Eunos Chump

I've built myself a new PC - AMD CPU (of course), solid-state drive... and Windows 7 x64.  It now boots in 16 seconds flat, but then it did take 2 days to build, thanks to Microsoft ensuring the installation process is just as buggy and awkward as every other OS they've ever released. I'm using all this computational firepower to play OpenTTD , which is essentially the deeply addictive management sim Transport Tycoon , first released in 1995:

Serviced the VFR today, must remember next one is at 52,200.  Decided to bite the bullet and replace the brake fluid; the bike's linked ABS system is very involved to bleed if you need to replace any of the components, but I changed the fluid by simply pumping the old stuff out of each bleed nipple (there are 5, and the rear caliper needs to come off).  Cleaned out all the calipers (loads of life left in the pads), and repainted the corroded front forks.

Here today, my tomorrow Where you lead I will follow all that kissing No passion missing Come live with me And you too, whatever you are

I've recently joined the BMCT .  It was originally founded to build the National Motorcycle Museum , but is now a charity promoting heritage British motorbike engineering.  As a member, you get free access to 11 transport museums (including Beaulieu and Sammy Miller's in the New Forest), all for £20 a year.  Most of these museums make good destinations for ride-outs, and have decent cafes attached, so it's win-win!

1957 2013

I've got nowhere to put it, but I'm sorely tempted...

Despite what Rotten Tomatoes says, Airport 1975 is a classic film!  It starred a young Erik Estrada (Ponch from CHiPs) as the doomed flight engineer, so there's your tenuous link to motorbikes too. Not sure what Erik is talking about here... perhaps he's due a visit from Operation Yewtree?

8 months after I originally planned to go, I finally had my EPIC TRIP TO WALES this weekend.  Here's the VFR at Llyn Tegid as proof.  I used some of the Bike magazine recommended route , and once into the valleys there are some incredible roads; endless smooth bends, beautifully maintained tarmac, and very little traffic.  Sensible speed limits too, it makes southern England look positively third world in comparison. That was Saturday, the ride back on Sunday was awful .  It rained constantly from the moment I left the pub where I was staying, until I got over the bridge.  And it was cold, and windy, I could barely see for spray, and after about 3 hours it started to get past my waterproofs.  The only worse ride I can recall was getting caught in snow last winter. Despite this, it was still worth it because in the dry those roads are simply fantastic.  Care is needed; a 20mph bend can have no more warning than one you can take at 60, and there's plenty of Plod on the prow