bippo

Sorry to hear this Grouch, it's a sad world we live in when folks ignore someone on the ground. However I am glad you're ok.

Top job! One more of us on the road, ha ha!

Oh man... Gutted I've sold my bike now, would be nice to meet you Slice!

Cheers Ttasky!

I managed an Iron Butt on a Street Triple, so am guessing the FJ will provide you with more comfort than you think. Short rides for me are just irritating and dull so when I had a bike I'd always go for long rides. My suggestions, for what they're worth: - stand when you can. I found the ST too small really on long distances, plus it's slightly sporty stance meant my knees gave me more jip than my butt. This helps both. - leg dangle when you can. - shuffle about in different seating positions. Hang a butt cheek off the seat (attractive...), sit further forwards, further backwards, keep tensing - whatever you can muster on the bike really. With the ST being so small I used stretch back onto the pillion seat for a nice change. - when crunching motorway miles leaning excessively over the tank can take the weight off your rear end, help stretch the back and ease pressure on your wrists. - get some practice in before your trip, building up that distance stamina will help no end and is a perfect excuse when the weather is so nice...! - remember to consciously retain a loose grip on the bars. When focussing so much on the distance and dull motorways it's easy to cling on harder without fully noticing it until you start hurting. - probably one more for the knicker wearing ladies like myself... But make sure your boxers (or whatever) and bike trousers don't have seams cutting across your pressure points. They will give you grief in the end. - avoid a backpack. I did my Iron Butt and 1800 miles over a few days in Scotland with one, and they definitely take their toll. - do shoulder rolls, head tilts and any other stretches to keep your back and neck from aching. - mentally play games on long dull motorways. I don't know... Count the red cars or something to keep your mind ticking over. - ear plugs / headphones for music to reduce air flow noise and make things generally more comfortable. - in the run-up, get doing some stretches in the house. Holding your arms out in front and legs in a specific position will take their toll. - practice grabbing an energy drink or sweets whilst riding should you need the energy without wanting to stop. That could be something as easy as using a Camelbak or like me grabbing some Jelly Babies from an unopened zip on my tank bag. Definitely keep hydrated though as it'll stave off cramp. As others have mentioned, you can of course spend some money on creature comforts. Some ideas are: a more cushioned seat, Airhawk (apparently well worth it), sheepskin (just don't get them wet), padded cycling shorts, those wrist clips on your throttle to allow your right hand to rest, throttle locks. I suppose what I'm trying to get at is that depending on you and the bike - it may not actually just be your rear end you need to think about. For me and the ST I identified the following which I've listed in order of greatest bugbear: 1. Head woes (no wind protection and majority motorway speeds created undue pressure on my forehead). 2. Squashed ears (made worse by a number of piercings and only taking my helmet off twice). 3. Knee pains (lanky legs and small bike). 4. Rear end (despite having a more cushioned seat). 5. Boredom / fatigue (your crunching dull motorway miles, not fun country roads). 6. Pulled muscles the next day (mainly because of zero wind protection and it was my arms and neck that suffered the brunt).

Yeah and not just any Tiger... One with the cleanest exhaust downpipes too... Very suspicious...! Ha ha! Great pictures Blackie - making me think about my last bike adventure around the Highlands last year. Very jealous right now!

Glad you're ok Andrew.

Donated. Good luck!

Yeah we're buying a second home with a view to move to that one, but keep this place to rent out. Planning a move to Scotland as I'm not tied to a location with my job. And actually at least we'll still have a home here in case we don't settle!

I know - I'm missing it terribly Paul! But it isn't forever. My gear is still here, ready for my next bike! But after 8+ years in my first house, I'm ready for an upgrade and a change of location.

I won't be coming in afraid folks. Sold my bike earlier this year in an effort to save up and buy a second house... Of course I will be getting another bike once all that's out the way, but for now I'm resigned to life in a car... Boo.

That looks amazing Kev!

Good luck! I'm always on hand to hold your helmet should you get lonely in civilian life...! *Squires meet-up reference...*

Really sorry to hear that but am most pleased to hear you're alright. Glad you have some witnesses on your side.

I did that exact route you mention, Cynic. At 4am on a cloudless morning with a full moon. It was a December but surprisingly calm and warm. No bugger about, just me and the Tiger. Left St Agnes, heading for home. Kept thinking "I should probably hop on the motorway now". But that never happened...! Great ride. I would agree with the OP about Lands End...! Last time I went it felt oddly depressing?! But it's one of those places that has to be done if you're over that way, I guess...!

Mighty impressive! And yes, the bloke filming it is a tool...

How old is she? Hopefully she'll get used to the water over time - at least you know the issue. Our Doberman x GSD is a temperamental little thing, very highly-strung. She used to jump at cars, but we've managed to train that out of her now. She's only just turned 1, still plenty of work to do, every day is a training day with her... couldn't be more different from our Husky...! The picture is mis-leading, it's actually a backpack. I was wild camping and hiking in Scotland a couple of weeks back, so he carries his own gear. He eats over a kg of meat each day, so I need all the help I can get...! Here's a better snap of his pack: Anyway, the reason he was wearing a raincover over it was because we were dealing with quite some rain clouds... Thanks Scotland, ha ha! That said though, he does also swim. It took some training (certainly not in a Husky's nature to like water). I swam at a competitive level when I was younger, and used to surf (until an accident scuppered that hobby), so the poor little blighter comes with me whenever I jump in the sea or any other water source. We once took a pointless day trip all the way up to Loch Ness because I realised I'd yet to swim it - 800 miles in one day just for a very cold paddle! Needless to say, he does wear a lifejacket, so I don't have to stress about him.

Fantastic stuff Jimmy, looks like a cracking little pooch. Here are my little ones:

Incredibly lucky kids, oldfjman!

Make the most of it! My parents are absolutely loving their retirement - always off on adventures.

Golly gosh...

Looks gorgeous!

I've only ever sold one bike privately - my little YBR, so hardly words of experience, but here goes... I listed it on eBay and MCN. Only ever got interest off eBay. I made sure I detailed everything about the bike - well written and with ample photos. Certainly when I'm looking to buy things I like to see that the person I'm getting it off has put some effort into their listing. Builds some degree of trust I think. I made it very clear that I didn't want time wasters. On eBay, as it was an auction I made sure they knew that if they won - they bought it. It wasn't then an opportunity to come to my house and haggle further. No rides whatsoever. But if I did want to offer this I'd personally be asking for the cash on the table, some ID, proof they're insured. If also let it be known that if they stacked it - they bought it. Sounds harsh for sure - but ties in with what Dewpy said - I just wouldn't trust them! Just be mindful about the type of people coming round, in case they are scoping out the joint to steal it later. Get everything out and ready - don't let them see where you grab the bike keys from, or keys for any security devices. Just use your noggin... I'm sure some of the more seasoned bike sellers on here will offer better advice. But in the meantime maybe have a look online at some of the wording etc others have done for their bike sales?

Ooh... Somebody must have seen me out and about last weekend...

Looking for Foamy's "mankini" snap eh...?