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.

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!

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...

Suited and booted

In theory, I can now ride again. The Hornet's MOT'd and the consultant's given the go ahead. I've even replaced the kit that was damaged in the crash - helmet, jacket and trousers. Of course, the cost of those will be claimed against the insurers of the driver of the car that pulled out in front of us.

My hubbie and I don't need new boots or gloves as those weren't damaged at all as a result of the crash. I know of many people who think we should - "get another pair on their insurance" - but, despite it being the driver's fault, that just isn't the way we operate.

I haven't ridden yet. It's not that I don't want to but I lack strength in my left arm and occasionally get tingles and numbness in my left hand, especially if I've overstretched myself or done something I haven't done since the crash. That can be caused by something as simple as spooning rice pudding from a bowl - I kid you not!!! That's why I haven't riden yet. It's starting to look more and more likely I'll be getting another 125 to build up my confidence and strength before I get on a big bike again.

In other news, my hubbie's probably riding down to Carlisle tomorrow, to test ride a Goldwing. The Honda dealer down their is having an open day and there will be a Goldwing available for test. As the Goldwing is such an expensive bike and there's such a small market, no dealer keeps one for test rides. They have open days and Honda supplies the test bikes. Unfortunately, my hubbie's missed all the open days at the Scottish dealers. The only other way to get a test ride is if a dealer has a second hand model in but, again, none in Scotland have any at the moment.

It'll give the Hornet a good run - 120ish miles each way. Given it's only got 2400 miles on the clock (2002 model), it may be the longest run the bikes had. If he does go for the test ride (weather dependant, of course) at least then he'll know for sure that the Goldwing is the bike for him or not, as the case may be. If it is, he'll be more prepared to travel to buy a decent early model 1800. So, watch this space for updates on the search for the Pan replacement...