Maddy Prior and Steeleye Span's 'Hard Times of Old England'. For now I'll raise a cuppa from across the pond in toast to you and your continued health.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fine words Jeffrey, thank you. It's been a 'unique' blip in history for all of us. Praying that it's coming to an end and never to return. Here's to more new adventures and plenty of them.

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Great to hear from you Kevin.......love your new Harly......looking forward to your trips away up to Scotland......stay safe......thanks for sharing

[@peterball4358]

My missus and myself are booked in up near Loch Ness in May with our Vincent Rapide. We'll keep a look out for the Harley. Two V Twins together! All the best.

[@shirleyremes2864]

Kevin thx for cking in w us. Weve been hooked on ur narrowboat show here in chicago during covid so glad to hear ur doing well!!!

[@johndavies1872]

Campsite facilities will take two options. I did some travelling last year in a motorhome so i have a little knowledge of the restricted opening. Because pub gardens on the 12th there is a need for toilets indoors, campsites adopted two very distinct differences. Facilities closed in total so you need self contained unit or a very limited opening of shower blocks with restricted numbers. The caravan and motorhome club opened their facilities with an armband system. The other CACC was pretty much 50/50 the campsite open with no facilities or limited opening with facilities. Check locally with the site cause I believe if pubs can open up inside to use toilets, campsites will do the same as they did last year. Enjoy scotland. Might see ya up there on your shovel.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi John. I stayed on a CACC site at Delamere last year for a couple of nights and the facilities were open but as you say, they were strictly one household or singleton at a time. I'm desperate though so will happily bend to any reasonable requirements just to get away for a bit, but CACC have specifically said indoor facilities will be closed this time. It's in the Gov roadmap on the gov uk website about internal shared facilities. Maybe if I phone at the time and beg on one knee. We'll see. Hope so.

[@johndavies1872]

@@CountryHouseGent Let's hope scotland adopts some reasonable restrictions that allow a bit of freedom of travel. I'm up there. Keep positive 👍

[@14tfisher]

Glad your doing well Kevin, a lot of us have missed your video's, as well as wondering what happened to you. Like the new bike, a Harley eh, good on ya Kevin. I use to have an Indian Red 883 Sportster Screamin Eagle back in 1998, loved that bike. But my husband and I decided to sell both our bikes because we got into vintage British Cars. But all an all can't wait to hear her when you start her up, love that sound. 🏍️😊 Stay safe Kevin, safe travels, till next time! 😊

[@Baloski46]

Gotta love a shovel. I have owned and loved a 1978 myself for the last decade.

[@robertthompson9486]

So glad you’ve re-appeared and are doing well, Kevin! I too am a Harley owner/rider and am full aware of the therapy that a HD provides. And, you’re spot on - there’s nothing else in the world that sounds as good as the the Harley exhaust note with minimal muffling. Yours is a thing of beauty and a shovelhead is hard to beat - it’s a true classic and I’m sure way more rare in the UK than here in the states. Ride safely, please share vlogs when you can and, cheers from Texas!

[@stuhall2689]

Nice one Kev. Looking forward to your trip to Scotland but watch out for mad sturgeon's. Whoops forgot can't talk about fish ;)

[@CountryHouseGent]

Darn right and especially wary of the Krankie beast. ☺

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Outstanding CHG is Alive.. Cheers!!! Walking and getting as much light does the mind and body wonders..

[@ktthomas1115]

So nice to hear from you Kevin!!! Great news you've communicated -- looking forward to accompanying you on your travels!

[@colincofield3747]

Kevin, good to see you again. Glad all is well.

[@cherylmcmahan6292]

So happy to see your new video😊 I hope you get to go to Scotland, I look forward to “traveling” with you. Cheers!!

[@wombatone5577]

You still look relatively sane Kevin even with the sadistic torture they are putting you through. The sound of your new bike will let them know you are angry and unforgiving so give it all it’s got and have a really special holiday in Scotland. Cheers!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Couldn't agree more. The Harley is my middle finger to the system, whenever they've allowed me to ride it that is. 😁

[@pbaxter1212]

Good to hear from you Kevin!!! Keep traveling!

[@nadineweiler7747]

Kevin. So glad to see u back....u had us worried. You look terrific and we are all trying to put past year behind us ....and looking forward to late Spring and Summer as new beginnings! So moving right along....see u soon.

[@davidls47]

Glad to see and hear you are doing well ol' friend. You seem like an ol' friend to my wife and I Kevin. We have watched all of your videos and enjoyed your narrowboating and bike riding videos. We can't wait to see your ride to Scotland and you getting back on Aslan. Take care Kevin and safe travels to wherever you go.................................and, we will be watching!!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Great to hear that David. It's quite surreal being joined by so many as I head along through the unknown. Many thanks ☺

[@joeclarke9782]

The Super Glide so suits you CHG. Thanks for the cameo appearances of you and the bike. I wanted one so much years ago, I built a Sportster from the frame up. God Speed to Scotland.

[@hankszlenkier8519]

Great to see your smiling face and hear your voice. Hoping the best for you and your great show!

[@michaeldunn7826]

Kevin - so glad you're in what looks to be - good spirits. Been riding Harleys my whole (I'm 60), welcome to life in the wind with a great sound. Restrictions are tough everywhere. Here in the U.S. we are opening up as well - slowly.

[@glennbutler9557]

You just made my evening Kevin, nice to see you once again and that you now have your dream bike and I look forward immensely to seeing your travels wherever they make take you. Keep your spirits up, hopefully we will be on the road to recovery shortly.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Glenn. These next 4 weeks should fly by, with a bit of luck. Just hoping the roadmap hasn't had a reprint by then. 🤔

[@steveallen5087]

Kevin welcome to the world of Harley!! You Super Glide will bring much joy and some heartache. My ‘76 FLH Electra-glide was that and more. Now have a 2004 FLSTI , Softail Standard. #8 HD in the garage. Great ride and with my shorter legs, fits wonderfully. Looking forward to your upcoming miles. 👍🤟😎

[@The1vanillaman]

Nice to see you are well Kevin, nice to see you now have your dream bike. the marshall amp brings back memories, i had a 100 watt with 4x12inch speakers in the early 70s,great piece of kit,looking forward to your next venture as we all know it will be most welcome,stay safe and as always take care. mike

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers as always Mike

[@petersmith7560]

It's going to be a fun filled future with you up and at it again Kevin.. Boat or bike you never fail to make us smile.. Great times ahead for all of us.. Stay safe folks not long to go now 😎👍

[@HappyMom2Girls]

We’re catching up on videos. So glad to see you! You and Aslan have a multitude of friends in the USA. We love you ❤️

[@SirGeorgeButtox]

Glad you’re well my friend. It has been an awful year but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to some warm spring sunshine 🙂

[@ocdomer]

Thanks for the update! Glad you're hanging in there. I can't wait to hear you fire up that Harley.

[@nachopnet]

I'm very happy that you are OK and safe and with future plans to do what you want and like. Thanks for the video to check in with us, your viewers, and to put our worries away. Good luck!

[@williambreitinger2765]

Thanks for the update Kevin. Hopefully the UK still allows one to have a pint standing up😄 Cheers and be well.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha yes William, provided it was bought in a store and consumed in one's own home. Pubs are closed.

[@douglasappleby9007]

That was the highlight of my Friday night. Cheers.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Happy to help Douglas. ☺

[@boonabbi1969]

Congrats on the purchase of your HD Shovelhead. I am a rider, owner of a HD and will be watching your upcoming adventures closely. Nothing better for our souls and minds to put your knees in the breeze on two wheels. Best wishes to you from Wisconsin USA

[@valtillman7634]

Well, so glad to see and hear you!!!!!! I was worried and down hearted, too, that you may be ill. We love ya buddy-boy. You brought such calm and joy at the beginning and until the shut down. It’s hard to go without it. So stay well and keep in touch please. Even if it’s just to show some pictures to your fans, ok? Can’t wait to hear your bike. But back to Aslan is what I dream of most! Looking forward to your next post. Summer is on the way😍

[@zulu5282]

Blimey just watched your video and noticed you have the 10000 yard stare. We have been through a year of hell. Good to see you back.

[@CountryHouseGent]

I genuinely believe that in the aftermath, many previously sound people will discover what PTSD is all about, Mark. Criminal.

[@sueharris8974]

Hi Kevin it’s so good to see you, and look forward to seeing you and Aslan again soon, I have missed you so much so I have been rewatching the series , be safe and big hugs, Sue. X

[@mondayschild229]

Oh there you are! I can hardly wait to follow along on your upcoming adventures.

[@samuelapiazza47]

Just started watching your narrow boat travels today. Ep 11 right now. Good to see you doing ok. From across the pond USA🇺🇲

[@Whitty-zs5yl]

Lovely to see you. You look well! Good luck on your road trip to Scotland. The scenery there is breathtakingly beautiful!

[@pfallen8067]

Nice to see you back Kevin! Looking forward to sharing your bike travels and seeing you firmly situated on Aslan once again! FREEDOM!

[@lindahodson6455]

Oh it's so good to hear from you! Glad your well and looking forward to riding that really cool Harley! I'll look forward to your coming vlogs. Take care....Linda from Minnesota

[@daredreamerafloat9078]

Peak levels of Lad-legend reached - what a beaut of a bike. Great to see CHG doing well and on the up. All the best Sir K!

[@richerrick45]

I like the bike. Nice choice. Happy (and safe) travels.

[@CountryHouseGent]

And to you Ric.

[@nickhelm2420]

Blooming good for you Kevin !! 🤠🚵🏍️ Looking forward to the next instalment !!

[@Teresafromtheyarnshop]

I am so glad you did an update. You have been on my mind and heart and I am glad to see you are doing okay. What a nice bike. I can't wait to see what you produce next. Thank you for sharing your travels with is all.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Kevin it's great to see you, the Harley looks absolutely mint for over 42 years old. It will be good to see you on a long road trip holiday on the Hog and it'll be good for us generally to get out on bikes in the sunshine. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@lindahansen1440]

KEVIN!!! Hello from Oregon - looking forward to you getting out on the road and your blogs thereof. Be patient and be of good heart🤗

[@robenblakey8236]

So glad to see you looking so well and healthy! Thanks for the update. Sounds like a trip to Scotland to extrovert your self from the lockdown is a fantastic thing to do! Keep keeping on! Take us all with you please. Cheers.

[@jillbooth2829]

Nice to see you Kevin. I’m sorry about the lockdown. We don’t have that here in the states. Good luck on your journey. My family can’t wait to watch. We are watching all the way from Sarasota, Florida. You bring our family a lot of joy when you post! Keep it up!

[@brucekay9761]

So happy to see you well! Looking forward to your next series of videos. Wishing you all the best!!!!!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Bruce and best wishes to you. ☺

[@lefroy1]

That's a beauty of a bike Kevin. The angle of the forks is perfection.

[@KansasHobbit]

I have been missing you. So glad you are doing well or at least well enough. Looking forward to watching your adventures once again. Stay strong!

[@ericc461]

Congrats on the new toy. You're managing this confinement as well as most of us.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

So so so so pleased to see and hear you again Kevin. Its been a long long time. The pandemic has changed life considerably. Your Harley looks great. How's Aslan ? Hope she's good. Keep in touch with us all we love your vlogs. Keep safe dry warm and virus free.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you David. Yes a lot of longterm PTSD cases to follow I think. Aslan's fine, still my home and the roof to paint when the weather improves, as well as some jobs to do and film for the Boat Safety Certificate in July. ☺

[@jimmygandy5143]

Scotland by Shovelhead sounds fantastic! And, I'm sure the 2-into-1 exhaust on your HD sounds great!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Jimmy. Yes, looking forward to it and yes, the pipes do lend a meaty thump to it.

[@trevorbailes9513]

Great to see you back Kevin, have been binge watching your narrowboat show on Amazon prime. Now found your channel and subscribed keep up the great work.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Trevor and welcome. ☺

[@l.larsen4242]

Great to see you again Kevin and looking forward to your road trips through Scotland!

[@1mic3]

Good to see you again, looking forward to travels by Harley! Stay safe 👍👍👍👍

[@theotherstevesteve]

Living on a boat, riding a motorcycle around the country and a commercially published documentary maker; it probably doesn't feel like you're living the dream right now but it's the dream of many. I look forward to The Ride.

[@clpotis]

You’re back! It’s good to see that you’re well. Hope you get up to Scotland. The Glencoe/ Ben Nevis area is so beautiful. Cheers!

[@CountryHouseGent]

I did visit Glencoe once. The way it comes at you from a distance and the road through the huge valley is something that sticks with you. Fingers crossed to see it again.

[@georgemanley8247]

So good to see you and the new bike. I must say I am officially jealous! A beautiful machine upon which you will undoubtedly have a marvelous time! Good on you. 😎

[@shadcrow522]

I look so forward to see you riding that beast, what a beautiful machine.

[@bikers10mh]

Glad your well, you and I have exactly the same plans.

[@susanmarker2164]

Im your new Patreon subscriber and its good to see you!! Thanks for being sane! Lol. Its very good to know ..Happy to be here..love your Motor bike 😍 im an old rider myself....the sounds almost brings me to tears...good ones of course!! HAPPY TRAVELS!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Susan. It's true when they say there's nothing like an old Shovel. The world disappears when I'm cruising.

[@susanmarker2164]

@@CountryHouseGent its a feeling of absolute contentment and freedom ..there's nothing else like it in the world.. Enjoy your Hog. Be mindfull sometimes people dont see you....Take care and Be safe. I look forward ...😊

[@mkredenbaugh6322]

Kevin! It is great to hear. I am glad you were able to get the Harley. I hope it will take you to Scotland! I'd love to see it. Hello from the USA. We are slowly opening and Indiana is doing well. Stay safe.

[@marilynboling1164]

Always good to have you check in so we know you’re ok!

[@sharonholding5982]

Welcome back.Good to see you again. You've been missed. Looking forward to future Vlogs. Stay well. Take care. ✌❤🤗

[@castingshadows282]

Wow what a machine you have yourself. Can't wait to see you roaring down the tarmac on that Harley Davidson you went and got to for your plesure to play with. Keep safe.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers good Sir. It was now or never and what the hell and all that. ☺

[@castingshadows282]

@@CountryHouseGent No need to address me as "Sir" Kevin. I'm not made of that material to even get as close to being a Lord. I wouldn't fit in.

[@MrGj64]

Looking forward to watching your next travels 👍🏍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@netrhyda8761]

Awesome to see you mate! Congrats on that nice HOG you bought!! I hope you can soon realize your dreams and plans!! Spring is just about here and with it hope!

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Brilliant to see you again Kevin. Can’t wait to follow your motorbike trip round the UK. Not long now. Keep your chin up😄👍🏼. Take care. Nick

[@mikeoswald8053]

Well it's about time! Glad to hear and see you Kevin, and enjoy the Harley. Remember to put a pan under the engine for leaks, ha ha.

[@ianbahn7193]

Hey! Kevin. Great to see you back, pal. Have missed the 'Tongue Firmly In Cheek' humor. Looking forward to the forthcoming vids. All the best & Go Well!

[@melissazeigler9694]

So glad to hear and see you doing well and healthy, missing your vlog 😊 and looking forward for the Scotland’s travels 🌞🍺🍺

[@cathyaguilar9332]

Congratulations on the new motorcycle! Very nice. Going to Scotland sounds amazing. Hope you are able to make that happen. I can appreciate the need for a change of scenery. Hope to take a road trip myself when things open a little more. Take care snd hang in there!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Cathy. Somehow I think the roads around Scotland are going to be popular if it goes ahead. Fingers crossed and have fun.

[@sheilalandrum3402]

Happy to hear you are making it through like the rest of us. I also don't do well if I don't extensively travel & explore (to me, this is real Freedom), but I've done the right thing and stayed at home. Safe travels on your beautiful new bike! Scotland is a trip in my future!! Thx for your honesty over the years.

[@bertiemost6695]

good to see you back. thanks for the shelving tip - i got some today at blackpool screwfix - perfect for my ever-expanding array of bike tools

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yay, excellent Bertie, happy to help. The instructions aren't the best but there's a couple of very detailed how to videos by some youtubers that clear it all up. ☺

[@jodyreay733]

Ahh CHG! Great to hear from you! Can’t wait for your videos! Glad you doing well our friend! ❤️❤️

[@robevans2659]

Glad you see your back..of all the canal boat vlogs ...yours is the best !!

[@jp2578]

Very good to hear from you! Congratulations on your new motorcycle; enjoy it,

[@ClassXIRoads]

Good to see you posting again, Love the Shovelhead I had a 1976 FXE Superglide that i put 132000 miles on

[@petersargent4078]

Argh my knees dropped off in amazement, you're back and as always many surprises. Hair cut is practical, all your own work? Then the new bike! All good stuff. Looking forward to the glorious 12th! Take care.

[@androidstaffs]

Gllad to see you're ok. Keep motoring on, be safe. Most enjoyable commentary style, very entertaining. Me and the rest of the household where patiently waiting for your return. We can honestly say that you're the best in your arena.

[@MPjustaman]

33,600 followers and ADMIRERS means you're a minor celebrity Kevin. For whatever reason we LIKE you. Could it be your sweet demeanor or your casual British style or is it because we are really so much just like you. We dream, imagine, have fears, and joys. You Kevin are a mirror for us all. Thank you! Now about that racket and clanging about in the background...it's just the Harley mechanic working on that little piggy. The boys from Hinckley will not be happy to see that Hog rolling through the township. Do you have SAE bolts and nuts in your neck of the woods? All kidding aside we love you and please HAVE fun on your new adventure.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome Michael, thank you. I've asked around about some 1/4" bolts. "Don't you mean 6mm", they asked?

[@The101stEagle]

Good to see you Kevin. Hope you get the trip to Scotland. A rare one with a kick starter. Nice.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Looking forward to it very much. Yes, the FXE was the first with electric start but I don't think they were too confident about the electrics, so kept the kickstart, just in case? ☺

[@dianashepard9635]

Congratulations on obtaining your dream bike! Hope it affords you many miles of pure bliss! So enjoyed your post.

[@skookumjack]

Good to see you are out and about Kevin! You must be itching to ride that unit! Looking forward to coming along.... vicariously that is 👍

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Jack. Here's to sunshine, dry roads and the rumble of a classic twin. ☺

[@kdepot]

Kevin glad your ok. Just finished binge watching you on Amazon. looking forward to your next adventure. take care

[@tigerspook1]

Glad you're ok Kevin, lovely to see you again,.... Love a Harley and the sound of one, hope you're going to put the front mug guard back on...

[@andrewpoloni4197]

Good to see you out and about! Glad you're well. Stay safe and keep the faith.

[@marjrose3640]

Hurray! So good to see you again & know that you are well! We're looking forward to your Scottland trip. Your new bike is great. Congrats! Thanks for the update! God Speed!

[@bennoben1653]

Good to see you Sir . Light at the end of the tunnel for us all I hope .Better times ahead 👍 I too would like to do the NC 500 but not on a bike but hopefully in a camper van , but we will see. Good to hear from you at last , always a pleasure to watch, thank you for sharing. Take care, until the next time 👍

[@ahnie771]

Welcome back. Glad you are planning a trip. I have enjoyed your videos from the canals and look forward to seeing some countryside. It has been quite a year. Focus on the positive. 👍🏻

[@OrlandoStreets]

Glad you are well. Looking forward to the trip to Scotland. Ride safe!