Well folks, it was Shaun Varga who won the Twist n Go competition, not me. The current issue has his first article about the prize - the Yamaha T Max.
I'm vaguely disappointed. It's always a shame not to win, but I enjoyed the day out at Jack's Hill Cafe. But since then I've had a separate article published in the magazine, and I am preparing more for submission to T&G and its sister publication, Scootering.
Well done Shaun! I'm looking forward to the next installment - and remember - keep the shiny side up!
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ride out published
The report of the day out in Towcester is published in Twist & Go magazine - see my Scratchypen blog for more details.
Still no news of a winner, but watch this space, as soon as I know, you'll know.
Still no news of a winner, but watch this space, as soon as I know, you'll know.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
The Devil Rides Out
OK, not the Devil. Two other winners of the first part of the Twist and Go prize rode out with me.
After a two hour, 110 mile ride with the temperature around freezing, I got to Jacks Hill Cafe (watch out for the 'Ton-up day' in July) on the A5 around 7.45 am, just enough time to thaw out, down a big mug of tea, and get ready for the assessment.
We were under the watchful eyes of Mark and Graham from Rapid Training and spent nearly three hours riding around the Northamptonshire countryside. It was about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on! We took turns to lead the group on a varied selection of motorcycles; me on my GS500F, a 1982 BMW R80 and a Honda 300 scooter. The instructors were on a Honda 600 Hornet and Suzuki GSX-R 750. Just having the opportunity to follow those guys was an education; their observation on my abilities - even more of an education.
We were treated to lunch, or in my case the 'bigger' all day breakfast which was a damned good prize on its own, and then the long ride home.
As yet, we still don't know the result, but just getting to the assessment day was great - When the result is known, you will be (almost) the first to know... watch this space!
After a two hour, 110 mile ride with the temperature around freezing, I got to Jacks Hill Cafe (watch out for the 'Ton-up day' in July) on the A5 around 7.45 am, just enough time to thaw out, down a big mug of tea, and get ready for the assessment.
We were under the watchful eyes of Mark and Graham from Rapid Training and spent nearly three hours riding around the Northamptonshire countryside. It was about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on! We took turns to lead the group on a varied selection of motorcycles; me on my GS500F, a 1982 BMW R80 and a Honda 300 scooter. The instructors were on a Honda 600 Hornet and Suzuki GSX-R 750. Just having the opportunity to follow those guys was an education; their observation on my abilities - even more of an education.
We were treated to lunch, or in my case the 'bigger' all day breakfast which was a damned good prize on its own, and then the long ride home.
As yet, we still don't know the result, but just getting to the assessment day was great - When the result is known, you will be (almost) the first to know... watch this space!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
It's been a while ...
... a very long while, so I thought I'd better catch up.
Let's run through the changes.
First, I'm back at my job in Winchester. The secondment was not as expected. Next, the Suzuki Burgman has gone, changed for a Suzuki GS500f, bigger and more suited to the long run.
I bought it in November and have done 2000 miles so far. I'm enjoying the ride, but the same comments as last year - I am looking forward to when I can ride in the dry, warm and daylight.
Early snow in December spoiled the run up to Christmas and the government cut backs are casting a shadow over work, but we've been through it before. Every time Labour gets in they spend everything they can get their grubby, expense-fiddling paws on and someone else has to clear up the mess.
... Breaking news - got an away day with Twist & Go magazine in March, to see who is going to ride a new Yamaha TMax for a year, and write for their mag. Ooo! Me please!
Tell you all about it later.
Let's run through the changes.
First, I'm back at my job in Winchester. The secondment was not as expected. Next, the Suzuki Burgman has gone, changed for a Suzuki GS500f, bigger and more suited to the long run.
I bought it in November and have done 2000 miles so far. I'm enjoying the ride, but the same comments as last year - I am looking forward to when I can ride in the dry, warm and daylight.Early snow in December spoiled the run up to Christmas and the government cut backs are casting a shadow over work, but we've been through it before. Every time Labour gets in they spend everything they can get their grubby, expense-fiddling paws on and someone else has to clear up the mess.
Tell you all about it later.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Vehicular pollution
It seems to be getting more popular, people riding pedal cycles to work.
I'm not sure why they do it, maybe to get fit and lose a few pounds (or should that be kilogrammes?), save a few bob (that's shillings, 5p each) on fuel and parking, or maybe to save the planet by using less fossil fuel.
Well, if it's the latter, they are failing miserably. For every mile they cycle, they save the fuel they would have used in their family car. But unfortunately for the planet, they cause every vehicle that has to crawl along in a low gear, following for miles before they can get past, to run their engines inefficiently increasing the polluting effect. I often join a queue of up to twenty cars, vans and trucks stuck behind some wobbly derrier weaving along the lanes, making it impossible to pass.
With the extra pollution they cause and the inability of the average cyclist to take notice of the rules of the road, they are the scourge of the road using society. Tax the buggers! That's what I say!
Hmmm ... who's next?
I'm not sure why they do it, maybe to get fit and lose a few pounds (or should that be kilogrammes?), save a few bob (that's shillings, 5p each) on fuel and parking, or maybe to save the planet by using less fossil fuel.
Well, if it's the latter, they are failing miserably. For every mile they cycle, they save the fuel they would have used in their family car. But unfortunately for the planet, they cause every vehicle that has to crawl along in a low gear, following for miles before they can get past, to run their engines inefficiently increasing the polluting effect. I often join a queue of up to twenty cars, vans and trucks stuck behind some wobbly derrier weaving along the lanes, making it impossible to pass.
With the extra pollution they cause and the inability of the average cyclist to take notice of the rules of the road, they are the scourge of the road using society. Tax the buggers! That's what I say!
Hmmm ... who's next?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Pricey do!
Oh, dear. It's that time again. Tax is due on the car and the bike, £245 against £33. If that's not bad enough, the bike went in for a service and MOT and the nice mechanic tells me new bits for that will cost many groats as well.
At least the summer is coming, so it will be more fun than riding in freezing conditions - just gotta get the bike back ...
At least the summer is coming, so it will be more fun than riding in freezing conditions - just gotta get the bike back ...
Monday, April 19, 2010
BMW drivers
So what is it with BMW drivers? Are they deliberately aggressive and obstructive, is it something they are taught when they by one, is it only that type who buy BMWs, or is there some radioactive device built into the dashboard that rots their brain cells, rendering them total morons?
What about the model built specifically for the school run. The X5, a huge lumbering leviathan, massive tyres and wheels, engines of up to four litres and sufficient ground clearance to drive over a lollipop man without knocking off his hat. And driving it, the tiniest, scrawniest, bleached blonde wag-wannabe, sitting on a child booster seat so she can see between the spokes of the steering wheel. Lost some where in the back is an even tinier clone of the mother up front.
Of course the prospect of walking, to a BMW driver, is just too gross to think about, so school-run-mum will probably drive in, past the no entry sign, up the pedestrians only route and drop little Miss Precious right outside the door. In the supermarket she will drive round and round for half an hour until two adjacent spaces are available, close to the door of course, in which she can abandon this huge lump diagonally across them. Unless there is a parent and child, or disabled persons bay available, in which case she will take two of either, or both, of these.
Of course Mr BMW driver is no better. He will disconnect the indicators so that he doesn't give other BMW drivers a good name, he will follow too close and, when you stop and he can't, he will blame you for not going fast enough. He uses the same measuring trick when parking. Because there really isn't enough room to park his phallic extension he will squeeze it so close to those already parked so that they don't have room to get out. This, again, will not be any fault or concern of the BMW driver as part of the contract he signs when his company gives him the all expenses paid car, is that he can never be wrong.
The BMW itself, is a well engineered motor car, with good performance, comfort and reliability, and I would be tempted to buy one. But how embarrassing would it be to be seen getting out having used the indicators, politely allowed someone to cross in front and parked neatly between the lines of a parking space and not shouted obscenities to the pensioner with the Zimmer frame.
P'raps I'll buy a Volvo instead ... or maybe ...
What about the model built specifically for the school run. The X5, a huge lumbering leviathan, massive tyres and wheels, engines of up to four litres and sufficient ground clearance to drive over a lollipop man without knocking off his hat. And driving it, the tiniest, scrawniest, bleached blonde wag-wannabe, sitting on a child booster seat so she can see between the spokes of the steering wheel. Lost some where in the back is an even tinier clone of the mother up front.
Of course the prospect of walking, to a BMW driver, is just too gross to think about, so school-run-mum will probably drive in, past the no entry sign, up the pedestrians only route and drop little Miss Precious right outside the door. In the supermarket she will drive round and round for half an hour until two adjacent spaces are available, close to the door of course, in which she can abandon this huge lump diagonally across them. Unless there is a parent and child, or disabled persons bay available, in which case she will take two of either, or both, of these.
Of course Mr BMW driver is no better. He will disconnect the indicators so that he doesn't give other BMW drivers a good name, he will follow too close and, when you stop and he can't, he will blame you for not going fast enough. He uses the same measuring trick when parking. Because there really isn't enough room to park his phallic extension he will squeeze it so close to those already parked so that they don't have room to get out. This, again, will not be any fault or concern of the BMW driver as part of the contract he signs when his company gives him the all expenses paid car, is that he can never be wrong.
The BMW itself, is a well engineered motor car, with good performance, comfort and reliability, and I would be tempted to buy one. But how embarrassing would it be to be seen getting out having used the indicators, politely allowed someone to cross in front and parked neatly between the lines of a parking space and not shouted obscenities to the pensioner with the Zimmer frame.
P'raps I'll buy a Volvo instead ... or maybe ...
Friday, April 09, 2010
Dry roads!
Now this is better! The sun has been shining, the roads are dry and the curves are sweet! We just gotta get them potholes filled.
A warm and dry weekend is forecast, let's hope it lasts in to next week. It will make the journey to work just that little bit less of a drag.
Let's keep it rubber side down!
A warm and dry weekend is forecast, let's hope it lasts in to next week. It will make the journey to work just that little bit less of a drag.
Let's keep it rubber side down!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Real bikers - like!
I should've guessed! As soon as the rain stops and the sun comes out, all the poncy, mincey bikers on their shiny, vibrating crotch rockets creep out from their centrally heated garages and fill up the spaces in the motorcycle bays.
They throb past my grubby little 400cc commuter with their million cc posy bikes, wearing squeaky clean leathers and a sneer - but I bet I've covered more miles in the rain and frost this winter, than they'll do on dry roads all summer!
But today it rained!
They throb past my grubby little 400cc commuter with their million cc posy bikes, wearing squeaky clean leathers and a sneer - but I bet I've covered more miles in the rain and frost this winter, than they'll do on dry roads all summer!
But today it rained!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
More frost!
The weather forecasters got it a bit wrong - there was a frost this morning, but not too heavy and it soon disappeared. All gone by the time I got to Winchester.
There was lots of sunshine, too! Now that makes riding a pleasure - just them potholes to fix.
While I was away enjoying the countryside in the caravan, they'd decided to change round the office. I had to start the day by installing my own pc on a different desk and moving the old terminal somewhere else. Oh, the trials and tribulations of working in IT!
There was lots of sunshine, too! Now that makes riding a pleasure - just them potholes to fix.
While I was away enjoying the countryside in the caravan, they'd decided to change round the office. I had to start the day by installing my own pc on a different desk and moving the old terminal somewhere else. Oh, the trials and tribulations of working in IT!
Monday, March 15, 2010
At last!
I've been back on two wheels for a couple of weeks. The snow has gone but we've still had some sub-zero starts to the day, made the old fingers ache a bit but soon thawed out in the nice warm office.
The forecast for the next few days is dry with temperatures starting above freezing and reaching highs of maybe 14C. Positively balmy for biking!
Bit of a hiccup for the Landrover recently. We were heading off to Kent for a family funeral and we left home with plenty of time to spare. Not long into the journey I noticed a lack of power when trying to accelerate, a symptom I recognised from a caravan towing trip towards the end on last year, but not accompanied by clouds of black smoke this time. We managed 25 miles to the Winchester Services on the M3 and pulled in to investigate.
Yep, same as before, a split in the hose from intercooler to manifold (different hose this time). By the time the RAC man had searched for a new part, without success, and made a temporary repair to the old one we were too late to continue to Kent.
We phone our apologies and will have to make the trip later, to visit relatives. Still that's life.
The forecast for the next few days is dry with temperatures starting above freezing and reaching highs of maybe 14C. Positively balmy for biking!
Bit of a hiccup for the Landrover recently. We were heading off to Kent for a family funeral and we left home with plenty of time to spare. Not long into the journey I noticed a lack of power when trying to accelerate, a symptom I recognised from a caravan towing trip towards the end on last year, but not accompanied by clouds of black smoke this time. We managed 25 miles to the Winchester Services on the M3 and pulled in to investigate.
Yep, same as before, a split in the hose from intercooler to manifold (different hose this time). By the time the RAC man had searched for a new part, without success, and made a temporary repair to the old one we were too late to continue to Kent.
We phone our apologies and will have to make the trip later, to visit relatives. Still that's life.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bloody Snow ...
Ok, that's enough. It's not funny any more. I've fallen over, walked for miles, frozen ... well you know. And I haven't ridden my Scooter for three weeks!
It's not the temperature, just the state of the roads; she isn't designed as a snow plough. Still there's a whole lotta thawing going on today, so things is lookin' good.
What is amazing is the inability of the English to be able to cope with the snow. I appreciate it's the worst we've had in the south for at least 30 years, but the whole country went into hibernation!
We hardly saw any gritting, or snow ploughs (or even tractors with buckets) but we survived!
It's not the temperature, just the state of the roads; she isn't designed as a snow plough. Still there's a whole lotta thawing going on today, so things is lookin' good.
What is amazing is the inability of the English to be able to cope with the snow. I appreciate it's the worst we've had in the south for at least 30 years, but the whole country went into hibernation!
We hardly saw any gritting, or snow ploughs (or even tractors with buckets) but we survived!
Friday, October 02, 2009
Nano time cometh ... again
All I gotta do now is think of something to write about, then find 50,000 words on a month.
Last year I completed the challenge with The Longcase Clock. The main character was Ivy Watts, a young witch who wanted to got to university to polish her craft. She polished off the university, together with the evil cult that resided there.
Well, I've got until November 1st to get it together and make sure the old laptop is fired up and ready for action!
A month of miles
A month on and 500 miles on the clock, and biking is good! OK, I know it's not a real bike, not like Ducati, or Buell or Harley Davidson, but, as an economical commuter it ticks all the boxes.
It's returning around 70 miles per gallon (mpg Imperial not US), has achieved a speed of around 80 mph and saves me £2.50 per day in parking charges, and 10-20 minutes each way on travelling time.
... and it's fun! (is that allowed?)
It's returning around 70 miles per gallon (mpg Imperial not US), has achieved a speed of around 80 mph and saves me £2.50 per day in parking charges, and 10-20 minutes each way on travelling time.
... and it's fun! (is that allowed?)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Vultures!
If you are in Hampshire with nothing much to do, I can recommend a visit to The Hawk Conservancy near Andover. The Hawk conservancy is basically for saving rare birds of prey. They are currently working to save a species of vulture from India that have declined from 30 million to a few thousand in about 15 years, due to the use of Voltarol in cattle. Apparently the drug kills them within 72 hours of eating a carcase. Their decline has caused a huge increase in the wild dog population, rabies and other diseases as they are basically nature's dustmen and undertakers.
They do three flying displays of various types of birds, the most impressive
being 'Valley of the Eagles', where there are about 10 vultures swooping low
across the audience. The finale is calling two American bald eagles back from
over Thruxton race circuit some 2+ miles away.
A good day out, and as far as attractions go, good value for money. Don't forget to 'Gift Aid' it!
They do three flying displays of various types of birds, the most impressive
being 'Valley of the Eagles', where there are about 10 vultures swooping low
across the audience. The finale is calling two American bald eagles back from
over Thruxton race circuit some 2+ miles away.
A good day out, and as far as attractions go, good value for money. Don't forget to 'Gift Aid' it!
Friday, September 04, 2009
Motorbiking
Well, this is what it looks like. I'm quite impressed with the performance and it handles quite well for a scooter. The weather has been awful for riding, but Wednesday's torrential rain was a good test for my wet weather gear - made by 'Frank Thomas'. A twenty mile journey in heavy, continuous rain and I stayed dry.
There was one slight faux pas when I parked it at the Fareham office and left the parking light on all day. I had to call my wife and get her to bring jump leads to get it started. I certainly felt like a proper numpty!
So after 120 miles in three days I'm pleased with my new wheels, and it certainly makes going to work a more pleasurable experience! Hopefully I'll remember to turn the light s off!
Suzuki AN 400There was one slight faux pas when I parked it at the Fareham office and left the parking light on all day. I had to call my wife and get her to bring jump leads to get it started. I certainly felt like a proper numpty!
So after 120 miles in three days I'm pleased with my new wheels, and it certainly makes going to work a more pleasurable experience! Hopefully I'll remember to turn the light s off!
Monday, August 31, 2009
New wheels
Back in March we exchanged the car and camper for a Freelander and caravan. A much more suitable arrangement for our kind of camping.
This week I have added a Suzuki AN400 'scooter' the collection - just for commuting to work. If any of you have ever used the Park and Ride you will appreciate the extra time involved in travelling as well as the extra cost. But I suppose for a daily 'white knuckle ride' it wasn't so bad.
Anyway tomorrow is my first commuting day on the Suzuki. I'll let you know how it goes.
This week I have added a Suzuki AN400 'scooter' the collection - just for commuting to work. If any of you have ever used the Park and Ride you will appreciate the extra time involved in travelling as well as the extra cost. But I suppose for a daily 'white knuckle ride' it wasn't so bad.
Anyway tomorrow is my first commuting day on the Suzuki. I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Crikey! Bit of a long break!
Things going well with the new job - lots of places to visit and people to see. Writing of newsletters continues apace, and I have started a new blog for writing things. It's http://scratchypen.wordpress.com - Scratchypen's Blog. Go visit!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
NaNoWriMo - Winner!
Well, I did it! 51376 words in 26 days!
I've impressed myself. I started with a couple characters and a vague start to a story. My technique was to sit alone in the kitchen, away from TV and family and write for a couple of hours. This produced around 2000 words at a sitting. I managed to sneak a whole day while Julie was out, and managed over 5000. That gave me a buffer and took the pressure off.
My word processor counted the words as over 52000, but the NaNo site reduced the count by around 1000, but still sufficient to qualify as 'Winner'.
Each time the story stalled or lost direction, I used the 'what if' approach to think what would happen next. What started as a blend of Hogwarts and St Trinians, ended as a sci-fi murder mystery.
The completed novel (sounds good!) needs editing and a lot of sorting, but there is no urgency so I can get back to that after I've had a break.
I started a new job on the 17th and that added to the things I had to achieve, and then on 25th my daughter gave birth to a baby boy. Now I have to complete the Spiritualist church Autumn newsletter and get started on the UNISON winter edition!
Phew! I shall take a break for a while.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writers Month
Well I am officially under way and that makes me a novellist! Around 5,000 words in two days!Have you ever heard anyone say, "I could write a book" or "I'm gonna write a book one day", well tell 'em to put their money where their mouth is and do it!
I have one month, November 2008, to write a novel of at least 50,000 words, and I am taking that journey! The novel does not have to be polished, ready for publication, just a basic first draft. I can spend as long as I like perfecting it later. The challenge is to write it. It may never be published, it may never be publishable but it will be done and I will have written a book.
I may be 'worded out' for a while so the next post may be short 'n' sweet.
I'll report back later and give you all an update ... but now - sleep!
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