Friday 28 March 2008
Legal at Last
My new driving licence, with the motorcycle entitlement, arrived yesterday. At last, I'm legal. Roll on some good weather, so I can get out and ride!!!
Thursday 13 March 2008
Got there eventually
Today, I sat my bike test for the sixth time and, finally, passed. It wasn't so much of euphoria I felt, but relief that I had finally been able to show the examiner that I was capable of riding a motorbike.
My OH commented that I might need to change the name of this blog - I still think I'm a trainee biker. For a start, I am on a restricted licence, so I can't ride a bike with a power output above 33bhp. I am old enough to have done direct access, but lets face it, it took 6 attempts to pass on a 125. I'd have never got there on a big bike.
Now, as much as I really enjoy riding the EN125, and I can get it to 70mph (on a hill, with a following tailwind, while red lining the engine), I would like to get something will a little more power. I know there are restrictor kits out there, which restrict the bike to 33bhp, but I'm still not sure I'd be happy riding a big bike. I'm only wee and didn't think I've the confidence for a big bike.
I'll just have to save my pennies and keep an eye out for a nice 250 machine. In the meantime, I'll have fun on the EN. It was a great feeling taking the L plates off this afternoon!!!
My OH commented that I might need to change the name of this blog - I still think I'm a trainee biker. For a start, I am on a restricted licence, so I can't ride a bike with a power output above 33bhp. I am old enough to have done direct access, but lets face it, it took 6 attempts to pass on a 125. I'd have never got there on a big bike.
Now, as much as I really enjoy riding the EN125, and I can get it to 70mph (on a hill, with a following tailwind, while red lining the engine), I would like to get something will a little more power. I know there are restrictor kits out there, which restrict the bike to 33bhp, but I'm still not sure I'd be happy riding a big bike. I'm only wee and didn't think I've the confidence for a big bike.
I'll just have to save my pennies and keep an eye out for a nice 250 machine. In the meantime, I'll have fun on the EN. It was a great feeling taking the L plates off this afternoon!!!
Sunday 9 March 2008
The Scottish Motorbike Show
As members of the Pan Clan, my OH and I were helping to represent the club at the Scottish Motorbike Show. This was the first time we had been for 4 years. We know it was definitely 4 years ago, as it was 1 week before we got married. Anyway, the Clan had to be on site (the show is held next to Edinburgh airport) before 8:30, as the show opens at 9am and there shouldn't be any vehicle movements once the public start coming in (for obvious reasons).
The Pan Clan, we have now established, is the only club with an outside pitch. Okay, the outside pitches for owners' clubs and charties (Rider for Health were there selling raffle tickets to win a brand new Ducati 825, but I digress) may be free. Also, the last time my OH and I were there, there the site of the Pan Clan pitch was perfect, as there was a lot of stall holder/exhibitors/demonstrations etc going on beyond where the Clan had pitched, so anyone going to see those things had to pass the Pan Clan's pitch.b But, from what we (when I speak of we or us, I mean my OH and I) saw, the Pan Clan really need to re-think their strategy, however, I'll get back to that.
On Friday, some of the Clan went to set up a mini marquee, so at least we had somewhere to retreat to, because when the rain came on, it was with a vengeance! I can safely say yesterday wasn't the best day for us to go to the bike show, as the forecast was for showers (well, that's one expression for them!), but we had already promised to help his Mum with a couple of things and we need to get my bike back on the road, so it was yesterday or not at all.
Once the Clan was set up, some of the members went to have a look around the show. We stayed, in case interested parties came along, but the heavens opened, so we were in the marquee (by the way, when I say mini marquee, I mean large tent, it's the labels on the article that described it as such, anyway, back to the story), watching the path at the front of the "tent" turn into a burn (small stream for those of you reading outwith Scotland). During this time, no-one was outside; even some of the burger van staff had headed inside.
During a "dry" spell, we went into the show and could believe what was saw. I don't known the names of the buildings, but the first one we went into had a balcony and the last time we were there it was full. This time it was totally empty. That building had the classic bikes and, if it wasn't for them, it would have pretty much been empty. The classic bikes were stunning, though. I'm always particularly impressed with any classic vehicle that's still being used for it's intended purpose, even if only on high days and holidays, and many of the classic bikes are still being ridden. I really think it's such a waste when a vehicle becomes a trailer queen. Someone's spent a lot of time, effort and money getting the machine up and running, but it goes onto the back on the trailer, it driven to a shown, placed on special carpet (I kid you know, I've seen it and, sometimes it's better stuff than I have in my house), but never used. What a same, but that's my personal opinion.
Back to the show. The other building (yes, there were only 2 building in use this year), had representation directly from the all the major manufacturers, showcasing their products, except Honda. There was a very small, corner plot representing Honda, but it was backed by two of the local dealers, not Honda itself. I know this irked some of the Clan, but I think it's partly what Honda expects their dealers to do and partly the Scottish show isn't important at all. I know that won't go down to well, but it's the truth.
From my point of view, the whole show was less about family motorbike related entertainment and more to do with selling products/services to the punters. The show cost £15 to get into (£12 is you paid in advance). Apart from 1 stunt rider outside, there was very little entertainment. Okay, so it was easier to compare bikes at something like that, as they (almost all) were in one place, but to play £15 to be sold things. If I'm interested in buying a new motorbike, say, I'll go online to research the market and have a rough idea of what I want, then go to the appropriate dealer to have a look at that bike. The same goes for helmets and any other bike related kit. But, I hear some of you say, often the stalls sell products at a discount rate. From what I saw, that may have been the case, but the saving wouldn't have covered the cost of the admission fee, parking and fuel to get to the show. Besides, the wonders of the web is you can shop around there for the best deal.
And another thing, it was appalling to see that some organisations seem to think that in the early 21st century they need brolly dollies - scantily clad women - to sell their products. Now, some of the organisations that felt this was necessary had hired women who appeared to be professional models. In some respects, I think good on them, as at least they are being paid a decent wage to be there. However, worse was the organisations which had bought their female staff very short skirts, lace stocking and the like (or even worse, hot pants and bra), to attract the punters. If your goods and/or services are that good, you shouldn't need to do that. Personally, if I worked for such an organisation, they would be told were to stick their job and I would take them to an employment tribunal for constructive dismissal. My OH was a union rep in a former life and knows that with the right evidence, in that situation I would win.
So, will I be back to the show. Not for the foreseeable future. From what I have gathered, the show was much better before Motorcycle News took it over. Also, their charges are high, so it's less worth stall holders time/hassle etc being there, so less for the paying public to see. They then don't go, so less stall holders turn up and the show just gets less and less popular. I'm just glad we didn't have to pay. It definitely wasn't worth £30. My OH commented he'd have rather spent £30 on something from Forth Gear and hung about their shop all day. Colin and Jackie are a good laugh, the shop's very well stocked and we would have had something worth £30 to show for it. Oh, well, I just hope some of you read this before the show and maybe you'll think twice about wasting your well earned cash.
The Pan Clan, we have now established, is the only club with an outside pitch. Okay, the outside pitches for owners' clubs and charties (Rider for Health were there selling raffle tickets to win a brand new Ducati 825, but I digress) may be free. Also, the last time my OH and I were there, there the site of the Pan Clan pitch was perfect, as there was a lot of stall holder/exhibitors/demonstrations etc going on beyond where the Clan had pitched, so anyone going to see those things had to pass the Pan Clan's pitch.b But, from what we (when I speak of we or us, I mean my OH and I) saw, the Pan Clan really need to re-think their strategy, however, I'll get back to that.
On Friday, some of the Clan went to set up a mini marquee, so at least we had somewhere to retreat to, because when the rain came on, it was with a vengeance! I can safely say yesterday wasn't the best day for us to go to the bike show, as the forecast was for showers (well, that's one expression for them!), but we had already promised to help his Mum with a couple of things and we need to get my bike back on the road, so it was yesterday or not at all.
Once the Clan was set up, some of the members went to have a look around the show. We stayed, in case interested parties came along, but the heavens opened, so we were in the marquee (by the way, when I say mini marquee, I mean large tent, it's the labels on the article that described it as such, anyway, back to the story), watching the path at the front of the "tent" turn into a burn (small stream for those of you reading outwith Scotland). During this time, no-one was outside; even some of the burger van staff had headed inside.
During a "dry" spell, we went into the show and could believe what was saw. I don't known the names of the buildings, but the first one we went into had a balcony and the last time we were there it was full. This time it was totally empty. That building had the classic bikes and, if it wasn't for them, it would have pretty much been empty. The classic bikes were stunning, though. I'm always particularly impressed with any classic vehicle that's still being used for it's intended purpose, even if only on high days and holidays, and many of the classic bikes are still being ridden. I really think it's such a waste when a vehicle becomes a trailer queen. Someone's spent a lot of time, effort and money getting the machine up and running, but it goes onto the back on the trailer, it driven to a shown, placed on special carpet (I kid you know, I've seen it and, sometimes it's better stuff than I have in my house), but never used. What a same, but that's my personal opinion.
Back to the show. The other building (yes, there were only 2 building in use this year), had representation directly from the all the major manufacturers, showcasing their products, except Honda. There was a very small, corner plot representing Honda, but it was backed by two of the local dealers, not Honda itself. I know this irked some of the Clan, but I think it's partly what Honda expects their dealers to do and partly the Scottish show isn't important at all. I know that won't go down to well, but it's the truth.
From my point of view, the whole show was less about family motorbike related entertainment and more to do with selling products/services to the punters. The show cost £15 to get into (£12 is you paid in advance). Apart from 1 stunt rider outside, there was very little entertainment. Okay, so it was easier to compare bikes at something like that, as they (almost all) were in one place, but to play £15 to be sold things. If I'm interested in buying a new motorbike, say, I'll go online to research the market and have a rough idea of what I want, then go to the appropriate dealer to have a look at that bike. The same goes for helmets and any other bike related kit. But, I hear some of you say, often the stalls sell products at a discount rate. From what I saw, that may have been the case, but the saving wouldn't have covered the cost of the admission fee, parking and fuel to get to the show. Besides, the wonders of the web is you can shop around there for the best deal.
And another thing, it was appalling to see that some organisations seem to think that in the early 21st century they need brolly dollies - scantily clad women - to sell their products. Now, some of the organisations that felt this was necessary had hired women who appeared to be professional models. In some respects, I think good on them, as at least they are being paid a decent wage to be there. However, worse was the organisations which had bought their female staff very short skirts, lace stocking and the like (or even worse, hot pants and bra), to attract the punters. If your goods and/or services are that good, you shouldn't need to do that. Personally, if I worked for such an organisation, they would be told were to stick their job and I would take them to an employment tribunal for constructive dismissal. My OH was a union rep in a former life and knows that with the right evidence, in that situation I would win.
So, will I be back to the show. Not for the foreseeable future. From what I have gathered, the show was much better before Motorcycle News took it over. Also, their charges are high, so it's less worth stall holders time/hassle etc being there, so less for the paying public to see. They then don't go, so less stall holders turn up and the show just gets less and less popular. I'm just glad we didn't have to pay. It definitely wasn't worth £30. My OH commented he'd have rather spent £30 on something from Forth Gear and hung about their shop all day. Colin and Jackie are a good laugh, the shop's very well stocked and we would have had something worth £30 to show for it. Oh, well, I just hope some of you read this before the show and maybe you'll think twice about wasting your well earned cash.
Monday 3 March 2008
What's that burning smell??!!
A couple of weeks ago, I was going to Kirkcaldy, to help with the Wednesday lunches my church serve. As it was a dry day and I only needed to transport myself, I decided to take my bike.
The church has a car park at the front, but it's gravel (there is a large majority of bikers who will avoid gravel like the plague). I managed to get the bike parked on the concrete path next to it, but my foot slipped on some gravel I hadn't noticed. The bike didn't fall so much as I realised I couldn't hold it up, so horizontally parked it.
It couldn't stay like that (obviously), but I managed to get the bike back in a vertical position with a little pushing and heaving. I have been told there's women out there who can pick up a Goldwing on their own. Well, bully for them!!! Besides, there isn't very many places on my bike that I can get a handhold to make things easy.
I digress though...
Once I'd done my bit at the lunches, I headed for home. Throughout the journey, I could have sworn I could smell something burning. I stopped about halfway along the road, but couldn't find anything (admittedly, I didn't get off the bike). I found the problem once I got home and I was changing out of my bike kit. Can you see the problem?
Yip, I had managed to melt my trousers (note the £1 coin, for scale). I don't know how I managed it, but I must have knocked against the hot exhaust when I was picking up my bike. Fortunately, I was wearing my bike boots, otherwise the melted plastic fabric would have adhered to my leg. Now, I definitely would have known all about that...
I thought I might have to buy a new pair of bike trousers, as the melted bit was threatening to run, but my OH used a bit of the bag my bike cover came in to patch them. He's made such a good job that it's barely noticeable and, if anyone did notice, it looks like a bit of re-enforcement. That saved me £100ish. Just as well my OH's good with a needle and thread - a button is my only sewing prowess.
Looking back at my posts, you would think I'm either really careless or unlucky. Unlucky, I hope. I also hope my luck's turning...
The church has a car park at the front, but it's gravel (there is a large majority of bikers who will avoid gravel like the plague). I managed to get the bike parked on the concrete path next to it, but my foot slipped on some gravel I hadn't noticed. The bike didn't fall so much as I realised I couldn't hold it up, so horizontally parked it.
It couldn't stay like that (obviously), but I managed to get the bike back in a vertical position with a little pushing and heaving. I have been told there's women out there who can pick up a Goldwing on their own. Well, bully for them!!! Besides, there isn't very many places on my bike that I can get a handhold to make things easy.
I digress though...
Once I'd done my bit at the lunches, I headed for home. Throughout the journey, I could have sworn I could smell something burning. I stopped about halfway along the road, but couldn't find anything (admittedly, I didn't get off the bike). I found the problem once I got home and I was changing out of my bike kit. Can you see the problem?
Yip, I had managed to melt my trousers (note the £1 coin, for scale). I don't know how I managed it, but I must have knocked against the hot exhaust when I was picking up my bike. Fortunately, I was wearing my bike boots, otherwise the melted plastic fabric would have adhered to my leg. Now, I definitely would have known all about that...
I thought I might have to buy a new pair of bike trousers, as the melted bit was threatening to run, but my OH used a bit of the bag my bike cover came in to patch them. He's made such a good job that it's barely noticeable and, if anyone did notice, it looks like a bit of re-enforcement. That saved me £100ish. Just as well my OH's good with a needle and thread - a button is my only sewing prowess.
Looking back at my posts, you would think I'm either really careless or unlucky. Unlucky, I hope. I also hope my luck's turning...
Saturday 1 March 2008
Riders for Health
Let me introduce you to a great charity. Riders for Health. They provide health care workers, in Africa , with reliable transport solutions. Mainly, these take the form of motorbikes. Given the "road network" (I use that phrase in the loosest possible sense - I've walked significantly better quality footpaths), these are the most effective modes of transports. The models that riders provide are specifically designed for the African market, so are cheap and easy to maintain.
That's the key to Riders' success - maintenance of the fleet. All the health care workers are trained to ride their bikes on the harshest of these roads; shown how to do daily checks and roadside repairs. They are also supplied with the appropriate safety clothing. On top of all of this, Riders also has workshop garages, where mechanics take care of the servicing and more major repairs of the fleet (I say fleet as, in some areas, they also provide 4x4s). The mechanics are locally trained, so it helps with the economy.
One of the best items Riders provides, I personally think, is something they've called an Uhuru. this is a motorbike and sidecar combination, but the sidecar is a stretcher, effectively making the Uhuru an ambulance. It gets better, though. The Uhuru can also be fitted with a water pump, operated off the back wheel, thus providing the area the it's visiting with safe, clean water. Joined up thinking, or what?
My church is currently fundraising for Riders, with the aim of donating at least 1 motorbike. It's amazing how taken with the whole idea of the scheme people are. I even know people who I would describe as not totally anti-bike, but certainly not pro-bike, who think Riders work is amazing. If you watched Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in "Long Way Down", you would have seen just how great Riders' work is, and just how challenging the riding is.
Well, that's my plug - for an organisation I really admire. Click on the link at the side for more information.
That's the key to Riders' success - maintenance of the fleet. All the health care workers are trained to ride their bikes on the harshest of these roads; shown how to do daily checks and roadside repairs. They are also supplied with the appropriate safety clothing. On top of all of this, Riders also has workshop garages, where mechanics take care of the servicing and more major repairs of the fleet (I say fleet as, in some areas, they also provide 4x4s). The mechanics are locally trained, so it helps with the economy.
One of the best items Riders provides, I personally think, is something they've called an Uhuru. this is a motorbike and sidecar combination, but the sidecar is a stretcher, effectively making the Uhuru an ambulance. It gets better, though. The Uhuru can also be fitted with a water pump, operated off the back wheel, thus providing the area the it's visiting with safe, clean water. Joined up thinking, or what?
My church is currently fundraising for Riders, with the aim of donating at least 1 motorbike. It's amazing how taken with the whole idea of the scheme people are. I even know people who I would describe as not totally anti-bike, but certainly not pro-bike, who think Riders work is amazing. If you watched Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in "Long Way Down", you would have seen just how great Riders' work is, and just how challenging the riding is.
Well, that's my plug - for an organisation I really admire. Click on the link at the side for more information.
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