Shepherd

Yep, been there, done that

My turn again. I've got myself a doer-upper Deauville for my Winter commute. First day of road tax yesterday and work is just 4 miles away, so ideal for it's very first run. Except that it wouldn't roll. Starts fine, gear engaged fine, but I couldn't roll it off the drive. Turned it off, and jumped in the car in my bike gear as I was now late. Got home and found the end of a bungee hooked in to brake disk ...

Can you keep the height but tilt the bars forward a little?

This. I work in 'Big Ticket' retail, and it has been tough since the Covid rebound died around a year ago. People had money they hadn't spent and things were recovering to make up for the furlough shortfall - but then it just stopped in it's tracks. It's gonna stay tough for a lot of retailers for a long time I think. The days of big 'First day of Sale' takings are long gone, and it's a long slow burn. Most retailers in my trade are fully discounted all the time for fear of being dearer than others. Footfall is low, and those that are out and about are taking forever to commit to spending. I've had 2 or 3 customers since Christmas that have been fannying about since lockdown ended without getting their money out. Notice how many stores didn't open on Boxing Day this year? People don't need to rush out and buy, it'll be the same price for months. Shep

And approximately where https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app I think @Bender and I have the same friends group.

Slightly off topic, but I think the dangers of hearing damage should be highlighted at CBT and training lessons. I was unaware of it until I bought my first 125cc and took it home 20 miles along the North Circular and A13. Ears were ringing at the end of the journey and haven't stopped since.

Just bought one of these for my pillion Daughter and Wife https://www.thevisorshop.com/en/Oxford-Belt-connector/m-31786.aspx (2 different people before you ask )

For that warm squidgy feeling between the toes

Reminded me of these: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805716807358.html?src=google&aff_fcid=b3f8e86e615b46879db87a50b38edcb8-1702045372075-03355-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=b3f8e86e615b46879db87a50b38edcb8-1702045372075-03355-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=fe1b1fa38e354dae9ff08a537bf24395&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa Love the product description ... something lost in translation methinks

In the past 2 weeks since I started this plea for help, I've cut out as much of the nibbles / biscuits / crisps etc as possible. Very little bread, but lots of homemade soups. From 14st 2lb to 13st 11lb and quite happy so far. Doesn't sound a lot, but I've done very little. It's obvious, but hard - eat sensibly and in moderation. I think boredom is/was the main problem, hence posting a little more on here and picking up a book to occupy the mind. Thanks to all above for the input, I will make an effort to get to the gym, but I'm not scraping ice off the bike or car to get there! July sounds about the right time ... Shep

I use findmysamsung straight off the google page - no app installed etc that I know of? Maybe it's built into Samsung phones? I don't have location on, and it picks up from my works wifi apparently. Don't give up just yet.

@onesea

Try cmsnl, diagrams look a little clearer. What model is it?

Yep, I'm beginning to realise just how much of the little training I've had is already being put to good use. I think the Police Bike one I did first was more about 'making progress' all the time, whereas I was and still am happy to sit behind someone if they're travelling att a decent speed. A guy called Mick Jones took my Firebike course, and Nick Brown took the follow up. Both were much more about the road / awareness / position etc and made so much sense. I think I'll end up emailing them for further courses. They are a lot more local for me, and I didn't feel talked down to at all. Thanks for your reply. Shep

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351694515074?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=e7A8Jj33SRq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=mnqEYSwIRhi&var=620659346591&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY No idea what it's like

You'll love it! My first bike was a coin toss between one of these or the Honda CB125F. I only went for the Honda for the extra seat height. It'll feel more like a 'big bike' than your current one and less tiring on longer rides out. You may want to invest in a disk lock though, it's more of a target for the scumbags. Shep

I like the idea of this. A bit far for me though, so it'd be a £500 day after travel and a room etc. I couldn't afford it, even if I could justify it

Didn't think of that Back under my rock ...

Dumb question ... should you let the bike cool down first? I've never checked how hot exhaust etc is after a few minutes, so wouldn't know if it's OK or not.

I'm glad I was pushed a little, I'm big and ugly enough to say no if I thought it was dangerous. It was just faster than I wanted, or needed, to go. The Police day was my own speed, but he was insistent on me thrashing the nuts off the bike. I was using the gears like I drove a car mind ...

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62137c89d3bf7f4f05879a1e/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence.pdf

Well done peepae, now you can start learning to ride properly It feels great, doesn't it?

Went out again today, doing the same routes and thoroughly enjoyed it. The roads were almost dry instead of underwater, and it was all about me! No second pupil taking the lead. I did find I wasn't pushing it as fast as I was under instruction though, even though the roads were much better. I was happy at the speeds and positioning I had, I felt like I was 'pushing it' a little with the instructor behind me. Long day tomorrow - 3 hr Christmas shopping ride to Bicester, just cos I've never been there before Then 3 hrs back

Unfortunately, dark chocolate is the Devils own invention - never to pass my lips! I'm not a big choccie eater, so it won't be missed. Veg soup is on my list of demands, and my missus likes to make her own