Hi all. I am 71 years of age and always had bikes from teenage days up until a few years ago when health issues curtailed my ability to ride and maintain my bikes. Had a spinal stenosis op 4 years ago, which was partially successful but damaged nerves have not recovered. I am only able to walk around 100 metres or so before my legs/back painfully seize. But, after staying home sitting and mooching around our small garden for the past 4 years I came to the conclusion that if I am able to sit for England I may be able to ride a bike? So with my good wife’s blessing I bought one.
Not in the habit of lifting my legs for that while, I was restricted to a low motorcycle. The easiest that I came across was a 500 Honda Rebel. So there I was last summer, all new gear, blazing a trail for freedom. Well not quite but wow, what a great revelation it was. As though I had never been off of one.
So i was visiting the places i hadn’t been for years, usually bikers hang outs admittedly, all good fun, not a single issue while riding - marvelous! Then the old habits crept in. Hmmm, I think the bike needs a few tweaks. So new chunky looking tyres are fitted, changed the front sprocket, seat, seat tail end changed, sintered pads, gaiters and alloy fork stantion sleeves for that beefy fork look! Removed the heated grips to fit better looking grips, clutch and brake levers, small screen, and on and on. Really enjoyed cleaning tweaking and all the general maintenance. Parked mostly for winter but my life/mind was in a better place after being on depression medication for so long!
Winter I make chilli jams, chutneys and the like. Also make ships in bottles the old traditional way. Extremely time consuming. Eventually, after that tediously long winter, at last it’s dry enough for a first ride. It takes me to my regular bike dealer in Chelmsford, I park, remove my helmet, stroll into the showroom, greet the owner, scan around and stop instantly,. I had seen my next bike.
A Triumph Street Twin 900 2018. White livery. I asked if it was in for service. No, its for sale. It’s on its sidestand and it does lay over quite a bit. Hmmm, I reckon I can get on that if I loosen up a little. Next thing, I am sitting astride it. Not completely flat footed (shortarse) but nearly. Ask a few questions and a deal is struck! A week later, not had a test ride, ride off on cloud nine, unable to believe how easy this was to ride. I filled up with petrol and rode through some of my favorite lanes savoring every gear change and tripping out on that great torque and gorgeous sound. Hopefully I can post the changes I have already made to the bike. Until then, ride safe.
Bikes best any drugs for lifting your mood definitely!
watch this space.Pete.
