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Sharon's Biking Blog
Poorly Zen And Southport Second Time Around - Oct 2013
My little bike has been poorly sick and has been back at MCO (Motorcycle Centre Orrell) for repairs. After my ride out to Chipping we discovered on the way home that my tail light was not working. Further investigation showed that neither were the side lights or the dash lights. I wanted to ride the bike that evening to the bike club so we spent an age taking off the side panels and tank trying to find a lose connection or blown fuse. I know nothing about such things but it all fascinates me and I am very happy to learn all I can. I also love a challenge and fixing things. So I was more than happy to stand with the bf poking and prodding and scratching my head while we puzzled over the source of the problem. However it seemed more and more likely that the cause of the problem were the wires inside the headlight. We tried to prise off the headlight but it was clear this was a big job breaking out. It was also now getting dark and as the bike is under warranty it seemed stupid to risk making matters worse. So I had to reluctantly admit defeat on this one and agree that the only solution was to take it back to MCO and let them look at it.
I took the bike back to MCO the following day and they said they would check it over straight away. If it was a quick job they would do it there and then but if not it would have to stay with them. They reported back that it was not a quick fix so I left the bike. I informed them that as long as I could have the bike ready to pick up on the Saturday for my weekend ride out that would be great. By Thursday I got a message that the bike was fixed and ready to collect when ever I wanted. Nice one, job done. It turned out to be a lose wire in the headlamp as we had suspected. Guess there are advantages to owning a new bike and one of those is getting little faults like this sorted for free.
So with the news the my bike was fixed it meant that come Saturday I will need a place to go on my bike. There is a rock night held at the Floral in Southport. Both the bf and I like to go to this event. The tickets can be purchased in advance of the event at various locations in Southport. It is announced that said tickets would be available from Saturday so this seems the perfect excuse to go on the bikes to Southport again.
This time around it will just be the bf and I. My 125 learner friend has decided to sell her bike. She is happy at the moment she says to remain a pillion but I am sad to lose my 125 learner buddy. I really enjoyed our all too brief trips out together. It is fun to have another learner with you and exchange stories of how scared you are. My friend has not said she will never ride again so maybe if I am lucky she might be back out on a bike of her own again next year.
I awake on Saturday morning to a most uncomfortable feeling in my tummy. It is all a flutter. Why am I so nervous about riding the bike today? In fact I even feel a little sick. I know I still feel a little apprehension when I get on the bike after a few days of not riding but this is ridiculous. Then is dawns on me that of course this feeling in my tummy is the residues of the tummy bug I have recently had. So that explains why I am feeling so off. At least I am not regressing and getting more nervous about riding the bike which is a relief. I just hope my tummy bug is just rumbling in its death throes and not building up for another comeback. Ewww.
I start the day as a pillion rider on the BF's bike so I can collect my bike. My bike is parked up waiting for me at MCO. It is good to see him again and climb aboard. This being a Saturday the traffic is rather busy as we start our journey. However the bf finds a really pleasant and pretty route to Southport, past some lovely houses and towns. Unfortunately I can not tell you what that route is because although I manage to glance at the picturesque views from time to time most of my mind is employed on following the bf and riding the bike. But for the first time I notice there are times when I do not have to concentrate so hard and I can relax enough to appreciate what is around me.
Our chosen destination to pick up the Floral tickets is a small tattoo shop off a side street close to Southport centre. Parking is found easily enough and the tickets collected. The tickets were apparently only dropped off half an hour earlier so that was well timed. We decide carry on to the carousel. I notice a familiar tensing of my tummy and know that this is not the tummy bug this time but nerves. It will be busy at the carousel and it's not an easy place for a learner to negotiate. It is indeed busy and I am rather amazed that I am here in Southport in this busy traffic on my bike. Surely I can not do this but I do do it and as is often the case my nerves are worse than the actual situation. I park at the carousel with relative ease and no hiccups. Sometimes what we imagine is far worse than any reality. The sun is out and I feel quite proud of myself to be back here under my own horsepower.
The ride home goes well and we stop off for a drink at the lower barn at Rivington. I have not been to the lower barn before on my own bike and I am aware that the car park can be slippery and I have witnessed a few bikes tip over here. So I am careful to take it easy and keep my speed low as I ride in. Phew, I park up with no mishap. Our good friend Rick is there with his new bike and the huge grin oh his face shows how pleased he is with it. Although 11 years old his Yamaha XJR 1300cc is a gem, in pristine as new condition. He is justified to be so happy with his purchase. We stand there admiring it but a rather impatient van driver causes Rick's smile to disappear as she almost drives right into it. He tells her to stop and he moves the bike but he barely has a chance to move aside before she revs her engine and rushes past with a mere hairs breath between her van and the bike. Hmmm some people are just idiots.
After a coffee and a chat with some other friends of the bf it is time to head home. As I climb on my bike the bf's friends all pull out their phones and point them at me saying , "Now time for a £250 moment". Hmm thanks so much guys for that. No pressure then. Oh dear, please stay upright bike. It does and I manage to escape this time without a red face.
Reader's Comments
kath brooks said :-
Great writing Sharon. Its a definate maybe that I will get another bike
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
john de ville said :-
I understand your comment.
"Surely I can not do this but I do do it and as is often the case my nerves are worse than the actual situation".
We have all been there and done that , so well done on not only the fact that you managed it, but also the realisation that it is all in the mind..........................:)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
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