Sunday, 19 September 2010
New arrival.
Right. I know that in the darkness of my room at 3:30am Ill awake, shaking, covered in sweat and screaming as the realisation of the epic adventure that is soon to unfold infront of me sinks in. Im sure I have nothing to worry about. However, the the thoughts of foreign terrain, foreign people and foreign experiences are a little daunting when you've never actually ridden a bike before. My CBT is approaching and maybe it'll be more exciting and less shit ya pants scary once Im actually riding. Johns worried that I wont enjoy riding but if Im honest it wont matter. This, for me, is an adventure. Having known John for 14 years and Teggert for, Im not actually sure as i have a hazy, drink fueled recolection of a dry humored individual talking in depth about the vast expanse of the universe, I'm confident that I shall be supported and ridiculed appropriately. Am I going to manage this? I know so. Will I enjoy it? We'll see. Much love. Maddison out.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
We're getting some buffeting!
Went to sleep last night to the sound of the rain, woke up this morning to the sound of the wind. I don't care, I'm using the bike for work today. I'm working 7 days this week, this half-day Sunday is the closest thing I'm getting to a weekend. I'm using the bike.
The rain had just about dried off by the time I set out on the deserted roads this morning, and I never noticed much wind either, other than a fresh breeze in my helmet trying to compete with the Boom Boom Satellites in my ears and the rattle of my bike's tail panels. I'm sure some sellotape or blu tac or something would fix that.
Anyway, come the afternoon I've got 20 minutes to get home to catch the Grand Prix, something I know I can do in a car. As soon as I'm up on the dual carriageway, I'm belted in the face and my bikes kicked aside as the wind berates me for dismissing it earlier. Both hands on the bars, this may get a little rough.
Leaning at about 60 degrees in order to go in a straight line isn't as comically funny as it seems, and I'm soon zipping up my jacket further at the first opportunity. The waves starting to hit me in the chest trying to topple me backwards getting more frequent, I snarl at smug bastards nodding to me from their K1200s and Blackbirds as I'm struggling to hit 50mph and stay upright. I probably look like I'm nodding back, I'm being shaken about so much. I suppose this was the 'experience' I was looking for when I thought it'd be a good idea to go out in this weather on a naked 125, rather than being in a comfy car.
Soon though, I'm into nice sheltered 40 and 30 zones, tapping and singing out loud to the music only I can hear. That's probably better done in a car too, when I think about it.
So I get in and discover I've missed the first 7 laps of the grand prix, and it all now feels like a wasted struggle. The answer is lying in wait for me in a garage, give it another week to get the money together and I'll be applying for lessons and tests to get on my 400. A faired, faster, heavier, more wind-resistant bike. Oh, yes.
The rain had just about dried off by the time I set out on the deserted roads this morning, and I never noticed much wind either, other than a fresh breeze in my helmet trying to compete with the Boom Boom Satellites in my ears and the rattle of my bike's tail panels. I'm sure some sellotape or blu tac or something would fix that.
Anyway, come the afternoon I've got 20 minutes to get home to catch the Grand Prix, something I know I can do in a car. As soon as I'm up on the dual carriageway, I'm belted in the face and my bikes kicked aside as the wind berates me for dismissing it earlier. Both hands on the bars, this may get a little rough.
Leaning at about 60 degrees in order to go in a straight line isn't as comically funny as it seems, and I'm soon zipping up my jacket further at the first opportunity. The waves starting to hit me in the chest trying to topple me backwards getting more frequent, I snarl at smug bastards nodding to me from their K1200s and Blackbirds as I'm struggling to hit 50mph and stay upright. I probably look like I'm nodding back, I'm being shaken about so much. I suppose this was the 'experience' I was looking for when I thought it'd be a good idea to go out in this weather on a naked 125, rather than being in a comfy car.
Soon though, I'm into nice sheltered 40 and 30 zones, tapping and singing out loud to the music only I can hear. That's probably better done in a car too, when I think about it.
So I get in and discover I've missed the first 7 laps of the grand prix, and it all now feels like a wasted struggle. The answer is lying in wait for me in a garage, give it another week to get the money together and I'll be applying for lessons and tests to get on my 400. A faired, faster, heavier, more wind-resistant bike. Oh, yes.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
A new bike, now I need the new License.
A few days ago I finally came into possession of a 16 year old Honda RVF 400, the 3rd love of my life. The fact that this object is, in fact, not human, and I don't have the license to ride it yet doesn't dissuade my use of the word "love".
The little Honda 400s are one of the very few bikes that I like every aspect of. Usually theres something I can pick out about a bike that I don't like the look of, but with the RVF I love everything; the fox-eye lights, the small but strong and racy looking body, the retro styling of the tail. The only thing wrong with this bike is me.
Having spent the money to buy the bike, I'm now trying to wait a while before going for my lessons and tests. This of course means theres a bike sitting in a garage being neglected while the Summer whiles away. Oh well. I've got the bike now, at least I've got that part out of the way. Thing is, I don't want to get rid of this bike in a year's time when we got to Chernobyl. I wonder how my skeleton feels about going across Europe on a sporty little 400.
The little Honda 400s are one of the very few bikes that I like every aspect of. Usually theres something I can pick out about a bike that I don't like the look of, but with the RVF I love everything; the fox-eye lights, the small but strong and racy looking body, the retro styling of the tail. The only thing wrong with this bike is me.
Having spent the money to buy the bike, I'm now trying to wait a while before going for my lessons and tests. This of course means theres a bike sitting in a garage being neglected while the Summer whiles away. Oh well. I've got the bike now, at least I've got that part out of the way. Thing is, I don't want to get rid of this bike in a year's time when we got to Chernobyl. I wonder how my skeleton feels about going across Europe on a sporty little 400.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
More Tests and some denim
Well the last week has been interesting for me. firstly that i decided to buy a pair of the most expensive jeans ever, i was very impressed at the speed they arrived and after that the fit and style of the New Gen Draggin Jeans. They are designed specifically for bikers and designed to protect the rider if the worst happens. i feel very confident wearing them and i do feel like they have made me a better rider with giving me more confidence.
The other big thing that happened this week is that I managed to pass the Module 1 part of my motorbike test first time. i am very chuffed at being able to do it and i really didnt think that I would after all the stories i have heard about people failing for different reasons. It turns out theres nothing to worry about really, just practice and relax while you are riding. Apparently my Module 2 is being booked this week and hopefully I will be through that soon.
After I pass I've decided that I am no longer going to be buying a Kawak Ninja but I think I am now going to be getting a cbr600f, there have been great reviews about them from people I've spoken to most saying that the worst thing about them is that people find them boring with them being so reliable, thats fine with me, it will be good to add some panniers to as well. I'm looking forward to riding it.
Ride safe everyone
John
The other big thing that happened this week is that I managed to pass the Module 1 part of my motorbike test first time. i am very chuffed at being able to do it and i really didnt think that I would after all the stories i have heard about people failing for different reasons. It turns out theres nothing to worry about really, just practice and relax while you are riding. Apparently my Module 2 is being booked this week and hopefully I will be through that soon.
After I pass I've decided that I am no longer going to be buying a Kawak Ninja but I think I am now going to be getting a cbr600f, there have been great reviews about them from people I've spoken to most saying that the worst thing about them is that people find them boring with them being so reliable, thats fine with me, it will be good to add some panniers to as well. I'm looking forward to riding it.
Ride safe everyone
John
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Bikes, Tests, Money and Sunburn.
Well it's been a while since I've said anything so I thought I'd better start yapping.
Luck seems to have come my way, in the form of a little RVF 400. Or has it? I'm still undecided about that.
I've always wanted a Honda 400 to begin with once I get through my bike tests. CBR, VFR or RVF, I wasn't too fussed which. Last friday morning the aforementioned RVF arrives at the garage I work at, wanting an MOT. Unfortunately we were so busy, unless he wanted to wait about 3 hours we couldn't get it done. So he said he'd come back in a few days, and I thought about how much I wanted one of those bikes, and fantasized about the man returning in a few days claiming it was for sale.
Well he did.
After hearing that this was exactly the bike I was looking for, he offered the very good condition MPH converted RVF for £2,000. And thats where the problem comes up. Technically, I COULD afford this bike, though it would mean having around 30 quid left in my bank account. Insurance would cost around the £350 mark, if paid in installments. The good points about this is I have a place to store the bike until I have passed my test. Also, I think my bike lessons and tests will be paid for by my boss, as he needs me passing this to do MOTs on bikes. Another good point is in September I'll be off the crappy apprentice wage I'm on now and start earning some real money, refilling my bank account, and maybe getting my insurance paid off in one lump.
My bike lessons and tests, however, are on hold until the other apprentice at work gets through his. I really don't know when this will happen, theres a been a few setbacks and I'm not sure when I'll be put onto my lesson and tests. On a plus note, though he always said he never wanted a bike "because they're crap" and the bike license was for MOT purposes only, the other day I caught him in the bottom garage with the CB500 we have there, simply saying "I've got the bug now." He then proceeded to spend the next hour replacing the oil and cleaning the bike.
Soooo....I'm thinking should buy this RVF, this bike I've always wanted and have no money for 2 months, or not buy it and try to wait for another one locally to show up. Working where I have for the past 9 months, this is the only one I've seen.
In other news, John wanted to go out on the bikes tonight and find somewhere to do a bit of a photoshoot, to get some pictures of the bikes and maybe some better ones of ourselves for this blog. However, after spending Sunday down at Croft watching the Touring Cars at which I expected rain more than anything else, I feel like I've been irradiated in the boiling sun, and as a result my face appears to be trying to emigrate from my head. Needless to say I'm not feeling very photogenic (is that a word?), and since my arms have undergone the same treatment, I don't even want to try to put on my bike jacket. Despite it's own feelings to the contrary, I like my skin to be ON my arms. Oh well. I'm just glad that my burns will heal.
Anyway, enough of that, I need to go and plot my bank acccount's downfall.
edit: Apparently my employer isn't going to pay for my bike lessons and tests now, because the other apprentice is costing him too much with retests. So, it's gone from "I've never had anyone fail" to "how are you paying for your lessons?". With the price of the bike added with my car's insurance, tax etc coming up in October, I wonder if I'll be able to get riding this bike at all this year.
Luck seems to have come my way, in the form of a little RVF 400. Or has it? I'm still undecided about that.
I've always wanted a Honda 400 to begin with once I get through my bike tests. CBR, VFR or RVF, I wasn't too fussed which. Last friday morning the aforementioned RVF arrives at the garage I work at, wanting an MOT. Unfortunately we were so busy, unless he wanted to wait about 3 hours we couldn't get it done. So he said he'd come back in a few days, and I thought about how much I wanted one of those bikes, and fantasized about the man returning in a few days claiming it was for sale.
Well he did.
After hearing that this was exactly the bike I was looking for, he offered the very good condition MPH converted RVF for £2,000. And thats where the problem comes up. Technically, I COULD afford this bike, though it would mean having around 30 quid left in my bank account. Insurance would cost around the £350 mark, if paid in installments. The good points about this is I have a place to store the bike until I have passed my test. Also, I think my bike lessons and tests will be paid for by my boss, as he needs me passing this to do MOTs on bikes. Another good point is in September I'll be off the crappy apprentice wage I'm on now and start earning some real money, refilling my bank account, and maybe getting my insurance paid off in one lump.
My bike lessons and tests, however, are on hold until the other apprentice at work gets through his. I really don't know when this will happen, theres a been a few setbacks and I'm not sure when I'll be put onto my lesson and tests. On a plus note, though he always said he never wanted a bike "because they're crap" and the bike license was for MOT purposes only, the other day I caught him in the bottom garage with the CB500 we have there, simply saying "I've got the bug now." He then proceeded to spend the next hour replacing the oil and cleaning the bike.
Soooo....I'm thinking should buy this RVF, this bike I've always wanted and have no money for 2 months, or not buy it and try to wait for another one locally to show up. Working where I have for the past 9 months, this is the only one I've seen.
In other news, John wanted to go out on the bikes tonight and find somewhere to do a bit of a photoshoot, to get some pictures of the bikes and maybe some better ones of ourselves for this blog. However, after spending Sunday down at Croft watching the Touring Cars at which I expected rain more than anything else, I feel like I've been irradiated in the boiling sun, and as a result my face appears to be trying to emigrate from my head. Needless to say I'm not feeling very photogenic (is that a word?), and since my arms have undergone the same treatment, I don't even want to try to put on my bike jacket. Despite it's own feelings to the contrary, I like my skin to be ON my arms. Oh well. I'm just glad that my burns will heal.
Anyway, enough of that, I need to go and plot my bank acccount's downfall.
edit: Apparently my employer isn't going to pay for my bike lessons and tests now, because the other apprentice is costing him too much with retests. So, it's gone from "I've never had anyone fail" to "how are you paying for your lessons?". With the price of the bike added with my car's insurance, tax etc coming up in October, I wonder if I'll be able to get riding this bike at all this year.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Ever been on a bike?
Our followers are growing and i just want to say thankyou to everyone thats following and watching too.
One of our followers recently told me about a great idea to get more people into biking.
There's a promotion at the moment where non-bikers can get a free one-hour "taste" of riding - it's called Get On www.geton.co.uk
anyone you know thats interested in bikes but hasnt ridden before let them know so we can spread the wonder that is biking.
I have also been looking at getting some new bike trousers, i was thinking of getting some leather pants at first but have now decided to get some draggin jeans, ive been looking at the silverback and next gen jeans. the prospect of paying 200 quid to get a pair of jeans ive not seen worries me abit but i guess i can return them if i need to.
The weather and work is stopping me riding as much as i like to. saving for the 600cc ninja has started, looking forward to riding it in a few months.
take care all and ride safe
John
One of our followers recently told me about a great idea to get more people into biking.
There's a promotion at the moment where non-bikers can get a free one-hour "taste" of riding - it's called Get On www.geton.co.uk
anyone you know thats interested in bikes but hasnt ridden before let them know so we can spread the wonder that is biking.
I have also been looking at getting some new bike trousers, i was thinking of getting some leather pants at first but have now decided to get some draggin jeans, ive been looking at the silverback and next gen jeans. the prospect of paying 200 quid to get a pair of jeans ive not seen worries me abit but i guess i can return them if i need to.
The weather and work is stopping me riding as much as i like to. saving for the 600cc ninja has started, looking forward to riding it in a few months.
take care all and ride safe
John
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