Hastings May Day Bank Holiday

For over 20 years 20,000 bikers have visited Hastings every May Day Bank Holiday Monday, so it would have been rude not to join them today (see http://www.bike1066.com/ ). I rode for the first time with both my brothers and my son, plus Dean (who shot the video) & his mate. Unlike the mods and rockers of the 60's, we managed not to end up in a fight (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sussex/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8259000/8259830.stm ). Weather was ideal for riding, sunny with cool breeze. We left home early, to avoid the traffic and met at the cafe next to portslade BMW Motorrad. We had fish & chips on the sea front then, we returned home the scenic route via Battle (1066), Herstmonceux and through the leafy back lanes of West Sussex.

Power + Waterproof = Comfort

Have found that when using either the tyre compressor or tent inflater in the BMW auxiliary power socket that, the canbus shuts off power. So, I have made up another aux power socket assembly and wired, via an in-line mini blade fuse, direct to battery. The mounting was fabricated from a piece of scrap aluminium plate, painted black and fixed with a couple of screws on the convenient spare frame bracket. See picture for location, just behind my calf. I will waterproof connections, when I've decided the best way (silicon, self amalgamating tape or rubber gaiter?).

I have also refined my footwear for this year. I prefer to use hiking boots, rather than motorbike boots, better dual purpose and more comfortable. My old leather hiking boots where OK but, heavy and hot in Southern Europe temperatures. So on the basis that it's our 24th Wedding Anniversary next week, I bought myself a present. A pair of light weight Solomon Gortex boots with yellow bits to match 'Mileeta' (I know...tart!). Together with my Sealskin waterproof socks, should be breathable, dry and comfy. See picture.

Afghan run & April already...

On Sunday, a group of us rode to joined ten thousand bikers at RAF Hullavington for the "ride of respect" through Royal Wootton Bassett. The event was in honour of the fallen of the Afghanistan conflict. I attended last year as well and knew what to expect but, it was still a moving experience. The people of RWB turning out to line the route, as they have done too many times before in honour of British soldiers. My thoughts were also with the Afghan civilians that have, and continue to, suffer more than any. Mileeta performed impeccably over the 240 mile round trip, even obliging the crowd with excessive revving and repeated blasts on her air horn. Got back home in time to join my daughter and son, who had prepared a pucker curry, for their Mum on Mothers Day.

Goodies arrived

Nice surprise this evening, goodies arrived in the post. Replacement mudguard extender, front wheel 'Thingy" tool and a really light and compact 12v air compressor (AirMan C74). Also,check out my count down timer. Created on-line then copied Html code in to my welcome message.

The weather is improving

Great weather this weekend. After a day of gardening on Saturday, had a treat on Sunday.Took the bike out for a shake down with luggage. Rode a 120 mile circuit through West Sussex. Took the netbook and used the McDonalds free WiFi at Chichester to test out the locator map at the bottom of my blog. It's meant to show where I am. Apparently it thinks that Chichester Mc Donalds is in Colchester? Don't know why that should be. Maybe that's where their WiFi server is? Oh well, test proved it's not accurate but, might still work if I use at a local, rather than national, WiFi. Mileeta had a wash when we got back, first one this year (she is a dirt bike after all). I also bought a replacement front mud guard extender (which fell off on the way to the MCN Bike Show at Excel, will bolt on this time rather than no-nails), a small compressor for tyre inflation to carry on bike and a 22mm tool to remove front wheel. All bought on-line at Nippy Normans.

Turquoise Turkey

If you live in the UK you may have seen the TV advert, by the Turkish tourist board, for Turquoise Turkey. I reckon they've missed a trick. Having just had a wonderful afternoon and evening with members of my family in pubs celebrating my brothers change of career, what better way to round off the evening than having a Kebab. Not the reconstituted lamb doner but, chicken shesh kebabs with chilli. A familiar meal in any UK town after a few beers and, in my opinion, under estimated in culinary circles. I propose the new tourist slogan for UK marketing of Turkey to be "Turkey ain't chicken, but it makes the best kebabs".

"Ride for adventure, driven by food" - J Mileeta 2011

Dates confirmed

I have obtained approval for three weeks annual leave from my work. Yesss! I have also booked Eurotunnel outbound and inbound crossings. As usual, I exchanged Tesco clubcard rewards for vouchers. Not such a good rate of exchange as previous years, £10 of rewards for £30 (£40 previous) of travel voucher but, who's complaining when effectively my £65 crossing expense is for nothing! It makes the weekly shop and lugging of grocery bags worthwhile. Admittedly, the ferry provides more of a sense of occasion, especially with the disappearing vista of the famous white cliffs of Dover etc. The Chunnel is quick, with no hanging around and no having to strap the bike down on a diesel strewn deck, wedged between exhaust generating lorry's and cars. Then there is the treat of carrying your kit up the narrow steep stairs to the passenger deck. I've done the ferry and will get that experience between Italy and Greece where, hanging around at a port is likely to be in a more amenable climate. Saturday 21st May 05:10hrs crossing with Gary, Marcus and John (and whoever else decides to join the Rebels trip to Europe). Returning on Friday 10th June 12:20hrs.