Steve_M

Working on the house lifting cork tiles from the downstairs toilet floor and the floor came up with them. No idea what the screed is made of but it was a darn sight easier to get up than the tiles.

Unfortunate timing, I’ll be heading towards Norfolk on route to a lumpy bit of Europe.

Today I popped down to Carlisle Airport to have a practice of my slow riding. A most enjoyable event. Most of the courses were pretty straight forward, though one was a bit of a challenge (the designer, an ex-police rider admitted it was a tricky course for him, too). I was surprised how many riders were struggling at simple manoeuvres at slow speed.

Same here, which is a shame as it’s only an hour’s ride from here and the road past Ullswater and over Kirkstone is a nice convenient and, formerly, enjoyable route down to Langdale via Ambleside.

The recent work on Kirkstone was to “improve safety”. Given the emphasis on speed (rather than education) as a root cause I would anticipate that the 30mph limit will become permanent. Hardknott pass was deeply unpleasant to ride last year due to the deformed surfaces. I’m guessing the cost to repair is a factor in any future decisions.

Back from an interesting couple of days meeting my good lady’s uni friends for the first time. We returned through the hell that is the Peak District 50mph limits onto the M1, A1(M) (more bloody 50 limits) A68 and A689 home.

Last night and today has been spent with my good lady’s uni friends joining in a small reunion in Dovedale. They’ve kept in touch over the last 30/40 years but this is the first time they’ve had a proper get together. Some interesting conversations and sharing lives led. What a nice bunch. To round it off I took one of the wives out as pillion - only her 2nd time on a bike - while my good lady went out in their Porsche. Now about to visit another friend who lives just outside Baslow.

I had one as a loaner when my GS was in for some warranty work. It was great fun to ride but would have to be a second bike for me as I need something to tour on two up.

Outward bound ferry booked for our September tour. Travelling from Harwich to Hook of Holland which allows us to visit Norfolk friends and my son/grandson. Return date two weeks later via either Hull or Newcastle from Rotterdam/Amsterdam depending on which is cheaper. That’s all the pre-booking done, we’re aiming for near Grenoble across to Switzerland, into Italy and Austria before heading back to the ferry through Germany. Excited? Moi?

We got two. Both on my phone, 15minutes apart. We’re both on Vodafone and are both at home (so same mast). it seems not enough testing was carried out before final testing took place.

I’ve just tidied my kit cupboard to discover how much old and redundant bits of kit I have stuffed in odd corners. They’re not worth much but still have some life left in them so wondering if there’s some sort of scheme where I could donate them to, say, young riders.

I’m not vegetarian but it wouldn’t stop me eating there. I did stop off at the Eskdalemuir community hub. A grand facility with motorbike parking (see photo above) and friendly staff.

A more scenic and interesting route to Newcastleton would be to head through Lanercost then head North through Kershope Forest. it’s my go to route when I’m heading that way. MyRouteApp link

Had new boots fitted. Michelin Road Pilot 6’s. Better wet grip and longevity (allegedly) over the Road Pilot 5’s. On previous bikes a new set of tyres have made an immediate sea change to the feel and handling of a bike. As of 15 miles of riding home, no discernible improvement. Ho hum.

I used to camp at events (BSB / WSB / Bulldog Bash / track days). Never cooked, though, as I can burn salad.

I’m slowly getting the hang of the area (we’re not far from Brampton) having moved up here just before lockdowns. We’re ideally placed for some excellent days out. I’m enjoying the variety of the roads, and the fact they go up and down as well as left and right (I moved here from Norfolk… up and down is not a familiar concept there ).

If it could just add moles to that. Bloody things.

I’ve heard similar from a mate from my youth. He runs a very successful landscaping company and he got all sorts turn up. Mind, I wouldn’t work for him… even in his 70’s he’s working harder in a physical job than most.

Signing on is important to maintain your NI record towards your state pension. The few quid I got in benefits (ten years ago. Doesn’t time fly) was a handy contribution but I’d started drawing my works pensions so wasn’t dependent on it. If you do load your CV up to a database then be prepared for some very odd vacancy opportunities appearing. I had an agency contact me to apply for an architect role as my CV included a role as an (IT) Infrastructure Project Manager with a successful rollout of a product called Systems Architect.

We have a stoat appear in the garden occasionally which we think is living in our lounge wall as we can hear the occasional scrabbling noise . I think I’ve found where it’s getting in but I’m not sure I want rid.

Yesterday I had a rather splendid little potter around the above areas. 200 miles in total using a mix of A, B and unclassified roads. The weather was perfect and I also discovered a couple of places of interest to visit with my good lady. It was very much made up as I went along - my satnav’s buggered so I decided to just follow my nose and explore a few new-to-me roads as I found them. The Route (ish) starting at Lanercost tea rooms

I have a double height kitchen cupboard - actually two cupboards, one stacked on top of the other due to our low ceiling height. It holds four sets of textiles, one set of leathers, two helmets, two pairs of boots and other associated miscellaneous paraphernalia.

Definitely too far but bloody useful information. Thanks

I’ve just phoned my local Motorrad dealer to enquire about fitting new tyres to the GS. “We don’t have anyone in the service area to take your call, can you call back Monday?”. Astonishing lack of planning not to have cover, and on a Saturday which, I guess, is probably a busy day. Now looking for alternative supply/fit…

I used to do Triathlons before they were quite so well known. I did 28miles a day to and from work and got fairly fit. I must have been off my rocker.