Weekend debrief - fashion tips

[Andy M]

Well Chaps, I spent the whole of Saturday getting bits for the fence together, creosoteing etc. Sunday I was going to get out for a few hours, but decided I'd better sort my winter kit. As the heated jacket was U/S I set of fixing that with the result I never actually turned a wheel. This might have been a good thing as the stench of creosote was probably enough to put me over the limit 

Anyhow, I noticed from the pile of gear now sorted, checked, washed as required etc. that the number of proper bike items is falling. This year, your fashion unconsious Triumph -Ural rider will be wearng:

Boots: East German border police marching type
Socks: Knitted by wife/mother in law
Thermals: Bought in Primark, general use
Pullover: Long design knitted by mother in law
Heated jacket: Home made
Tank Overalls: German army surplus
Waxed coat: Horse riding type
Gloves: Motorcycle
Balaclava: Thermal, came from a surplus shop
Over gloves: ditto
Over boots: From a bike shop
Over trousers: Orange road works type.
Helmet.

This weird collection of surplus, work wear, Horse kit, home made and the odd bike item actually seems to work better than the the Hein Gericke type stuff I've spent years and many hundreds of pounds collecting. OK, on the outfit armour etc. is less of a worry, but honestly isn't it the case that the bike shops really could do better on warmth, waterproofing and usable life? I guess leather suits and fashionable jackets just sell better and sensible riders avoid conditons that would actually test the kit?

Andy

[Steffan]

I am inclined to agree Andy, I returned to using my buffalo leather trousers as the Hein Gericke items finally became unwearable - in a vain attempt to water proof them I used fabsil which made them very uncomfortable indeed. So I find myself back in my old commuter gear. Altberg all-weather Hoggs (the best MC boots ever!!) Leather trousers +/- waterproof overs, Thermals M&S, Sleeka jacket topped with my old Aerostitch which with a bit of TLC is holding up nicely after all these years.

Lubed a few cables and generally gave new(old) bullet the once over yet again. Ordered some new rubber booties for her and removed the timing cover off the disgraced bike only to find the nice clean ATF I put in there a month ago.

Steffan

[squirrelciv]

Sort of agree. My answer has been to buy bike gear to do each specific job. So I have a jacket with the armour in, but a separate waterproof to chuck over the top. Same story with trousers and I gave up on weatherproof boots years ago and bought some gortex socks. Must say I am impressed with my Spada jacket. Cool and ventilated in summer, but toastie and draft proof with the liner in for winter. Thermal snood inside my arai open face keeps the melon warm and lobster gloves with heated grips sorts out the pinkies. Don't have a heater vest, I just rely on lots of thin layers but that said all last winter the jacket and liner was enough oner just a long sleeve shirt for the 26 mile commute. Like I say, I love that jacket

[guest7]

These days I am nearly always on my bike in work clothes (overalls, work boots, etc.) and I wear cheap nylon overtrousers and jacket when it rains.

Dainese Goretex gloves are essential (and have been worn all through this 'summer').

On top is a £20 Lidl crash helmet.

As for my weekend, I managed a nice night out on Friday. A group of us (including TCers Gareth Simon and Jethro) went out for a curry and many beers. After that is was a weekend of work and looking after my three kids. My eldest is 14 and she is music mad so we just spend hours on the PC playing band videos and talking bollocks about indie rock (the only thing we have in common these days).

GC

p.s. Andy, aren't you getting hitched soon? What date is is?

[Andy M]

p.s. Andy, aren't you getting hitched soon? What date is is?

Done and dusted!

It was actually a very good day, sunshine for the photographs and everything. I rode up to the hotel on the Triumph, so I even got a few bike miles in. I did the outfit out with ribbons etc. as Karen was coming back in the chair, but of course by the time friends and relatives had done it was festooned with balloons, beer cans and so forth. I've put a couple of pictures in the photos section that should be there shortly.

Andy

[guest7]

Congratulations old chap, good work.

Here's a chance for thread divergence... how did you feel when you proposed? I'll go first. I proposed to my first wife when I was only 24, on bended knee, the whole shebang. I was absolutley terrified and nearly bottled it. The following morning when I woke, I had the mother of all 'what have you done?!' moments, but then I realised I was certain I wanted to do it... it was, after all, love.

As for my second marriage, we were talking one day and said "Let's get married". Considerably less romantic, but certainly a more considered decision. And I'd have to say that it was the right decision.

At my first wedding (in 1989) I rode an XBR500 (spoked wheel model) to the reception with the new wife sitting side saddle on the back. We had a convoy of bikes following us.

At my second wedding we had a fantastic powder-blue 1960s Ford Consol Capri (the one with the fins).

Ahhhh... memories 
GC

[Andy M]

Thank you.

Ah, the proposal 

We were already living together and had pretty much decided to get married, but given the costs (think a decent 2nd hand BM or XT, almost new Bonneville or 10 MZ's) had decided to play the long game. To sort of kick things off I did the down on one knee thing on the open deck of the Zeebrugge ferry as the sun was setting (romantic). OK, it was setting over Hull/Grimsby (not so romantic), but it was that or the pub. Trouble was we'd just had a five course meal with wine, port, coffee, mints the full works. Heading on deck for a quick cigar, I did the deed and Karen's initial reply:

"You're ****ed" 

Now she said yes straight after and it is true that I wasn't that sober, but a chap could get worried 

Andy

[Steve Lake]

assuming the proposal/wedding de-brief is open to all....here goes

Met the old boiler in 65 (actually, she was a cracker then, and i pulled her )
2 days later I smacked up my mates Francis Barnett quite well, so well in fact I ended up in the RAF hospital at Ely with a variety of broken bones....bless her she visited me in hospital (no mean feat as it involved a 2 hour train journey each way...god knows how she found out where i was)
Once recovered, our relationship firmed up (i think thats what i mean) and...in time honoured fashion, in a pub, as she was buying her round of drinks i said....'better get married then' most unromantic....but she realised I was a catch not to be missed (my interpretation) so accepted as i returned with the next round of drinks. Married in Kings Lynn in May 66......still going strong (also my interpretation)........I am now realising one of my boyhood fantasies........getting in the sack with a grandmother!

[guest7]

I am now realising one of my boyhood fantasies........getting in the sack with a grandmother!

Cheers for that, I now have to wipe spluttered coffee from my monitor screen 

GC

[Steffan]

Why would that make you splutter - it's a natural part of growing up.. isn't it? 

[squirrelciv]

I never actually proposed to the incumbant Mrs Squirrel, I merely asked what she say if I did. Next thing I know I'm stood inside a jewelry shop buying a ring
She seemed so happy I didn't dare say I was only wondering, so here we are

[guest7]

I never actually proposed to the incumbant Mrs Squirrel, I merely asked what she say if I did.

Schoolboy error... why do you think I never ask Mrs Onepot the hypothetical question "what would you do if we separated?" 

GC

[squirrelciv]

A hard lesson learnt Mr Onepot, a hard lesson!

[guest27]

Well she was pregnant and her dad had a shotgun...

Actually we were married for 9 years before No1 arrived so I married a elephantcow from Eos

R