Sunday - Went to a family diamond wedding event, bumped into my ex-wife in the entrance (she had been to the hotel gym) then had to endure sitting with people I would normal give a very wide swerve, topped by a cringe worthy big screen old family photograph presentation showing amongst things, me and the ex-wife. Thanks for that cousin Keith; you’re a dead man walking. As you can imagine Ling was really enjoying the event almost as much as me. On a positive note I meet a niece I haven’t seen since she was a kid and is now a stunning 19 year old woman, I didn’t think it was appropriate to ask her to come and sit on my knee like last time we meet.....but I did think about it....more than once.
Cut down a tree, mowed the grass, carried dozens of watering can and then knackered my back opening the dishwasher so no bike time
Went for a ride through Surrey and Berkshire .... all afternoon Roads were so quiet. Weekday rides are great
Well I had not planned to have a run today as I had pledged my time to meeting Alblade at Millenium Motorcycles as he was having his R1 serviced anyhow about 9.45 this morning a take a call off the Firebloke seeing if I fancied a run over to Settle and Hawes so that was it Leathers on and off to the meeting point on the A6 Marriott hotel entrance .Had a really good run the first part of the ride was bobbins as the roads were absolutely F**ked and full of salt and grit but we got through it and ended up in Settle which was rammed with people and bikes (Repsol with Repsol sticker on the swingarm ) was pulling out as we were taking a few rays of sunshine We had some lunch and then set off for Hawes with the Firebloke leading out of the car park we ended up in a crowd of about 20 bikes of different styles and riders so as we got out of the 30 limit the Firebloke was off leaving me to fight through the pack who all seeded to be going for it and it appears that everybody but me knew the roads and were they were going anyhow I picked my way through and was battling with a green zx10 and as we hit a long straight I thought I am having some of this and went for it but due to lack of local knowledge what I didn't relise was there was a rise in the road and once airborne I thought that's it game over but landed ok and got on with it but I am not talking about the front wheel lifting off the ground but the whole machine taking off and at least 2ft in the air Ha! Met back up with the Firebloke who himself had taken a big rear wheel slide on some shit and also lived to tell the tale .Carried on to Hawes which if you don't know the roads (like me) it is very easy to come a cropper as you hit some blind crest but immediately after there would be a fast bend lucky for me the Firebloke knows the routine and attacked the job with me in mind so I had some good pointers of the forthcoming delights .Had a stop over in Hawes with a couple of Blades in attendance a Repsol and a Black and White with rider clad also in black and white .Had half an hour then with the threat of rain coming in we decided to get our skates on .The way back was the same route but cutting out the first shitty bits which was great we got the rain just after and as we parted I took a good beasting on the M6 but although it was very heavy the leathers seemed to hold it off so I got in not too soaked .Had a brew give the bike a massive minting due to the salt .may I thank the Firebloke for fine leadership in tough conditions and also for a good day .
As Giv has already posted, went up to Hawes via Longridge, Clitheroe and Slaidburn. Roads were absolutely atrocious and won't be using that route again anytime soon! Had some nice lunch in Settle and a great catchup with Giv. Loads of bikes! Most of which set off at the same time as us! Anyway filtered through the slower ones then left the wannabes for dead..........Come on! I've been riding this road for 20 years......I own it! One d*ckhead did try for a short while but he was carrying his girlfriend on the back sporting a very tight pair of jeans! Why would you ride like that and put someone else's life at risk? So we reach the viaduct and Giv soon catches up, off we go on the road to Hawes. Roads are good and we can stretch our legs, no cops and very little traffic. Arrive at Hawes and take a break with just a good old chinwag, before we know it the clouds are moving in so we head back home and have a really good ride. Wasn't too bad really, only the last stretch spoiled by the weather, Giv gave a good account of himself considering it's only his second time up there. Oh well, only another whole week to wait before I get the chance to get out again!
R1 serviced and now de-limited its a flying machine Huge breakfast and I must say Millenium did me a discounted service if I bought some new kit, but ALSO got a healthy discount off the kit so I shall be sporting some new Wolf strides for Scotland I think. Spent a load more hours editing last years Pyrenees DVD (god it takes ages and ages) but that is just about done - then its burn off 10 copies, design and print cover, disk labels, track listing and its done and dusted - Ask GaryB about quality of finished product
Went to KTM Dewsbury..... Orange every where ,bought o/h a toaster.. Guess what we`ll be having a LOT of... ?????
Just been to Millenium and parted with some dosh for a new set of gear really top quality REV'IT! Ignition 2 jacket and pants half leather half textile fully waterproof vented lined The Full Monty I love REV'IT gear its bang on 2013 spec they do a grey black or Black I chose the Black and lucky for me I still have my Alpine Stars booties , Well made up cost me £520.00 as I got £20.00 discount I have the jacket but the pants are coming next week so I will do a photo soon .
So Barney here is a question for you . What would you rather have a big wack of freshly toasted white bread from an uncut loaf with loads of hot butter and orange marmalade or a quick scuttle! I know what I would rather have
Just been in the garage to check the bike after yesterday's run and on close inspection there was a little bit of orange bloom on the chain and on the front disc so I have cleaned the chain and just lightly rubbed the disc with some fine wire wool when rotating the front wheel there is a slight binding on the pads so I will take off the calliper s later and clean the pistons and pads .
Interested In a review when you get the chance to experience some shite weather. If the sun ever goes in !! Need to get some quality commuting gear
Well has I'm on my own till 02.30hrs tomorrow morning it would have to be toast but no marmalade , But by 03.00hrs in the morning you can stick the toast where the sun don't shine
Drayton manor all day hardly anyone there and my kids have no fear Tilly nearly 3 cause she couldn't go on shock wave ha ha
