Milestones

Why is it that certain combinations of numbers in certain contexts seem so important?

The Tenere rattled over 20,000 miles today, in 25 months almost to the day. I got a feeling of satisfaction seeing it.

Playing

My christmas present lens arrived yesterday; a Sigma 10-20mm for my Canon. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics. I'm looking forward to taking more time over some more shots.

Buy the postcard (take the ride)

Hands shoved in pockets we wander,

works of the undying glimpsed.

What is seen is not really seen

for some.

Markings and notes,

the snap of the capture by those wanting

to remember more.

Yet not actually having the memory.

What is seen is more than seen for those that do.

It is felt and acknowledged.

Public spaces become private.

Personal is everywhere.

Triumph Love

Feeling the love for the Speed Triple. Appearances on Rocket Garage and on Bubble Visor have reminded me that I shouldn't sell it.

Also all that bare oiled alloy would be a magnet to the salt that's out on the road at the moment, so in the shed it will stay.

Triumph TIger 800 Test

Had a chance today to take the new Tiger 800 for a two up test ride. Conditions were pretty poor and the bike was still in the running in period so I was gentle with it.

First impressions then; very low and compact for the genre. A bit too small for me to be honest. The pillion seat was described by my co-pilot as the worst she'd tried. The engine feels light and fresh, happy to rev and not buzzy. It's a good thing it is happy to rev, as you need to keep the revs up in the mid range in order to make progress.

The bike feels long and no doubt the addition of a pillion added to this. Adjustment on the shock is preload only (that I could see) and I wound it in 2/3rd of the way to account for the pillion. The test bike had the Arrow silencer and alloy sump guard fitted from the accessory catalogue; the silencer gave a little rasp to the exhaust note, though most on board sound came from the airbox. The sump guard appeared a little extraneous and was really there it seemed in order to take your eye away from the under-sump catalytic convertor.
I was a bit disappointed in the bike to be honest. I had hoped for something with a bit more grunt to it. There was no denying the bike was smooth to pull from low revs even in a high gear, but it really needed revving to get the most from it. Rumour has it a 1200cc version will be with us mid next year. I will hold on until then.

It's that time

I'm off to go and spend time with family. Have fun and take care out there.

Chores and more

Had to go out and pick up a lamb from the butchers over the valley yesterday morning. Roads were fine, just slush. Got home and went out exploring.

The lanes were a little more snowbound, I got stuck going up a few of them. The horses didn't have as much hassle.