Trails play Wednesday 14^th November

This was all a bit last minute. I was speaking to my son on the Monday and he said he had the Wednesday off. So a little grovelling at work and we were all set.

I or maybe I should say we have not been trails riding for a long time. I love trails riding it’s just so relaxing in an un-relaxing way.

You have to think so far ahead, and although you are going slowly when things go wrong, they go wrong fast. It’s mentally draining as well as physically demanding. I haven’t been doing it long and haven’t had much time to practice even the simple things but I enjoy it none the less.

Martin my son was going to be up at 9am, so I got up and started to service my CRF in the garage. I got a little carried away and at 10am I suddenly realised Martin was still fast asleep tucked up in his bed. Woken up, he set about getting the stuff ready for the day whilst I loaded up the car. We were at Nash Mills by 11am, a little later than I wanted. But this had let the morning frost burn off and we were left with a beautiful autumnal day. The sky was that lovely pale blue, the sun was low but bright with that golden glow, and had enough warmth left in it to take the chill away. There was no wind just an occasional breeze that once blown sent the crisp dry autumn leaves dancing gently to the ground. As they finished their elegant dance they landed with a delicate rustle. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

 

We both hadn’t riding for about six weeks, Martin got straight back on it like a fish to water. I however had lost the knack. I was all over the place and couldn’t even get over the simplest of obstacles. I was completely out of sync. We started with some familiar routes and obstacles but, for me to no avail. It didn’t worry me I was just enjoying the day and the ride.

 

Just after lunch we set out a course. This is good practice because its easy to set a route on your head, make a mistake and convince yourself you’ve done it when in fact you didn’t. With the flags set out it’s easy to see your mistakes and practice to correct them. You can alter your way into or out of the part of the route that was causing you problems, and then put all the pieces together.

 

It’s very satisfying to complete a course but my total lack of ability of getting over even the smallest rock, log or other obstacle plagued me all day. Martin on the other hand was romping along.

 

The day had been glorious, by late afternoon as the sun began to lose its warmth our pace had slowed and silly mistakes were being made. We were both tired and decided to pack up before one of us had an accident. It was one of the best days riding I’d had in a while.

 

Sunday 11^th November

Herts and Essex’s Lanes

The mornings all week so far had been mild, overcast and damp with dew. This would have been perfect for this morning’s ride; however this was not to be.

 I had been awake for most off the morning, lying in bed waiting for the alarm to go off, like a kid waiting to get up on Christmas morning. With the alarm finally ringing I got up went into the kitchen and made my breakfast. I could already tell the morning was going to be cold.

 As the sun lit the morning sky there was only 3 tiny fluffy clouds some ways off in the distance in an otherwise perfect ice blue sky. The roofs, sheds, trees and lawns were laden with a heavy frost, almost snow like. It was going to be cold.

 As always the choice of what to wear was hard. I knew the morning, first thing, would be very cold but as the day progressed I knew it would get warmer. I got dressed and headed off into the waking frosty morning. I had only ridden a matter of yards before my visor had fogged up. Lifting the visor saw my eyes start to cry, the frosty morning air cutting into my cheeks and face. The short ride to the pickup point was only about 8 miles, but I wasn’t even half way when the cold had worked its way through my gloves and my hands started to freeze. I raced to the rendezvous point my face now locked in place, frightened to make any facial expression in case it would shatter, like in the movies. The exhaust is great for warming those frozen hands. As they thawed it felt like someone had gotten a hammer and hit each of my fingertips hard. They hurt and as they warmed the pain got worse.

As I waited for my lift the morning sun started to warm the earth the frost started to go and I eventually began to warm up. The lift arrived on time, the bikes where loaded and we were on our way.

Several of the riders had called to say they couldn’t make it, I knew the guys I would be riding with today and they’re all fast. This would keep me on my toes and give me a push. I love the first lanes from Baldock they’re generally flattish, long and fast. What I hadn’t accounted for was the now heavily dew covered long grass. That at the slightest twist of the throttle would send the rear of the bike fishtailing out of control. Sometimes it felt like I should have been riding speedway. These first lanes start to build that confidence which is nice to start the day on. As the lanes leave Baldock and head past Royston they lose their smooth grassiness and start to throw up some nice simple ruts, once again introducing them gradually, building and reconfirming that confidence. But soon those building block lanes soon disappear. Ok some of the lanes are gravel and give good grip as do the newly graded lanes with their freshly laid recycled road planning’s. But then there are the lanes that lay thick in a chalky, clay slurry slip pier than an eel in a baby oil factory. With some of the other lanes resembling the trenches from the Battle of the Somme.

 

 

This brings me back to the date of our ride, November 11th, Remembrance Day. We had just finished what I would class as the easier part of the days ride and fought our way over a large fallen Ash tree. Checking our watches we initially thought we had over run and missed our two minutes silence to pay our respects to those who have fought and fallen for us. Knowing my watch gains time I double checked with my phone which revealed we still had a couple of minutes to go. At 11 o’clock I heard a canon sound the beginning of our time to reflect, respect and remember. The only sound was the singing of the birds and the gentle breeze blowing through the autumn leaves. As I watched the golden leaves flutter to the ground I thought of all those that have fallen for us. A second canon fire broke the peace; we spent a little while longer in reflection before, firing up the engines and carrying on with the ride.

 

As we continued with our ride I started to remember some of the lanes from a couple of previous rides. The uphill climb where  two CCM’s had a head to head, the cross rutted lane where a friend crashed and had to be airlifted to hospital because of a broken pelvis, and the lane where another friend had a very close call with a very large tractor. These where some of the more memorable ones.

 

 It was now well after lunch and we had reached the furthest point we had every gone to whilst ridding these lanes. This confirmed to me our pace of travel had been quicker than normal. We were now to increase our route deeper into Essex. Adding a circular extension before returning back to the start. These new lanes were a nice mixture, some rutted and muddy whilst others were flat with a golden carpet of autumn leaves, through wooded lanes and open fields. Our loop completed we started the ride home, but even at the quicker pace I had my doubts we would make it back before sunset.

I was now tired, I was still enjoying the ride but had to slow my pace or I knew that something might happen. The return journey saw me lose my momentum through the rutted, wet and slippery lanes and on several occasions I had to stop, recompose myself before continuing. Once I got out of line or had to sit down because of getting thrown by a rut, I found it hard to regain my composer and stand back up on the pegs. I’d try but no sooner was I standing than the next rut or dip would have me back on the seat. I also had two small slow speed offs, both on corners where the front wheel just washed out.

We were now heading back toward Royston with the worst, or best of the lanes, whichever way you want to look at it, behind us. But the day was coming to its end and dusk was upon us. The fast lanes which were confident building at the beginning of the day now had their own set of problems. The sun was now low in the sky causing long shadows. But with no cloud the autumn sun was bright and at eye level. One second you’d be blinded by the sun the next flung into darkness. Even once behind the hedge the flickering sun made it almost impossible to see. We were also running low on fuel most, if not all of us were on reserve. So the decision was made to going into Royston itself to fill up. Whilst taking on the fuel I noticed that my number plate bracket had snapped off and my plate was missing.

 

 We all on reflection decided it would be unnecessary dangerous to continue ridding the lanes back to where we started. So instead took the opportunity to jet wash the bikes off and road ride the last few miles back to the van.

All in all a great day

 

First TRF ride 03/11/12

First TRF ride 03/11/12

After the ride last weekend and me finally getting back on to the saddle of my dirt bike, I thought I must now keep the momentum going. I had joined the TRF some time ago. The real reason behind joining was more the fact of how they help keep the lanes open and fight for our rights. I had at one point in the past thought why should I pay to ride when I can ride for free. But as I witnessed lanes and rights of ways being shut down. I thought all I do is moan. By joining the TRF I was doing something positive to keep the lanes open. I had an email to say there was a beginner’s ride this Saturday the 3^rd, at first I was a bit unsure of whether to go or not. Should I do my own ride? Then I thought well I have joined and this would be good for me I could enjoy the ride instead of leading and worrying about things like the pace, where to go, time etc. but what really clinched it for me was the fact that they said they were riding some lanes in Park Street and Radlett. I know of a lane in Radlett and thought it would be interesting. 

Saturday morning arrived, it was a bright and sunny morning not a cloud in the sky. Unfortunately at this time of year it meant a heavy frost and extremely cold. I got kitted up and by 9.15am was on the road heading toward the meet point at Hatfield. I fuelled up on the way so I had a full tank ready for the ride. When I arrived there were three people waiting so introductions took place, I had already met the organiser of today’s ride.

I had been leading a ride and had stopped at a garage in Redbourn for food and fuel when Mario, today’s leader had approached me asking where we had been and where we were going. I also recognised another rider, Simon. He had ridden with us when we had ridden from Baldock to Essex and back. As the departure time approached several more riders turned up. The last rider to arrive, I also knew, Pete and had ridden with him on a few occasions.

Just before 10am we had the final ride brief and at 10am we were underway. The first thing I noticed about the ride was the pace was what I’d call mellow. And the second man rule that we usually use worked very well.

The second man rule is as follows. You have a leader and a sweeper. These are made clear at the beginning of the ride. When you make a turn at a junction or roundabout the leader carries on leading, the second man marks the turn showing the correct way for the rest of the riders to go. He waits until he can see the sweeper and the sweeper him. This is usually indicated by a nod or thumbs up. The second man then joins the back of the pack but in front of the sweeper. Simple.

I was on my local riding ground that and the fact I wasn’t leading meant I was relaxed. At the steady that was being set I could concentrate on my riding technique and take in the lovely autumn views and colours. It’s funny and easy to criticise but when I plan a ride I try to make it flow with as little road work as possible. Today there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary road work and back tracking. But this is the only criticism I have. At 12noon we stopped at the Rookery café for a hot cup of tea and a nice bacon roll.  The day had run smooth with no problems. I was now waiting for the Park Street and Radlett part of the ride. This would also give me an insight of how the TRF are working hard to keep our lanes and rights of way open. It seems that the powers that be want to close a small section of byway, this section happens to be right in the middle of the byway? What’s it all about? Have the powers that be no sense. Obviously not. There is no reason to close this part of the lane. It will only create two lanes that go nowhere.

 At 12.30 we headed of toward our finally lanes. We had a quick stop for fuel then carried on our way.  The lane at Park Street was for me totally unexpected. I had searched local maps looking for routes by me and found nothing and this one was beyond a shadow of a doubt a cracker. The lane was nice and the water crossing was spectacular. We did nearly lose one bike at the crossing but apart from that it was great. We had a briefing on the proposed closure and how the TRF were dealing with it, my hat goes off to them. We then set off to what would be my final lane of the day. This is a lane I have known about for over a year yet not found a reason to ride there to do it. After a short ride we were there. The lane was nice but deceptively slippery. There was a nice little water crossing to finish with. I had a great day’s riding at a relaxed pace and was shown a couple of new lanes. I couldn’t of asked for more. The day had again reinforced why I like to ride.

  

 

 

  

 

Hampshire ride 28/10/12

Hampshire ride 28/10/12

This was a ride that I really wasn’t happy with myself about doing. I have recently lost the drive to ride off road. For the last 18 months I have enjoyed this type of riding, but recently there hasn’t been any enjoyment in it for me. I had however prepared the bike ready for today so it was going to happen. I was going to give myself a kick up the arse to get me back into the saddle.

At 6am the alarm woke me up. It was cold and I really wanted to stay in my bed. As I lay there, I argued in my head that I had swapped working this weekend to go to Hampshire to ride, so that was what I was going to do. I got out of bed and wandered into the kitchen, looking out onto the garden I saw the sheds and lawn were white with frost, my heart sank. I was forcing myself to go whilst secretly inside trying to find an excuse not to go. I was making a chore of everything even choosing the clothes I would wear on an initially cold day that would then become warm and then turn to rain. The only thing I could find that was positive about this morning was the fact that the clocks had gone back and I’d manage to grab an extra hour in bed.

By 7.30am I was kitted up and on my way to the Chiswell Green service station to fuel up and rendezvous with Dave and the other lads due to ride. We loaded the bikes into the vans and by 8am we were on our way to Hampshire. On the way down Dave briefed us of the ride ahead, saying that we’d ride some nice technical lanes but there were get outs and easier routes to ride if things got too hard. By 9am we had arrived at our start point. I was feeling a little better about the ride now but this only lasted until we opened the back of the van to unload the bikes. I noticed that there was water all over the floor of the van, where it came from we never did find out. We unloaded the van and I found that both my armour and jersey were soaked. Great I thought, a f**king freezing day and I’ve got to ride in wet gear. I got dressed and quickly got my jacket on to keep warm.

So far everything about this trip today had been negative, I was now here so what was I going to do make the day a drag or start to enjoy it.

By 9.30am we were on the roads to the first lane, I had now accepted the fact that I was here and that I was going to make the most of it and enjoy the day. I had placed myself near the back of the pack so I could ride at my own pace and not worry about holding anyone up. I hadn’t ridden for a while and wanted to settle in to it, in my own time. About 200 yards up the first lane I had an early wakeup call and a reminder of what off road riding was all about. I found myself flying through air and then being firmly planted on my arse. The bike had just spun out from underneath me. I was ok, which is more than that can be said for the bike. The bush/hand guards were askew and the handle bars were out of alignment. I rode the bike a short way up the lane to where we met the others. A little bit of spannering saw the handlebars and guards back in place. So what has caused this off? I could simply blame the wet algae covered smooth polished chalk which as anyone knows is like riding on ice. But I think it also comes down to the fact I wasn’t giving it 100% of my attention.

This time of year makes the countryside a wonderful place to be, the vibrant golden yellows, reds, burnt orange and rusty browns of the autumn leaves, and as the leaves fall they open up the views. However the autumn coloured carpet of leaves can make the lanes look calm a serine. Like the freshly fallen snow that lies even and flat, once settled it hides what lies beneath. Today would see an array of surfaces to ride on, chalk, clay, gravel and flint with a good old helping of mud and wet slippery water filled ruts.

Some of the memorable lanes we rode were lanes such as Watery lane; the water was constantly running down it, it was like riding up a brook. The base of which was in places loose rock and stone and in other places large slabs of what I believe is green stone. The back of the bike was stepping out and this required a 100% of your concentration and skill to keep the line straight. About half way up this lane is a step up which again made it exciting.

 The next was Wheatham Hill in Oakshott near to Butser Hill. The bottom of the hill although chalky was quite rideable but as it twisted around and ascended it became more of a challenge. The surface became trickier and more taxing. Once again we were riding on wet chalk, not good in any situation and a certain amount of skill was required. Deep water ruts, logs, fallen branches and loose chalk rocks up to the size of rugby balls littered the lane this added with a mixture of exposed roots and step ups made for one of the most challenging rides. So much so that only two of the group made it to the top. As I sat at my view point, I watched as the riders came to a halt about 30yards ahead of me, blocking the lane making any attempt of passing them impossible. Once momentum was lost, wheels spun in a hopeless attempt of regaining traction. Some tried to man handle their bikes over the obstacles to try to gain an advantage but to no avail. They also tried coming back down to get a better run up, but all was in vain. As I watched on, knowing my mind set at the beginning of the day and my own abilities I decided to give this one a miss. It was in fact quite nice to have a rest and watch the on-going entertainment. As the time passed one by one either through frustration, exhaustion or both the others came to join me. It wasn’t long before they had all given up and our journey continued.

Butser Hill was the next lane, and we were going to go up it, we all decided that is would be a waste of good riding time and effort to try and ride. Once again this is a steep chalk hill with a large rain wash rut running down the middle of it. I have ridden this going down and once the wheels had slipped into the rut it was (for my ability) useless trying to get the bike out. Going up in the wet would just be futile. Although, I would like to give it a go in the summer when it’s dry. The two lads that made Wheatham Hill headed off to tackle the climb, while the rest of us took another route and met them at the top.

Many of the lanes deserved to be mention but I can’t remember all their names, one had a water splash, it looked like just any other large puddle and if we didn’t know we would have ridden straight into it. Luckily we had previous knowledge of this and took a detour if we hadn’t we would have ended up handle bar deep into muddy cold water.

One of the lanes was a very steep descent down a severally rain washed and rutted chalky hill. In some places you’d hit a rock or something that would throw you forward over the handle bars, which is not good when you’re going downhill. I had made it about half way down and nearly come off several times when I decided to stop the bike recompose myself and start again. Unfortunately the stop wasn’t that controlled and in the words of Tony who was following me, it looked like I’d just given up and simply fell off the bike, which is in fact really pretty much what happened.

Another of the lanes hadn’t been ridden for a while; you could tell this as there were no signs of tyre marks in the mud and no disturb fallen leaves. At the beginning of the trail the mud was flat and smooth. In fact it was a little bit too smooth. As the first rider enter the lane the front wheel of his bike disappeared passed its hub into the mud, the rear wheel quickly pushed its way off the tarmac and sank into the gloop. Then a large roost of mud covered all directly behind him. Sometimes it’s good to be a nearer the back.

One other lane that has particular good memories is one that has very deep ruts from beginning to end. If you pick the wrong line it’s almost impossible to get out off or change your line. As I was reminded of as Dave shot past. Hidden under the water filled ruts were high roots these could easily send you over the bars or spit you off. You didn’t have to fall off to get wet either all you needed to do was stop then let your mate go past covering you in that lovely smelly water. The ruts were that deep that it was very hard to keep your feet on the pegs as one side or the other would get knocked off, and riding with your legs up just hurt.

By the end of the day my stamina was waning so I slowed my pace, better arrive late then not arrive at all. Although I’d not been riding for a while and being unfit I really enjoyed the day. Dave had planned a cracking route, and the lads were great too. Hopefully now I’ll get back into riding on the dirt. Great Day.

 

  

 

Bert’s Tea Hut Epping Forest. 27/10/12

Bert’s Tea Hut Epping Forest. 27/10/12

One of the things I’d decided to do once I’d started ride was to visit as many biker cafés (loosely put) as possible. Just to meet likeminded people, socialize and have somewhere to ride to and back from. Instead of just going round in circles, mind you there’s nothing wrong with that.

I have in the past ridden to a few cafes but not many, I saw this one written about on a biker forum, and it’s not far from me so I planned a route. I hate motorways so my routes are mainly minor roads. The route is about 70 miles and made a good ride.

This year has gone so quick I didn’t think I’d actually get to do the ride, every time I thought I’d go the weather turned nasty so I didn’t bother. Mind you the weather this year has been poor for biking. I had planned to go Friday but the nice day that was forecast, turned wet, cold and generally not nice. So I took a gamble on today (Saturday).

The day didn’t start great. At 5.30am I lost my home and car keys and was late for work, it was cold and I had to scrape the frost off of the car. In fact at 6am it started to snow and by 7am there was a decent covering. Once again I thought my ride had been thwarted by the typical English weather.

 

Once home by 9am I started looking for my spare keys in case this happened again.

However by 10am the weather had turned nice with not a cloud in the sky, the sun and wind had dried the roads and the ride looked imminent. I would have like to have gone then but I had agreed to wait until my brother Ian had finished work as he wanted to come, and it is nice to ride in company. So departure time was set at 1.30pm.

After my last ride I’d given my bike a good going over and had stored it in my garage under a blanket. My search for the keys continued in vain. At 1.00pm I gave up on my search for the keys got changed into my bike gear, pulled the bike out of the garage and put it on the drive in preparation to ride. The next problem after checking the tyres, chain, brakes etc. came when I pushed the start button and nothing happened, I tried again and still nothing. So seat off and charger out, after a few minutes I tried it once again and this time she fired into life. After a few minutes of running, I suddenly realised I’d forgotten to put my contact lens in. I turned the bike off locked it up and went indoors to put them in. The time now was 1.30pm I exited the house once again after triple checking that I’d gotten very thing I needed. As I closed the door my brother turned up. I pushed the button to start and? Nothing. Bugger, once again the leads come out and after a minute we were in business. We headed up to Chiswell Green services for fuel, with the possibility of maybe meeting another rider or two. At the roundabout where Tippendell Lane crosses the A405 I looked east toward our planned ride. The skies where grey and heavy but there was the odd break in the cloud and blue skies keeping my hopes alive. Once I arrived at the garage I foolishly turned the engine off. Big mistake as once again my engine didn’t start. My brother had to head the short distance home to pick up some jump leads.

 At 2pm after all my mishaps our journey began. The roads were dry and a joy to ride and the going was good until Colney heath, were the first spots of rain splattered onto my visor. We stopped to make the decision whether to carry on or to leave it until another day. Looking at the clouds it was a 50/50 chance we’d get wet. We decided to take the chance and carry on. I love the stretch of road between Colney Heath and Welham Green, it’s not long but I like it. Then across the A1000 towards Cuffley. The morning traffic and wind had cleared the roads of the autumn leaves and any remnants of the snow or water. Golden leaves now lined the road edges; tree’s standing naked like black/brown skeletons against the grey/blue skies. All except the oaks which still were laden with dark green foliage. We avoided the main roads through Cuffley and skirted our way around to Goff’s Oak. I do dislike town riding but to arrive at our destination meant either a very long detour or a short ride through Waltham Cross/Abbey. We plumped for the latter. This is when we got caught by our first short sharp but heavy shower. Soon we were once again on those lovely winding country lanes entering Epping Forest. The rain had passed and it wasn’t long before we arrived all be it slightly damp at Bert’s tea hut.

 

We ordered a tea and sausage roll each, I know it’s not far to travel but it’s taken me over a year to get here, and now although a little damp and cold it was worth it. This ride would be stunning in the summer and I intend to do it all again once the days are longer and the temperature gets a bit warmer.

My key problem was now resolved too by a text from my wife. “I’ve found the keys” She text me. “Where were they?” I replied. “In the box labelled spare keys” makes sense I thought.

We took shelter under some Holly trees as the second shower of the day threatened to soak us. As the rain fell we warmed ourselves up on our tea and rolls, the Holly making a good umbrella. We’d finish our snacks, the rain had now passed and we decided to make our way home. The route home would be different to the one we came in on. We would have to once again go through Waltham Abbey but then head north through Lee valley Park, turning west at Broxbourne heading toward Brickendon then north towards Hertford, then west heading to Essenden then back to Welham Green. The roads were now wet and greasy. But the roads were enjoyable sense taking the place of speed. In fact the roads were empty. Over the 15 or so miles from Broxbourne to Welham Green we only saw about 4 cars, quality. The ride was going well we’d only been caught by three showers and the traffic was light, but the worst was yet to come. There was no more rain but as we headed from London Colney back along Harper Lane we were heading west directly into the sun. The sun was being reflected off of the wet roads. It was a blinding white almost silver light, the sun was also now low in the sky and shining directly into our faces, this was the one and only mistake of the journey that I had made. But it was a bad one, I had to ride at times one handed to try to reduce the glare, after a treacherous couple of miles we were pleased to turn north onto Watling Street. We reach home safe and sound and I was glad of a hot mug of tea and biscuit to revive ourselves.

 

 

 

friday 26/10/12

Hello again, so what have I been up to today?

Well I have a ride planned for Sunday, but my bike has sat neglected in the corner of the garage for the last month.

I know that’s not good but that’s what happened. So today has been spent stripping it down and giving the bike a good going over.

Funny thing is I quite like sorting and fettling the bike.  When I was younger it was always a matter of if it’s not broke then don’t fix it. Mainly because I couldn’t afford it I suppose.  I’d carry on regardless then moan and wine once the fixing began. But now I get quite a lot of satisfaction out of repairing, adding and general sorting out. Dare I say sometimes it’s more satisfying than the ride itself.

 So why did the bike get stuck in the back of the garage? Well about 4weeks ago I returned from a hard riding weekend in Wales. It wasn’t just the ride but the drive there and back as well.  Don’t get me wrong I loved the weekend, but on the return I was exhausted. Although I have been riding motorbikes since late 2008 I’ve only been riding dirt bikes for over a year and its physically demanding and I’m not really the right size for it. I have spent year’s strength and mass training for power, now I need endurance and flexibility something I just don’t have it. I don’t think I have the right mentality for it either.  Apparently speed is your friend when riding off tarmac, Mmm I see speed as a means of getting hurt quicker and harder. And after a year of trying my best I thought I was doing well. But when you’re travelling down a road at speed then someone goes past as though you’re going backward it’s a little demoralising.  I know these guys have been riding for years many since they were kids but.

So there’s the answer, fat, slow, knackered and demoralised.

I can’t emphasize the importance of maintenance, I didn’t think about it too much before but since riding on the dirt it’s brought it home to me just how crucial it is. So off I went working from front to back. Wheels, barring’s, brakes, fluids, filters, electrics etc. one thing that cost me dear was the lack of attention I paid to the spokes. For some reason they work loss on the rear wheel. Only having ridden road bikes before with Ali wheels there’s been no reason to check. By the time I notice it was too late. The rim was too worn to be repaired so a new wheel was purchased. They do say “you learn the hard way” anyway I have been checking the spokes ever since and notice one had become loss. I tried to tighten it, but it had reached its fullest extent on the thread. I have ordered a new one but with really no chance of it arriving before I go on Sunday, I had to make a choice to try and adapt what I had or not go. I managed to remove the spoke. Then into the work shop I went. Luckily I had a die that was the right thread size. I cut about another 5mm to the existing thread then removed about 3mm from its length. I replaced the spoke and job done. I know it’s not a perfect answer but it’s a compromise until I get a new one.   

 

So now the bike is ready to go, I just need to work on me now. I need to make myself realise that it’s not how fast you get there, but that you get there. I’m not going to be as good or as fast as those that have been doing it for years, but I can be good and I can improve.

Getting started,
 This is me getting started into blogging and Motorbikes.
I think riding is easier than blogging lol.
I have only been riding since 2008 and will revisiting that time later.
I will also be updating what I'm up to currently.
I'm no expert and the things I write will be from my own experience and are my thoughts and opinions, and as my wife tells me I'm usually wrong.
But hopefully some where lost in my waffling there may be some helpful tips.
Bare with me and hopefully things will get interesting.