Hi All,
Friday, 6 January 2012
Wanganui T-shirt
The Goat, 3 December 2011
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Trail ride - Glenn Murray - 27 November 2011
Most of our local trail rides are organised by co-operation between Mr Motorcycles (a bike shop) and local community groups. Land-owners provide their land for a day, the boys at the bike shop set up a main track of around 40km, a family loop of around 5km and a PeeWee track of around 1 km. The local community group provides logistics of signing riders in, collecting money and selling sausages and drinks.
Dobsy bought the old XT250 early in 2010 so that he and I could take it in turns following the kids around and we intended to head out on the occasional big loop. I'm finding it fun and forgiving to ride but a handful if I try to stop in difficult terrain so I'm not as much help to the girls as I should be. I'm finding enough challenge on the family loops for now! Eadlin has settled into the family loop scene. She is slow and steady but looks nicely in control. Hillberry is making the transition. Not a fast enough transition for Hilby's liking!
I prepared for the first Mr Motorcycles trail ride of the season with a bit more dithering than was really necessary.
I knew my XT had a problem with fuel at the end of last season but I never did manage to schedule workshop time among all my other commitments. So I checked Hillberry's PW50 and Eadlin's TTR50 for all the obvious things and stuck them on the trailer. Hillberry's PW has always had a cracked bearing cap on the steering head but it hadn't got any worse.
At the last minute I realised I couldn't really let Edie go out on the family loop alone and it would be a waste of money (and dull) to keep her on the PeeWee track all day. So I loaded my bike up and picked up a bum-bag to carry a screw-driver and an adjustable so I could keep the XT running and not get stranded.
The first run around the family loop with Edie went well enough until the final big, lumpy uphill. I was in front and didn't want to stop on the hill so I plugged away until I found somewhere I was happy enough to stop. Unfortunately I couldn't see the track behind and waited ages for Edie to appear. Eventually she did just as I was heading back on foot (someone else had helped pick her bike up). Then, when I went to follow her I dropped the XT in a rut and had to wait for someone to help me! I can pick it up on most ground but it had managed to land IN the rut with the wheels up higher. Then of course the carb was flooded so I got hot and knackered trying to kick it over before applying the tools and then it started first kick.
I'm not proud to admit that I don't take failure well so back at the car I had a bit of a tanty and called my bike bad names. It took me a little while to calm down and the rest of the day was a breeze.
I decided the family loop was a bit too steep and lumpy for Hilby's PW but they had some fun swapping bikes on the PeeWee track. We met a lad they know and Edie had a go on his PW80 and fitted it very well. Hillberry said Edie's bike went round corners better than hers.
Finally it was time to load the bikes back on the trailer and I found that the PW front end was just about ready to fall out! I don't know how Hilby was still riding it.
Next time I'll take my camera.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Isle of Man TT 2011 - Practice Week
I was a bit apprehensive about this year's TT. I didn't know how it was going to go - I knew that I would hate to be watching from the sidelines. But I had a shrewd idea that I'd have fun.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Headstone blessing
It has been a while since I posted but I just about remembered how!
The girls and I will be back at the TT from Monday 30th May. We look forward to seeing lots of friends. And some great racing!
The Rev John Coldwell will be blessing Dobsy's headstone in the cemetery of Lonan Parish Church on Sunday 5th June at 11.30am. We will be happy to see anyone who feels they would like to join us. There is no dress code except nothing formal. If anyone would like to say something please contact me or just speak up.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Dobsy's NZ memorial
On Saturday 17 July we will be celebrating Dobsy's life in Onewhero. The time has yet to be confirmed but it will be around lunch time. Please come dressed as Dobsy would recognise you. Team shirts will be very welcome.
A lap of Pukekohe race track will follow at 4pm.
On Sunday 18 July there will be a 'pit-walk' style bike show featuring many of the bikes Dobsy rode.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Good homes wanted
The time has come to offer you the once in a lifetime opportunity to own some (or all) of Dobsy's stuff. Anyone who can find a use for any of the following please contact me. 07624 254438.
If you are on the Isle of Man it would be preferable if you can collect by Wednesday. If you are in the UK I might be able to deliver while I am over (first 5 days of July).
Bedford camper - IoM registered, NOT fun to drive but well set up inside. Ideal to park up and use as a second home.
'The Hilton' caravan converted to bike transporter.
jerry can x 2
large tarp
oil drain pan with spout
mains powerdrill
plastic link flooring (hex)
broom
saw x 2
plastic chair x 5
camping cups & plates
overalls x 2
spirit level
unused bubble screen with fitting screws
plastic jug x 2
box of drill bits
cable reel
angle grinder
BBQ large
bicycle - Diamondback, suspension f and r