Thank you God, thank you so bloody much!
Discussion
Right, finally got fed up with four walls yesterday afternoon (had a major op in September and haven't been able to ride or drive since, still can't really use my right foot). So, completely against sane advice, I put on my leathers and fired up the bike for the first time since May. Apart from it wouldn't fire. So, I took off my leathers, took out the battery and stuck it on a trickle charge. By the time it was charged it was getting dark and fairly chilly. Never mind, I was on a mission. Battery back in bike, leathers on, off up the road. Bliss. For about two miles. Then narrowly missed being turned into a bonnet ornament by a psychotic Bristol taxi driver. Never mind, headed for the countryside. Then I got completely crossed up on what appeared to be a shit slick measuring several feet deep on a farm entrance on a sweeping left hander on the A37, which made my leg hum in a frankly alarming manner. Undeterred I aimed for Cheddar gorge. Got to the top of the gorge and found the road closed. Did a detour around the lanes and finally arrived at my favourite coffee shop to find it closed. Decided to wait for a while and enjoy the scenery before heading back, by now it was dark and cold. Turned on the ignition and...got the death rattle. Oh shit. Not enough strength in the ankle to push start and nobody about to help, other than a couple of chavved-up wannabees sharing a bong in a Metro across the car park and an elderly gent with a labrador heading home from the pub. So I called the AA. By the time they arrived it was starting to rain. Still, friendly chap, got the bike running in seconds and waved me on my way, wobbling round the lanes with just parking lights on, in pissing rain, soaked through and freezing. Got home in the middle of the night, put the bike straight in the garage and went to bed.
Think I might go out for a drive in my Land Rover today.
Think I might go out for a drive in my Land Rover today.
Bugger!
Such good intentions too! Don't give up, make sure she is ready next time and then you can get out while there is light - give her a going over today (tyre pressures, lube / adjust chain, battery might need replacing) and then the next time you're feeling spontaneous she'll be ready
Have done similar myself and almost put myself under pressure to enjoy the ride and that never works
I had a cracking ride yesterday in North Yorks so it's still possible to have fun!
Such good intentions too! Don't give up, make sure she is ready next time and then you can get out while there is light - give her a going over today (tyre pressures, lube / adjust chain, battery might need replacing) and then the next time you're feeling spontaneous she'll be ready
Have done similar myself and almost put myself under pressure to enjoy the ride and that never works
I had a cracking ride yesterday in North Yorks so it's still possible to have fun!
Glad it's not just me who gets days like that then!
Apparently it's all character building stuff and what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger. The Landie would just be woosing out, and how would that help?
I'll send you a link to "Chris's school of positive thinking" if you want, sounds like you need it.
Apparently it's all character building stuff and what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger. The Landie would just be woosing out, and how would that help?
I'll send you a link to "Chris's school of positive thinking" if you want, sounds like you need it.
Aaw, that sucks man.
I managed to get an hour on the bike yesterday, for the first time in about 6 weeks. I wondered if she'd fire straight up, and she did - a little fluffy for a moment or two, but that was about it. I couldn't say the same about me though, timing and observation all shot to hell, crap road positioning etc, etc...and generally feeling very rusty. So I contented myself with pootling about. It was nice to trickle through my new home town of Louth, on a minty clean Pearlfire Orange & Black 600RR, and turn a few heads (well the bike did anyway!!!). But boy, was it ever cold :-)
You just can't beat biking to put a grin on your face.
I managed to get an hour on the bike yesterday, for the first time in about 6 weeks. I wondered if she'd fire straight up, and she did - a little fluffy for a moment or two, but that was about it. I couldn't say the same about me though, timing and observation all shot to hell, crap road positioning etc, etc...and generally feeling very rusty. So I contented myself with pootling about. It was nice to trickle through my new home town of Louth, on a minty clean Pearlfire Orange & Black 600RR, and turn a few heads (well the bike did anyway!!!). But boy, was it ever cold :-)
You just can't beat biking to put a grin on your face.
Mon Ami Mate said:
Right, finally got fed up with four walls yesterday afternoon (had a major op in September and haven't been able to ride or drive since, still can't really use my right foot). So, completely against sane advice, I put on my leathers and fired up the bike for the first time since May. Apart from it wouldn't fire.
www.accumate.co.uk/
GSXR will be fixed again tomorrow evening - I wont be tempting fate by cruising around on cold / wet tyres but will almost certainly have a quick blast up the dual caridgeway a few times between now and Spring... A few launches into hyperspace should keep me going !
Amazing how much I miss the bike - it's been over a month now since I've been on two wheels!
Amazing how much I miss the bike - it's been over a month now since I've been on two wheels!
StuB said:
Great story 
Winter riding really is strictly for hero's and dispatchers only IMHO.
Oh, and Chilli
Winter riding really is strictly for hero's and dispatchers only IMHO.
Oh, and Chilli
Thanks mate!! Jesus it was windy this morning.... As said before, it's all character buliding stuff.
The new helmet is working a treat though....Can recommend the Shoei X1000.
Cheers.
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