Mawsley

Looks like you’re getting damn sight better weather than us

Superbike Factory is going to be the next Carnells/Motorcycle City. The few interactions I’ve had leave me with the distinct impression they’re as dodgy as fvck.

He is, and that's why he went through a period of being banned. Then he had super cheap fuel during Covid - and became a nice guy - it was weird. But this, there was never any alternative other than bank transfer or driving off. And it was clear he wanted me to drive off. He's banned again.

All five cards going pfffft at the same time though, eh. That'd test even the likes of you young whippersnappers.

There's a bit more rust than I thought there was...at some point I'll get a pro to touch up the tank. Bar that, didn't have much time to ride as I needed to sort out five cards so that at least one of them will let me spend my money again. It's taken all the way up from then till now. Nothing's easy

Oh aye?! Didn't have you pegged for a dogger.

There is a chasm of difference between the iPhone and the Z Fold 6 though. The Samsung has been shockingly shit since I got it three months ago, constantly not doing things - or doing things it wanted to do. It changed the bank card I was paying with on Sunday as I was paying. Factory reset and full backup reinstall did nothing to set things right. It's been abysmal. In all the years I've had an iPhone I've never experiences glitches like it.

Just lovely.

Yep, there is that, it was only just over a tenner.

Took delivery, filled it with fuel, and was unable to pay:

Begrudgingly, I was won over to the ease and simplicity of Applepay. It always worked. Then I got an Android phone. Nothing ever worked properly. So, a new iPhone is on the way. Last night I wiped the Samsung. Bike got delivered. Jacket was donned. Off I went to stop for some fuel. Filled the tank, went to pay, Card 1 wanted to be inserted - well that's no damn use as I've no idea what my PIN is. If I ever needed to know it I'd look at the app...but there are no apps on the phone because it's cleaner than a clean thing in a bubble bath with a loofer. Tried a second card. Same bloody thing. Same bloody thing with all my cards. I looked at the woman, the woman scowled at me, her husband scowled at me, I scowled at my collection of cards on the counter. "You'll have to transfer the money," he said. "How," I replied. "I don't have any of my details and my phone doesn't have any apps." "You'll have to ride off and be reported for absconding then"...and I swear he was almost smiling. My world-famous placid demeanour was about to give way to a slightly more grumpy version of Dave. Then a bloke said, "Don't worry mate, I got you." A biker. A Gixxer rider. Max gave me his name and number and I promised to refund him later. He told me the same thing happened in the same garage to him a few week's back and he got a £60 fine from the owner in the post after he rode off. What an absolute belter of a bloke. I'm blown away. Seems like an age since I last heard of a biker helping another biker, and it's the first time I've been the recipient. What do we reckon a decent thank you gift should be? Rum? Wine? Roses?

I pin a general knowledge quiz to the seat with a pen, it has a science section. Criminals are notoriously thick and I believe this will prove to be a stumbling block in their evil plans - giving enough time for them to be seen and arrested.

Morning

I'll live.

Twas the night before Bikemas, when all through the gaff. Not a creature was stirring, not even a fat biker wanting to go for breakfast at a cafe.

But I'm going to have to stay in to get my new phone. Worth it, I absolutely hate the Z Fold 6.

Evening. Just been sent a picture of my bike in a van. Tomorrow is on! It's been a very slow fortnight.

Morning Buntyfunsters. Another disrupted night because I was dreaming about the bike arriving. 1 day to go. What a long fortnight.

The most I’d be prepared to do is a bit of wild hotelling with some wild restaurants and wild drinking.

Apparently, one is not allowed to play AC/DC at full volume while getting ready for the footy at 7am. When did that law get introduced? Seems awfully specific to me.

Idiot dog woke me at 3. Then I had a coughing fit, so I’m lying here wondering when to get up and have a coffee and call the day to order. 05:20? What the hell kind of time is that? No sane person would be awake at this time of day. In fact, I doubt this even exists. It’s just some kind of made up time to pack out the night until real time recommences at 10am.

And so, one year later: goodbye. It’s a great machine but there was never a call to my soul. Plus, having spent almost all of the last year either injured, ill or operated on, we never shared any bonding moments. We never did any memorable journeys. Unlike a lot of bikes (especially you, Moto Guzzis), we aren’t parting on bad terms…but we won’t be keeping in touch and there’s no way we’ll be getting back together.

How did your “fire” go?