South East Chat
From R.C. Foreman via email.
Picked up a copy at the Honda Café Dover road. What's good or bad? Nothing. Perhaps though, more of it all. Living near Ashford there is only one way to go, west into Sussex. When I was 65 years young I used to don the gear at four am and blast down to Eastbourne via various routes, most of which you have described, whenever possible. Nearly 78 now, and still on my second Blackbird. Question: How do you check the shocks? I have never owned a bike long enough for them to be questioned before until now. This one has 64000 on the clock and I do not know if the roads are rough, the tyres are the problem or the shocks are U/S or perhaps it is me feeling every bump with age? The first one had 50.000 and never felt rough (Both from new). Almost afraid to ask the dealer in case it’s expensive. Still got my 1964 Ariel 250 Stink Wheel, can’t afford to run a car and two bikes on a pension though.
Change of subject; What a pleasure it always is to find a female rider like Dr Sarah. Trouble is they are usually accompanied by a fellow, so one has to be diplomatic in conversation, easy to be labelled a DOM. Nice to see them on the back of a Ducati in tight leathers.
European travel? Highly recommended. Not liking blasts up the Auto routes, preferring the more leisurely, picturesque roads. Motorists, roads, food, accommodation, all better than here. Organised tours are good, one gets everything sorted for you but are expensive. What a pity it is, we have this love-hatred, relationship with the french. If I could speak french I would live over there, they have got their priorities right.
Had a puncture on the Bird last year. Fellow stopped but could not help. He was thinking of doing his first trip abroad to the "Nuremberg" Ring. Had to tell him there was not a circuit there and I think he meant the Nurburgring in the Eifel's, promised to give him a map of the Ring, maps on how to get there and places to overnight, the following weds at the Honda Café. If he reads this, I did turn up but could not recognise him if he did as he did not take his lid off. Hope he got there. Did advise him to pack all the underpants he had! Great little mag. Look forward to the next edition.
Thanks for the praise Ronald. Blackbird rear shocks are usually good for a lot of miles, but at 65000 miles it might be getting a bit tired and not damping as well as it should. A new shock would definitely improve ride comfort and handling. Ed.
From Tom Evans via email
I came upon a copy of your first issue at Brightona and enjoyed reading it very much. This was the third one I’ve been to and it gets better every year. I’m amazed that bikes are allowed to ride through the crowds, but the show is better for allowing it – the sight and sound of so many Harleys riding past is awesome. Let’s hope the next one is even bigger and better! Keep up the good work, and do I get a free subscription if you print this?
Nice try Tom, but no – subscription is only six quid a year! The Brightona organisers are planning an even bigger and better show next year, see you there! Ed.