The Pan. May she rest in pieces.

Taken out at a T junction by a Corsa. Gerbils have a bust collar bone each. I've got very sore bits.
Better post to follow.

Steam train Tornado

This comes under the category of "it's my blog and I'll blog what I want to."

This is one for the engineers out there. It's been years since anyone built a steam locomotive, and while there are preservation societies doing repairs, nobody has actually built one, until now.

The photo is of the A1 class Tornado passing through York station on 7/2/2009 which is the first new steam locomotive to run on British Rail lines since the 1960's. This was her first outing south and into London and I was fortunate enough to be in York at the weekend. Very cool. You can't beat the smell, the sound and the sheer presence of a steam locomotive. The whole project to get an A1 back on the lines has been outstanding, and it's good to know that with motivation, willpower and some steel, anything is possible. More info to be found on the link below

http://www.a1steam.com/

Now I'd hardly call myself a trainspotter, more someone who can appreciate real engineering, however on the platform there were one or two members of the Militant Wing of the Trainspotters Liberation Front. Once Tornado had arrived at the station, they charged off over the bridge and down the platform, barging men, women and small children out of the way so they could get a closer look. (99.9% of people there were really nice by the way) Woe betide anyone that got in their way. Even greater wrath was reserved for the Transport Police who were managing the crowds and making sure that these idiots were not going to fall off the platform in front of the 0855 to Newcastle. Mrs Gerbil did comment that none of these sad individuals were wearing weding rings. Surprised?

Filth

All that muck on the bike. It's still there.
Hoping for some rain and I won't have to wash it.

At the very least I rinsed the brakes off.

Reclaim the streets

The 2009 riding season has commenced. Happy travels, and remember to wash the salt out of the brakes when you park.

Well done to Jack on the white Pan, and the other 10 or so bikes we saw on the road today. Also, the taxi driver heading west, I'm sure you were under the affluence of incohol, but there's never a bobby round when you need one.

Be safe.

New tyres (Brrrr!)

The picture says it all really. The dashboard thermometer says -1c as I park the bike up after having new tyres fitted. And that thermometer tends to run about 2c warmer than the real temperature. So I was more cautious than usual while running on fresh rubber.

For a variety of personal reasons I've not had the time or inclination to drive the bike. It's still a good machine, but circumstrances beyond our control etc.
In other news, I think we've nearly raised enough to buy a second bike for Riders for Health. Woo Hoo!!!

1000th visitor

Congratulations to the person from France who was my 1000th visitor. It happened on the 1st July. It makes me feel loved.

Although according to the site figures, the majority of people visiting this site are looking for advice on what to do when they drop their bike. Quick answer. Swear a lot then get a friend to help.

And put the side stand down first, or you'll throw it over on the other side...

Riders for Health

This year I've been helping to raise funds for Riders for Health (see link in sidebar) along with the members of the Young Church at Linktown in Kirkcaldy. Our aim for the year was to raise enough money so that riders could buy a motorbike for use by a health worker in the developing world. People within the church have really latched onto this project, as it's such an effective way of saving lives.

After a surprisingly successful fundraising effort, we sent a cheque for £1450 to Riders, being the sum equivalent to that needed to purchase a bike.

Now we have bought a bike, we need to keep it running, so we have launched the "Spanner Fund" to send them some money to maintain their fleet. The campaign ends at Christmas, and It's looking good so far.

Pan miles so far 007726

Pan Clan at the bike show.

Wet and windy!