A blog that has evolved over the years from simply about motorcycle trips, to include action against discriminatory legislation from the UK and EU. Then included football, dogs and motorhoming!!!
27 December 2017
No weather for biking
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
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
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Merry Christmas from MAG
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
MAG looks back at 2017: A year of Action and Progress
'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.'
18 December 2017
17 December 2017
More old tech 2 - Digital cameras
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
5 December 2017
Flyscreen
29 November 2017
Oldham Athletic @ Sarfend United
Deep Purple @ The O2
Noticeboard at North Greenwich Station |
Couple of pix from the night |
Support from Europe |
Selfie! |
28 November 2017
Oldham Athletic @ The Gills
27 November 2017
Sinterklaastreffen 2017?
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
23 November 2017
Ride Out for Kelly - November 24th
Evolution of the Ford Mustang
MAG opposes 'disproportionate' pillion ban
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://www.royalmilitarycanal.com/pages/index.asp
18 November 2017
Dainese Scout Evo GTX gloves
14 November 2017
First digital camera?
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.
Image
Manual
12 November 2017
Ring of Red - 2017
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)
5 November 2017
Whirr. Clunk. 2
Db power 600A |
Whirr. Clunk.
1 November 2017
Music
Give me excess of it; that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die."
30 October 2017
Petition - WITHDRAW VERMIN status allotted to Monkeys in Himachal Pradesh
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
http://www.searchblogspot.com/search?q=triumph+rocket
Pity this one isn't still running: http://rocketthree.blogspot.co.uk/