27 December 2017

No weather for biking

Being on leave from 22nd December until January 1st I had hoped we'd have one mild day to get out on the bike. It's a month since I was last out and it seems like much longer. 

Sadly it has been raining or merely drizzling every day and then it's taken a turn for the worst. Light snow and daily highs of 2°C aren't conducive to two wheel transport.

Thursday this week is supposed to be the mildest day. But...

Update: 31st December 2017

Sadly the Met Office were wrong. As usual. Despite all the computers and weather stations and access to every nutter with a pine cone, forecasts are still pretty rubbish.

The forecast changed and there should have been a five hour window today where the bike might have been dragged out of the garage.  Sadly. That never happened. It rained all day. It has rained all evening.

The forecast for tomorrow is much the same. Looks like 2018 will start as 2017 has drizzled away....

24 December 2017

Peter Pan at The Marlowe

Yesterday was panto time at The Marlowe in Canterbury.

As it was my birthday Claire emailed so that when they did the birthdays I got a mention too. Luckily not my age. 62.

So this year it was Peter Pan. Superbly done as usual. Great scipt as usual. And music a perfect match. The two "soap" stars this year Wendi Peters and Shawn Williamson were good and could both sing. Essential as pantos are musicals.

Next year. Cinderella.

22 December 2017

The Last Jedi 3D

Not started yet.  



Well. 

I enjoyed the movie. Without giving too much away. I didn't like the ending. Seems a waste.

Obviously setting up for Episode 9.

21 December 2017

Sloe Gin 2017

A success. Claire's first attempt at uniting gin and fruit is a total success.

Last week she separated the fruit from the liquid and sieved it. It is a dark red colour.

Tonight we had the first small glass. Exceptional.

Tastes very nice.

Spada Pilgrim Grande WP Boots

My Christmas present to myself. It's easier this way.

Claire asks me what I want and I can never think of anything. I usually spend weeks and even months researching products until I finally make a purchase,  or miss a deal for waiting too long.

I need a pair or new bike boots. My existing pair are very old. They are still waterproof but once you have to superglue the rubber/plastic gear change guards back on, then their time is getting closer to the day when they go in the refuse/garbage bin. That date was probably sometime in 2016.

I wanted a pair of shorter boots to wear with jeans that once off the bike wouldn't be out of place. Boots I can walk in.

And here they are. Spada Pilgrim Grande WP Boots. Usually priced at around £130 or equivalent at UK and European stockists.  But one shop had 20% off and free postage.  Mind made up and here they are.

I'll write a review once I have been out and about with them....

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Whatever your faith this is a time for rejoicing and friendship.

Best wishes from Paul and Claire Devall.









P.S. Instead of posted cards I have donated to an animal rescue centre. http://www.hillside.org.uk


Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Whatever your faith this is a time for rejoicing and friendship.

Best wishes from Paul and Claire Devall.









P.S. Instead of posted cards I have donated to an animal rescue centre. http://www.hillside.org.uk


Merry Christmas from MAG

`Wishing you all a Merry MAG Christmas'

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK's leading voice for riders' rights, ends 2017 by offering a huge 'thank you' to all of its members for their support during the year and wishing them many miles of happy riding in the year ahead.

MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, said "We have seen some tough issues during 2017; particularly the significant rise in moped-enabled crime and the appalling attacks that have taken place with acid or machetes.  MAG stands firm regarding these crimes: they are unacceptable and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities to help stamp it out.  We are able to engage with these processes because of our fantastic members.  So 'thank you' to each and every one of you for your support over the past year.  I hope you enjoy a very happy festive season and I look forward to helping take MAG forward with you all in 2018."

Lembit Öpik, MAG's Director of Communications & Public Affairs, added "MAG has had to deal with some very difficult things during the year, but we are holding fast and will continue to fight against threats to motorcycling in the year ahead.  We can only do this because of our staunch members so I'd like to say a massive 'thank you' to you all because you make MAG what it is: the country's leading riders' rights organisation and every MAG member should be proud of their contribution."

MAG's Central Office will be closed over the Christmas period from Friday 22nd December at 12:30 to Tuesday 2nd January at 09:00, but you can still join on-line at http://www.mag-uk.org/en/membership/.  Normal office hours are 09:00 to 17:00.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

20 December 2017

Blog gone

After updating my blog with the latest MAG info. I always update with meaningful stuff.  I clicked on the tags to see how many other posts I have made.

Quote a few as it happens. 

I clicked on one. Sadly, it seems with the change of MAG local rep a while back, the South-East blog looks to have been chopped.

I don't know when but it's a shame.

MAG looks back at 2017: A year of Action and Progress

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Chair, Selina Lavender, says she is delighted by how much progress MAG has made in recent years.

'MAG perhaps used to focus more on the 'fun' aspects like rallies and demonstrations but in more recent times it has become increasingly focussed on a professional dialogue.  It looks like this change is delivering a lot more clout than we've had previously, which is very good news for MAG.'

Selina believes that this professional approach, along with investment in political and industry relationships, is paying dividends.  'Our political unit spends a great deal of time in meetings, and although that may not look as exciting as attending rallies or demos, the truth is we generate more of an impact by sitting inside the Home Office than we do by demonstrating outside it.  That's why our presence on the Home Office Task Group, which has been set up to tackle moped-enabled crime, is so important.  They've got the resources and we've got the specialist knowledge: it's a good combination.'

MAG has also been effective at generating new activity around the country.  MAG's team in the North West achieved a superb result by helping the restart of a motorcycle show at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, Regional Rep Martyn Boyd and his team had a membership surge and are busy getting ready for next year's Motorcycle Show in February 2018.  Elsewhere, MAG Cumbria has recruited half the MPs in the entire region.

'We've also got much better at appearing in the media regarding biking issues.  Down in the South East, Steve Mallett has become a bit of a star, with regular appearances on the BBC.  Colin Brown is doing the same in the West Midlands - and that's all set to increase around the country next year.  It's partly about how we share best practice these days and I was delighted with the training weekend we held in York in November.  It's all about making sure we operate professionally without having to work everything out from scratch every time.'

MAG has great expectations for 2018.  'There's a lot to worry about, from illogical pollution charges through to the implications of Brexit for riders' rights.  But that's why we're here – to fix problems.  It's been a great team effort by staff and volunteers throughout 2017 and we're looking forward to building on this during 2018.'

17 December 2017

More old tech 2 - Digital cameras

Digital cameras.  I seem to have quite a few!!!


I rescued the Kodak DC3400 from the bin at work and popped some batteries and a very small memory card in it and it works.  It comes with a viewfinder that sadly isn't "through the lens" or TTL, and therefore non-WYSIWYG.  In fact, with things centred in the viewfinder the resultant photo is skewed to the right a little. It has batteries in it at the moment but is very slow. Take three pictures one after the other and it struggles to write to the memory card and you have to wait for it to save them before you can use it again.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 is another bin rescue. This time it was actually in the large bin outside along with some other broken equipment.  The charging cable and USB data cables had been lost and the camera deemed surplus to requirements.  I rescued it and from eBay was able to get a pattern part data cable and an original but used power lead.  

The plug is a non-standard type and so needed the right one to power it.  It came with a very small capacity genuine Sony memory stick. I have replaced this with multi-platform bodge up. An adapter to take an after market mini-stick, a micro-sd adapter to fit the adapter, and then a micro-sd card to slot in there.... 


And despite all the connections it works a treat. The camera is small enough to fit in my pocket and I use it on bike trips.  It's a little scratched and bashed but it works perfectly.  It also has a viewfinder so battery life is much better than an LCD screen only.


Another working relic - Kodak DC3200. I bought this one many years ago. In fact my second digital camera after the Casio.

It still works with a small capacity CF card and AA sized batteries.  I haven't used it for a while and might plonk the batteries from the other Kodak in it and see what happens.

Watch for more old tech posts.

You Tube Rocket

This is a bit different.

And another link

Decembeard 2017

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-devall-decembeard-2017

It's a bit grey and not as bushy as in previous years. It's past the itchy stage now.

More old tech..

Things get separated. In one box I have a Creative MuVo2 mp3 player. Originally bought by Claire way back in 2004.

I works really well. But. How to charge it?

Finally it has been reunited with its original charger. Found when I was going through a bag of computer and other cables.  TBH. Three bags and a magazine rack full of cables. Some of which I have no idea what they are from....

https://tinyurl.com/yco2hv6b

Charging it to see what's on it.


15 December 2017

The Hairy Bikers

With biking being set to one side for the winter. It's too cold and too icy to venture out too far it at all at the moment. So Rocket web surfing has to do.

I remembered seeing these guys a few years back, when they did a series touring the UK doing cooking and visiting places that cook and sell food.  Regional recipes etc.

As they were on Rocket Touring models.

Here they are.

Star Wars - The Last Jedi

After all the build up.  Next week. Booked tickets for Friday 22nd.

5 December 2017

Flyscreen

For the summer?

I had an email (and no doubt everyone else with a Triumph did!) from Triumph announcing a clear out of parts and accessories.for a range of bike including the Rocket.

When I bought Pepé I wanted the flyscreen but with a combined cost over £250 for the screen and fittings,  I couldn't justify the expense.  Unlike the X model that came with it fitted the ordinary Roadster came with nothing.  

So when I saw in the list of parts at half or even lower price I chased it up. The flyscreen blade came out at just over £40. With all the bits, some genuine parts an some pattern the total cost is about £125.

The reason for pattern parts made by a guy, David Gill, is because the screen needs two brackets to hold it in place. One side is out of stock at Triumph!  And given that the bike is no longer in production as it couldn't meet the latest EU emissions regs, what chance of stuff being made?

What happens if an owner has an accident and needs a replacement?  Looks like tough titty!

I have everything I need.  I had toyed with the custom screen but the guy hasn't come back to me since August (!) and so I have given up on that.

The flyscreen I have bought is the gloss with red stripes to compliment Pepé's existing colour scheme. 

Photo session to follow.

29 November 2017

Oldham Athletic @ Sarfend United

One of the joys of getting old is being eligible for OAP or senior citizen discounts.

My ticket is £15 where any adult up to 59 years and 364 days will pay £22.

The game was originally planned for November 11th but was postponed as Latics had players on international duty.

Lovely jubbly.

A work colleague saw the club badge. She thought the owl looks very angry. I'd never thought of that before. 


Deep Purple @ The O2

What can I say?

I'd not seen Deep Purple for about 40 years and then twice in just a few!

I had to leave work and travel home.  Walk the dog. Then Claire came home and it was a rush to get to Ashford for the high speed train to Stratford. We made it. Didn't have enough change for the very expensive car park. But used the online booking on my phone!!

This time to cut the walking to save Claire's wonky hip we went Stratford International, DLR to Stratford mainline and then Jubilee Line to North Greenwich.  In the end it was a cock-up as the escalators at Stratford International were broken and we had to walk up. Then at North Greenwich the up escalator was broken.

Dinner in Wagamama. Two chicken katsu later we emerged to join a very long queue for security.

This time we had seats in the 100 series lower tier. Unlike the 400 series seats these are gently sloping and still with an unobstructed view. We also had the back row with just the disabled platform above and behind us.  Perfect.

The show was fantastic.  This time I didn't have to go to the loo just as they started "Smoke on the Water"! 

The support was from Europe. Apart from The Final Countdown I had never heard any of their stuff!!

We had to leave for our trains home about 2245 and they were still going. We missed one extra encore song.


Noticeboard at North Greenwich Station
Couple of pix from the night
Support from Europe
Selfie!

And here are a couple of links to videos I took.  Yeah I know.  Damned clowns with their cameras.... in my defence. We were on the back row!! NO one behind to get pissed off!!



28 November 2017

Oldham Athletic @ The Gills

Saturday was the first opportunity to see Latics in the south this year when I could go. I missed the relatively local trip to Gillingham last year as it clashed with something else. This year I got a ticket for my brother as well. 

We met at Gillingham station and walked down to the ground.  It was bitterly cold.  Even with four layers of clothes and a woolly hat it was still freezing.

The game wasn't too bad and a draw was a fair enough result, but Latics could have won had they shot a bit more often and the keeper made a save from a swerving ball and they cleared one off the line.  The Latics' keeper, Johnny Placido, made a world class save from a free-kick in the last seconds of the game.

The journey home was okay. I got a seat at Ebbsfleet. I was home in good time.

Due to both side being eliminated from the FA Cup.  On December 2nd they are once again down south at Southend United.  If the weather is too shitty to go to Ostend. I might go over there.  Last time I rode there but if it is too shitty for Ostend it will be too shitty for that as well.

Luckily though. The journey by train doesn't look too bad. Southend is way outside my season ticket (train not football!). 

London has nine zones forming rings around the city. My season ticket is valid for zones 1 to 6. So I'll need a ticket from Zone 6 out to Prittlewell. The nearest station to the stadium.

Let's see what the weather brings us.


27 November 2017

Sinterklaastreffen 2017?

Currently the UK is in the grip of a cold spell.  Winds from the north-west are coming from the pole and bringing icy conditions to the south of England and snow and ice to the more northerly climes.

So.

The decision whether to go to Belgium will be taken later in the week.  The newspapers are scaremongering about "arctic conditions" being with us for weeks rather than the usual days.  

One of the geographical benefits of where we are off the coast of mainland Europe means that we benefit from the jet stream and that generally brings warmer air up from the equator that means we get less snow but we get more rain than the Europeans. 

Unfortunately it looks as though we are going to be north of the jet stream this week and in the cold air.

It was very cold on Friday when I went on the Ride for Kelly and on Saturday we (Neill, my brother and me)  went to the football (soccer y'all) at Gillingham and even with four layers of clothing, gloves and woolie hats it was still freezing!

Today it was heavy rain!  

The idea of a  Billy No-Mates trip across the Channel to Belgium in the pissing rain or freesing icy cold is not that attractive!

Let's see........

Update 28/11/2017

Weather forecast for the weekend has taken a turn for the worst.

They are now saying that Friday into the weekend will have what they euphemistically call "wintry showers" during the day and overnight.

Bugger.

Update 29/11/2017

Definitely not going now.  Snow forecast for the south-east and "near continent".  That's Belgium.  Riding a £10000 ($12700) bike in those conditions it a definite no-no.

Update 4/12/2017

It didn't snow but on the morning I should have set off it was -3C in Hythe. Frost and ice to scrape off the car....

24 November 2017

Last Ride for Kelly

The RV was supposed  be no later than 0945. So I arrived at 0920 and found one scooter there and John the organiser.

I parked up near the church and went into the coffee shop. A couple of skinny latté  later the scooters had begun to multiply and a couple of other bikes had joined in.

I was talking to some of the guys when we discovered that the church proceedings started at 1100.
At 1045 we were asked to fire-up and give a rev as the hearse passed by.

It was getting on for noon when we finally got to move and the escort began.

The cremation commitment was private for the family. I carried on from there to get a parcel from the post office and home.

It was cold but dry and sunny.


23 November 2017

Ride Out for Kelly - November 24th

Not quite the "Ride for Kelly" we had hoped to be holding this year or for many years to come.

Sadly, Kelly passed away a few weeks ago and this will be the final ride out as we have been asked to provide an escort from the church to the crematorium.

The Kelly Turner Foundation founded in her name will continue and the money raised used to help other children in the same predicament.

RIP.

Evolution of the Ford Mustang

Just have to share this gif I was sent.  It even covers some of the ugly as shit models that should never have been allowed off the drawing board.



I almost bought a 67 model back in about 78 or 79.  It was for sale at work and even with five years driving experience and a full no claims bonus (discount) I could afford the car but not the insurance premium.

The insurance was well over what the car would have cost to buy.  Did I regret not buying it?

YES!!!!!!

MAG opposes 'disproportionate' pillion ban

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has expressed concerns about the prospect of a ban on pillion passengers in London – a proposal which has been raised to combat the scooter crime epidemic currently gripping the city.

The idea has been put forward by Green Greater London Authority member, Sian Berry who said  'A very small number of people are causing large amounts of fear on our street".   A local safer-neighbourhood panel Chair pointed out a tactic used in some other countries: to temporarily ban the carrying of pillion passengers across whole cities.'

MAG's London Regional representative, Tim Fawthrop, has expressed his opposition to any blanket ban:  'As Ms Berry herself states, she isn't sure this is right for London, and we agree.  While all of us recognise the need to find solutions to the scooter mugger problem, the honest law-abiding, hard-working Londoner who takes his partner to work to cut costs and commuting time will be badly affected by this.  It's not as if the criminals will obey this law amongst all the others they are breaking. The Police will be hard-pushed with current staffing levels to enforce it and that will undermine the effectiveness of all laws.'

Tim adds 'In 2011, Honduras banned motorcycle passengers after a series of drive-by killings.  In addition, a ban was imposed in Medellin, Colombia, at the height of drugs cartel violence.  Are we really saying London is comparable to Honduras and Columbia?  I don't think so.  While it may be legitimate to impose a passenger ban on convicted criminals, doing so on a blanket basis is a disproportionate response to the challenge we're trying to address.'

MAG will make these points in December 2017 at the Home Office forum which has been set up to address the moped mugger problem. Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org


19 November 2017

Hythe

I have only lived here since 1999. We have a nice little town. 

Once the town was on the coast directly but over the years our side of the Channel silted up. Resulting in the capital of the "Cinque Ports" becoming further from the sea itself. We still have a beach and a promenade but they are further from the town centre.

In the photo is the Royal Military Canal. Built in case Napoleon invaded and to be used as a moat to delay and stop the invaders. They never came and the canal is a national monument.

http://cinqueports.org

http://www.royalmilitarycanal.com/pages/index.asp




18 November 2017

Dainese Scout Evo GTX gloves

After last weekend's ride in just about 2°C air temperature I knew I needed a new pair of more winter season gloves.

Santa unfortunately doesn't come to me anymore so it was left to Mastercard  to get involved.

We dropped into Laguna and after choosing a glove I thought might fit the bill but on the way to see if they had my size, I saw the "sale" bin. They still came in at over a £100.

In there we some Dainese gloves. Part leather part fabric.  I tried a pair on and like Goldilocks one pair too big. One pair too small but the next pair.  Just right.

You simply know. The fit was so "easy". Natural I suppose you could say.

I've worn them about the house and tomorrow if the weather isn't too wintry they'll get the first outing. 

Update 19/11/2017

Didn't get to try them out. At 2°C and frosty road and car iced I decided not to risk it.

Felt a bit guilty until on the back road I witnessed a cyclist slide off on an ice patch. That made me feel vindicated. 


14 November 2017

First digital camera?

I was looking through some of the blogs I follow and came across Bandit Rider's blog about cameras.  It kicked off a debate about cameras and when we all bought our first digital effort. 

As the eldest/oldest it seems I had the distinction of buying one first.  Back in 1998 I bought a Casio QV10a. I didn't come with a box just a soft case and some cables bundled in an elastic band.  It was of course new but an ex-demo model. I have no idea where those cables are now!

I still have it and recently took it out of the drawer where it has been residing for at least the last 19 years! In fact the 320/240 pixel output was so poor, and its hunger for 4 AA batteries meant it didn't see a lot of action.

It's first major use was in 1999 when I took it to Austria on my trip to the Wasserbuffel Club Rally near Mauterndorf in Salzburgerland. I used it a couple of times.  But essentially it only worked with bright daylight and ate batteries too fast to use sensibly.  It allegedly holds 96 pictures in the internal memory.  But batteries never lasted long enough to get that many.

The problem is that the cable I can't find has a jack plug at one end and a serial connection at the other. How to connect it to a modern computer might prove difficult.

Time to get it out of the drawer again?

Googling earlier I found the manual is still available!  Linked below.  


Image

Manual



12 November 2017

Ring of Red - 2017

It was with some trepidation that once the Remembrance Day Parade had finished on TV that I went to the garage and tried to start Pepé. 

Of course I had to press the "go" button and was relieved to hear the "whirr. click" from last week. I then got the power unit out and attached the leads.

A few seconds.  Press again. Start. Phew.

I left it running whilst I finished togging up. Boy was it cold out of the wintery sun. My phone showing 6°C. The wind chill on the motorway at 70mph... I Googled it and it came out at -2.3°C. 

I need Santa to bring me some winter gloves. My usual ones were not that good today. I'll be more specific for him. Not too bulky but waterproof and warm. If anyone knows of a brand/model that fits this bill that won't cost an arm or leg, then tell me.

So back to Sunday. I set off about 1145. This is my fifth Ring of Red. In fact I have been going since the first one. 

The traffic was light to the M20. I decided that I'd go straight up and not bother with the A2 detour. A fuel stop at Dartford and then across river to Thurrock.

There was heavy traffic as I approached the Services. They are off the motorway by a huge shopping centre. With Christmas only 43 days away you can't keep the mugs from spending their cash. Worst still, there's an IKEA to attract the dumbos to buy flat packed Swedish chipboard furniture. 

Once in the services the organisation was excellent. An area of the car park setioned off and the management fully cooperating to make the day a success.

People complained about it being chaotic but simply put, that is bollocks. A small number of volunteers and marshals have to do the organising of hundreds of attendees into a  column and then on to the roads.

The traffic was held up by other volunteers with cars, to let us get out of the service area and onto the M25. Such a shame that Essex Police can't provide a car or two to assist or even a few bike cops?

Once on the M25 the first obstacle is the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Traffic was crawling at 30mph and we had trouble reaching the 50-55mph speed and four bike lengths apart ideal.

I planned to go to the next services but as I was so damned cold I decided to go past and then turn around at the next junction.

Fellow Meldrew, Ian Jenkinson, was a mile or so ahead of me on his 1200GS. I was going to stop off for a coffee with him and his riding buddies on the way back on the other side of the M25. In the end I shot past.

By Maidstone I was thinking about a comfort break but carried on past that service area as well. The urge went off in the cold. 

Apart from my fingertips I wasn't feeling too cold. I was wearing a jumper I bought a few weeks ago in ASDA. That it has reindeer on it.... Anyway it was warming. Plus my ancient boots had back up courtesy of EDZ bikers socks. My legs in thickish kevlar lined cargo pants seemed okay. 

I eventually arrived home about 3pm. Once in the house I felt even colder than on the road.


Thurrock
Thurrock
Thurrock
My wristbands
From Thurrock

Me and Pepe

7 November 2017

??18 - Where to go?

The niggling problem is that I have 14 exchange points left to use with RCI after we were downsized for the second week in Florida earlier this autumn.

I hate to see them expire on 31st December 2018. Just vanish unused.

So where to go? Europe is artificially priced and only the crappiest or those with the worst reviews seem to be in that points range. Amazingly,  many of the "why is this dump on here" places are much higher.

But turning to the US looks the best value for resort, and choice, but obviously the airfare is much higher.

Now I know the term dates for the school year starting September 2018 I have something to play with.

Update 2/11/2017

In the bit the bullet and joined the 14 left over points with the next year's allowance to create a 36 point year ending Dec 2019.

News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

New low with London acid attacks and Merseyside killing

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has described the most recent acid attack as a 'new low in bike crime' and expressed its frustration at the shocking assault on a rider, potentially leaving him with a visual impairment.

MAG has offered its sincere sympathy to the victim of the attack, a delivery moped rider named Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, who was assaulted by thugs attempting to steal his moped in the Walthamstow area of London. MAG's London Regional Representative Tim Fawthrop said 'there's not much to say which helps in this situation, except that a shudder went through the riding community when news of this attack became known.  We're already working with local authorities and the police to reduce bike crime, but our efforts have come too late for Mr Kamal and that grieves me as a rider and us as a movement.'

MAG's National Chair, Selina Lavender, adds 'after the relative success of preventing mass lawbreaking at Halloween, this incident dampens the mood and leaves me feeling exasperated that such criminal, lawless behaviour still exposes riders to continual danger.  We're drawing up a plan of action which we intend to share with relevant groups later in November, and with the next Home Office anti-bike crime meeting shortly after that.  If ever there was a dreadful example of the constant peril bikers have to put up with, the attack on Mr Kamal is it.'

MAG understands that the police have arrested two teenagers for this attack and that acid was thrown at the victim more than once.  While there are options regarding the penalty, it is worth noting that there have been calls for involving the parents or guardians.  It has also been pointed out that compensation is a factor, given the potentially permanent effect this attack will have on the rest of the victim's life.  There is provision in law to hold people for very long periods if their crimes are serious enough and courts can commit people of any age to detention at Her Majesty's pleasure, potentially indefinitely.

In separate incidents, a man in Merseyside was fatally stabbed by a number of criminals who used scrambler bikes for the assault, and reports are coming in regarding yet another acid attack.  These appalling crimes underline the national nature of this epidemic.  MAG is investigating the situation and has previously engaged with police on these matters.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or EMail Central Office


5 November 2017

Whirr. Clunk. 2

The blogger app gave up the ghost on the original post only about half way through.

After the clunk. I left Pepé in the watery sun on the drive. In the house I called the RAC. Only an hour to wait. Okay.

I'll still be able to get down to Dungeness and meet Cal and Ian and see the old bikes. 

I let them know by sms.

It wasn't 10am yet.  Cal offers to come and bring the jump pack he has in a pannier. I say I can wait for the RAC and not mess their day up. Doh!

The RAC call back. Update. About Noon they say. Bugger. Day ruined.

I go online to look at power packs that I can carry with me in the pannier.

A  note on the Rocket III FB asking for tips boils down to the dbpower 600A portable pack. £69.99 from Amazon Prime.  Tomorrow should be okay for delivery.

Fingers crossed.

Oh yeah  RAC call back with an update "more like 1pm". I say okay, but then call back and cancel. No point at that time of day.


Db power 600A 

Update November 7th 2017

The unit was delivered to my neighbour this afternoon, and they even stuck a card in the letterbox.  Yesterday I only knew they had failed was because I saw it on the online tracking. No card. 

It looks a formidable bit of kit.  I read the instructions before fiddling with it. Truly un-guy-like.  Looks pretty straightforward.  It was charged to about 90% so I put it on to get it to 100%.  We are going to be out on Saturday all day so I need to find some time to try and get Pepé started before I need to be on the road to the "Ring of Red" on Sunday. Maybe in the afternoon before it gets dark.


Update November 11th 2017

Had a little time to test it. Connected it to the bike and pressed the button and Pepe started. I left it running whilst I packed everything away.  Fingers crossed for the morning.

Whirr. Clunk.

This is the third autumn since I brought Pepé home. But the first since he has begun to be a little temperamental.

We are just at the beginning of a cold snap and today. Press the starter.

Whirr.

Clunk.

I was supposed to be going to a classic bike run. So had to cancel that.

Let the other Meldrews know and called the RAC. "About an hour".

An hour later an update. "About 1230". Some two hours to wait.

If tbis is liable to happen I need to invest in a battery jump tool. Neither of the cars can do it as thru have sealed battery covers.

So let's wait.

1 November 2017

Music

"If music be the food of love, play on,
Give me excess of it; that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die."

We have often been to concerts since Claire and I met back in 1999.  Most of them I have to admit at my bidding it has to be said.

Some have been less than exciting for her, but have actually been very good and she enjoyed the spectacle.  From the Download Festival (where I was lucky to have won £300 worth of tickets) to Motorhead and of course, last week, Metallica.

Motorhead were probably at the lower interest level. The last time we saw them the support was The Damned.  And it is The Damned we are going to see in February at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.  Only a few miles from home.  No travel to London.

First up in November is a return to the O2 to see Deep Purple. A farewell tour? 



A gig free December leads us into the New Year and  Think Floyd at the Leas Cliff Hall. Another tribute band that get good reviews.



February, see that Damned concert and a few days after the Illegal Eagles.  The latter are a superb tribute to The Eagles.  They don't try to look like them, they simply play the music and play it very well.  They also sing the harmonies as it Glen and the gang were there... standin' on the corner.




And then what?

Carol King's musical "Beautiful" in March, but not at the Leas Cliff Hall but at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

Stonking.

30 October 2017

Petition - WITHDRAW VERMIN status allotted to Monkeys in Himachal Pradesh

The mild amongst us have the petition.  For years we have signed our names on paper and seen it delivered to the powers that be.

In the digital era we have the online petition. I ignore most but this one annoyed me.

25 October 2017

From the Royal British Legion

Tomorrow marks the launch of the 2017 Poppy Appeal.

This year we are once again asking our supporters to Rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made not just by the Armed Forces of the past, but by today’s generation too.

Please do look out for coverage of our campaign. As well as advertising in national and regional press, we’ll also be unveiling our brand new nationwide TV campaign.

Starting 28 October, two second teasers will air during peak evening spots on Channel 4 and its associated channels.

Our full 30 second advert will appear from 4 November, but I am pleased to share with you an exclusive preview today - be sure to check it out here or by clicking on the image above.

You can also follow the campaign on Facebook at Royal British Legion​, Twitter, and Instagram​.

Rethinking Remembrance is about remembering servicemen like Harris Tatakis, a Royal Marine injured in Afghanistan, who said of his experience, “When you come home injured, it can feel like you’ve been forgotten.”
 
By wearing a poppy and supporting the Legion, you ensure no one is forgotten. You are not only honouring the memory of those who have fallen in past conflicts, you are also giving vital, life-changing support to people like Harris who need your help. Men, women and families – here and now – who have served their country and need help to Live On through injury, illness, bereavement or other forms of hardship.

Rethinking Remembrance is all about the past and present, as well as the future. As you read the stories below, of Donna and Mark, Harris, and Tom, please know that it is for their futures – and for the futures of thousands of other ex-Servicemen and women across the UK – that we ask you to support this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Over the coming weeks, the nation will join together to remember our Servicemen and women, veterans, and their families. We hope you will join us, and wear your poppy with pride.

Yours sincerely,

Guy Upward
Assistant Director of Fundraising: Individual Giving

Rockets on Blogger

There don't seem to be too many owners writing about their bikes and trips though.

http://www.searchblogspot.com/search?q=triumph+rocket

Pity this one isn't still running: http://rocketthree.blogspot.co.uk/

Oz: Around Australia on a Triumph

Oz: Around Australia on a Triumph


Not a review but a place maker. I have read all the previous Geoff Hill books either in paperback or on the Kindle.

TBH I hadn't any idea this book existed until I was checking some reviews and saw it. Immediately I was onto Amazon to see about getting it. A 1p copy plus postage seemed too good a deal to ignore and so I bought it.

Once I have finished my current read I'll be on it, or not. In the hands of the post office at the moment.







P.S. If the image is all blurred. Blame Goodreads,. It's theirs!

Arsenal 2-1 Norwich City

Okay. It was only the Carabao Cup. 
The opposition was only Norwich City from the Championship.  

It is a trophy that can be won and that gives a chance to play in European competition again.

As usual there were lots of changes in the home team's lineup with second stringers getting a start, and the rest of the team made up with lads. Lads under 20 and many only 17 or 18.

A goal down with time running out it was looking like we were knocked out.  But....

Enter stage right one Eddie Nketiah, wearing the 62 shirt. His first touch after only 10 seconds on the pitch saw him prod the ball into the net from a corner.

Inspired substitution by Arsène??

It came after the regular players had toiled to no great effect with Nardge under heavy pressure.
Normal time ended all square. Time for a hero to step forward. "Eddie! Eddie!"

Into extra-time and on 96 minutes Eddie rose like a spawning salmon to head the ball home. 2-1.
After this his name rang out almost constantly "Eddie! Eddie!  Eddie!".

He could have had a third. Passing the ball to his left around two defenders he outpaced them round the other side before lashing his shot on target. The keeper this time foiled him with a marvellous save.

The Arsenal has a new hero. "Eddie! Eddie!"