Another lovely autumn day

Another fine day for riding (I'm going to have to write something more interesting, but the weather has really been terrific).  A lot of motorcyclists out on the road.  Getting a bit cooler again.  I've been looking through various shops for winter wear and have quite a bit to say about the motorcycle clothing on offer in general, but will save that for the next time as it's going to take quite a bit of space to get everything down. 

The Dec issue of Bike Magazine was delivered to our home today.  Very exciting -- only 6 weeks early!  Hmmm.

Autumn rolls in

With the sun setting earlier and the temperatures starting to drop, it feels like the end of the motorcycle season.  We were out on the weekend on some short jaunts just to enjoy the last of the nicer weather.  On Sunday, we were northwest of London, in the area of Harrow, Wealdstone, Pinner, Northwood and returning through Ruislip and Ealing.  Traffic seemed unusually heavy for a Sunday afternoon, with some very aggressive car drivers around.  Not particularly nice.  I already have my winter gloves out and ready, as well as wet weather gear.  Need to invest in some proper motorcycle boots, and perhaps a better, wind resistant neck covering.  Having just started riding in the spring of this year, I'm not fully geared up for the winter weather.  On the scooter, I wasn't going as far or as fast and tended to make do with layering up my regular winter wear.

	Map Data Copyright Collins Bartholomew 2003

This is a Test

Today I had the opportunity to test drive the BMS G650GS (see earlier postings).  I drove down to Vines BMW in Guildford, completed the relevant paperwork and headed off.  For the most part I took the bike along the A25 toward Leatherhead & Dorking, taking some winding sideroads every now and again, then down the A24 toward Horsham.  On the A24 I was able to get the bike up to motorway speed.  Generally, the bike was nice and responsive, quite easy to ride.  However, I can't say I really got a kick out of it.  Funny though, the bike did get noticed.  More than one car drive and most of the motorcyclists that passed took a double look at the machine.  Certainly nice to look at.  As for me, seems strange to say but I got more excitement out of the CBF500s that I was using to do the Module2 training with Get Bike.  However, this was my first test ride -- will have to try out a few more.

	Map Data Copyright Collins Bartholomew 2003

Full Category A License!

Hurray!  Have, as of today, passed the Mod2 section of the Direct Access motorcycle license and now have a full Category A license.  In layman's terms, today I did the on-road (practical) part of my motorcycle test.  By passing, I now have a full license (unrestricted) and can ride any size motorcycle.  Fantastic!  Now, I'm not the sort to go straight out and find myself a 2000cc motorbike to ride.  I'll give that BMW G650GS (see earlier posting) a test ride and try a few other moderate sized bikes.

This whole thing has been a bit of a longer process for me than some, having started with the CBT in February this year (see earlier posting), completed the Module 1 part of the test in July, then a summer break and now the final part completed today.  Oh well, I was never in a big rush anyway and now it's done!

I've been doing all my training with Get Bike and can recommend them.  It's never too late to start.

Great Rides on your Doorstep

I've been enjoying the last few months of Ride magazine.  Recent issues have had excellent ideas for local routes.  One of the issues (either Oct or Nov) had a seperate little magazine included called "Great Rides on your Doorstep".  One of the first routes it suggests for the central & southeast of England is the A272 from Winchester to Haywards Heath, part of which I had the pleasure to ride recently (see older posts).  Looking forward to doing this one, as well as the suggested Petersfield to Bosham route along the B2146.  DH recently did the Buckingham to Aylesbury route along the A413 which was recommended on page 13 for its 'swooping turns', but he didn't think it was particularly good.  His favourite bit was when he got off the A413 (very busy he says) and took the side streets.  Fantastic weather forecast for this weekend, so will likely be doing some of these routes.

Also in the November issue, there's an article on "Exploring Bavaria", which looks terrific.  The article starts, "Welcome to Bavaria: sunshine, immaculate tarmac, gorgeous scenery, empty roads, fabulous bends."  Sounds perfect!  Will have to give that a go once I'm ready to ride abroad.

Open publication - Free publishing - More bavaria

BMW G650GS

On the weekend, while driving around the Surrey countryside (see my earlier post), I popped into Vines BMW to look at the new G650GS.  It looks really sharp in the white, red & black:

Makes a change from all the dull black or grey bikes.  Feels light and manageable when you sit on it, which seems to be a bit of an issue with me.  Seat isn't too high either, at 780mm standard still low enough for me to get my feet mostly on the ground.  Need to hurry up and get my Mod 2 test done so that I can give it a test drive.  I've been thinking about it and am keen to see if it's right for me.  Certainly looks the part!