As I write this report it snowing outside and I can’t believe that I’ve already done over 500mls on my “new” bike in the six weeks that I’ve had it (and I’ve been in France for a fortnight of that) and it’s only the middle of February. I’ve never done as much winter riding in my life! After the run to the coast, the following weekend Tim and myself did a run round the north of Lincolnshire on a trial run for a club run later on in the year, about 80mls overall with plenty of long straights and sweeping curves, very enjoyable. The following weekend was a run up to Squire’s Café at Sherburn led by Tim, others were invited but I think it must have been too cold for the young‘ns. This run was mostly done on the A1, a run I would not usually enjoy on my old bikes, but on the Thunderbird it comes so easy.

Then came my fortnights baby-sitting in France where I met up with Mark, an ex-pat from Devon now living in France, the owner of a new Bonneville, it would have been nice to have had my bike over there so we could explore this beautiful region of France together (that is between the snow flurries!)

I managed to get back home for the second club night of the month to find a good turnout of bikes (including mine) considering the time of year and the weather prospects. Comments were made about “some people having to keep the Meriden’s running” now that even the older generation are turning to Hinckleys. Prior to the meeting I had started anew by changing the oil and filters on the bike and found out how much dearer ever thing is, a good point to note here that semi-synthetic and 100% synthetic oil is half the price in France to what it is in the U.K., one of the few things that is though, along with diesel fuel!(but even this is catching up quickly)

The period was rounded off with a trip over to John Mannion’s home, where I viewed his photo’s on his computer which he had taken on a trip to the re-opened Motor Cycle Museum, every thing looks well and I hope it goes on from strength to strength. We will have to get that trip organised so more of us can visit! The outing to John’s was curtailed as it started to snow, so it was quickly home to put the bike in the garage before it settled. With the way things are looking it will be there for a few days!

Hopefully the better weather’s not too far away.

GLOVEBOX.