View Full Version : The All New Megathread
Luckypants
29-01-23, 08:22 PM
Don't you love working with systems?
Not really mate. :eek:
garynortheast
29-01-23, 08:35 PM
Ha ha! I sort of got that impression.
I don't miss working in IT. You can only work on systems when everyone else has gone home. Bank holidays and weekends also got trashed.
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garynortheast
01-02-23, 08:31 PM
Evening orgers. Hope everyone's had a decent day.
Craig380
02-02-23, 09:29 AM
Morning Gary. A little annoyed that I had vague plans for a ride this morning, but rain has stopped play. I'll have another coffee instead.
garynortheast
02-02-23, 10:38 AM
Just been out for a run Craig, and it's a bit drizzly here too.
Craig380
02-02-23, 01:01 PM
That's the downside of living in or near hills (we're half a mile from the first ridge of the Peak District), you get a lot of relief rain ...
Sir Trev
02-02-23, 06:45 PM
Nice day here but I was stuck indoors very busy with month end and a cost model for a sales bid I'm helping on... Got out for a walk around the estate with Lady Poppy after work so at least I got some fresh air, even though it was dark and getting colder.
garynortheast
06-02-23, 07:14 PM
Evening all.
It felt like a productive day today. Very nice run first thing this morning, then a ride in the sunshine over to Oswestry to look at laminate flooring, quick stop at Welshpool to post a parcel and grab coffee and cake, a chilly ride back home and a couple of hours on the veg garden sorting some of the pathways.
I thought things were supposed to be quieter when you retire, you know, sit on the couch eating and watching crap on daytime TV.
Craig380
06-02-23, 07:54 PM
Retiring certainly makes you wonder how you used to manage to fit your work into the day ...
garynortheast
07-02-23, 07:45 AM
Bore da pawb.
Today, I will be mostly shovelling horse poo.
And running.
But not at the same time.
Craig380
07-02-23, 09:50 AM
I have to ask, Gary - why will you be shovelling horse eggs? For a veg patch?
Bore da pawb.
Today, I will be mostly shovelling horse poo.
And running.
But not at the same time.
and here was me having visions of you running about a field behind a horse :smt119 :smt081
garynortheast
07-02-23, 03:27 PM
I have to ask, Gary - why will you be shovelling horse eggs? For a veg patch?
It is Craig, and it's really well rotted. It's black, crumbly, and sweet smelling.
and here was me having visions of you running about a field behind a horse :smt119 :smt081
Ha ha, no, the horse poo is stationary and has been for some considerable time Bibs.
I took the VFR out for a spin today. The new tyres felt fabulous on the damp and wet roads this morning. The last time I rode it was back in September with Gary Northeast and the handling was horrible and I had no confidence in the damp conditions on that day. The old Contis had both done over 10k but the rear was squared off and the front badly worn on the right. In short the bike just did not want to turn which meant using more force and you could easily overdo it.
I dropped into the Honda shop and finalised the Transalp deal. Apparently I'm their only order so far, which surprised me. Roll on May...
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Sir Trev
08-02-23, 07:23 PM
I dropped into the Honda shop and finalised the Transalp deal. Apparently I'm their only order so far, which surprised me. Roll on May...
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Really? Considering how much interest it caused in the press I am surprised. Perhaps people are waiting for test rides and real world YouTube reviews first.
Really? Considering how much interest it caused in the press I am surprised. Perhaps people are waiting for test rides and real world YouTube reviews first.That was my initial intention but if I delayed any further I probably wouldn't get the bike until late summer. The shop manager also said that the price would go up £500 after the first batch were sold. Apparently Honda did the same with some of their other models including the Africa Twin.
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garynortheast
09-02-23, 07:50 AM
I dropped into the Honda shop and finalised the Transalp deal. Apparently I'm their only order so far, which surprised me. Roll on May...
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Goat tracker! :smt046
Craig380
09-02-23, 09:31 AM
:D:D:D I, for one, would love it if one of the big four manufacturers brought out a 'Goat Tracker' model.
We didn't get them in the UK but in the 60s to the mid-70s, Hodaka had a range of sub-200cc dirt bikes that were very popular in the US. The 100cc model was called the 'Dirt Squirt,' and the 125cc model was the Wombat.
Best of all, they made a stripped-down, tuned version of the 125 for competition called the 'Combat Wombat', which is surely the best name ever for a bike :)
Goat tracker! :smt046Certainly more suited than the VFR
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garynortheast
12-02-23, 07:34 AM
Morning orgers, how's the world with everyone today?
keith_d
12-02-23, 08:31 AM
Sunday has started with a puncture on my push-bike so I won't make the start of a group ride. Maybe I'll ride somewhere else instead.
garynortheast
12-02-23, 10:20 AM
Sunday has started with a puncture on my push-bike so I won't make the start of a group ride. Maybe I'll ride somewhere else instead.
Now that's not a good start! Hope you make it out for a ride at some stage.
Craig380
12-02-23, 04:20 PM
Afternoon Gary. First long-ish ride of the year, 140-mile trip to the Ponderosa then the Nant-y-Garth pass to Ruthin, Mold and home via Northwich. Nant-y-Garth was fun as always but a bit hairy as there was a fair bit of loose gravel in places. Heated vest proved its worth again :)
Sir Trev
12-02-23, 07:40 PM
Evening Organs. Finally got round to the annual clean of the BBQ this afternoon. so glad that's all done for another year.
Just watched the Lighthouse. That's two hours I won't see again.
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garynortheast
18-02-23, 07:40 AM
Morning all. Not my favourite weather here currently. Grey, drizzly, and dank, makes me feel quite miserable (more so than I am normally!)
Morning all. Not my favourite weather here currently. Grey, drizzly, and dank, makes me feel quite miserable (more so than I am normally!)
Morning Gary. Maybe it's the anticlimax after the great bands you've been seeing?
Here, on the east coast, the sun is peeping through the clouds occasionally - windy though and the roads are damp.
Craig380
18-02-23, 09:41 AM
Morning Gary. Forecast is for it to clear up, could be some riding tomorrow :)
garynortheast
18-02-23, 03:22 PM
No rain now, it's just grey. You're probably right Seeker, the comedown after several great days.
No chance of riding tomorrow for me unfortunately Craig, still have quite a bit on at the moment.
Sir Trev
19-02-23, 05:03 PM
Evenin' all. Just back from a weekend visit to The Monkey, who is now settled into her new flat in Colchester. Bit of a change from Brighton...
Quite liked the place. Lots of interesting Roman and Norman history, nice open spaces with foot and cycle paths everywhere, lots of eateries and at least one pub with a micro brewery. As it's a garrison town that also has a university campus, the place has a bit of life to it.
We're both a bit knackered now but it was a fun trip.
I don't think I ever explored Colchester when I lived down that way, although I do recall taking my young daughter to the zoo and nearby historic railway.
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garynortheast
20-02-23, 07:34 PM
Evening orgers. How has everyone's Monday been?
Craig380
20-02-23, 08:21 PM
Pretty good, thanks, Gary. Had a spin out on the bike this morning, and there was this strange glowing yellow thing in the sky for most of it. Very odd. New rear tyre is now scrubbed in :)
garynortheast
20-02-23, 09:29 PM
No motorbike for me today Craig. I had to take the car across to Newtown this morning to get the drive shaft oil seal replaced, and then spent two and a half hours getting back on the bus (with a break in Welshpool for coffee and cake).
Still, I did at least manage to get out and do some more in the garden when I got home.
garynortheast
22-02-23, 09:52 PM
Evening orgers.
Bloody hell, how did I ever find the time to work and look after my daughters before I retired?
Craig380
23-02-23, 09:35 AM
This is the puzzle, Gary. Time is a relative concept, innit :)
Luckypants
23-02-23, 09:38 AM
Wait until you have grand children Gary!
garynortheast
24-02-23, 07:39 AM
Morning orgers, grey and drizzly here today. Off out walking this morning so I'll be packing the waterproofs I think.
Wait until you have grand children Gary!
I shan't hold my breath on that one Mike, neither of my girls shows any interest in having children so far!
garynortheast
25-02-23, 08:00 PM
Evening orgers. I hope everyone has had a decent day.
Sir Trev
25-02-23, 09:25 PM
Evening Gary. Taxi Driver Trev is on duty tonight. One of Lady Poppy's mates is 60 today so there is a meal out for, thankfully, just the ladies. Dropped off at 7:30 I'm expecting the call to pick up again any time in the next hour.
I'm killing time watching Suzanne Vega on iPlayer's Radio 2 Piano Room. Very mellow after my day of mending The Monkey's road bike and some gardening in the light hail this afternoon.
garynortheast
25-02-23, 09:38 PM
Evening Trevor. No hail here but it has been pretty cold with a wind from the NNE. Out for a run with Mabel this morning with a friend and three of her dogs, gardening this afternoon and then out again with Mabel for a late afternoon walk.
Craig380
26-02-23, 10:12 AM
That northerly wind certainly has a bite to it - I was going to have a spin out this morning but will wait until this afternoon when the mercury's risen a bit more!
I was tempted to take the bike out this afternoon but gave into the chill winds.
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Adam Ef
27-02-23, 09:17 AM
Hello all. Sorry not been on here for a while. Life has thrown various s**t storms in my direction the last year or so and I've just been running away into the courtryside lanes riding a dirt bike any chance I can get for a while.
The latest installment of crapness though is that my garage was broken into a couple of weeks ago and both my bikes taken. Gutted, in shock, angry and about to be done over by insurance too to top it all off.
I've picked up (via a friend of a friend) a very cheap old bike using my overdraft to try to stay mobile and be able to commute.
If anyone has any advice of things to go over on a 1997 Honda CBR600f that's been sat for over 3 years then advice and tips appreciated. Currently trying to remove the carbs to give them a clean out. Hoping to get it up and running asap to be able to have a few days off from cycling to work now and then.
Trying to stay positive and think if I get it running then hopefully I'll have something to ride on the road and maybe get over the bridge onto those amazing Welsh roads again.
garynortheast
27-02-23, 10:36 AM
Bloody hell Adam, that grim news. I don't know what else I can say other than I'd be think about moving somewhere with a bit less crime. :-(
I can't even offer any advice on the Honda other than look at the cam chain tensioner, as I vaguely recall they used to give trouble.
What's the issue with the insurance company?
Adam Ef
27-02-23, 10:47 AM
Insurance are just doing what they do. Dragging it out. Trying everything they can to find a reason to not pay.
They also sneakily increased my excess when I renewed without me knowing. I never have voluntary excess added to their compulsary as it doesn't seem to bring the premium cost down. They altered it for the renewal though so my excess is £650 .. per bike!
redtrummy
27-02-23, 11:20 AM
Sorry to hear that Adam - pleased that you have joined us again! When I put the Cub back on the road some 20 years ago it had stood for 20 years or so with a little oil being put down the plug hole now and again and then turned over. (Pre modern petrol) I changed that and it started 3rd kick and apart from when I had it resprayed its been running since apart from one carb clean out and a few changes to the forks oil seals so you may not have to do much!
How about naming and shaming the insurance company - it at least then will make us aware so we don't fall for the same devious scam.
Craig380
27-02-23, 12:05 PM
Hi Adam - bloody hell indeed, really sorry to hear that, it truly is a f*cking skank by the insurance co.
Hope you get the CBR sorted quickly and easily. As far as I know they're a very strong engine, up there with the SV motor in terms of reliability and the build quality elsewhere is supposed to be better than most other Japanese bikes. As Gary mentioned I think the CCT can sometimes stick but it's rare.
Adam Ef
27-02-23, 12:33 PM
Cheers guys.
It's the underwriters and people the claim is passed to that are the problem. Realising now that when you need to claim it's not the (reputable) people you signed up with that handle any of it. This claim has been handed to 4th dimension, who don't have the best track record apparently. The actual insurance is also with someone else, AXA maybe?
My policy was taken out through Bemoto, who have been really good for the past three years and always good on renewals too. I guess I should have read the small print and realised they'd adjusted my excess last renewal and not just assumed that renewal meant exactly the same policy as the previous year. I'm sure all insurance companies try these sort of things. Others probably try even more underhand practices.
Adam Ef
27-02-23, 12:34 PM
On a positive note, I've finally got the carbs off. Jets are soaking and nothing looks as bad as expected. Apart from the boots, which have gone from rubber to granite, so need to order new ones.
I saw Adams posts about the thefts on Instagram and spoke to him there. I did think about mentioning it here but thought it better for Adam to decide where he posts this news.
I hope you get a good outcome from the insurance company Adam. The emotional side is harder to fix.
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garynortheast
28-02-23, 09:06 PM
Evening orgers. Adam, any progress on the Honda?
Popped into the local farm shop and cafe today. Faggots for lunch? Yes please.
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garynortheast
01-03-23, 08:22 PM
No such fancy food for me John. Vegan chorizo sausages, mashed parsnip and spud, and roasted cabbage all in a thick gravy here.
Craig380
01-03-23, 09:55 PM
Snossidge and mash here too, with roast carrots, steamed broccoli and onion gravy :)
Snossidge and mash here too, with roast carrots, steamed broccoli and onion gravy :)I had much the same with my faggots. They seem to be a Welsh thing?
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garynortheast
03-03-23, 07:34 AM
Morning all. Any plans for the weekend then?
Luckypants
03-03-23, 08:38 AM
Morning Gary. Well its the grindstone for me today but Mel is looking after our grand-daughter so I get to she them both at work breaks. Out tonight for a late Christmas treat courtesy of my daughter - Llangollen Comedy Club. Dog sitting step-daughter's dog for the weekend too.
Craig380
03-03-23, 09:46 AM
Morning Gary - no plans, apart from a quick spin on the bike tomorrow before the cold snap comes in, and finding a hooky stream for the Arsenal vs Bournemouth game on Sat afternoon. Oh, and taking my mum out for Sunday lunch, like a good boy :)
Craig380
03-03-23, 09:51 AM
Out tonight for a late Christmas treat courtesy of my daughter - Llangollen Comedy Club.
I'd be very disappointed if there isn't at least one joke about the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.
In fact, did you know that when its construction was near completion, a man was crushed to death when trying to steal a large amount of stone and steel from the aqueduct. Waterway to go, eh?
Luckypants
03-03-23, 11:26 AM
Groan.....
garynortheast
03-03-23, 01:53 PM
Ouch! Just get your coat Craig.....
Sir Trev
03-03-23, 07:08 PM
I hope he didn't bother taking it off...
As I recall there is a very interesting village near The Viaduct I Cannot Pronounce.
I hope he didn't bother taking it off...
As I recall there is a very interesting village near The Viaduct I Cannot Pronounce.Trevor?
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redtrummy
04-03-23, 09:53 AM
Cruised the Llangollen many years ago. B i L got the boat out of contol aided by the water flow and hit a bridge so so hard. ( I was having a run on the tow path ( I did then) couldn't keep up until he stopped suddenly! And yes we were taking the boat back to Trevor
Sir Trev
04-03-23, 05:33 PM
Trevor?
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That's the place :D
garynortheast
06-03-23, 07:27 PM
Evening orgers. Busy day here today. Finally sat down now with a large bowl of spicy lentil and veg stew, followed by steamed fruity suet pud and custard.
How was everyone else's Monday?
Craig380
06-03-23, 08:03 PM
Cold and wet here, Gary, so stayed home all day and did absolutely nish apart from cook a chili for tea. Now waiting for University Challenge.
Weather looks crap for the next 10 days too, which is a bit miserable. I did a lot of miles last March as it was very mild and dry.
garynortheast
12-03-23, 06:43 PM
Evening orgers. So then, how was the weekend?
Adam Ef
12-03-23, 08:21 PM
Still working on the CBR600. It's not just the drop fluids and refresh that I thought it would be. Two weeks later it's still in bits in the garage (but at least it's fairly difficult to steal :-) )
Getting there though so hope to MOT it this week possibly. Although looks like the previous owner gave me an old V5 so he might have to apply for another before transferring it to me if he can't find the right one.
Craig380
12-03-23, 09:04 PM
Hope you get it sorted, Adam.
Had a couple of nice walks here, weather too changeable for a ride, but Arsenal won, so all's fairly well :)
garynortheast
12-03-23, 09:05 PM
Hope it comes together soon Adam. We'll see about a rideout once the weather improves.
MOT today for the VFR. A quick check beforehand revealed no high beam. The flash switch worked okay so not the bulbs. I cleaned up the dip switch with contact cleaner and all is good again. Sailed through the MOT.
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Adam Ef
15-03-23, 08:10 AM
CBR600 nearly back together. Leaving the fairings off for now (so I can do a bit more on the shock etc), apart from the front which has the indicators and headlight on. Just the V5 transfer needed so I can tax it and it's time to book the MOT. It'll be it's first one for over 3 years.
garynortheast
15-03-23, 03:31 PM
MOT today for the VFR. A quick check beforehand revealed no high beam. The flash switch worked okay so not the bulbs. I cleaned up the dip switch with contact cleaner and all is good again. Sailed through the MOT.
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I've saved the day a few times with a dousing of switch cleaner! Glad it passed, all set for another year of rides.
CBR600 nearly back together. Leaving the fairings off for now (so I can do a bit more on the shock etc), apart from the front which has the indicators and headlight on. Just the V5 transfer needed so I can tax it and it's time to book the MOT. It'll be it's first one for over 3 years.
Hope the V5 gets sorted quickly and without too much hassle Adam. Good luck with the Mot.
I've saved the day a few times with a dousing of switch cleaner! Glad it passed, all set for another year of rides.
Hope the V5 gets sorted quickly and without too much hassle Adam. Good luck with the Mot.More like a few weeks of rides until the Transalp turns up (huge grin)
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garynortheast
16-03-23, 08:39 AM
More like a few weeks of rides until the Transalp turns up (huge grin)
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Ooh yes!! When is it due John?
Ooh yes!! When is it due John?Early May hopefully.
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Craig380
16-03-23, 09:26 AM
The media reviews I've seen really rate the Transalp, and they look great too.
The media reviews I've seen really rate the Transalp, and they look great too.I took a bit of a punt ordering this bike as I only had the photos and spec to go on. The good reviews have vindicated my faith with the only negative point being made that its more road focused than its rivals, but that's fine by me. I won't be going off road apart from the odd goat track with Gary Northeast [emoji1]
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garynortheast
17-03-23, 10:27 PM
I took a bit of a punt ordering this bike as I only had the photos and spec to go on. The good reviews have vindicated my faith with the only negative point being made that its more road focused than its rivals, but that's fine by me. I won't be going off road apart from the odd goat track with Gary Northeast [emoji1]
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Goat tracks - yesss!!!
Geodude
21-03-23, 06:39 PM
Don't forget to have a tipple of your favourite for reeder today. Miss you buddy :joker:
Sir Trev
21-03-23, 07:47 PM
Thanks for the reminder Geo. I'll do just that.
garynortheast
21-03-23, 10:55 PM
Ah yes. Mr Boxman, still missed here.
garynortheast
22-03-23, 10:23 PM
Evening all....
Sir Trev
24-03-23, 05:36 PM
Hello all
Not too many cylinders working at capacity today. We had a team meeting yesterday at our Bury St Edmunds depot followed by dinner and drinkies. That was all very nice but the windows in the Premier Inn did not open so I slept terribly. Nothing to do with the tequila at the Mexican restaurant or the pints in the remarkable Wetherspoon... Early night required me thinks.
garynortheast
24-03-23, 08:32 PM
It's a hard life Trevor, but I guess someone has to do it! :-D
munkygunn182
24-03-23, 09:08 PM
Oi oi
garynortheast
25-03-23, 10:00 AM
Bore da pawb. A lot of rain last night, and a lot of standing water everywhere now - except in our taps. There's a burst main just outside Llanfyllin so the whole town is without water.
I can't even have a cup of tea </sob>
redtrummy
25-03-23, 06:01 PM
Time for a beer then!
Craig380
27-03-23, 07:01 PM
Evenin' all *kneebend*
Unexpectedly dry and bright day (albeit rather chilly, I was very grateful for my heated vest) so had my first ride to Bala and Llyn Tegid of the year. I love riding the A494 down to Bala and back up to Ruthin so much.
garynortheast
28-03-23, 08:04 AM
I was eyeing up my bike with a view to a ride as well Craig, but I'm just frantically busy at the moment. :-(
Sir Trev
28-03-23, 06:03 PM
We've had plenty of rain here lately to wash away all the dreaded salt, but as it's still raining Hugh will have to wait another week or two before coming out of hibernation. Just hope I have time to ride him when the weather does improve...
Craig380
28-03-23, 07:22 PM
Yes, from my ride yesterday it was evident that not quite all of the salt / grit had been washed off the roads by the rain of the past couple of weeks, but it's getting there.
Sir Trev
01-04-23, 05:33 PM
Evening all. It has finally stopped raining here in South Bucks. Did some weeding this morning while the light breeze dried things off a bit and gave the lawn its first cut of the year this afternoon, followed by a weedkiller treatment. After the heat and drought last summer it recovered very badly and its mainly moss now, so I'll give the weedkiller a couple of weeks to do its thang and break out the blade cartridge in the scarifier.
I'm knackered now so I feel I've earned the beer beside me. A delightful golden ale from Chiltern Brewery.
Hope everyone else is having a good weekend so far.
garynortheast
03-04-23, 08:03 PM
Evening orgers. How was everyone's weekend?
Very busy here, mix of music with my daughters, racing with Mabel, and getting on with the veg plot. No time to stand still atm!
Craig380
03-04-23, 08:23 PM
Who won the race, you or Mabel? ;)
Nice weekend, thanks - lots of bike riding, think I managed to spot all the camera vans in time, there was a LOT of them about. I bet it will get worse when the new 20mph blanket limit in 'built up areas' starts in September ....
garynortheast
03-04-23, 08:33 PM
Who won the race, you or Mabel? ;)
It was a draw!
Nice weekend, thanks - lots of bike riding, think I managed to spot all the camera vans in time, there was a LOT of them about. I bet it will get worse when the new 20mph blanket limit in 'built up areas' starts in September ....
I really need to get out on the bike but I'm just not getting the time at the moment. :-(
Sir Trev
05-04-23, 05:56 PM
... when the new 20mph blanket limit in 'built up areas' starts in September ....
One of the villages on my commute has suddenly become 20 zone. It's small, quaint and in places a bit narrow but not that bad. The traffic sign recognition feature on my car noticed - I did not, possibly for weeks... Of course if you stick to the new limit an angry queue forms behind you ans a car kept flashing its lights at me the other day!
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