Coming at ya like a bag of cocks.

I've got into the routine of commuting and I have become accustomed to the daily grind that starts with 35 miles on the Viffer.

The last few weeks have had some highlights and some lows.

Highs:-
Fast Newbury road antics
High speed lane splitting
Riding other peoples bikes
Spotting an unmarked rozzer just in time
Scrubbing in new tires
Oil and Filter change.

Lows:-
A flat tire
90 Mph winds
Torrential downpours
£10 a day fuel costs
Pushing 250Kg of Trumpet uphill on the A34
Hundreds of car drivers doing their best to take me down each and everyday

A pair of new Michelin Road Pilot 2's are on the Viffer and the handling has been transformed. The Honda seems to be affected badly by worn rubber. New oil and filter followed the new hoops and a good clean has started getting the bike ready for it's MOT next Saturday.

34,500 miles on the clock and the bike is in need of a service. I don't think I'll get a chance before me and Big L pop over to Brussels in a couple of weeks. The Viffer will probably have nearer 37K on it before its sorted. Doh !

On a lighter note, Si has bought a CBR600, Very nice, and Ming has taken steps towards getting on 2 wheels. Bikes, Bikes, Bikes !

wk1

The end of the first weeks commuting to Didcot is rapidily approaching. A full 350 miles has been covered up and down the A34 since Sunday. I've seen some accidents, some breakdowns, lots of roadkill, falling rocks, some awesome army vehicles and the same Harley commuter twice everyday.

I think this weekend may be filled withbike maintenance, cleaning, some shopping for textiles and maybe a few test rides to help Si choose a bike. Any excuse for a ride.

210 miles clocked up.

3 days into the new job and the new commute and it's all going smoothly. The A34 is always a little restrictive as the amount of traffic doesn't allow high speeds or a relaxed cruise but the small twisty section of the ride between Newbury and Andover is ace. It's been attacked 3 times each time has been at 90% which for me is impressive. I'm sure the novelty will wear off once it has been done a hundred times but for now, it's awesome. Today I started splitting traffic on the 34 and then looked down and realised I was splitting lanes at nearly 90. MMmmmm. I think I will need to listen to my MP3 or start calculating mpg figures to keep myself occupied as otherwise, I may find my license being in danger. It's fun though. I still need to wait for the first "wet" commute which I am not looking forward to. I don't mind riding in the rain but knowing I still need to be presentable when I arrive is driving me to consider buying more kit. (who said......"any excuse!").

The VFR is now so far overdue for a service that I think I will need to give it a minor service at the weekend so I can still sleep at night. Just an oil/filter change will do and it will keep me rolling for a few more weeks until I can get it serviced by someone more technically adept.

The job is going well. Lots to do and everyone seems nice enough and I can see myself spending the next few months there. I'm feeling a little lost though as I haven't had any training on any systems and I am trying to teach myself 4 very vital programs. This makes it more rewarding when I work something out but also slows everything down. I also haven't had any formal inductionr tour so I am finding myself physically lost as well as mentally. Maybe tomorrow I will feel a litte more at home and begin to get stuck into the work.