Blue Meanie
8th August 2007, 21:26
Hi,
This is my first post so where better to start than a quick intro. I've lived in Christchurch with my wife and four kids for about fifteen months now after moving from the UK. Having been a 'wanna be' biker for years, I finally got my first bike last month - an '83 Suzuki RG250!!!!!! I know, I know, not exactly the ideal 'starter' bike but it's a bit battered and ancient so the odd knock or spill won't bother me. Besides, I had very little say in the matter. You'll understand more if you read on.
My main interest is cycling and I've been commuting to and from work by bicycle for almost all of my working life. Anyhow, a few months ago, I was knocked off my bicycle by a car on my way home from work and was lucky to be able to get up and walk away with just cuts and bruises. The bike, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. It was this 'incident' that convinced my wife that I'd be better off getting a motorbike. I'm still not quite sure how she came to this conclusion but there you go. Anyway, on my 40th birthday and to my complete surprise I was presented with my new toy plus a few bits & pieces (helmet, jacket, trousers, boots & gloves).
I must admit, at first I struggled to get used to a 'stroker' but after a little research and some practical tips from a biker mate, I was rolling. I'm definitely no Valentino Rossi and to be honest as a family man, I don't really want to be. Riding like a loony just isn't me! I intend to use this bike to hone my motorcycle road skills before moving onto to something a bit bigger in a couple of years time. To be honest, I've already become quite attached to my bike so I may even have a go at renovating it when the time comes to change. It won't be worth anything at that point so why not?
I've ridden to work a few times now and although I accept it's not the easiest machine to commute on - I've always got one eye on the temp gauge - I arrive at work with a huge grin on my face. Great fun.
This is my first post so where better to start than a quick intro. I've lived in Christchurch with my wife and four kids for about fifteen months now after moving from the UK. Having been a 'wanna be' biker for years, I finally got my first bike last month - an '83 Suzuki RG250!!!!!! I know, I know, not exactly the ideal 'starter' bike but it's a bit battered and ancient so the odd knock or spill won't bother me. Besides, I had very little say in the matter. You'll understand more if you read on.
My main interest is cycling and I've been commuting to and from work by bicycle for almost all of my working life. Anyhow, a few months ago, I was knocked off my bicycle by a car on my way home from work and was lucky to be able to get up and walk away with just cuts and bruises. The bike, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. It was this 'incident' that convinced my wife that I'd be better off getting a motorbike. I'm still not quite sure how she came to this conclusion but there you go. Anyway, on my 40th birthday and to my complete surprise I was presented with my new toy plus a few bits & pieces (helmet, jacket, trousers, boots & gloves).
I must admit, at first I struggled to get used to a 'stroker' but after a little research and some practical tips from a biker mate, I was rolling. I'm definitely no Valentino Rossi and to be honest as a family man, I don't really want to be. Riding like a loony just isn't me! I intend to use this bike to hone my motorcycle road skills before moving onto to something a bit bigger in a couple of years time. To be honest, I've already become quite attached to my bike so I may even have a go at renovating it when the time comes to change. It won't be worth anything at that point so why not?
I've ridden to work a few times now and although I accept it's not the easiest machine to commute on - I've always got one eye on the temp gauge - I arrive at work with a huge grin on my face. Great fun.