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Bluepete · 11-11-10, 12:12 AM

OK, so maybe a bit OTT, but I'm not a happy bunny.

On duty this evening, on a bike covering the MUFC v MCFC match at Eastlands.

Book on at 1700hrs, out to the bike, usual checks, note the new rear tyre (Phew, thank God it's dry) and off we go.

Bimble into Manchester, check in at the stadium RVP then go and collect the MUFC team coach to escort it to the stadium. By now I've done about 25 miles, so am happy and settled in. On the way into the car-park with the United coach right behind me think to myself;

"Oh, feels like I've got a puncture"

But wobbly, but no real issues, so finish with the coach and ride around the other side of the stadium and park up. Kick both tyres, both seem about right, so I give the rear another tap. This time I notice something that makes by blood run cold.

The rear wheel is loose and wobbling like mad!

Now bear in mind, it's got a single sided swingarm, so the wheel is bolted on like a car wheel. I check the bolts and all five are only finger tight and one is actually falling out!

Just think of the implications of this. Wheel comes off on the motorway into Manchester, death, dismemberment, wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues and I have a bit of a bad day.

I called the mechanic who fitted it and let him know I was a little bit peeved at having a near death experience, then managed to get a mechanic come and tighten the nuts. Obviously, being a mechanic, he took nearly two hours, despite being based only one mile away!

So, now on a roadworthy machine, off I went and zoomed around, generally being glad to be alive.

After the match, manned a road closure with a mate on another bike and was caught in the middle of a baton charge by our lovely horses...

They say bad luck comes in three's. I'm sh1tting bricks waiting for the third bit.

Pray for me!

Pete, trying to sip a beer whilst shaking like a sh1tting dog.

11-11-10, 12:12 AM	#1
Bluepete Member Mega Poster Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ex motorcyclist Posts: 1,961	I nearly died tonight OK, so maybe a bit OTT, but I'm not a happy bunny. On duty this evening, on a bike covering the MUFC v MCFC match at Eastlands. Book on at 1700hrs, out to the bike, usual checks, note the new rear tyre (Phew, thank God it's dry) and off we go. Bimble into Manchester, check in at the stadium RVP then go and collect the MUFC team coach to escort it to the stadium. By now I've done about 25 miles, so am happy and settled in. On the way into the car-park with the United coach right behind me think to myself; "Oh, feels like I've got a puncture" But wobbly, but no real issues, so finish with the coach and ride around the other side of the stadium and park up. Kick both tyres, both seem about right, so I give the rear another tap. This time I notice something that makes by blood run cold. The rear wheel is loose and wobbling like mad! Now bear in mind, it's got a single sided swingarm, so the wheel is bolted on like a car wheel. I check the bolts and all five are only finger tight and one is actually falling out! Just think of the implications of this. Wheel comes off on the motorway into Manchester, death, dismemberment, wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues and I have a bit of a bad day. I called the mechanic who fitted it and let him know I was a little bit peeved at having a near death experience, then managed to get a mechanic come and tighten the nuts. Obviously, being a mechanic, he took nearly two hours, despite being based only one mile away! So, now on a roadworthy machine, off I went and zoomed around, generally being glad to be alive. After the match, manned a road closure with a mate on another bike and was caught in the middle of a baton charge by our lovely horses... They say bad luck comes in three's. I'm sh1tting bricks waiting for the third bit. Pray for me! Pete, trying to sip a beer whilst shaking like a sh1tting dog.