Out on the road again

After a few weeks where life managed to get thoroughly in the way of my play activities I finally managed to get out on Jessica again today.  Some might say it was not the best thing I could have done, it was our 22nd wedding anniversary after all, but what the hell, herself was working anyway.
Todays trip was down to the coast again, this time to Lulworth Cove in Dorset.  I sure I went there as a kid but can't say I really sure.  What a gorgeous place it is though.  Riding down some great roads from Salisbury to Blandford Forum with characteristically little traffic was a joy.  It went a bit pear shaped at that point when I managed to get lost but that only added to the fun trying to find myself again.  The cove itself is stunning.  The facilities great and the rum and raisin ice cream a rare treat.  Jessica performed flawlessly as usual but I can't believe how much I ache now..and it was only a 160 mile round trip !

and the Numpty of the month prize goes too....

ME !

OK I admit it.  It was me who filled the bike up with diesel.  The result being nearly two hours at the side of the road draining the tank and a beautiful blue cloud of smoke when I did eventually got it started again.  Fortunately draining the fuel filter and having good old fashioned carburetors without a fuel pump meant it was not too difficult a job to fix.  So before anybody else officially nominates me I thought I had better do it myself !

1st time out together

And the plan starts to come together.  One of the reasons for wanting to get back into biking was to give the Old Dragon and I something we could do together.  We were both very much into bike before we met so it seemed like a logical thing to do.  Today, for the first time, we ventured out on the GSX for a little run to Loomie's.  This was the first time for 25years as a pillion for the poor old dear and I'm so happy it proved to be a great success. Now the rest of the summer is going to be huge fun.
Next week we're off to the seaside for fish & chips !

Ride-out to Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

Good news, the knee held up and I made it out on the bike.  Hurrah !

It took some thinking about but in the end I decided it was time I visited the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.  The run down through Romsey, Cadnam and Lyndhurst was wonderful.  The sun shone, it was warm enough and for the best part the traffic was light.  It gave me the chance to try out some techniques I read about on Visordown regarding relaxed riding.  It's brilliant, no achy shoulders or wrists and much smoother bike control.
Anyway, back to the museum.  Sammy has put together an amazing collection of bikes dating right back to the beginning of the last century.  There are some stunning examples of legendary marques that I had only previously read about.  There's more modern kit as well.  The scary bit was that I've ridden some of those.  Now that really does make you feel old when you see bikes in a museum that you remember riding.

If you fancy a ride-out through some gorgeous New Forest scenery I can recommend this as a destination.  The collection is fascinating.  Even better the coffee shop is a revelation.  You must try the home made ginger cake.  Outstanding.
Another great day out on the bike !