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3K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  Chad 
#1 ·
(It's Long so you don't have to read it. I'm just writing it for me.LOL)

I know for some it would not have been a big trip but for me it was.
Having done my Das and only done about 100m localy on the way back from the shop.

So.

I've been away for 3 weeks. I get home and the wifes gone away for the weekend to visit friends. Great, just bloody great.

Actualy. Yeah Great.
Got the weekend and my bike to myself.
Bloody cold though.
Sod it. Get a grip. Show some Balls.

Whats the weather forcast. Cold but Dry. That'll do me.

Sat morning.
I start by looking at the bike.
Ok what was it I was told on my DAS. Oh yeah.
Chain. Oil, Breaks, Lights, Coolent.
Still not feeling right. Missing something. Not confident.
I know a great bunch of people online. I'll ask them.

Laptop out and quick post.
Have a cupa tea and wait 5 minutes.
IDEFIX and GROMIT3528 to the rescue. (What were you guys at home for, Get out on your bikes, LOL)

"Check this and Check that."
Thanks guys, you gave a beginner the confidence he needed.

Bike on the drive and gear on.
Sat on the bike. Starts her up. Quick smoke whist she worms up.
'Looks at the map. Were am I off.
Sod it, its about time I told my mum I got a bike. he he he.. Yes I know I'm 33 but somethings should be kept a secret.lol.

Northampton
A43 to Kettering.
Up the A6003 to Melton Mowbray
A606 then right onto A46 towards Newark on Trent.
right onto the A6097 the onto the A614 all the way up to Snaith.

Off we Go.
Nice and steady.
Half hour and I've found the trick to stop my Visor Condensing up.
Not misting Condesing up. Happy now.
An hour later. I'm settled into it and feeling comfortable.
Nice and dry. Hand guards and Touring screen are working well.

Wait Why am I sat at 40mph following these cars and that caravan. DOH.

Wait, whats that.
Long straight.
No junctions.
No oncoming traffic.
No sighs of danger. Feck it I'm off.
Signal. Mirror check sholder check.
Pulls out and WOOOOOHOOOOOOO.....

So thats why i got a bike. I remember now.

Shite pay attention. You're over taking. Some knobs bound to pull out.
There he is. Overtaking without checking. Arse.

Never mind. The main beams burned his retinar. ha ha.

Petrol gauge says full Odomiter says 120m.
Better get some gas.
What do you mean you don't have a toilet and I have to use the one in the hotel next door. Sod it I'm using the one in the Harley shop next door.
Ooh nice free cupa tea. No sorry I don't want a Hog.

Off we go.
Up the A614. What do you mean. "ROAD CLOSED"
Feck, Divertion. A1.
I'f I'd have wanted the Motorway I would have used the M1
Off the A1 back onto the A614.

Hi mum.

Mum. "What you get that for."
Me. "Because"
Mum. "Because, what?"
Me. "Because I knew it would anoy you."
Mum. "Make your own cupa tea."
Me. "Give us a hug."
Mum. " Bugger"

Sunday Morning.
Mum. "Lets have a look at this bike then".
Me. "Its a sensible bike for a beginner etc etc etc etc."
Mum. "Oh a Blue one. Nice colour"

Gear on and off we go.
Try the A1 for a little bit of experience.
Down to newark then A46 to Leicester.
Then A6 to Market Harborough then A508 home.

Getting a bit cold. Ooohhh MC Donnalds.
Coffee. Fingers warming up.
Off we Go.

OK who stole all the Road signs.
No, Come on, put them back.
45 minutes later Ahhh theres the A6.
Back on track.
What, weres the sun going.
NOOOOOOOO.
Its Fecking dark now.
Ooohhh starting to feel real cold.
Bugger, Should have gone in the car.

Slow down, feels slippy.
WOOOOOOOWWWW there.
Thats better. I like it when the wheels both line up.

I know I'm only doing 40 but its dark and icey.
Flashing me is not going to work.

Go on overtake.
Ah BMW should have guessed. Tw@.

Northampton Sign. WOOHOOOOOOO.......
Concentrate..........
Ooohh Look Ice on my car. Cool.

Off we get. House keys out of the pocket.
No! Ok. Hi next door neighbour.
Would you mind awfully helping me to take my keys out of my pocket and opening my front door. My fingers seem to have disapeared.

Ah cup of tea and time to reflect.
"Oops, sorry mum. I've been home an hour. Should have wrung you."
"Well at least your home safe and won't have to do that again."

(Yeah until 22nd. Going up again for Xmass. LOL)

Need some Heated grips.
Need GPS.
OR a tank map holder.

Needless to Say.
What a weekend.
All types of roads.
All types of idiot road users.
All types of weather. Except Rain.
140 miles each way.
What a way to start my biking.

Thanks.

PS. To those that have read this. Ahhhh thanks guys.
 
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#6 ·
well done mate,my first big trip was to sidmouth from northampton the day I picked the bike up. after 20 years out of biking was emmensely proud but I've never had a sore'r arse ever. and felt like i'd run a marathon with the aching thighs.:(
hope you didn't suffer the same.;)
 
#7 ·
Its interesting.
I felt great. No bum ache or anything.
My toes were starting to get cold. Frank Thomas Aqua Classics. Great boot.

Gaberg V2. Good helmet, Little Noisey.
Sprado Jacket, trousers and gloves. All lined.

Just my fingers.lol.
 
#8 ·
Nice one Kris. Had a run out myself on Saturday, just local. Come back to biking after a long break so taking things steady for now!
Used to be all weather biker years ago - fond memories of pouring rain on the M25 when some pillock had painted black gloss over the white lines, and 6 inches of snow on the M1:rolleyes:!
Wish I'd had some heated grips then! Got some now though;).
 
#9 ·
Hi Kris

Very good and entertaining ride report. You've put me to shame not getting out on my AT recently. Mind you I was in the process of packing while typing Saturday morning so there was no chance then :rolleyes:.


I thought it would be your fingers that would cop it!

Heated grips are the answer and with all that money you're making on overtime I would recommend splashing out on Genuine Honda ones from David Silvers. They are so easy to fit. They sense the battery voltage so will not flatten your battery. There are five heat settings with a neat little LED array to indicate which setting you're on, all mounted in a very neat little box. They simply connect into the front brake light circuit so no relays required or thinking about modifying circuits (even someone from the top floor of 15 could manage it:D). They are really effective and come with nice grips that are quite slim. I really swear by them now. The beauty is that using these you can wear thinner gloves for a much better feel when operating controls switches etc.
 
#13 ·
Half hour and I've found the trick to stop my Visor Condensing up.
Not misting Condesing up. Happy now.
Want to pass that on cos my new Caberg is worse that the one I had before.
 
#15 ·
Whealie.

After 5 minutes or so once the visor starts to show a litte sign of Moisture.
I open it to the first click. 10mm or so only for a second or two.
Also at any speed under 40mph. Do the same.

Bloody pain. I'm still thinking there must be an easier way though.

Cheers.
 
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