Annual Review

[yambabe]

The MOT on my bike ran out yesterday. However, it got me thinking, it's just about a year now since I passed my test. So how has my first year as a "proper" rider been?

Well, pretty good actually.

I have done a shade under 3500 miles over the year, mostly July-Oct last year.

In consumables, I have replaced the back tyre (just a couple of weeks ago), replaced a couple of bulbs, changed the oil twice and added a small nose screen to deflect the wind somewhat. I have also been through shitloads of oil in my scotoiler!

Highlight of the year was riding over to the Badger Bash rally in North Yorkshire last year. The weather wasn't brilliant, but it didn't rain. My other half couldn't get the day off to ride over with me Friday daytime, so it was my first major journey on my own. First proper motorway ride. First time my speedo crept to just over 80. First real filtering experience. Joyous to be able to do everything at my own pace and just concentrate on feeling like the bike and me were one instead of machine and rider. That ride really made me realise just how much you can get out of biking, it'll always be special.

Worst ride of the year coming back from the MotoGP at Donington. The rain started as we got on the A50 at the Donington end, and continued non-stop til we got home. My wet gear was up to the job, but my gloves & boots have since been replaced. I was cold, wet, miserable, couldn't see, the whole thing was just a slog. Hope I don't have too many rides like that again.

I made some new friends, joined a new internet forum ( ) and lost a couple of old mates for various reasons.

I attended my first ever race meeting at the GP but didn't get to see any racing cos I was working, so I also fitted in my first race meeting as a spectator (just the other week - thanks G) and even though it still didn't inspire me to get myself a sports bike and do a track day I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

I bought 2 more bikes, one exactly the same as mine and one the same model but a bit bigger ready for when my 33bhp restriction ends - just one more year to go now. I sold my little learner too, but to someone I know so I still get to see it occasionally!

I managed to do rides, rallies, parties, meets and gigs pretty much every weekend last year, and so far this year is looking pretty much the same.

Apologies for the long and somewhat rambling post, but reflecting on the past 12 months made me realise just how much I get out of riding my bike, and I had to share it with you.
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Sod falling in love, I wanna fall in chocolate.

[Villers]

I know exactly how you feel, Im approaching my first year with a full licence. Despite some of the ups and downs Im still sure its the best thing I have ever done. No mater whats going on in life I can get on two wheels and (if only for a short while) I can put a smile on my miserable chops!

Heres to a hopeful many more years progressing, learning and enjoying each step of the way!


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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[pipnet11]

Sounds good (mostly).

I will try to get to some BCF outings this year to meet the people I have been talking to for the last 8 month. Though with a top speed of 75, cruising speed of 60-ish Im not going to be keeping up with people unless they are on a 125, but at least it makes an excellent noise (still dont know how I ended up on a bike designed 53 years ago! 500CC - 1 cylinder - 4 gears - 24HP ) Still got 1yr 2 month to go on my restriction, then Im after a new bonnie or thruxton.

The lesson I have learnt over the last year: - Cheap tents are not good!
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I love the girls that do, I hate the girls that dont, I hate the girls who say they will and then they say they wont, but the girl I like most of all and I think youll say Im right, is the girl who says she never has but looks as though she might. - Max Bygraves