It's been another hectic couple of weeks because my laptop died last week and I couldn't do much except the filing that I've been putting off for over a year, then our 2nd migrant hair stylist is flying in from Jordan today, so I've been busy with Steve getting another room sorted for her.
That was a joke! I did a bit of painting (in the wardrobe) in case the weather was optimal and Steve and I needed to ride on Saturday. (which we did last night). Anyway, I painted the ceiling white, as you do, then painted the shelving structure in a nice white gloss and came to the part where one applies a couple of coats of half-tea to the walls. I carefully cut around the shelving, skirting and door frame, then came the need to cut to the scotia. Well, the shelving is at different heights and on the right hand end, one can insert head and shoulders, in the middle one could almost think about swinging a cat …or at least the smallest of mice, but at the left hand end, one is restricted to a head and an arm, but only at certain angles, none of which lead to a long smooth stroke! And the easiest bit, where one doesn’t need a triple-jointed elbow, being the back wall I found I couldn’t focus because I was too close ….so I removed my glasses and found I couldn’t focus because I was too far away!!!??? What a bloody marvellous mess I made! ….but it’s OK because it’s in the wardrobe …and when I looked at the room Steve did, I realised probably why he hadn’t bothered to paint the ceiling bit white!? Steve turned up yesterday to finish the job so we decided a night ride was in order and I ended up meeting him at Caltex Rimutaka at 1830 ....and that was another joke! I'd been trying to sort bits and pieces for the room so I was a bit behind time, then when I got to the bike, I realised I hadn't been out this week so needed to check the tyre pressures, then Ann had parked too close, so I had to get the Volvo keys and shift it in order to get the bike out, then I got on the road and got stuck behind a couple of crawlers, then I discovered I was getting cold because I had washed my gear and forgot to put the liner back in ....and then when I was at the servo, I discovered I had forgotten to bring my wallet!! *Sigh* ...just hope it's not the first signs of dementure!! I put on a couple of skivvies and the wets to keep warm, we paired the Sena's and we had no real plan except we were riding in the Wai'rapa so Steve led out over the Rimutakas. It had looked extremely gloomy and clagged in to the north as I approached the Hutt and we were a bit trepidatious as we departed, but once on the road, it transpired that the rain had cleared leaving us with wet and dry roads ...so care was taken as we pootled along. At Featherston we turned off and headed for Martinborough, went through town and around the tablelands with more care, and headed for my scariest moment since doing my epic Wellington - Cape Reinga and Return ride ( http://longjohnbiker.weebly.com/old-blog/a-really-big-ride-for-a-change ) As we approached Masterton on River Rd, just before the cemetery, I was puttering along in a straight line when all of a sudden, the back stepped out to the right and I found myself in a two-wheel drift, but before I had time for the first BHM (Biker Hail Mary), the bike had flicked and I was now drifting left with the distinct sensation that the rear was sliding faster than the front and going down!! I knew I was toast as there was no saving this ...when the bike just righted, straightened and continued along its original track. ...and here I sit blogging but for the grace of God!! We paused at the junction of Colombo & Te Ore Ore Rds to discuss the merits of slippery roads, how neither of us were really enjoying this adventure, then decided to head for the beach with me in the lead. I had a few more twitches along the way and could hear odd noises coming from Steve as he hit the same spots, we paused at Riversdale, then headed back to Tinui and crossed toward Castlepoint, but by the time we got back to the main road, we had had enough and turned back for Masterton. I was a bit apprehensive about riding through the atrocious slick road by Clareville, but by the time we got there it was dry and OK and same as we crossed the Rimutakas, so the end to the night was much more pleasant. The temp had started out at 10° and dipped to 7° along the way so I had been doing a bit of squirming in my jacket to keep warm and the heated grips had made it up to 50% and in the end, I arrived home at 1050 having done 350Km for the night. Starting out behind Steve was a bit of a culture shock and I found my lights drifting in an out of range of the rear of his bike, but after a bit I settled into the routine of being positioned to ride off his lights, then when I took the lead, I found my speed varying a bit as my confidence in the wet roads waxed and waned, so although a certainly didn't enjoy the night, I certainly needed it!! Damn, I just hope it's dry for the grandy!
4 Comments
18/9/2017 07:20:05
You're the planner John - you've sorted the weather for the 1600 haven't ya?
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John Maroulis
18/9/2017 13:28:59
Nah, I just do route and finance ...and maybe cook the odd egg or two for breakfast.
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Janine
19/9/2017 17:51:00
Ahh to be sure its your mother's prayers that got you out of yet another tight fix! You see - she has arranged your nine lives beautifully - what's the tally now dude?
Reply
John Maroulis
19/9/2017 18:03:23
Closer to 99
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This blog is pretty much just about motorcycling ...but every now and then I might rant or dribble on about other things. Categories
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