In a car you’re always in a compartment, [..] through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer [..]
On a motorcycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.”
Robert M. Pirsig,
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values
Dedicated to the memory of Harold Wix, the wonderful and kind friend how showed me how to ride a motorbike properly and safely. He had a bigger impact on me than I realised at the time.
I used to ride a lot, 25 years ago. This is my tale of how I came back to biking and learned something about my limits in the process.
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Day 3 2020 – Who turned the heating up?
And it’s hotter today than yesterday. Peak temp was 36C. In the shade. But I left early. Breakfast was cheese,… Read more Continue reading Day 3 2020 – Who turned the heating up?
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Day 2 2020 – Bloody hell it’s hot
Ferry arrived at 12 UK time, 1pm in Spain. Very organised queuing system for returning to vehicles. They should adopt… Read more Continue reading Day 2 2020 – Bloody hell it’s hot
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We are off again
Dear Reader, all two of you. I started writing last year after coming back from a bike trip of a… Read more Continue reading We are off again
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D-5 Trip week
Oh shit. Oh shit. 5 days to go. I am at the dealer. I’ve picked up my bike all shiny… Read more Continue reading D-5 Trip week
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D-11 Back to the dealer
This is not going according to plan. The bike isn’t shifting properly into third and fifth. I get several failed… Read more Continue reading D-11 Back to the dealer
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D-13 Crash
I get kitted up and drive round to where my bike is parked. It’s at my elder brother’s place, a… Read more Continue reading D-13 Crash
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2019 D-4 Where is the key?
Turns out I wrote quite a bit last year – just didn’t publish it… I take my daughter to school… Read more Continue reading 2019 D-4 Where is the key?
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D-14 The bike – BMW R1200RT LE
So I bought a R1200RT LE. Lots of letters, not much clarity. R means boxer engine. 1200 means a little… Read more Continue reading D-14 The bike – BMW R1200RT LE
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D-14 Essex
Pickup day. The sun is shining. I take the train to the middle of nowhere with my kit in… Read more Continue reading D-14 Essex
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D-15 Home
Insurance is arranged. It is soon apparent there is a massive London risk premium for theft. If I input my… Read more Continue reading D-15 Home
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