Things that don't get in the news...

On or around Mon, 29 Dec 2003 12:35:21 -0000, "Richard Brookman" enlightened us thusly:

very satisfying. I had a good dice up the A40 with a bloke on a modern aprilia on a similar basis. *and* I didn't resort to daft overtaking to achieve it, unlike some others. Which isn't to say that I'm averse to the ol' car-bike-car across the road, but only on straight bits where the road's plenty wide enough.

It can go both ways. I have a favourite bit of road which I used to fair steam along, which opens out into a long straight. On said straight my Nissan 200 was made to feel like a Micra by a big Jap superbike. The straight feeds M1 J38 roundabout - as I went round the roundabout at 10/10 I was slightly surprised to find myself back alongside the bike, only to get mullered again going up the slip road.

Then again the Jag used to outdrag big bikes from motorway speeds to any number you care to mention. Every time I tell a biker that they tell me I'm wrong, but on at least three occasions I've had a bloke crouched under his handlebars and fading into the distance when the road cleared.

I've grown up a bit now. Do like the look of the 350Z though...

Which Jag?

XJR, the older six cylinder version. The V8 is even better though it seems to get most of the extra power simply by dint of having a higher rev potential. The supercharger is way better than a turbo, although the fuel consumption was a bit horrific, although no worse than the Disco I have now. The dogs prefer travelling in the boot of the Disco though!

The killer for bikes is the aerodynamics when they get to motorway speeds, particularly road bikes that are encumbered with lights, mirrors etc.

Now hang on I used to ride a scooter on L plates back in the 70's

Never bothered to take my test, because I didn't need to, then they changed the law which put an end to my scootering days as I could no longer ride my

I have to admit I had a couple of minor accidents one, probably my fault but the other where a car pulled out of a juntion without warning.

I was scared to death on the first occasion what my parents would think, when the car owner came round to our home to sort it out.

Larry

This is the most common experience of anyone on a motorcycle :-(

I used to "know" when someone was going to do it - usually Volvo drivers. I purchased a nice pair of leather gloves with studded knuckles and used to acknowledge their attempt to remove my life with a swift thump on their bonnet as I swerved and passed.

Martyn

It's the one that brought me down many years ago. Kept the foot (odd experience looking at it all red/white and gristly ) but walking on cobbles etc still makes me uneasy. Occasionally rollover onto ankle, did it big style at Billing years ago where the tarmac paths are higher than the grass. Hobbled over to that St John tent near the bridge, took one look at the nurse wearing the tent and bought a pack of frozen peas from the shop instead.

Got a fair few pennies in compensation from the initial "sorry mate didn't see you" but would rather not have the aches in cold weather. I can still remember a bloke bringing my "shoe" back across to where I landed. It was the bottom half of my calf height boots, the rest was still buckled to me leg. I just KNEW I should have left them in the bedroom that morning :) And the nurses at the hospital "mind if we cut your trousers off...?" Mind? MIND! wheres me Leatherman....

Ah, I know who you mean! Charlotte once popped in for a plaster as she'd cut herself, only minor, whilst holding some autojamble for me (yes, I know). She nearly came out with an arm length dressing and triangle support sling... 'Matron Murdoch" (I think her name is actually Alison, but not to worry) said she was bored and needed to practice...

I reckon it's totally bizarre that after literally walking away from an RTA which should have left me in a bodybag, the only real issues I have with cold weather is the little finger on my left hand - which I broke in a minor climbing accident 4 years ago!

Martyn