Category: Motorcycling

April started warm and sunny, Richard finally managed to get his Solo flight to Full Sutton done. Caroline was another year older, it seems to have been none stop birthdays so far this year!

It being the new financial year it was time for the big work celebration. Each year work throws a party, three course meal, prize giving and a band. Its all free and a good evenings entertainment. Its not a completely free evening as Richard was again called upon to be the official photographer so until he got the key pictures wrapped up we could not completely relax.

We had also ordered our new motorcycle this month. Unfortunately they had been unable to find the model with the spec we wanted in the UK, so it would have to be built to order. Then in the middle of the month we got a phone call, our new bike was being built and would be ready and shipped to us by June!

The big event of this month was actually the event of the year, Rob and Anita’s Wedding.

We were worried about the weather but on the day it was perfect. Rob and Anita looked wonderful, and the brides maids were beautiful.

The two best men were very handsome in their suits, a welcome change to the normal jeans and tee shirts.

All together a most wonderful day for all.

December was the month of colds. First Richard had one and had to have a couple of days of work, then Caroline got one and also had to have a few days off.

It was Alison’s Birthday this month so we had a family get together. It was also Richard’s birthday and he got the DVD ‘The Long Way Round’ so he is all enthusiastic about getting the new bike soon and doing a long trip. We managed to go as far as Spain on the Honda, so how much further will we try on a GS!

We ended the month with colds again and both having to have a few days off again. Lets hope the new year brings good weather and good health.

A steady month for us, no holidays, just work, horse riding and a day spent test riding a BMW R1200GS Motorcycle, I had better start saving!

Oh and rain! The houses at the bottom of the road got flooded but we were lucky being up higher. The patio was underwater but no damage. People in Louth and Sleaford were not so lucky.

After our holiday it was back to work and also time for more expense, it was service and MOT time for our BMW R1100S, it passed of course but did need new tires. They only lasted 3000 miles, must have been that day on the track at Cadwell! Now we have both Bikes sorted for the summer we need to sort out a biking holiday, so far we have done Scotland, Wales, England, France and Spain on the Bikes, where to next? Still its only May and we have had three holidays already! Have to work hard to earn some money and build up some flexi hours to get extra days off work!

The BMF show had seemed so far away and we had done no planning at all, but suddenly it was Friday and the start of the BMF camping weekend. We had booked for the whole weekend and so the morning was spent having a final sort and check, getting all the camping gear together and strapping it all to the bikes.

First off was the Deauville (Honda NT650V), top box and panniers for Caroline and the airbed, and the sleeping bags strapped to the pillion seat, not forgetting the camping stove and fuel also in the left hand pannier.

Then we loaded up the ‘S’ (BMW R1100S), panniers with Richard’s stuff and cooking pots, miscellaneous camping bits, and lastly the tent strapped to the pillion seat.

After a practice load, we then wrapped everything in carrier bags and bin liners and strapped it all down. All that was left was the tank bags which would hold waterproofs, spare gloves and of course the radios. We had bike to bike radios to help us out. Always nice to have a natter while you ride.

It was now time for the off, a gentle ride down the A15, stopping at a tea shop in Folkingham.

As we pulled into Folkingham it had just started to rain, so we were glad to stop for a very nice late lunch. While finishing our lunch the rain clouds blew away and we carried on to Peterborough in the dry, once there it was just a matter of following the signs to the BMF show. That at least was the theory, we missed the first turn but still managed to get there in the end.

We soon found a good spot on the campsite, unloaded the bikes and setup the tent. We were then ready for the evenings entertainment.

As usual there was stalls for food, a large marque for the bands and a bar. The bar was a bit disappointing, only your common beer and lager – nothing interesting. There used to be a large bar with loads of different beers, this was something they should re-introduce. Also there was no bonfire this year. The fair proved popular despite the showers of rain. After Beer, Bands and Pasties it was time for bed.

Come morning and a camp fire breakfast, its was time for the show proper. High on the list was the Honda, Moto-guzzi, and Triumph stands. The Pan European still did not fit Richard much better then the old one but the new Deauville was nice, but he feels that he has out grown it. Too much weight and not enough power.

Both of us have had soft spots for Moto-guzzi’s for many years and ever since Caroline saw the Moto-guzzi Breva 750 at the NEC show she has wanted one. Richard prefers the 1100cc Breva but both are good looking bikes.

The Triumph ST was also a good looking bike with the three under seat exhausts but the Rocket was simply stunning! They also had a Rocket trike!

The entertainment was great, but the highlights were the short track racing and the stunt team, see below!