Without going into a long boring explanation, I've just been getting on with life but for a variety of reasons my rally racing experiences, which after all is what this blog was supposed to be all about has been on a bit of a go slow of late. So the short version....
Let's just say it has been a combination of breakdowns of my 990 Adventure that have taken up most of my workshop time. That, also combined with an old shoulder injury that has decided to play up, recovering from my hip injury from last year and a period as a patient of the NHS (instead of just as an employee), has seriously limited my riding time too. Oh yes and there was the little matter of being made redundant in March and although I was able to secure another job in the same team, doing the same work, it is at a lower grade so has seriously reduced the money I have available to spend on my toys (and not helped by the 990 doing it's best to reduce my bank balance). Despite all this I have been getting on with life in general and even managed to get out on some dates, now that I'm young, free and single again (OK I lied about one of those)!!!
This morning I wheeled the 990 out of the garage (now all fixed and running very sweetly) to clear blue skies, warm temperatures and being Friday, hopefully not too busy roads (they weren't).
So already feeling good, I took a cross country route across to the A1 and shortly after leaving the village of Cople, I took the sweeping left hander at Deadman's Oak and wound on the power as I crested a small rise in the road before a long straight of nearly a mile down to Northill. As the bike hit the crest, the front wheel lifted a couple of inches of it's own volition and with a barely perceptible shake of the bars, thundered off down the straight bringing a huge grin to my face and a big jolt of adrenaline into my bloodstream.... it's times like this that I remember just why I ride bikes!
A some point on my journey, the thought popped into my head... "I must start up the blog again", so here I am at lunchtime, back to my old drivel.
Despite what I have written above, the Rally Bike project is making progress and I will be updating you over the next few posts but for next weekend, I'm off to the HUBB UK meet at Donnington Park Farmhouse. The premier on-line resource for the overland community, whether on two, three or more wheels, pedal or engine powered, the HUBB (Horizons Unlimited Bulletin Board) forum is a great place for advice and information but has also spawned a number of events across the world. The UK event comprises presentations, traders stands, films, camping and a chance to meet up with like minded travellers, friends and get inspiration.
It is run over four days, although I will only be attending for two and this is my first time at the event. Rather than just turn up as a paying punter, I was interested in the chance to volunteer to help out at the event. After registering on-line, I clicked on the volunteering link to see what options were available. OK so helping out welcoming new arrivals most probably wasn't good for someone who has never been before and hasn't got a clue how it actually runs. Being part of the clean up crew didn't really appeal either, nor did helping out with presentations where a degree of IT competence was expected! But I did spot two things I can do, first aid and photography.
So duly signed up, I receive an email asking for a copy of my first aid qualification and explaining that I'd be expected to do a couple of stints, where I get given a radio to be on call but would be free to do my own thing at the event... sounds good to me. The photography was even better, as I was going to be taking my camera anyway, the instructions asked me to try and get some photos showing the real spirit of the event, then all I have to do afterwards is submit my 30 best shots, that might then be used on the HUBB website or in promoting the next event... sounds pretty simple to me, I just need to remember to keep things in focus!
Until next time dear readers.......
That was the short version? ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
Great to see your blog back up and running - we've missed you!
ReplyDelete