New method for paying for goods.

I was watching the news this morning when I saw an article on a revolutionary method of paying for goods designed specifically for small values. There is no transaction fees and no credit agreements to sign. It can be used in nearly every retailing in the country, small or large transaction with no limit to the value you can purchase each day. There is security built in, you determine the value it is worth in your wallet at any given time and although it does not require a pin or signature you can only lose up to the value you are carrying....... Cash.

Dr Jimmy & Mr Jim

I've only been back at work for 3 hours after 2 1/2 days off and I've already reached the wilting point. That point where your motivation is at a low ebb and you struggle to do anything other than watch the clock. I'm only working a four day week so I should be keen to get the week moving. All weekend I didn't feel like socialising so maybe it is the winter blues ?

New can, New Hoop, bigger hammer needed.

The shiny bit above is the newest addition to the list of modifications for the Z750. A new Beowulf exhaust can and link pipe was ordered by mailorder, delivered quickly, fitted in 20 minutes and has made my bike sound like I always wanted it to. It has some meat and bass to the sound low down in the rev range and I've been told has given a racy edge to the note at high revs. An added, unexpected advantage is that is has smoothed out the delivery around 3000-4500 revs and the bike now picks up and races through to the "Crazy Zone" at around 7000 rpm. I've not noticed any difference at the top end. It saved a few kilos as well (I ate a few pies to restore the power/weight ratio to stock)

The alarm/immobiliser is now fixed after it failed at Boxhill (thanks RAC) although it did cost me an afternoon at Hayball's and 170 quid.

The day after the trip to Hayballs as I was about to embark on a little road trip when I found my rear tyre completely flat. It gave me the opportunity to get my hands dirty and with the help of Big L remove my rear tyre for the first time. Some swearing, some brute force, 75 quid, small/medium/large hammers, one bent rear brake caliper, 105mph in an old Rover and I was back on the road. Scrubbing in the new hoop may take some time in these grotty conditions though. It's my 5th rear tyre in 9500 miles. 2 punctures seems excessive. Maybe it's Karma for all the car drivers I seem to have annoyed over the last 6 months.

Icy fun

When I bought a bike last year I didn't know how much I would ride. Would I just ride at weekends? Would I use the bike for holidays? Would I get much use out of it? Would I use the bike in all weathers? The photo above proves that I haven't stopped riding just because the sun has stopped shining. Any non-bikers should know that snow/ice/salt and sports bike tyres are not the safest combination.

Cretin within this helmet

Put me on a bike and I seem to lose the common sense that I use in the rest of my life. The usually controlled, "safe option" characteristics I normally live by are lost and replaced by an irrational, selfish person.

An incident today may have been the turning point in my biking lifestyle. I need to CALM DOWN. It's not a choice, if I do not then I am certain I will have many accidents which may cause myself or others harm.

Tomorrow is the test. A nice long early morning ride. I will attempt to ride differently with a different mental attitude. Watch this space.

Who needs a to buy a house anyway?

My decision today to clear over half of my credit card debt by using the proceeds of selling my car was not a carefully strategic move in anticipation of the Bank of Englands interest rate rise. Instead I know myself too well and having disposable income in my bank account would have resulted in spending money on something I couldn't afford or need.

It's probably for the best that it's gone. The longer I had money in my account the more attached to it I would have become and the sadder I would have been when it was gone.

Now then............Where's my credit card?