Day out to the sea side.

Took the bike and Julie down to Bournemouth on Sunday, Dan was at cadet camp and Tash off with Simon so on our own, decided not to have Sunday lunch at home, Julies idea to go out on the bike. Went to Hobbycraft and garden centre first, then headed for the beach. It was very busy at the pier, quieter as we walked down towards Poole.



Had a nice lunch at Harry Ramsdens famous fish and chip shop on the seafront, walked along the beach and then checked out the pleasure gardens.



Dans away at cadet camp, last week he came home form sports leadership training with the beginnings of an idea to go back to college, and get a part time job.



Been doing a lot of radio stuff, training mostly. Also busy at work with the big launch at IBC........

Sorry, been gone for ages'''''''

No excuses, except been pretty busy.

Doug let me ride his 1930's Velocette today....and I ache already, only went out for 10 minutes.

Plan is to book the Velo and another of Doug's bikes in to Popham Airfield bike show on August 22nd, should be fun!

Classic Motorbike Video...

Popped down to the car park in Ludgershall to see the guys going to the Wilts Steam Rally at Oare on Sunday, and this is what I found....

Hey I'm back.....

Got lots to tell you about, but meanwhile here's a decent pic of a Honda Africa Twin...

Dilema??

I think I need a new project to give me something to think about, I keep looking at other bikes! Now that the S10 has been equipped and used for the Bala trip I don't have any reason to pull it apart (except that it now vibrates at 50mph plus). What to do?

Above pic is me on the campsite at Bala on the Super Tenere, it did 40mpg (is that good or bad) loaded up and did not cause me any problems at all, 70mph with ease on the motorway, 40-50mph elsewhere. So why change it? Well there is the vibration that I mentioned earlier, and those exhaust downpipes and the head problem will bite me eventually. What's it used for? A few miles to work and back, hardly justifies the power of the bike, took it to Andy's last time, no real reason for that, it was OK on the motorway but not my favourite place. Dan goes on the back to Cadets from time to time, Julie's been on it once..

This Silver RE Trials lives in London, reserve price is 1,250.00 pounds.

This Silver RE Trials lives in Essex, currently at 560.00 pounds, 9 days to go. These are both 350's, will they be powerful enough? And can I cope with kick-starting again?

This Black RE is a bit unusual, quite old (1989), obviously a bit of a "bitsa", could easily be a trail bike version, new tyres, handlebars. Would really also need new front wheel and exhaust to make a trial bike, so not really so good an option. Currently at 210.00 pounds with days to go, in Stourbridge, 100 miles away (Birmingham).

This one bothers me, could be made into a nice trials bike, was on at 100.00 pounds, now at 455.00 pounds (just shot up to 700.00 pounds plus, well out of my reach!) finishes today at 1.55pm. It's a lot of money to spend on a rough non runner, but the others shown on this page will go a lot higher. Ebay has a lot to answer for!

Wyke Down Spring Vehicle Meet, 23rd May...

Went to the Wyke Down meet on Sunday, boy was it hot! The sun beat down as the cars and bikes cooked in the field. Went by car first with Dan and his mate Ian, then went back by bike, just so I could park it there for half an hour.

We think the rusty bike is a V-Twin ex-WD Harley Davidson "45", the white one is a "Flatrack" style Yamaha XS650, and the cool dude on the Harley is me (well, not really, it's what I would like to look like!).

We had a great few hours looking at the jumble, before giving up due to the heat. Julie went to Romsey to visit some garden centres, when we all got back we just sat in the garden trying to cool down...

My goodness it's been a while!!!!

...since I last did this blog, I need to update you on my trip to Bala, Wales with the Super Tenere Forum, but not now. What I want to show you is my work colleague Doug's latest purchase, which has just arrived in from Australia!











He tell's me it is a: "1912 (ish) Healing "Precision", from Melbourne, Aus. Healings built up bought-in engines, (in this case a 3 1/2HP, 500cc Precision engine) into their own frames. They also sold on to other would-be motorcycle dealers, and the Aussie Military. Apart from spokes, controls and a saddle top, surprisingly it's all there".

Best of luck to him is all I can say!

I am watching this, the owners not sure if it is a Bullet or a Clipper, either way it's a 350, and a bit of a mess (or what we would call a "project").....

Here's a nice little Enfield, on Ebay at 255.00. Most of them now go for over 1000.00. The last one that I put on the blog is up to 800.00 already, and not finished yet.

Not sure why I keep looking at Enfields all the time, guess I like the idea of "pottering" around. Certainly don't use the speed and power of my S10. It's loaded with luggage now, will find out I guess when I go camping on it this weekend if the S10 is for me, or will it be another Bullet sometime in the future?

Here's the Ebay description:

This is a 1981 350 Royal Enfield Bullet. It has 12 months MOT from last week, and the V5 is present. This bike has recently been refurbished and had a lot of new stuff on it. Its been fitted with a later tank and guards which make it look quite fresh and up to date. In addition its had new seat, shocks, wheels, new Amal carb costing over £100, exhaust etc etc etc. The exhaust is a bot throaty as well, and as a result of the new carb and less restrictive silencer, this bike pulls and runs remarkably well for a basic 350, ideal for running round locally on. The bike has been laid up since 2001 and the last MOT certificate from that period showed 7500 miles on it, and it has several older certificates to show the mileage year by year. So, its not a high mileage bike, and looks quite fresh and new and has been sorted out, and runs really well. All the electrics work and its charging OK. Tyres and brakes are all good. Chrome work is good, new wheels etc make it look very fresh. So, its a nice old 350 Enfield, which has recently been re-commissioned, and is now ready to go. Looks newer than it is, but the joy of these old Enfields is that you can just keep re-vamping them with all the stuff that is available for them now. This bike will probably run on for years to come yet and be a great cheep little summer bike. Ideal starter classic, or ideal to run round your local village on.

Well the Focus passed the MOT...

...WITHOUT needing a thing done to it! Quite a few advisories, though, including the headlamps (they are plastic so perhaps they are fogging over), rust (in the floor), brake pipes, exhaust bits. But nothing to actually fail it on. So I have taxed it (205 pounds now!) for another year, and will buy a new electric window for the drivers side soon.

Yesteday (Tuesday) went to the docs, got a book list and a list of courses for my troubles, not really worth it. Also fixed up the front of Julies "studio" with new wood, the old stuff had bent and buckled in the sun and the insulation was showing, wanted to sort it before it rained. Also fitted luggage to bike, and then we had a BBQ, us four plus Nan and Dan's mate Ian.

Off to work for a day today, Army presentation tonite, half day tomorrow and then it's serious bike packing time before setting off to Wales Friday morning. Excited and worried at the same time if that is possible!

Update, end April 2010

This is on Ebay for just over 500 pounds with three days to go, bit of a mixture of road bike and trail bike, I like it though.
Well I am off for a few days, catching up, Focus MOT today and as usual nervous, will report back later. Been busy on Super Tenere getting ready for the forum's big meet this Friday-Monday, in Bala, Wales. Added a top box and built some pannier/racks, also changed the rear calliper for one that works(!).

Found this picture of me as a scout leader when I was sorting out camera memory cards, it was at one of the Tomers camps, and looks like it was late on in the week, I look a bit rough!

Must go, supposed to be doing my banking and then taking the car to MOT. Will report later on how the day went......

Trilogy Telikou Videos featuring Castledown Radio

Been busy (as usual), today I was testing a heap of the Telikou 2 wire stuff for a job, and I used Castledown Radio's streaming audio as the programme source. Show is the Drive Show with Baz Reilly. Thanks and well done Baz!
Other than that been working on the 'bike, off to Wales Friday week, excited and concerned at the same time. Lot's to do, car (Focus) MOT on Monday, fingers crossed, taking some time off to get everything ready for my trip, then off to Italy afterwards.
Airlineshave been grounded because of a volcano in Iceland, if we had of gone to NAB (Las Vegas) we would have been stuck for an additional week, but we didn't, first time in years I've not gone.

Oh Well, still got IBC Amsterdam to look forward to!

Catching up (yet again!)

Well the Easter weekend has been and gone and it was a mixture of cold/wet/windy and half decent! Julie and I decided to go to the New Forest over Easter, Dan was away on Cadet camp and Tash had some plans of her own (which did not happen in the end). We had a nice B&B for Friday and Saturday night at Milford-on-Sea, http://www.briantcroft.co.uk/suites.htm, which is down on the coast opposite the Isle of Wight. We managed to enjoy ourselves, went out to dinner one night and stayed in the next.

Went to the New Forest Wildlife Park on the way home, got home Sunday evening via the mayfly for tea (nice but expensive!). Dan was back Monday afternoon, and Tash turned up late Monday, she went to work Tuesday and ended up ill so came home.

Dan's got proper Army selection again today/tomorrow, so by Friday evening we will know if he is in the Army or not. As I said in the last blog, half of me hopes he gets in, half of me does not!

So, what's next? Been putting some luggage on the bike for the trip to Bala in Wales at the end of the month, also been using my new boots, which take longer to put on and take off but have much better soles and are probably more water-proof (also bought a one-piece water-proof suit, not tried it yet). Brought the bike in to work Tuesday and Wednesday, Tuesday it ran fine, Wednesday it stopped (seemed to run out of fuel), eventually started again on reserve, filled it up (petrol up again to 1.22.9 per litre), popped and banged but got me home.

Bit's and pieces at work, next trip is booked for early May, other than that just busy. Test Valley Business Awards next week, Army presentation later in the month, mainly as I said bit's and pieces.



Bikes a BSA Bantam D14B, languishing on Ebay with no bids for 350.00 pounds. Must say I am tempted, not sure why! It would not be able to replace the S10, nor would it be anywhere as good as my old Enfield! What I really need is a cheap Enfield project...bit like this one really, just up on Ebay from Hitchcocks, an Indian import, not UK registered, starting at 500.00 pounds...

Great weather!!

Wow, the weather's all over the place! Yesterday I was out in the car getting roasted by the sun (and I can't open my drivers side window!), today it is raining/windy/thunder and very dark! It's horrid!!!

Yesterday stopped off and put two new tyres on the rear of the Focus, so now I have four new tyres. MOT is due end April. Rear end is getting decidedly rusty!

And we decided to go away for a couple of days at Easter so I have booked a B&B (without the B for breakfast, it's sort of a self catering B&B!) at New Milton On Sea. Not far away, just me and Julie. Hope the weathers not like this!

Tonite I will go and record the Vooce of Shipton Bellinger, tomorrow I am off work, supposedly looking at Tashies brakes (depends on the weather), and/or my bike (still needs putting back together with the new regulator and luggage etc).

Sunday off away until Thursday am. Dan's on Easter camp from Thursday evening through to Monday, then he has selection for the Army on the 8th/9th April. Half of me hopes he gets in and half of me doesn't.

Fingers crossed for the next couple of weeks....


The RE? It's for sale in the USA and it reminds me a lot of my one. I wish I still had it! Keep looking at EBAY but nothing cheap these days...not even piles of rubbish!

Last few days travels...

Been away for a few days early last week, went up the tower in the picture while I was there, had lunch, very nice!

Been fitting in bits of work on the bike, fitted and tested the new regulator, then had to move it to the front of the bike, would not fit under the side-cover! Still finishing that off and trying to sort out luggage for the S10 meet, which is the end of April.

Also got to get two new tyres, can't get the Maxxis that I bought, out of stock! Also got to bleed tashies brakes.

Last Thursday night was the Community Awards, CRVG was nominated but Rick Young was nominated and got a shield! Well done Rick, he deserves it. Friday was crap, work in the morning, migraine/sick in the afternoon! Saturday took Julie to Olympia 2 for a craft show and then went to Essex, went out with Chris, then on Sunday with Mum, Julie, Dan & Tom to Barlylands. Nice weekend.

Been a bit rainy these last couple of days, sun's out now though!

Off again on Sunday, back Thursday morning in time for Easter.


Bye for now.....

Just a quickie...

Been away for a week, went to CABSAT, a trade show in Dubai, with the boss. We stayed at the Novotel which is on the exhibition site, went across the creek by local boat whch is allways fun, and had one evening out at the Jurmia Beach hotel for dinner, which was ok. Other than that it was intense, show opened at 11am and closed at 7pm, not much time for anything else.

Been doing other things as well, may need to come back and update this entry, bit low on battery! Wednesday Dan passed his pre-acceptance run-time for the Army, another intervies next week on Friday then I guess a go at proper acceptance. Went out in the Uk on Thursday, which was an adventure in itself, which involved changing hire cars, for a reason I would rather not explain! Thursday night we had a radio volunteers meeting, which went well.

Next Monday-Wednesday I am travelling again, this time with Graham, and Thursday night we (Castledown Radio Volunteers Group) have been nominated for an award at the Community Awards 2009/2010. Today, after radio, finally sorted Tashies brakes, sorted two fence panels at Margarets, and glued three of her chairs! Nice, sunny day today.

Mothering Sunday tomorrow, will be going out with all the ladies for lunch.

New Super Tenere....

This is the lovely new Super Tenere XT1200Z, First Edition, launched earlier this week by Yamaha. I still havn't seen any prices, not that I could ever afford one! My poor bike is stripped again in the garage, it blew it's main fuse on Sunday, when I was trying to go to Thruxton, to see the Thruxton Academy training guy's. Had to push it back, lucky it was only a couple of hundred yards.

General theory is the regulator has gone poof, does this a lot, so the forum members say. 50.00 quid for a new one, an Electrex RR98, which is much better.

Going back a bit, last week we attended BVE, a broadcast show in Earls Court, London. Andy and I drove the kit up on Monday and built the stand, then I did Tuesday with Ian and came back. Wednesday Barry and Ian did it, then I did it with Barry, Andy, Malcolm and Daniel on Thursday, before we broke it all down and sat in traffic on the way back.

Friday the kit was re-packed for shipment to Dubai, where we go next, for CABSAT.

Then I took Monday and Tuesday off, spent a bit of time working on fitting our new inner front door, which I have been painting on and off all week. Did two training sessions with Simon Davis this week in the evenings, and recorded the VOSB last night.

Wednesday Dan had another go at his timed run for Army entry, and another interview. passed everything except the run!

Hope to put the door up Saturday, afer radio show and seeing Roy about the Ludgershall in bloom competition. Exciting life, huh! Julie is off to a craft show in Newbury, and Dan is away at a mates, so I will be all on my lonesome.....

So Sunday Barry and I fly off to Dubai for a week in a hot, smelly exhibition centre, we are staying on the show site, so not much chance of going anywhere. Oh well. Will be back Friday 5th, in time to finish off Tashies brakes with new brake drums, if I can shift the bearings.....

Will try and blog next week if I can.

Bike is a pretty little BSA Bantam, stuck at 350.00 quid with no bids. Funnily enough it's in Shoeburyness, Essex. Nice, isn't it....

Julies Birthday Weekend........

Just had Julie's birthday weekend, which really started last Thursday when my mum arrived, 1st surprise! Friday Julie, her sister, her mum and my mum went out to a craft place, Saturday my brother and his girlfriend came over from Essex, and we all went to the Amesbury Archer for dinner.

Sunday I had invited friends and neighbours over during the afternoon, and most of them made it. Also my sister came over from Essex, and her boyfriend and Tom, her son. We had food, mainly from Tesco's, and a great time was had by all.

Monday I had to go up to London for a trade show (BVE 2010), which opened on Tuesday. Came home late Tuesday, day in the office today, and back up there Thursday to finish the show off and bring all the kit back. Friday have to re-pack it for CABSAT by 2pm!

Will be exhausted by the weekend, we are invited to Kate and Graham's for tea on Saturday, which should be fun!




The bike is a BSA Bantam D3 Major, somewhat in need of restoration!

Stunning Bike Riding in Snow video........

Winter in Finland - Way to Home from -W- on Vimeo.

Well worth a watch, and turn the sound on, too!

Fairly quiet weekend....

Bit of a quiet weekend, really, Saturday Julie and I tidied up the borders in the garden and in the afternoon we went to Andover on the motorbike! Julie was very brave, she does have trouble getting on and off! I've forgotten what I did Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon I went out on the S10 and got it muddy up over Salisbury Plain, having a bit of off-road practice in case our road run's in Wales with the forum get a bit rough.

Been reading the "Road to Gobblers Knob", by Geoff Hill, which is the story of his ride on the Pan-American highway. So far it's been amusing but not great, got to the bit this morning where he fell off at 60 mph when he entered a bend to fast. He managed to wreck the front of the bike (a Triumph Tiger) and loose a heck of a lot of skin from various places, but luckily he was wearing a helmet and jacket. The books not as good as the Ted Simon one's that I read last year/this year, but I will finish it.

Building up to both BVE and CABSAT shows at work, so lot's to do. Day trip to London on Tuesday, prospecting.

This picture is a lovely Triumph Tiger trail bike that's on Ebay, up around 500 quid already. It looks a super bike, although not road legal. Just what I want for a bit of gentle green-lane-riding. My S10 is far too big! maybe one day I will get something like it....




Anyway, must get back to work, more soon.....

MOT passed, thank god!

Well I took the S10 in today, and got the MOT re-test on the way in. And it snowed! Now it's horrid and wet and raining. Oh well....

Good day at work, so far anyway. The big order came in, total 99,955.17. Pretty good, huh. Had a staff meeting where it was announced by the boss.

More radio training tonite, to be honest I am blowing cold on it at the moment, probably just a bit low. Oh well....

Julie's arm/shoulder is worse, really painful. Went to the pub last night, had two beers, it was very weird.

Anyway, onwards and upwards.....

Happy Birthday to me...

Well it was my birthday today, 51st, I started this blog when I was leading up to my 50th, doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself! Pretty low-key day (on purpose), so I thought I would list what I got for my birthday:

* I-Pod dock/spkr (see picture), gives excellent sound for a little tube thingy, picture shows it with a I-Pod phone, I am using it (right now) with my I-Pod Nano that the wife bought me for Christmas. Bought by Julie and Tash.

* James May's Toy Story book, based on the TV series but with heaps more information, excellent! Bought by Julie.

* Ministry of Sound Electronic 80's Anthems CD, bought by Tash, and playing now on my I-Pod.

* The Road to Gobblers Knob, motorbike journey book, bought by me, from Dan.

* Yamaha Super Tenere Hi Viz jacket, bought by me, from Dan.

* Money from both mum and nan, already bought some new trainers, the others had just gone through the bottom's. Went into town this morning and bought them while Julie was in the hospital.

* Cards from everyone including Chris and Helen.

Dan's been out all day, Tashie is at the vets with the rabbit, so decided to stay in tonite. Julies got tea on, smells lovely (minted chop's!). Back to work in the morning, might take the bike in for MOT re-test if the weather is kind.

Will let you know how I get on....

Nice little BSA...

Here's a nice little red BSA Bantam, on Ebay for 410 pounds, with 11 hours to go.

And here's another one, or at least parts of more than one, for 175.00 pounds. I would rather have the red one, although I expect the price to go a lot higher as the bidding ends.

Had a go at fixing the S10 yesterday, I think I have done it, lot's of trial and error with washers (both metal and rubber) but hopefully the handlebars are stiff enough now to pass the MOT. The reflector came yesterday and it was stuck on within minutes. Planning to take Monday off (it's my birthday, don't tell anyone), will try and re-test S10 on Tuesday. Still need to fix puncture, but I want it MOTed first. If/when it passes must get some new pictures and post them up.

Still looking at luggage for the bike on Ebay for my trip to Wales. got a few months yet (end of April), so not too rushed. February will fly by, though, what with Julie's 50th birthday and two shows (well, one in Feb and then fly out at the end of Feb for CABSAT in Dubai).

Yesterday (Saturday) was sunny but COLD, so flaming cold, today looks really frosty out so I guess it will be much the same.

Well I suppose I had better get on.....

S10 failed MOT....

Well it failed, but not on what I had expected! The rubber handlebar mounts are missing a washer on one side and have got far too loose, and the rear reflector is missing! Went back to work after the MOT and a colleague noticed that the front tyre was going down. Bugger! It seems to have a developed a slow puncture during the MOT, and the garage are not having anything to do with it. I shall have to take the front wheel off and get it fixed, sort of the handlebar mounts, have already bought a reflector.

Bit busy at work with kit, demo's and other stuff, Ian's away on business so I get his email as well. Radio wise we had a couple of training sessions on telephone interviews which were good fun. Interviewed Chris about 1300E owners club, it was good. Needs editing and then may publish on the E club site.

Licence app has gone off (again) for CR, with me and Wellington Academy as company directors. Let's hope it works out OK this time.

Picture is an Enfield Twin, the owner restored it in the 70's. Nice picture of a nice bike.

My birthday on Monday 1st, decided to take the day off, nothing special but I do have rather a lot of leave to use up. Julie's 50th in two weeks, so lot's to do.

Hopefully will get time to work on the bike over the weekend, have two weeks to get it sorted and back to MOT re-test.




Second pic is an old magazine cover that Chris put on Flicker, it's just so evocative of a different age, I love it.


Must go....

Catch-up

Been a while since the last blog, one minute I am on it every day, then nothing for a week! Weathers been better with no snow, more expected later this week. Been real busy editing and adding sound effects to the Bellinger Players panto we recorded in December, it went out on air last Friday/Saturday. Baz liked it!

Bikes been to work yesterday, when I cam to come home the choke of all things was stuck closed, it was hard to start. Went out last night and took the tank off and managed to spray the choke mechanism with oil to get it freed off. Put it all back together, now it's as ready as it will ever be for the MOT!

Predicted problem points include the exhaust downpipes (I have replacements but the bolts in the head are a real mess and I don't know how I would get them out!) and the rear brake, which is more-or-less seized. Again, I have a replacement calliper but I can't undo the brake fluid cable connector on the one fitted to change it. If it fails I might have to get a braided cable and try and undo it at the other end. Will book it in today.

Other than that money's tight, Julie's 50th next month, and lot's of other bills. Dan's got another pre-selection test today, and it's very frosty. He needs to crack the run time to get put forward for selection. Work's busy, heading for a good year end in Broadcast but an awful one in NC2, so overall it's hard times.

Other than that Tash is back, and no longer going out with Dean, both the cat and the rabbit have lost clumps of fur, and Julie has a bad BAD shoulder that wakes her up. My birthday next Monday, I've bought what I want from Julie and Tash, tell you about it next time....

By the way, the red S10 with luggage is on Ebay at 950.00 pounds, with 7 days to go. Looks in really good condition....

Out on the S10

Afon Tryweryn near Bala on a quiet day




Managed to get the hand guards on the S10 yesterday, and re-fitted the wheel after the tyre was fitted on Friday. Went out for 20 minutes, bikes fine, I've just become very nervous of the roads being slippery after the snow (which has all gone now, at least until Wednesday, they say). Might need to change the rear brake caliper and look at headlight allignment before the MOT.

The S10 Forum meeting has been confirmed as follows:

Super Ténéré Owners Forum 2010 Meeting
Ty Isaf Campsite, Bala, Gwynedd, Wales. LL23 7PP
30th April – 3rd May 2010
Tickets are available at £27 (reduction on twin tickets)
If anyone requires information about the meet please use this email only:
xtz2010@xtz750.com.

Looking forward to it, need to get some luggage together for the bike, and pass the MOT!