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.