Had to share this with you all.
Out of the house by 7 this morning, got the bike out of the garage and headed off to Penrith, then along the A686 to Alston, turned off to Brampton and then up to J44 of the M6 before heading for home via the A6. Virtually no traffic and apart from the odd pheasant no other obstacles.
Now I feel prepared for the Saturday routine, I've now got the boys out of bed and will shortly be taking them to football practice, a spot of DIY followed by feet up to watch the Scots defeat the French in the rugby. (OK the last thing might be a bit hopeful!)
I do like having a bike.
Rob S
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Rob
I'm getting mine out this afternoon - but it's got pedals. I know what you mean, though. It's nice to get out and about before the masses.
I'm flying model aircraft this morning, then I shall probably change the oil and filter on the van. It won't stop there, of course. I'll find something else on the van to fiddle with - I always do!
HAND
Ian
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Out early with a borrowed diesel compression tester to get to the bottom of the old Land Rover running faults. Target figure 450psi, actuals a very even but wickedly low 300+/-10psi.
Used adaptors in the kit to make a home-made cylinder leakdown tester. On TDC with valves supposedly closed air is whooshing out of the inlet manifold.
Something must be wrong somewhere with the used engine I reassembled, oh well such is life. And some folks wonder why I refuse to use any scrapyard parts in repairs for customers.
Oh dear. Still had a nice run into town, fresh and sunny with a spring feel so even in a TD car the day felt good.
Take the point about the bike though.
HANDT
David
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David
Are the compression problems on the engine that you are using in the rebuilt LR? I can't remember, but I know that you built an engine from at least two that you had. Or are you trying to get a second engine running?
Ian
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Yes Ian this is the "one from three" engine in the rebuild...whoops!
David
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I remember the A686 from Penrith to Alston in the 1960s. I'd just had a problem with my eyes fixed and was enjoying my newfound pin-sharp judgement. Lots of 100mph bends (on 155x13 car tyres). And at the right time of day no other traffic to spoil your fun, get in your way or warrant PC Plod turning out with a laser camera on a tripod.
HJ
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I used to have 155 x 13 tyres on an 83 Escort - I don't think I would have tried any of the corners at 100mph on them, mind you the car wasn't up to that sort of speed! There is a considerable Plod presence on the road these days, mostly at weekends, mind you, some of the bikers who use it are plain mad which is why I like to go on it when it's not busy. If you carry on from Alston to Hexham the road is just as good with some real alpine style hairpins, I always go this way when going over to the north-east and you can guarantee to be smiling by the time you reach the A69.
And as a footnote, I had to video the rugby 'cos fixing the new soffits took longer than expected (doesn't all DIY), and it cost me a tenner to get the boys to help, when they weren't arguing.........
Rob S
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Buxton to Macclesfield at 0500 on a June morning, anyone?
(And back again. And lived)
rg
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The Crianlarich Circle, with the remote needle Amal and NO obstruction of the exhaust.
But fun is anathema now. Sod 'em all.
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And you could do it the other way round next day, given petrol money.
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