Had a busy morning, having finally fitted the panniers to the bike. They
look brill. Then I nipped into town to see the boys at Tavy Signs, who are
making the graphics for the bike and effectively turning it into a rolling
billboard advertising the trip and, more importantly, Combat Stress. It's
going to be mega, as I would say if I was ner-ner-ner-nineteen... Then over to
see Mark of Tyremarks fame, the master of all things round and black, ooerr,
who is providing me with some luvverly new rubber. He's at
www.tyremarks.co.uk if you're that way inclined. [That last bit was actually about tyres - Ed.] I have also been given
some space at Tavistock's Saturday market on April 2nd, where I will show
off the bike in all its glory. Cheers to Dwayne and Eddie at Tavistock Town
Council for that. I am lucky to live in a community of really good people,
you're all absolute stars. Bye for now.
Charity Registration No. 206002 |
Combat Stress is the leading charity specialising in the care of British Veterans who have been profoundly traumatised by harrowing experiences during their Service career. |
 |
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Monday, 14 March 2011
Pan, Pannier, Panniest
The new (correct) pannier frames should be here tomorrow, so
I'm back on track for the graphics. It's all a bit chicken and egg- I need
the bike as a method of publicising the trip, but it's not much use when it
looks like any other bike. Tomorrow I'm talking to Yamaha to see if they can
help, as the bike is a model they are keen to promote. Right now I'm hoping for some help with travel costs, rapidly escalating price of fuel, etc.
I'm back on track for the graphics. It's all a bit chicken and egg- I need
the bike as a method of publicising the trip, but it's not much use when it
looks like any other bike. Tomorrow I'm talking to Yamaha to see if they can
help, as the bike is a model they are keen to promote. Right now I'm hoping for some help with travel costs, rapidly escalating price of fuel, etc.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Fiasco is an Italian Word
More stuff. Staggered into the yard after a long ride on the horse, all
fired up to fit the sproncy new luggage system to the bike. My heart sank as
I looked at the fitting instructions (throw self violently on floor and
commence foaming at mouth) and I realised they were for the wrong model of
bike. Doh! So now it'll have to be sent back and more stuff sent from Italy,
hopefully not on Italian timescale, he said in a stereotypical way. Bit of a
pain, nevertheless. I think I'll try and get the graphics guys going on
Monday anyway, as time is running out faster than a politician's
promise... more madness next week folks.
fired up to fit the sproncy new luggage system to the bike. My heart sank as
I looked at the fitting instructions (throw self violently on floor and
commence foaming at mouth) and I realised they were for the wrong model of
bike. Doh! So now it'll have to be sent back and more stuff sent from Italy,
hopefully not on Italian timescale, he said in a stereotypical way. Bit of a
pain, nevertheless. I think I'll try and get the graphics guys going on
Monday anyway, as time is running out faster than a politician's
promise... more madness next week folks.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Hooray for Hometown Heroes
Great news- the hard luggage set for the bike turned up today. Now I can
crack on with getting the graphics designed . This gear is very high quality
Italian stuff made by Givi.
These guys have brought it in specially from Italy, as it's a new design and
I'm going to be one of the first to use, and no doubt abuse, it! And one of
my local chums, who is both well connected and generous, has already cranked
up £1500 for Combat Stress. Way to go! As I view the prospect of throwing
myself out on the coastline for a month or so, and thus into the great wide
open, with a bit of trepidation, days like today certainly stiffen the
resolve. And make me realise what a brilliant nation we still are, despite
the doom merchants. A pox on them all...
crack on with getting the graphics designed . This gear is very high quality
Italian stuff made by Givi.
These guys have brought it in specially from Italy, as it's a new design and
I'm going to be one of the first to use, and no doubt abuse, it! And one of
my local chums, who is both well connected and generous, has already cranked
up £1500 for Combat Stress. Way to go! As I view the prospect of throwing
myself out on the coastline for a month or so, and thus into the great wide
open, with a bit of trepidation, days like today certainly stiffen the
resolve. And make me realise what a brilliant nation we still are, despite
the doom merchants. A pox on them all...
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Trial By Magazine
Stop Press- my article on the trip is now out in the latest copy of Trail Bike Magazine (TBM). Well done chaps- if you haven't seen this mag, go and buy one- very well written, amusing and informative. Am now plotting how to get on radio and the TV- not as easy as you might think, apparently. Still, all avenues have to be explored, if I'm not going to become Billy No Mates Rides Around Blighty On His Own!
Past Tents
I dug out a tent that hasn't seen the light of day since Budapest 1997, and even the moths looked old and tired. So I'll be taking it, obviously! Plans are afoot to mug the local camping shop for a decent kip mat, as I seem to have developed the happy knack of always pitching tents on the stoniest ground available. Also, will be tapping up the genial Town Clerk for a space in Tavistock Square, so I can publicise the trip locally. Onwards and upwards!
Pain in the Panniers
I'm expecting the panniers for the bike any day now, after a slightly anxious wait. Until they arrive, I can't design the graphics for the bike saying meaningful things like "give me your money, puleeze!". Or summat like that. Just had a chat with a mate who I do a bit of tree consultancy for, and after establishing that I would sign off his latest building project before I leave on the ride, gave a hundred quid to the cause. Top man, you are, Piers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)