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Thursday, 16 July 2009 13:04 |
“Petrol, Ignition And Kill-Switch On!”
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We use a quick-fit pannier luggage system, four clips each side. Stow loose ends, tank bag, day bag all strapped on. A quick walk-around for final checks; tyres, brakes, engine oil level, ‘manhandle’ the bolt-ons; nothing loose!
I’ve zipped up my jacket, helmet secure, goggles, bandana and gloves to finish.
Mine’s on its side-stand and I mount from the left or I risk a burn. The bike feels solid and I feel the balance. Then decompress and ‘kick’ oil to the mains.
Petrol, ignition and kill-switch on, decompress and zero the ammeter. Then follow through with a smooth firm kick and a sip of the twist-grip brings it all on.
Snick it up for first, turning heads for the ‘lifesaver’ and we’re off. Weave through side streets and onto the highway. Remember to breathe! The adventure’s begun! |
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When Is A Fruit Not A Fruit |
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Wednesday, 15 July 2009 14:15 |
"Coast Road Rides And A Bag full Of Cashew Nuts"
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Out riding one evening along a coast road in Goa, I’d stopped to enjoy the sea-view across a large cashew orchard. Local Goan people returning home from harvesting the nut, gave me a bag full of this strange fruit, two of which were bearing the nut.
The soft fruit - or false fruit as it’s know technically, which when eaten has the effect of sucking the moisture from your mouth, is used to produce a wickedly strong liquor called arrack or feni.
The nut is roasted to remove the double shell whose phenolic content burns and scars the hands of the nut roasters.
In 2008 India was the third largest producer of this exotic and expensive nut, harvesting over 600,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. The Cashew nut originally brought by the Portuguese from Brazil is now grown in over 30 countries with a warm and humid climate. |
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Day Dreaming On The Road To Langtang |
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Monday, 13 July 2009 21:10 |
"How many times did I ride to Langtang?"
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...and how many times did I swear "Never Again!"
The first 75k’s just get you warmed up. Then the Bullet begins to rattle. Exhaust brackets fracture, mirrors start flapping; seat feels like iron, then the fork seals pop. Bones jarred to splinters then the black-top just stops; I knew it would. 65kms more of low gear shuffles, on a road made of pebbles.
How nice would it be, for forks that take out the knocks, to twist and roar up the steep climb, on a frame that clings to the mountain side and dances across the landslides?
Sometimes a smooth bit and back in the saddle, ease the pain, an instant of pleasure; blurred fantasies of a powerful off-roader, then wide awake with a bottomless fall. Slippery mud, the landslides at Dunche with the sun fading as you loop down to Shyabru.
My dream bike... |
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Touring In The Rain Without A Front Fender |
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Monday, 06 July 2009 14:09 |
"Ann Daly Touring New England On Yellow Sunshine"
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"I do have the original yellow fender, but its back in D.C. in a box in a friend's garage.
I like the way it looks better without the fender, but its rained so much, I couldn't take the fountain thrown up by the wheel anymore.
I picked up the other one off a wrecked bike at the shop when I was getting the bike repaired.
Not a bad attempt at a paint job, if I say so myself - first time I've painted a bike and first time I've painted anything in a parking lot ;)”
Ann Daly riding her "Oh So Yellow Sunshine" Harley Sportster, has just returned from a month long Motorcycle Tour of New England.
Ann plans to ride Tigers and Temples with us in February 2010.
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