Calliper mount Mk2

My first attempt didn't look to good so I've had another go. The new template will hopefully be a bit kinder on the eye as well as working efficiently. First job... Glue the paper template onto MDF.

Next cut it out and drill for spindle.

Comparison with the first attempt shows a more appealing look.

... And on the bike things don't look to bad either.

Next stage is to cut it out of steel which will need a kink added to get over the swing arm. Once I've cut it out I'll think about cutting out some of the mass.

More to follow...

Back to work!

Enough of this messing about, winter is nearly here, the extension nearly finished and it's time to head back to the shed!

Next problem to solve on Abigail is the rear brake calliper mount. I need a way of attaching the calliper above the swing arm while restraining it from beneath the swing arm so it can be bled and so the fluid feed comes at it from the right side. Here's a picture to illustrate.

After some head scratching and use of the kids maths kit, I came up with a paper template which I stuck onto some MDF.

Next, cut out a crude version and drill a few holes.

Last stage is to shape the basic design to allow for the calliper castings. This can only be done with a little trial & error till you get kinda close.

A trial fit.
First impression is close, but no cigar. The upper section is how it needs to be (ugly though it is), but the bottom part just looks wrong. I think it needs to be longer and angled to the right to offer some balance with the top half.

As with all things... Trial & error. Watch this space for MkII.

Back from Europe

My mate and I have just completed a brilliant mini tour of central Europe taking in France, Belgium (twice), Luxembourg, Germany (briefly) and finally the Netherlands. We used the tunnel to get across and biked it the rest of the way, leaving Holland by overnight ferry. The roads of Belgium and Luxembourg deserve a special mention as do the dyke roads of the Netherlands. Both are fun and twisty with one lot passing over hills and through forests while the other wound above flat farm land never far from water. I'll leave the reader decide which was which. Anywho, just a few piccies to stir the memories in years to come.

Your narrator with bike at the Dutch camp.

Gina loaded and ready to go outside the Canterbury YHA, our departure start point.

Brief map check before descending into Luxembourg.

... The views (and weather) were stunning.

No trip to Holland would be complete without a visit to Amsterdam. I'm sure I saw a mouse over there on a stair. He had cloggs on!!

Thumperclub 2011 rally

Good rally this year in the rolling Shropshire hills just west of Telford in the little village of Bucknell. This was Gina's first rally and the first outing of the mighty Vango Force 10. Neither bike or tent let me down with both performing brilliantly. Weather was great and so was the company. Just a few pictures to remind me that life isn't all work and chores.

Happy days.

A great ride to get there and back.
Base camp was spacious and comfy. Lurv the Vango!
... And Gina stands guard.

Change of plan

Following on from the tank disaster and too much time looking at bobbers, Abigail is having a new look planned. No idea how this will turn out, but I want basic, up-right and wide bars. Hmm!

First things first... Get her on her own two wheels. Must now sort out the rear calliper hanger.

Onward!!

A great little film with a great sound track. Enjoy.

I.D.W.P from Edwin Europe on Vimeo.

Lovely little job.

Been thinking about camping trips on Gina and thought some kind of power point might be quite useful. Lots of camping and motoring accessories can be powered from a cars cigarette lighter, and a quick search on ebay uncovered a waterproof version.

All I needed to do is find a suitable location on the bike, cut a hole (gulp!) and fit it. I picked the LH side panel as my location as there was room behind to fit the plug and [when on the sidestand] this is the 'down hill' side of the bike.
Next job, get the bloody thing off! Both pannier racks and the back rack had to be removed before I could even begin.

... Bit for marking and drilling...

Job done. Happy days.