How is Everyone?

[John Tipper]

How is everyone?

EAMG’s first 2020 Full Member Training day was planned for yesterday but I spent the day in the study scanning ancient family photo slides. I’ve mowed the lawn, turned over and weeded both front and back gardens and weeded the drive: all before March end. A first ever for me! I’ve also completed several odd jobs around the house that were years overdue but still have plenty to do.

However, I’ve not turned a bike wheel since lockdown. Audrey and I rode 150 miles in glorious sunshine the day before lockdown so we made the most of what precious time we had. Each time I go the garage, the ‘new wheels’ looks at me optimistically but saddens not seeing me in riding gear. I’ve got to service the CBF but concerned I may have difficulty obtaining the parts.

I’m sure none of you are interested in my ramblings but I have noted that there have been no postings on EAMG’s Forum since Jill’s Coronavirus post (21st March) and Geoff’s excellent piece ‘Ride or not to Ride’ (20th March). Although I’m not a regular contributor, the Forum is a great medium for promoting the enthusiasm we all have for our Group. Our current situation is unbelievable, unprecedented and frightening. Shouldn’t this be the time we keep in touch? So how are you managing?

In the mean time, some of you may remember that Audrey and I organised ‘Reveiller Rides’, European Tours for the Group, ceasing in 2015. So, why do I raise now? Well, our ‘to do list’ includes de-cluttering our loft which includes 10 years of ‘RV’ records including Routes and Hotel details. Participant personal details have already been shredded.

Audrey and I enjoyed organising and running these rides. Since ceasing, we’ve received many hints and persuasive reasons for us to organise more. If the truth be known, we’d love to but we’re not getting any younger. Is this something you’d be interested in organising when things get back to normality?

These are unprecedented and frightening times. It's already tough out there so our thoughts are with you. Keep isolated and stay safe.

John & Audrey x

[Mick Hewitt]

Hi John.
Yes, been thinking about posting on the forum - trying to think maybe we start some sort of competitions etc., but not thought of anything to start it - must try harder. Been watching ~TeaPot one you tube about his 100,000 world trip round the world trip - it's very addictive!
Like you haven't turned a wheel and purchased a chain/sprockets/slider for the KTM just before lockdown. Plan to do that in 4 weeks as I had a minor op and can't do any heavy work for 4 weeks! Turned out to be good timing as we can't ride our bikes anyway. Having said that I have lost the constant need to be riding when I see what's going on in the World. Motorcycling is in my heart but there are more important things to think about. Been helping elderly neighbours - well son-in-law has got them the shopping. Went out today for first time in two weeks but 200 metre queues put me off and turned round and went home.

Back to thinking of motorcycle tours I want to get up to Scotland but some of the footage of TeaPotone has got me thinking about going on a European tour. We have a trip booked for Scotland in May but looking like big NO NO - times like these I wish I could volunteer but have to take it easy - maybe in 4 weeks time I can help others out there. Mustn't forget I'm getting on a bit - that's the trouble I feel 21 again when I ride, although a bit more controlled!

So lets all think of livening up the Forum with some ideas from everyone!
Strange, I've been thinking a lot about EAMG, as I always do, because it's my motorcycle world - just strange that we're not training/socialising/group nights and all the things that keep me thinking about riding
Lets light up the forum all you out there!
Regards
Mick

[richard parker]

These certainly are strange times over a week without a ride and all the jobs done! Keep looking at the lawn but it won't grow any quicker so I can cut again. Been for a few walks but generally doing nothing - strange how soon you get used to that. Getting fed up with Youtube so maybe read a book next - only two weeks to go - I wish. Just feel privileged that I am isolated in the country where I can look out at greenery and walk freely. Imagine being stuck in a windowless cabin or high-rise flat.

Good luck on finding someone to run European tours John - I can't even find someone to take on Full Member rides.............................Regards Richard

[Geoff Preston]

John,
Thank you for asking after our well being and for initiating a communication link in these trying times.
As Mick pointed out in his reply, life has become somewhat more serious and the luxury of such pastimes as riding a motorcycle becomes heightened, as do so many things taken for granted over a long period of time.
Your comments relating to the Tours you and Audrey organised immediately inspired many happy memories of times spent with you both enjoying European adventures. The opportunity to ride the Ring, the slanging match I had with the hotel Maitre'D over the rubbish food and service of the establishment, negotiating a high mountain pass in blizzard conditions. Riding the B500 and Route Napoleon amongst many others, good times.

I've also been indulging in the horticulture thing although it's not a strong point of mine, if I were to write a book on the subject it would be entitled "The Reluctant Gardener" I can't get the mower to do a wheelie for love nor money. Talking about that, when I got it out to do a first cut, it needed fuel so, to save going to the gas station and exposing myself to the chance of contamination I decided to siphon some from the bike. Now, it's been many a long year since I did any siphoning and yep, I did get a generous mouthful. I've now got a shiny new siphon pump. Lesson learned the hard way again, story of my life.

As far as exercise is concerned, like you I'm fortunate to have a Country Park close at hand and I normally drive there. You may well ask, if it's close by, why do you drive. I'll tell you, to reach the park I would have to cross what is probably, or for Trade Descriptions Act purposes possibly, the busiest road in the entire world. For the last couple'a days I could have crossed it with a gang of tortoise's in tow. See it's not all bad

Another thing that I've discovered about myself from the self imposed exile is my taste in music has changed. I'm a dyed in the wool Country, Rock n Roll and New Orleans Jazz man but, I now find myself listening to Classic FM on radio 3 ( I'll explain to the uninitiated what Radio is later) Very Therapeutic.

Another change is when I go outside and look to the sky, which I'm prone to doing, I am pleasantly surprised to see no silver birds and their oft accompanying con trails, a clear sky. It's a hell of a price to pay but how good to see the air free of jet fuel contamination.

I am painfully aware of the suffering and hardship going on all around and I despair when I see and hear of those who would exploit and profit from the situation but then, faith is restored when I see and hear about the good works so many are doing on behalf of their fellow citizens. I'm thinking of course of the NHS staff, the Carers, the Emergency Services workers and those involved in essential services. If you are one of those, God Bless You.

Well, this has made a pleasant change to what is fast becoming a somewhat boring time, there's only so many times I can challenge the computer to a game of chess, particularly as it nearly always wins.

Thanks again John for promoting this theme, I look forward with interest to reading others take on this peculiar state we find ourselves in.

Best wishes to you and Audrey, stay well,

Geoff.

[Mick Hewitt]

Well said Geoff.
Thinking about it the environment is benefitting from the Coronavirus - maybe nature decided that we've done damage and it's payback! Maybe after all this we'll be more considerate to the planet but I doubt it.

I went for a drive to Springfield hospital this morning to finish off a minor procedure - all good and fighting fit to get on the bike some time in the future. I drove the back roads to Stock and took my time as it's been a few weeks. We're used to riding a couple of hundred miles mid week let alone the training and weekend rides! So I drive back and make a decision to extend my drive and turned left to the reservoir coming back round to Wickford. Such a short journey that I appreciated - and no BMW's buzzing your arse!

Hope we get to Wales before the winter?

Be updating regularly - and will be writing a book on gardening about handling the mower on the bends.........

Take care all.
Mick

[Geoff Preston]

Like it Mick.

[John Tipper]

Excellent piece Geoff, I'll never forget the hotel in Briancon. The service and food was awful but do you remember the palaver we had when leaving when the receptionist disabled the car park barrier? It must have been your comment that "this is the worst hotel you'd ever stayed at" only to get his reply that we were the worst guests he'd ever had!

True about the clear skies and lean air. We're not getting anything like the volume of commuters on the local rat-run. Everyday seems like a Sunday! For us, being on the flight path of the unbelievably noisy and frequent helicopter service between Stanstead and Heathrow is a God Send. Peace at last. I'm also noticing dust on my credit card not having to purchase load of fuel!

I confess to having loads to do and enjoying it. Currently I'm copying load of old slides onto the Mac but decluttering the loft, garage/workshop, servicing the CBF, adding more mods to the Sprinter and fitting dash cams are on the agenda. I'm in our loft gym each night and have actually got Audrey to join me walking in nearby Oakwood and Trent Parks. Maybe I'll get out on the mountain bike.

The days seem to be flying by which is good but the news is truly unbelievable. Did you see the results of lockdown in India? If China is anything to go by, we'll be here well into the summer!

Keep isolated and well.

[Mick Hewitt]

John, how about entertaining us all with your GroPro filming your workout - you might take over from Mr Motivator!

Richard's quiet - he must be reading War and Peace - waiting for the grass to grow.

Trump has said that the next 2 weeks are going to be tough and then maybe light of the tunnel will show! Cloud cuckoo land if he thinks it's that quick. India has a low testing ability and poor medical facilities for the poor. The number of affected will be unkown and you can only think that it's going to be terrible for the nation as it takes hold.

Most charities are supported from all the charity events held throughout the year so we may see lots of these fold and many will suffer without their support.

Service the car tomorrow and big clean up in the garage.

Take care all.
Mick

[John Tipper]

Hi Mick, I'd be happy to run a camera but everyone would be very bored! Every other evening at 5 o'clock I usually do an hour on the cycle turbo trainer starting cadence being 10 min @ 60, 10 min @ 70, 20 min @ 80, 10 min @ 70, 10 min @ 60. Change my 'T' shirt then do plenty of stretching, press-ups and sit-ups. I also have a treadmill and rower. All the Tunturi kit is quite old now, just like me. Audrey and I endeavour to do a daily walk. It's a reasonable workout but my thighs aren't what they used to be. Thinking about it, nothing's what it used to be if I'm honest!

I think Trump's a chump, he's out of his depth with a pandemic such as this. I think it's got months to run yet but let's hope the isolation is relaxed soon. I'm missing my new bike!!

[John Tipper]

Can anyone tell me why I've got two attachments?