As noted by KW a great day for the John Maris.
Good mix of bikes and great to catch up with folk from the East.
Great turnout from N Staffs branch members who joined part way along the route or turned up just in time to walk to the front of the chip queue (you know who you are Mr S 
)
Thanks to Dave and Team for organising and inviting.
With luck a couple of pictures attached.
All the best
Steve
And another picture from the John Maris
Steve
Ggrrrrrrr…
Went to the Dwyle Flunkers at the Lower Lode.
If you ever go into Tewkebury try the White Bear.
I don’t know if it does food but the beer, prices and atmosphere were superb.
I may recommend moving the V Twin to the Lower Lode and limiting it to 250 tickets.
Bob Berwick of course forgot to bring waterproof shoes for the traditional cross country walk into civilisation.
Silly boy.
Wot chip queue 
!.
Keith .
Hell of a number plate.
It doesn’t have a number plate, that is the rear brake light.
Ignored them both and used Hardley as the station bike. Rortiest, snortiest, fastest bike I’ve ridden in 6 months or more. Oh dear.
Returning home today on’t A14 / A12 this afternoon with my hands going numb I resolved to try to fit higher bars, originally the Spada lean-forward stance really suited me but can’t hack it anymore, get hands-ache leaning on them all the time. And to think I rode it with clip-ons for the first 8 years I’ve had it! Can’t see it happening now…
Is that just the buzz – leaning into them? I have a preference for higher bars now, due to trashing my arms some years ago but I do also tend to get a bit of ‘white finger’. In that respect I find a combination of hand guards (and your fairing probably covers that) and hot grips helps. Just flicking the grips on and off is a big help I find.
Didn’t, but did lower the Versys and now Heather can touch the ground safely and is looking forward to her first ride.
There is no buzz. I presume you meant vibration. Just the posture I think. This isn’t the first time either.
In other news ~ well the crash investigation man came today to view the Piaggio ~ we conclude the frame is twisted ~ as it’s tubular steel it MIGHT be possible to get it straightened IF any maxi-scooter workshop in the UK happens to have X10 jig blocks for it, b ut not too likely as the model is still very new. Insurance Co won’t go for that option anyway, so looks like Kate’s right it’ll be written off.
I need a distraction so had the cover off the Bee-Em to see what state it’s in ~ deffo needs a wash down with a bucket of hot water and some Flash ~ apart from that:
- Need to get a new battery so had old one out. 2. Checked engine oil, still looks like new! 3. two new tyres are on order. Am also getting 2nd hand cast wheels to replace the shabby spoked ones (well underneath the layers of silver Hammerite they’re shabby), if poss ~ 4. need to check / clean out carbs / float chambers, also replace the fuel hoses. But this afternoon: 4. drained and rinsed out tank, removed and cleaned tap filters, put some fresh fuel in + Frosts Ethomix. While tank was off: 5. replaced two relays in a shocking state of cack and verdigris, modified the wiring for the starter relay as it’s a ‘special’ with odd terminal designations, where the battery live goes thru 2 joined together terminals (both called ‘87’) to the ign switch ~ i.e. the whole bike is powered thru these two ‘87’ terminals and connectors. The mod should allow a stock layout 4 or 5 pin relay to be used, and fortunately I’d just renewed my stock of new spares!
Need to: 7a. Check gearbox oil, return any excess to shaft tunnel (has its own oil content). 7b. Check F/D oil level and there is a long standing prob of it leaking out of the brake camshaft (SLS rod operated drum brake). The shaft passes thru the hollow casing with the idea that the oil also lubricates its bushes as well, and there are 2 O-rings at each end to keep it in, BUT problem is it’s a wee bit worn to put it mildly so oil can tend to p1ss out of the ends. I’ve increased the effective diameter of the inboard O-rings by laying thin strips of insulation tape underneath, did this yonks ago and still working! So will try ditto for the outside end.
yesterday… took the bike to work (dont often bother as its only 5 miles), and as it was a lovely evening took the scenic route home (about 70 miles 
) stopped off in Lincoln to have a look at the memorial that was opened last weekend to mark that the first tanks were designed and built in the city… i
2015-05-13 004 by neil, on Flickr
2015-05-13 006 by neil, on Flickr
2015-05-13 012 by neil, on Flickr
Lovely pics Neil…as ever…
Lost the right hand spark on the V50 whilst sorting out carbs. Moved to man cave #1 for investigation. Thought - lets cut remaining grass before rain comes - Harry wouldn’t stay running. Also now in man cave #1. Horrible bird poo like stuff in bottom of Harrys float bowl.
Rain on - poured large Pinot Noir. Yawning has started… mmm, wonder what’s comes next… Zzzzzz…
Mañana…Â
Which is the name of our boat…
Mine is called Mas Dubh. I translate it as darkies bum. Rhyming slang for a rather fine spirit with a nautical connection.