Brrrrrrrrr…
Gn !Myh n shining in your general direction and your cockles be warm. As I write this (in the middle of December) it’s brass monkeys and I’ve just returned from my local army/navy surplus with new (to me) thermals, jumpers and boots. Tight, me? Call me Wee-willy-winky…
It is all change as the seasons move around here at CBG Towers. Playing on, repairing or even riding our bikes has given way to chainsawing wood for the ‘burner, giving the Land Rover a birthday and moaning about ‘how quick the days go dark’. Was it really just three months ago we were sitting at a bike meet, drink in hand, with nothing but an ageing shirt under our jacket? Still, it happens every year and we really should get used to it.
So, with darkness comes the excuse for more shed time! Except sheds really are rather cold… persevere, Hull! The Pig (my R100RT) has been the subject of much deliberation this month, as to whether it must go – the sensible, head decision – or whether it should be mildly restored or even made a naked bike. But even a quick spin in this weather and that barn door fairing proves invaluable. Maybe I could make it a quick release fairing? The new, standard seat is a massive improvement on the horrid King and Queen perch, giving much better comfort. I’ve also fitted heated grips which work beautifully, though were a swine to fit. Now I just need a new screen and a sidestand.
Oli and pals have been organising a stand at the Bristol classic show in February for the Langport bike night, Neville has been building a new shed so he has no excuse not to build more bikes next year, Maria has been looking at Triumph Street Twins for sale with her dad, Butch, since trying them last month and the kids are getting practice in before their first trial this year. Do they enjoy it? No idea – bikes have instruction manuals, children don’t...
Good to be at Motorcycle Live to just enjoy motorbikes again and seeing the Triumphs, Royal Enfields and now Nortons and BSAs was fantastic. The Gold Star took my fancy, as rumours are the price will be sensible and the staff were so excited! Norton looked super too, with the new café racer; they're aiming at the ‘rich boy’s toy’ market. When are Velocette and Rudge coming back?
Closer to home, a quick thank you must go to all the folk at Krazy Horse in Bury St Edmunds, who invited us for the evening to look around. It’s a petrolhead’s toy shop – Maria fell for a RAM truck the size of Suffolk and I liked the Indian Scout special, which would have fitted neatly in the truck! There’s a great café, so if you find yourself in Suffolk, go have a look.
From all of us here at Classic Bike Guide, may we wish you a Merry Christmas, hope you’ve had a good year and raise a glass to a better 2022. Honestly, thank you also for continuing to buy Classic Bike Guide –we hope you like it and that you’ll tell us if you think anything should change. After all, if you don’t like it, there’s no point in making it and we’ll have to get real jobs! Now, go and indulge in too many puddings. We intend to.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!