Dragon 2011

Just a few shots of my Dragon Rally. Can't explain why I like this rally so much, maybe it's bikes or the ride there [and back] or just the camping out in winter. Dunno, but I'd miss it if it ever stopped.

Here's some piccies of just a few of the interesting bikes spotted at this years Dragon Rally. I love seeing these old, classic bikes being used as their makers intended. Carrying their owners and anything else he wants to take, to wherever they want to go. Even if it's a muddy field in North Wales

Boots

You have got to love boots and cleaning them is a real joy. Something truely therapeutic about rubbing Nikwax into the leather and buffing once things have soaked in a bit. Now at peace.

Project Abigail - the restart

Abigail has been stuffed in a corner of the shed long enough! This project is in danger of ending up as another pile of scrap and broken dreams.

I decided what was needed was some sort of trolley so I could wheel the old girl about when needed to work on her.

All made and fitted. Now I can start working on her again.

Bloody Yamahas, - part two

Having cured the electrical gremlins it's the turn of the carbs now! LHS inlet manifold decided to spit out the O ring and start sucking air. I shall waste the remainder of this evening skinning my knuckles fixing it!

A walk in the snow.

It's been snowing around here so I thought it be fun to take wifey and pooch for a hike.

Does it get any prettier?

Dog had a blast making doggy versions of snow angels.

Stupid mutt! (but lovely)

Bloody Yamahas'!

Never would have happened to my Honda! On Friday the XT decided to die on the middle lane of the M4! Thankfully a helpful car driver flashed his lights and blasted his horn in an attempt to cure the problem. The AA sent the breakdown truck to the wrong end of the motorway (jubction 3 instead of junction 33!) so a long wait was on the cards. Our Boys in Blue were brilliant. Understanding and helpful, they took the photo and got me [and bike] to the nearest services and coordinated the AA for me.

The AA were very sorry for the delay and coughed up £20 so breckie, the papers and a relax was order of the day. Result.

Initially I thought the problem was carb icing, but while digging around once I finally got home found corroded wiring at the starter solenoid and the ignition circuit. Not totally convinced the electrics are to blame, but until I can fix this fault it's impossible to say.

More bashing in the kitchen

After the joy of knocking through from the old building into the new, the time has come to finish the alterations to the existing structure. The kitchen entrance and hallway dividing wall have to be re-structured to move the opening into the kitchen, block off the old entrance into the understair cupboard and generally tidy things up. This is the offending wall and doors (one on the left is the cupboard, one on the right goes into the hallway).

After half an hour with my mate sledgy followed by Mr broomy and you get this.

...And then re-construction can begin.