Out in the cold
Keep your helmet to hand – we might be into the darker months but there’s plenty of opportunity for joyous rides. You’ve just got to turn that key…
SUMMER BLASTS are wonderful. Who can resist carving down tarmac shimmering in July heat? But biking shouldn’t be seasonal. In fact, I’d argue the crispness, bright light and pin-sharp visibility of a beautiful winter’s day are just as inspiring.
After our scurry up Tan Hill (August issue) I found my Yamaha TDR250 had snapped a rear spoke and jettisoned an exhaust mounting bolt – and with neither OE part available and life getting in the way, it’s spent four months unused. Clearly unacceptable, I extract my finger. Central Wheel Components (central-wheel.co.uk, 01675 462264) knock-up a set of stainless spokes in a jiffy from the vast size data held on file, and an old Honda Civic bumper bolt fits the exhaust mount perfectly. With a clear mid-afternoon sky a quick spin is irresistible, so I inform domestic management it’s essential the Yam is immediately tested. For safety, you understand. Won’t be long, dear.
Chassis doused in ACF-50, Gerbing heated clobber plugged into the harness from the side panel, and away. I prefer quiet Bs and back roads, and the stretch that rolls and leaps north-east from Shoby Crossroads on the A6006 along the edge of the Vale of Belvoir is a favourite. We’ve had frosts but there’s not enough salt to stop the road drying, and the TDR dances in its 50-70mph sweet spot. Traffic’s minimal, views are endless. There’s something special about being in bright sun yet feeling invigorated by crisp air – and the two-stroke loves it cool and dense. Tight hairpins after Eastwell lead to super-quiet lanes, through Croxton Kerrial and into Rutland. Quick spin becomes 70-mile loop, the horizon burnt orange by the time I sheepishly get home. Invest in protective gloop and proper warm kit, and embrace sharp sunny days.