Ok I’ll give it a go and try and answer questions, mind you I’m still learning and getting stuff wrong.
A beekeeping beginner, you say? When you’ve been chased down the street by an angry swarm in the shape of a question mark, please do post about it!
Had a ride out today. I’ve started the process of registering my Multistrada in Spain, which amongst other things means I have to take the Akrapovic full system off. So I had to borrow a bike from Jorg the Laughing German. He lent me his 1200 Honda VFR without so much as a blink. Respect…and gratitude. It was a public holiday in Spain today so we canned the idea of going to Ronda because we thought it would be too busy. Instead we went in the opposite direction to the south side of the Sierra Nevada. As always it was a fantastic ride but I’ve never seen so many bikes along that stretch of road. There were plenty of bikes headed in the opposite direction also. We ran along the A348, past Orgiva, where the book ‘Driving over Lemons’ was set. What a fantastic road it is. Then we headed up to Trevelez which at 1480m is one of the highest villages in Spain. I can tell you it was cold and murky amongst the cloud up there. Bearing in mind that’s 100m higher than the peak of Ben Nevis, it might give you some idea. Then we headed back via the Mediterranean coast road which was a good 10 degrees warmer. The VFR1200 was interesting but nowhere near as engaging to ride as a Ducati. It’s long wheel base was obviously good in long bends but slow to turn in short twisties but, and it’s a big notable but, it carries its weight very low down. It reminded me about the stupidity of the current fashion for manufacturers making these ridiculously high adventure bikes, including of course the Multistrada. The Multi is more engaging, more precise and more nimble but if it was lowered it would be way better. Hey ho, I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again. The VFR had Bridgestone Battlax s21 tyres on. They were….ok. The front rolled side to side ok but one or two bends I found myself running wide. The rear was, well, a rear. Nothing to write home about. I felt sure it would be a better ride with Metzeller M7/9RR’s or Dunlops on. It didn’t feel planted. I didn’t feel entirely confident with them. Personally I wouldn’t dream of f’ing up a bike by putting them on but hey, I was lucky to get a ride and it was interesting to compare. You only really get a good comparison when you get off one bike and get straight on another. Bro 2, aka Pedro the Cruel, came along too but I was disappointed he didn’t come on his VFR with Roadsmart IV’s on, as I wanted to switch and compare both. Instead he came on his 500 sit up n beg because it was better for his back. He had a spinal operation last year and has not fully recovered yet. Mainly because he overdid it too quickly after the op! All told it was a good day. Huge variation in temperature. Busiest I’ve ever seen the roads over here, which wasn’t very busy compared to UK standards. I’m pleased to report I did wish I was on a Ducati. Next week the Monster is booked in for its Spanish MOT. I’m looking forward to trying that to compare. Sometimes when you go back it makes you realise the differences. Granada is just north west of this map. This should help establish the area.
Bloody hell Zhed, that must’ve been an extreme brown trouser moment for him! Glad he’s ok. No one is going to be able to top that story in the pub!
Not done too much today other than some household chores BUT this evening I am going to see The Prodigy in Newcastle
Went out on the Scrambled Egg today, Mrs has ordered it's destruction the seat being excruciatingly painful after less than a hour of riding.
Most commercial vehicles are white to keep the company accountants happy, white is the cheapest colour, any other colour you pay extra for
Not been around for a bit, had a lot of shit going on in my head, needed some time away from all forms of social media Dads funeral was yesterday, really sad day, miss him so much Managed to get out on a bike today, first attempt since my accident at work, did a couple of laps around the village, didn't go too badly, although I could feel it in my arm at the end of the 2nd lap, and I was starting to struggle with the lack of grip strength in my left hand for the clutch Bike with a quickshifter needed
Yesterday i taxed the Multistrada and went out exploring with a few friends, one of those rides with no plans except avoid main roads as much as possible. Found a couple of new ones, some new places for coffee and the multi is a delight to ride... No quick shifter though so I'm getting used to that again. Robert, try one of those grip strength workout things, I had an off about 18 months ago and didn't slide at all, bounced well and smashed my right hand (among other things) so one of those helped massively. You'll get there.
Been fixing a leak on the flat roof to our sunroom, I didn’t like the new shower that appeared in the middle of it last night.
Properly deep cleaned the garage/workshop...I swear I almost orgasmed when vacuuming the tool chest draws...such satisfaction.
Been chasing electrical faults on my van, it died on 20th April, fitted new starter, new ignition switch, checked all wires, fuses, relays, all OK Spent a few hours doing voltage testing, making jumper wires, and general fucking about with it Found the issue to be a loose terminal end on the starter motor signal wire Now have a working van again
