An epic, soaking wet journey in the Cobra!

We finally arrived home in the UK last night in our Cobra, soaking wet and bloody cold! We did 1,661 miles, more than half of which was in really bad weather.

The first part of the drive, through Spain, was very good, in hot temperatures under blue skies. Then it all went wrong. Due to a faulty connection on the alternator, the battery wasn’t being charged properly and as the power dropped, the fuel pump cut out, leaving us stranded in the pouring rain, with no roof on the car, on a motorway, just 15 minutes away from getting our ferry back to Portsmouth from Northern Spain. Bugger!

After that, all subsequent ferries were cancelled due to the bad weather, or full, and we ended up having to drive through France in miserable weather to get a ferry from St Malo. Not normally a problem, this was a huge issue in a car with no roof – I don’t mean a convertible, I mean no roof whatsoever, which is no fun in the rain. The bad connection on the alternator turned out to be the alternator had a quickly failing terminal disease and another stop at another garage confirmed it was a specialist alternator and yes, they could get one in 4 or 5 days. We decided to drive on anyway, charging the battery whenever we could, so we could keep driving.

We got into Portsmouth last night in heavy rain and started driving on sidelights only in terrible spray, only turning on the wipers every few minutes in an attempt to preserve what little power was left in the battery. I really didn’t want to break down at the roadside in pouring rain, so headlights were out of the question. At least keeping moving causes most of the rain to get blown over the top of the car (okay it then blows backwards into the cockpit so our backs were pretty wet) and somehow, we made it back in 2.5 hours of hell. People were waving and honking their horns at us in support, but most were probably thinking we were crazy, which of course we were. I was wearing my Harley-Davidson motorcycle waterproofs and Jackie had the car cover over her to keep some of the water off.

Our son Jeremy had put up the gazebo so we could park the car on the drive under cover, but the wind was blowing it away, resulting in us having to tie it down. Anyway, we got home safely and a warming cuppa soon sorted us out, with clothes and gear dripping everywhere in the house. What a journey it had been, driving as we did from near Gibraltar in southern Spain, all the way to near London in the UK, in some of the worse weather I have seen. Madness!

Many thanks to Jackie for once again being a real trooper. She hates the cold and went the whole journey without a single complaint – I am so lucky to have her as a wife! Next time, let’s hope for better weather!

Driving our Cobra across Spain

Filmed a couple of days ago, this is Jackie and I driving our AC Cobra replica across Spain. The sun was shining and the roads (almost) clear so we made good time and had a lot of fun.....

Amelia Bike – Latest Pictures

Work on my custom bike, called Amelia, continues. Now only a week until final assembly is complete, here are a few pictures taken over the past few weeks....

Engraving of all of the parts is now complete....

The build is complete. Here are a few partial pictures....

The bike was then dismantled and all parts are now being painted or chromed...

Parts in the paint booth....

In just six days, I should be able to ride the bike. I can’t wait!

Book Update

Okay folks, it is time I surfaced for a little while, at least long enough to give you an update on why I have been so quiet recently. I has been about three weeks since my last post and that is bad of me. Very bad indeed.

The main reason for my blogging absence is writing of my book. I am way behind schedule now and I have been concentrating on finishing writing the main chapters, which I have now done. Yeah! I went to twenty-seven different states on my USA tour and I have now written a chapter about all of them, from Maine to California. It feels like quite an accomplishment, but I know that I am not there yet. I have yet to write the introduction, the chapter about planning the trip and the final chapter about getting back home.

I was hoping to have everything written before the start of the 2012 riding season, but I have missed that. So it is now flat out to get the last of the words written before I ride to Portugal in seven weeks time. Gulp.

The first round of editing has been done to many of the main chapters, all of the pictures sorted and made ready, most of the maps are drawn, the cover is almost finished and the printer is lined up. I feel the end is in sight, but I am going to keep concentrating on getting everything finished. Publication date is targeted for October 1st and there is a lot to do to achieve this.

So, my blogging friends, I have had to forsake posting new stuff on my blog as well as reading what others have been blogging about. Hopefully, normal service will be resumed soon!

Getting Discouraged by Blogger

Is it only me, or are others out there in the blog-o-sphere getting a bit sick and tired of Blogger and how the various ‘improvements’ made to the software actually make things worse?

After a while of being away from my blogging to concentrate on other things for a while, I was set to return, but have noticed a few recent problems with the software.

Chief amongst these is the inability to subscribe to some blog posts. This means if I leave a comment on someone’s blog, I have to try to remember to revisit that blog post to see there is a response. The old way of being notified by e-mail if a follow-up comment has been subsequently added is no longer available on many blogs. Bizarrely though, this doesn’t happen on all blogs hosted by Blogger. It does happen on my own blog and I have to say this has discouraged me from posting, as my readers will also have this problem.

Does anyone know of a solution to this? If not, I will stay away for a while until it gets fixed. I never thought I would become a Facebook user, but it is so much easier to post stuff on there until Blogger gets its act together and starts solving some of its many problems.

Riding Harley-Davidsons in Cuba

I just got back from 10 days riding in Cuba.

I will post more on the trip later, but in the meantime, enjoy the video.....

Amelia Custom Bike Update

It’s been a while since I posted any pictures of the progress on my new custom bike, Amelia.

Here is the donor bike, being dismantled....

Parts were sent off for engraving. We went to see what progress the engraver was making this week. I have to say, he is doing a fantastic job.

These are the rocker box covers....

The gearbox cover....

Don, the engraver, just starting on the primary drive cover....

Don's very simple tools. Everything he engraves is by hand, with simple hammers and chisels. Simply amazing....

Of course, I had to try it myself....

Later, the foot controls were delivered. This is the brake lever and reservoir....

Good progress is being made and Warrs (the London Harley Dealer) are on target to get the bike finished by the end of April.  In the meantime, I am off to Cuba tomorrow.....

Wheels for Amelia

The wheels for my new custom bike 'Amelia' have arrived and look gorgeous....

Book Update

Having been very busy with writing my book recently, I haven't done much in the way of putting much on my own blog, or commenting on others. I have been lurking though and reading many blogs, just not commenting.

That will remain the case for a while, while I press on with getting the book finished. I have now written 24 out of 33 of its chapters, so good progress has been made.

I am sorting and editing the photos that will be included in the book as I go, and my Cousins partner, Helen, has been editing my words on a chapter-by-chapter basis.

I hope to finish writing by the end of April, with the final editing and book layout completed by say June, printing done in say August, making the book available from about 1st October.  That’s the target, anyway!

I haven't forgotten my promise for those that commented on my blog before or during my tour of America!

Hitler wants a Harley for Sturgis.

With apologies to my German speaking friends.... but it is very funny....

A Bikers New Year’s Resolution - The 15x30 list.

I have been riding bikes for some time and have covered a fair few miles in the past few years, all safely, without incident.  That makes me a competent rider, right?

No, of course it doesn't. 

There is one particular aspect to my motorcycling that I have not been happy with for a while and my New Year's Resolution is designed to correct this, but I need your help, my readers.

The issue I need to put right is my motorcycle pre-ride checks.  The problem is, I rarely do any, preferring instead to just jump on the bike and start riding as soon as possible.  In my years of riding I have given this topic almost a complete lack of attention which has resulted in the fact that I struggle to think of what it is I should be doing and that is where I need your help. 

I would like to use a list of pre-ride checks that actually makes sense, and that I can print out and pin to the wall of my garage as a reminder.  I have looked on the web and found quite a few lists, but these are either incomplete, exceesively detailed, or are simply wrong.  Some don't make sense about how often the checks should be done.  In short, I can't find one that works for me.

I have therefore used what I have read on the internet and created my own checklist, but I would like a few others to review it and suggest any necessary changes or additions.  I will then collate any and all comments, modify the list and hopefully this will become a useful list that not only I can use, but others if they want to.  I will publish the final amended checklist on my blog for anyone to copy and use.

To make it obvious what checks should be undertaken when, the top part of my list shows what checks should be made at the start of every riding day.  These are the absolute must-do safety checks that should happen every time you ride.

The second part of the list contains all other checks.  In this second part, the higher the item is on the list, the more often it should be done.

I would be happy if you would let me know what you think and please pass it on to as many other bikers as you wish, so that we get as much useful input as possible.

Part One.  Checks you should make at the start of every riding day....

1. Before you move your bike, look underneath for any leaked oil or coolant.  In fact learn to do this every time you approach your bike.

2. Check all lights are working correctly.  This must include

          high / low beam headlight

          rear tail light

          turn signals / indicators

          brake light (check operation from both front and rear brake levers)

3. Check the horn is working

4. Rotate and look at the front and back tyres (tires) for protruding nails, stones caught in the tread, or any obvious damage

5. Quick check of front and back tyres pressures (as very few people will check the air pressure every riding day with a gauge, at least do a test by kicking the tyres)

6. Check brake operation, front and rear.

7. Pull on the levers and push on the rear brake lever (with your hand) to check they have a smooth and properley adjusted operation, with no catching. Ensure correct position of the levers when released.

8. Check the throttle operates smoothly, with no catching. Ensure the throttle snaps closed when released

9. Take a walk around the bike to visually check nothing appears loose or out of place.

10. Check the fuel level, and if applicable make sure the fuel tap is in the correct position.

11. Check all caps (oil filler, coolant, brake fluid etc) are tight.

12. Check mirror positioning.

13. Ensure you can see properly through windshield, visor, googles, glasses, sunglasses etc.

14. Ensure you have something on you with your emergency contact details.

15. Don't forget your helmet!

Note, some people say it is better to check these things at the end of every riding day, to ensure your bike is ready the next time you use it.  Before or after doesn't matter, so just do what suits you.

Part Two.  Frequent checks (the nearer the top, the more frequently they should be done).  Clearly different types of motorcycle will have different checks to be performed, so this list has been made as general as possible to suit most types of bike....

1. Check tyre (tire) pressures are correct level, using an accurate gauge.

2. Check tyre wear is within safe limits and there is no excessive tread wear across the tyre width.  If you know how and if your tyres have them, check the wear indicators.

3. Inspect the wheels for loose spokes or cracks in cast wheels.  Check the axle fixings are not loose.

4. Ensure the wheels spin freely.

5. Ensure brake and clutch lever retaining bolts are tight.

6. Ensure the mirror fixings are tight.

7. Check headlight beam alignment and there is no condensation inside the unit.

8. Check main engine oil level and (because it is easy to remember when you are checking the oil) also check any under-engine oil drain plugs are tight.

9. If you can, check the battery power level.

10. If applicable, check the bikes coolant level.

11. Check the operation of steering. Ensure no cables are preventing full steering movement or that any cable are catching / rubbing.

12. Check operation of front suspension / forks.  Ensure there are no excessive fork oil leaks.

13. Check rear suspension operation.

14. Check throttle, clutch and brake cables do not bind when the steering is turned.

15. Check the final drive chain (or belt) tension for excessive play / movement.  If you adjust the chain tension, ensure the rear axle nuts are properley tightened.

16. Check the chain sprocket for excessive wear / hooking.

17.  Lubricate the final drive chain.

18. Check tyres for cracks.

19. Check brake pad wear if you can.

20. Check brake fluid level, check brake hoses for leaks, ensure all fixings and bolts on the brakes are tight, from the levers all the way to the brakes themselves.

21. Inspect the fuel delivery system, pipes etc for any signs of fuel leaks and check fixings are tight.

22. Look at battery condition, battery fluid levels (if applicable), all battery conections are tight, and the battery is adequately fixed in place.

23. Check operation and integrity of centre stand and / or side stand.  If applicable, check the electrical cut out still works if the side stand is down.

24. Check gearbox oil level (if applicable).

25. Comprehensive look at all fixings, bolts, screws are tight.  Must include seat fixings, handlebar fixings, pannier and rack fixings (if applicable).  Look to see everything is tight.

26. Check wiring is not pinching or fraying

27. Check the drain plug in the final drive shaft is tight. Check any seals for leaks.

28. Check hoses for damage or leaks.

29. Look to see if any frame / swing arm paint is lifting or peeling which may indicate cracking.

30. Check the view in the mirrors to ensure you look cool.

Plans for 2012 Bike Trips

2012 will see two international motorcycle trips for me. Well, two and a half trips really.

In February, I will be travelling to Cuba, for a nine day organised motorcycle tour of the island. Three of us are going from the UK, myself, Paul Leeson and Ian Solley of 7 Ages Custom Motorcycles.

I am looking forward to seeing this island republic set in the Caribbean. Gladly, we don't need to do much in the way of organisation, as it will largely be done for us.  We will be renting bikes out there.

Just 90 miles from the USA, Cuba is set in the past. That is one of the great things about Cuba where the word 'modernisation' probably doesn't exist. We certainly want to see this old-fashioned aspect of Cuban life, especially the old American cars that have been fixed up over the years to keep them running. I don't smoke, but I suspect some Cuban cigars might make their way back to England for my friends and family.

This is the route we are expecting to take.... click on the map for a better view.....

In June a small group of us are going to the Harley-Davidson rally in Portugal. Here is a video promoting the rally....





Those going to Portugal are Ian Solley (remember he and I went to Croatia together)....

Paul Rose (you might remember he rode with me in Maine and Spain)....

and my eldest son, Charlie (yet to take his bike test)....

We will be taking the 24 hour ferry from the UK to northern Spain and then riding the route below through Spain and Portugal. This will be about a 2,000 mile round trip....

Finally, the trip that counts only as half a trip, is to the H-D Euro Rally in St Tropez in southern France. The reason it is only half a trip? Shhhhhhh. We are going by car and having a bike shipped there on the back of a truck. Don't tell anyone! There is a good reason for this - Jackie and I will be delivering our car back to Spain the timing fits perfectly with the rally. So, we will stop on the way in St Tropez for the few days of the rally and then continue our journey south all the way down to Spain.

2011 Moto-Blogging Awards. And the award goes to....

Another blogging year is coming to an end.

I have enjoyed reading many people’s motorcycle related blogs again this year, so much in fact that that I have decided announce the 'Flies in your Teeth 2011 Moto-Blogging Awards'. Sort of like the Oscars for Motorcycle Blogging, but not really.

These are just for fun, carry no prizes and the judge’s decision is final !!!!

If you are not mentioned, then that is probably due to my bad memory.

So, in no particular order......



The blogger that made me laugh the most in 2011. Jack Riepe of Twisted Roads. Keep it up Jack.



With all of his food pictures, the blogger that constantly made me feel hungry, Bobskoot of Wet Coast Scootin, with a special mention also for Lucky on his Pizza Crusade



The person with the coolest blog name. Brady from Behind Bars.



The blogger that gets more exercise than most and makes me feel guilty for not doing more myself, is bluekat, who writes about bluekat’s journeys be they by bicycle, kayak, on foot, or on a motorcycle.



The blogger that makes me feel cold, due to his Polar Bear rides. Chris (where's that snow?) Luhman of Everyday Riding. Brrrrr!



The bloggers that are nearly always on the road. Donna and Stu, who are hauling it around while they take a 5th.



For posting pictures that make me want to travel half way around the world to ride on another island. Roger, aka Raftnn, who has All Things Rogey.



A blogger that doesn't post often, but when he does, I always read it. The Arizona Harley Dude.



The blogger that has finally seen sense and bought a Harley-Davidson. And she takes great photos too.... . Sonja. who has (re-)discovered motorcycle riding.



The blogger that I want to meet on the salt. George was originally from Mozambique, now living in the USA, who writes about Riding the USA.



Canajun, who is the Ottawan blogger On Two Wheels that has a happy humidor.



My favourite blogging couple. Troubadour and Trobairitz



The blogger that I so want to pass his IAM qualification. Geoff, who shares his confessions here.



The blogger with a great balance between ride reports and life in general, motoroz who isn't just an ordinary biker.



The blogger that does the best interviews. Stephanie, the Iowa Harley Girl.



The top sidecar blogger (and the blogger with the most names). Dom/Redleg/Charlie6. of Redlegs rides.



The most technical blogger and Chapter photographer. Axel, of Road King UK.



The blogger that took the most inspiring trip in 2011. V-Star Lady. What a great adventure she had, riding her V-Star.



The terrific writer that often makes me sit back and think about what he has written, FLHX Dave from the Road Grits Cafe. He also makes great coffee!



The fun-loving brand-loyal blogger. BeemerGirl, who has the Love of a Motorbike.



A new biking blogger that enjoys sharing as he learns. Circle Blue who has Twists and Leanings.



The blogger that moved from a warm place to a cold one, that used to write about exercise, but now mainly writes about riding his BMW, Richard.



The blogger with attitude who says what she thinks. mq01 from over at Ms M's Place.



The blogger that I learn from, irondad, The Intrepid Commuter.



The blogger with the coolest custom motorcycles. Ian Solley, of 7 Ages Custom Motorcycles.



The blogger with the most impressive beard, WooleyBugger of Wooley’s Rants and Sonic Cleaning.



A very keen moto-blogger, who writes about riding her Scooter experiences, Princess Scooterpie.



The blogger that disappeared for a while and then came back. Baron.



The blogger that is on the mend. Jimbo, who will hopefully soon be back to Premeditated Scootin'.



The blogger with many years of biking experience, Doug, who has spent more than Forty Years On Two Wheels.



Plus of course, all other bloggers that I have failed to mention.



and finally, my favourite blogger that doesn't even write a blog. Mrs France.



Thank you all for your terrific blogs and I look forward to reading more about you and your adventures in the year ahead.

It only leaves me to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a terrific New Year. I hope you all have many great rides in 2012.

I need your help - what cars are these?

When I was on my ride through the USA last year, I saw and photographed two cars.  I want to refer to these in my book about the trip but I am afraid I don't know what they are.  Does anyone out there know?

I believe the lighter car might be a Chevrolet Impala, but I am not certain and I don't have a clue what the green car is.  I will be very grateful for any information!

It won’t look like this for long....

The design stage of my new custom bike is progressing well and should be finished within a week or so.

I am not going to give anything away about what it might eventually look like, but there are some pictures below showing what the donor bike currently looks like.

So, what will we be keeping from the existing bike?  Just two things.  The engine and the frame.  A whole bunch of spare parts will be going on eBay soon!

The completed bike should be ready by the middle of April, so I will keep you posted!

How and Why did you get into Motorbikes?

I have read a few motorcycling blogs recently that I haven't seen before.  With almost all of them, I was left wondering how the authors of those blogs initially got into biking, and why?

This wondering has got the better of me, so I thought I would ask.

Keen to set the ball rolling, I have set out below my reasons.  I would like to know your reasons, so if you want to participate in this, then write something on your own blog about 'How and Why I got into Motorbikes'.  Then, so we can keep track of the responses, please add a comment to this post, with a link to your own post.

Here is my biking background....

I can remember that when I was really young, maybe at around the age of four, that my Father had a motorbike with a sidecar. Rather frustratingly, that is all I can remember of this.

At about the age of 13, I was taken to some motorcycle races and I really enjoyed these.  I went for a couple of seasons and at the time, it was the Yamaha's and Suzuki's that prevailed and I watched the end of the Norton racing decline.  Racers like Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene and Kenny Roberts dominated and produced exciting racing.

Money was short in our family as my wonderful mother was raising us four kids on her own.  My father had died when I was 11 years old and as the eldest boy, I felt the need to start working as soon as possible to help out financially. I was sixteen when I left school and got my first job, full time.  The only form of transport I could afford was a pedal cycle and I rode that 13 miles to work and 13 miles home again each day. This kept me fit and I was as thin as a rake back then!

At 17, continuing to ride a bicycle was becoming impractical in all seasons, so I decided to buy a small motorbike (a Honda C90) as a necessity to travel to and from work. I bought a small motorbike because it was the only form of vehicle I could afford and I rode that bike along with its two replacements every day for about five years, in all weathers. Really good gloves and waterproofs were unusual and cost way too much for my limited budget, so I used to suffer really badly with the cold.  Riding in snow is not much fun if you have to because it is the only way to get to work.

Like many others, marriage and children put an end to my early motorcycling days and it wasn't until many years later that I bought my next bike.  Early for a meeting in London, I had about 45 minutes to waste, so I went to see a nearby Harley-Davidson dealer.  I admired the shiny gleaming machines so much that I arranged to rent a Road King for a weekend. Within an hour of riding the bike, I had decided to buy one.  Returning the rental bike saw me ordering one for myself.  That was six years ago and since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed my re-introduction to biking.  I guess I am a born-again biker!

What's your story?

Protest Ride

I don’t often protest. In fact, I cannot remember ever joining a public protest.

I did last Tuesday though because it was about something that I care a lot about – motorbikes!

The European Parliament makes laws that affect all of Europe and sometimes these laws are just plain stupid. It was becoming clear that the law makers were considering draft proposals that could mean home maintenance and the fitting of non-standard parts on motorbikes would not be allowed. If passed, this anti-biking legislation could severely restrict what for some is a common practice. Imagine not being able to modify, say, a Harley-Davidson with different exhaust pipes, or not being able to change the shocks on your sports bike, not being able to maintain the chain, brakes or doing the tuning on your own bike yourself. This proposed legislation is clearly a nonsense, and we needed to do something about this.

Motorcycle News, the weekly UK biking newspaper, had organised a protest ride at the centre of the European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium. Previous protest rides had taken place in various UK locations, but while these had helped to consolidate feelings in this country, they lacked impact where it really mattered, in Brussels. I was able to attend, so at 4.30am on Tuesday morning my alarm clock rattled me awake and after making coffee for the ride, I hit the road at 5.00am on my way to Belguim.

The ride to the coast at Folkestone was in the dark the whole way. Worse, it was 98 miles of fog that meant keeping the speed down while having to crack on in order to get the bike onto the right Channel Tunnel train to France. I just made it in time and drank my previously made coffee while waiting in line to board the train....

I recognised a fellow rider in the train as we journeyed under the sea and five of us agreed to ride together to Brussels. Stopping for fuel and supplies replenishment, we pressed on riding through France and soon crossed the border into Belgium. Arriving in Brussels caused some confusion as at the last minute, the assembly point was changed and after struggling to find it for a while, we eventually arrived in good time.

A midweek protest ride in late November in another country that meant you would have to take your bike abroad, was never going to attract huge numbers, but we were pleased to see between 150 and 200 bikes had made the journey from the UK.

Me in Brussels with the Leading ladies....

Brief speeches were made by MCN’s Steve Farrell, Motorcycle Action Group’s Ian Mutch, British Motorcyclist’s Federation’s Chris Hodder and MP Mike Weatherley. Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules was also there. This is Ian Mutch talking to the assembled bikers.....

The bikes start the protest ride....

I have to say the Belgium police were fantastic. They lead the ride in their vehicles and at every junction and traffic light on the 5 mile route around the city, police stopped all traffic and waved the bikes through.

Here is MCN’s video of the protest....



The bikes arriving outside the European Parliament....

Marta Andreasen, a supportive MEP, talking to some of the bikers....

The bikes rode back to the assembly point before setting off back to the UK. All of the police motorcyclists and those in vans and other vehicles also went back to the assembly area as well. As they left, the protesting bikers spontaneously applauded the police for the great job they had done. The police smiled, waved back and blew their horns in recognition – an unusual and great moment.

The journey back to Calais and the train was uneventful and we arrived in time to get the planned train. I arrived back home at about 8pm having completed 476 miles on the trip.

I will keep you posted regarding what happens with the proposed legislation. Let’s hope these meddling politicians change their minds!

Survey about the future of motorcycles

I was contacted recently to complete a survey about the future of motorcycles, especially in respect of drive trains. Part of some research by Triumph Motorcyles, the survey is about people’s expectations of new motorbikes, so that it can help Triumph to specify the next generation of bikes.

Tim, the guy doing the survey said “This is an opportunity to let your opinions reach the people who actually make the big decision on future motorcycle models so please make the most of it! We would appreciate it if you could forward this on to as many other fellow riders as possible.”

If you want to take part in this anonymous survey, here is the link.

Feel free to re-post this on your own blog.

For those that don't know how do it manually

I recently changed the name of my blog and some of you have noticed the link from you own blog back to mine is still called USA Tour on a Harley-Davidson.

I assumed that these links back to my blog would automatically update to the new name somehow, but they don’t. You have to change it manually on your own blog and I have noticed that many of you have already done that in your own blog so the link to mine reads correctly. Thank you for doing that.

If you don’t know how to do make this change manually, here is how you do that, assuming you are using Blogger....

You know where you add a new link to your blog list? That is also where you change the name of a blog on your list

It is in your dashboard (which is also called Design, depending on which version of Blogger you are using), go there and click on ‘Layout’ (which again depending on the version of Blogger, may be in a drop-down menu) and this takes you to how you have laid out the various elements of your own blog page. On that layout page, find whatever you have called your blog list – some may call it, ‘The Blogs I Read’, ‘Blogs of Interest’, or something like that. Click on edit and that takes you to where you add new blogs to that list.

Next to the names of the existing blogs, you can edit or remove the existing blogs on your list. Find ‘USA Tour on a Harley-Davidson’ and rename it to “Flies in your Teeth”. Then click on Save to close the box and then it’s all done.

Many have already done this, so try it. I will be checking up on you to see if you have successfully changed the name!

We went to lay a wreath

Each year on Remembrance Sunday, the H-D dealer I use, Warr’s, organises a ride out to honour the war dead.

I had never been before, so I thought it about time I did.

That was last Sunday and we were blessed with a warm and sunny autumn day.  About 35 bikes had arrived at Warr’s for the ride.  As usual with most H-D ride outs, there was the obligatory pre-ride safety briefing beforehand and unlike the last ride out, I was there in plenty of time to get a cup of coffee and to listen to the briefing before we left.

If you have never been on a H-D ride out before, it is an impressive sight.  By some standards, this was not a large gathering, but 35 Harley-Davidsons riding along any road is an impressive sight and it turns many heads. Lead by Scottie, we rumbled through the busy roads of south-west London and some waved to about the same number of scooters heading in the other direction as they rode into the capital for what was probably a scooter meeting of some sort.  The familiar smell of two-stroke engine exhaust wafted through the air, reminding some of us of our earlier riding years.

Soon, we reached the leafy scenic lanes of Surrey and encountered some slippery steep downhill roads that needed more attention than usual.  I was riding three bikes back behind a guy I didn’t recognise and he was being more careful than most as he made his way through the twisting winding roads and his slightly slower pace meant we were falling back from the main group a little, not that this mattered.  It wasn’t until later I discovered he had only taken his bike test three weeks earlier and this was one of his first long-ish rides, so my full admiration goes to him!

We stopped for a break and a coffee at a place called Forest Green and re-assembled for the traditional two minutes of silence at exactly 11am to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow countrymen.  We bowed our heads and stood still as a mark of respect of those soldiers from around the world that fought on behalf of others.

11am is the time chosen in many parts of the world to remember the war dead as it was the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 that the Armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne in France,  took effect to formally cease the hostilities of World War I.  Remembrance Sunday has of course gone on to remember the war dead from all wars, not only WWI.

The ride continued to Elstead where there is a small war memorial and we laid a wreath.  Our group of 35 or so were from many different nationalities as so it was appropriate that a few words were said that we should remember the dead from all countries.

Nearby is the Mill at Elstead, a pub and restaurant , where we stopped for lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Marvelous!

Wikipedia tells me that Elstead Mill, was occupied by Oliver Cromwell’s ‘roundhead’ army during the English Civil War of 1642-1651, but subsequently burnt down. The present structure is therefore thought to date back to the 17th century.  The river flows through the mill at can be seen from inside the building.

We broke up as a group and made our own way back from there and as I rode, I thought about what a good day it had been.  I promised myself I would go on the same Warr’s ride next year.  After arriving home, it didn’t take me long to fall asleep on the sofa....