My day started with a short visit to the local surgery for a blood test. My annual diabetic review is due, and I'll be back at the surgery on the ninth, once the results of the tests are available.
We then headed over to the motorcycle workshop to collect the Honda.
Having already paid the bill, I simply needed to thank Nick and Simon, the proprietors, before starting her up and heading off down the road. It had been over four years since I last rode her and she now seemed incredibly compact after becoming, almost, familiar with the bulk of the BMW R1250R.
After riding through the Industrial Estate, I pulled onto the roundabout and then headed down the short length of dual carriageway. I twisted the throttle open and was alarmed that it seemed incredibly stiff, and the bike unresponsive. I twisted the throttle a couple more times, and really wasn't happy with the result.
I continued on to the next roundabout and turned to head back to the workshop. This time the twist grip and the engine response seemed better, and within a few hundred yards I was a lot happier with the bike. I am guessing that either the throttle cables need lubricating, or that the refurbished throttle linkages just need working a little.
My ride home was cautious, as the roads were wet and I was riding on new tyres. However, I can report that she is now running beautifully and the in-line four cylinder motor sounds amazing. At home I parked her up in front of the garage and turned off the petrol tap.
Nick had advised that I should let her run until the carburettors are emptied of fuel to minimise the risk of damage from modern fuels. I was amazed at how long it took for this to happen. I didn't time it, but I estimate it was close to five minutes before she stuttered to a stop.
So the bike is now back home, and I need to think about getting her cleaned and bagged up for the rest of the winter.
In the afternoon I set to bottling a batch of honey. I was only able to process a single batch as we were out this evening with B&H.
About a month ago 30% and I had gone to see Bad Manners perform at The Assembly in Leamington. Unfortunately, one of our party found them a little too loud, so we decided to curtail our visit and head home to enjoy a couple of bottles of wine.
30% and I felt a little cheated about having to leave the gig early, and, when 30% found that Bad Manners were playing in Worcester this evening, we decided to go and see the entire performance.
We had mentioned this to B&H, who immediately said, "we'll come along." So this evening we found ourselves queuing outside the Marr's Bar with a motley crew of punks, skinheads and sixty somethings. The Marr's Bar used to be a dance studio and H informed us that she used to learn to jive there. It is now a small licensed music venue that holds somewhere around three hundred people.
It is amazingly intimate with the small stage no more than twenty five feet away, even when stood at the back of the room.
This evening Bad Manners were supported by Max Splodge, formerly of Splodgenessabounds. We were treated to a set that started with a cover of Nelly the Elephant and finished with the infamous Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. It was a brilliant punk set and the atmosphere was amazing. I had forgotten how the energy and enthusiasm of the band infuses the audience with such a great feeling, especially as we were so close to them. I loved it.
And then it was time for the headline act! This time they were fifteen or twenty feet away. Up close and personal rather than remote, as they were in Leamington. The band were incredibly tight and the horn section was incredibly accomplished. This time we stayed through to the glorious end and were treated to a long list of ska classics, ending, of course, with Lip up Fatty. and The Can-can.
We had a fantastic evening, and are actually grateful to S for not being able to endure the noise of the Leamington gig. If we had stayed to see all of the gig at the Assembly, we wouldn't have discovered the super little venue that is The Marr's Bar, and we would have missed out on a fantastic evening with B&H.
Thank you Sue!
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