Saturday 19 June 2010

Giving up...for now

Following on from my last post, I hadn't got round to trying riding my bike again. I had plenty excuses...the weather, time, other things I wanted/needed to do but, in the end, that's just what they were - excuses.After 2 months of putting off riding, I was "definitely" going to try again last weekend.

I help with a youth club, about 8 miles from where I live. On the way home from it last Friday (i.e the day before I was "definitely" going to get back in the saddle) I thought about my bike and riding it. It occurred to me I was just kidding myself that, for now at least, I'd be back riding. I only really took my bike out for short trips to go to places/things I am/did help with. I never quite got the idea or point of my hubbie and I taking taking 2 bikes for a run, even when he had the Pan. Now he has the Wing, why would I do100+ miles on a semi-comfy seat or sit like lady muck on the armchair which is the Wing pillion seat? To me, there's no contest.

Also, I thought, if I haven't riding since February last year, am just putting it off. If I had really wanted to ride my bike again, I would have by now. So, I decided, on that 15 minute journey home, to sell my bike.

My hubbie and I have a friend who is going to get her bike licence, so we gave her first refusal. Last night we popped round with the hornet and she loved it. Sold. I'm pleased it's going where it'll be appreciated and used. Better that than me putting off the inevitable and letting the machine rot in the garden. That's one thing I had decided I wasn't going to do.

I must admit I'm disappointed about this. I went to a lot of effort to get my licence, including passing with 2 cracked ribs and a broken finger. I still have my licence and there's nothing to stop me changing my mind. At the moment, though, I'm happy riding pillion, enjoying the scenery and chatting to my hubbie as we go along.

Saturday 17 April 2010

Bottling it

I had a go of my bike last Sunday and, bottled it. I managed to get it to move about 12", then just couldn't find the bite again. I had just got myself so worked up.

I'll try again tomorrow, if the weather is kind. If I still think "what am I doing?", I'll have to seriously consider getting rid of it. I like the size and look of the Honda CBF125. I know it would be back to a 125, but if that's what if takes to get back on 2 wheels, especially after what Spot and I went through last year, is no shame.

Friday 9 April 2010

Where has the time gone

I haven't updated this blog for ages. No, I haven't foine away, I just haven't had much to say.

The weather has been poor for most of the autumn and winter, so not much riding for either Mr Gerbil or me. I have been out a few times on the goldwing 2-up in the last couple of weeks. I'm really enjoying it, so that's good.

I haven't been back on my hornet. Partly the weather, but also things on it needing attention. The battery had died, despite being in the house and kept topped up. Probably because it's not been used. After several charges and discharges it seems fine. Then, the throttle return cable was broken, do that needed replaced. It's fixed now, thankfully.

I'm hoping on the next 2-3 weeks I can get back on my own bike. Mr Gerbil'll take it somewhere quiet and I'll have a shot. Them take it from there. Hopefully, it'll be fine.

The restriction on my licence to 33bhp has now expired!!! So, legally I could ride Mr Gerbil's bike. I think I may learn to walk before I run.

So, that's what's happening now. Going 2-up on the 'wing tomorrow with a group of other bikes tomorrow. It should be a good run and we're all looking forward to it. Pictures and story will follow.

Saturday 26 September 2009

Back in the saddle again

The Goldwing was delivered early yesterday morning. That was a laugh to begin with. The driver went past our house twice! My hubbie went outside to wave on his third pass. Yes, we do have a house number.

Anyway, it's not the type of bike for the shy and retiring type, I've discovered. As the delivery driver was lowering the ramp 3 school kids turned to be nosey (I would have). There faces were a picture. Just awestruck, with a hit of wow - that's very cool.

I wanted to head out to see my Mum on it before she left for work. This was the first time I had been a bike since the crash. As I was getting my kit ready and on, I was a little nervous, but really looking forward to it.

It's such a comfie ride, but a very powerful machine. My hubbie had warned me to hold on when he accelerated and I'm glad he did!!!

As we went along the road to my Mum's (she lives about 8 miles away) I took in the sights and sounds. This is a road I travel on frequently in a car. It's so different on a bike. Better visibility, due to being higher. You feel the road in a way you never can in a car. I love it. As we were going along, I thought to myself "I forgot just how much I loved this".

My Mum was well impressed. She was only on the Pan once and loved it. I think she's aiming for a ride on this too!

Everywhere we went there were people admiring the bike. Kids and adults noticing it in a way the Pan (which is a large bike) never was. Where we were parked for lunch, a passerby came had been admiring the bike and came in to ask the staff about it. One of the staff knows us and told the passerby to speak to us, as she knew we wouldn't mind. I think we made his day!

It's looking to be reasonable weather today. I'm busy this morning, but hopefully we can get out for a run in the 'wing this afternoon.

I think there's going to be tales aplenty from the pillion seat of this bike!

Saturday 19 September 2009

The new tourer

It's now been 7 months since the crash. Since he has been able to, my hubbie's been using my hornet. Until now he had neither the strength nor inclination to replace the Pan.

He's always aspired to the Honda Goldwing. I have no problem with that - a pillion seat that's potentially more comfortable than my car seat and a 1.8 litre flat 6 engine...need I say more???!!!

So, this is to be delivered on Friday...

Wednesday 16 September 2009

The offer

I had a call from my lawyer yesterday regarding the claim following on from the crash. All I can say is I was really surprised how much it was. It's a lot of money.

A bit of me feels a little odd and guilty about getting money I've not earned by "the sweat of my brow", but as both my nearest and dearest and lawyer have said I am entitled to it due to everything I've been through as a result of the crash. And I will also have a 5" scar and titanium plate for the rest of my life.

Well, the main thing is this is another step towards getting this whole incident out of the way. At least the insurers of the driver have done this and my lawyer isn't now advising me to take the case to court. I really didn't want to go down that road if I could help it.

Now, what to spend it on...?

Thursday 20 August 2009

Claim

Now my lawyer has received my medical report and photos my hubbie has taken of my scar, the claim is now being sent to the insurer's of the driver which pulled out in front of us.

They have been given 5 days - yes, 5 days. I was a bit surprised by that! - to make an offer. If none is forthcoming, court proceedings may be raised. I hope it doesn't come to that. I just want to get this behind me and move on. Until the claim is settled I won't feel I can move on properly.