... from my life. I didn't really know what it was, it was just a slightly empty feeling. Then I got headhunted by another company and my own company dramatically upped my pay to keep me. Things like this don't happen very often but having some extra money for once made me think about what I could buy (as it does). Suddenly I realised what the missing thing was: a motorcycle. I last had one (a 1998 Speed Triple 955i which I'd had for 8 years) in 2010 but sold it to fund my obsession with scuba diving. Several years of cycling and public transport later and I have just ordered a brand new khaki green Triumph Explorer XCA from Jack Lilley in Ashford (the bike had already come in from the factory when I went to pay my finance deposit yesterday although it won't be ready for a couple of weeks and was missing a few bits still) Having hit 50 last year I thought that this may be the last time I splurge on anything so I've made the most of it. Being single with no kids, there is nothing stopping me! My plan is to use the TEX (as it appears to have been nicknamed - I'm a bit behind the times - although I prefer Nora the Explorer, or maybe Laura?) to go touring around the UK and Ireland, to begin with, hopefully camping if I can get my camping head back on, but maybe with the odd B&B thrown in. I'll also be commuting to work on it each day (I live in Kingston and work in Wimbledon so it's not a particularly long ride to work). It's an exciting time and I'm really looking forward to it. I don't want to sound cheesy but I'm really happy to feel part of the biking community again (almost) as I've spent the last few years admiring the sound of bikes as they overtake my bus - I'm still able to detect the exhaust note of the triple! - or pull up at the lights as I walk across in front of them, often admiring but always forlorn! I almost felt guilty wearing my Triumph T-shirt but not actually having a bike! I had got quite out of touch but it's amazing how quickly it all comes back. I hope to be an active contributor on here and even though I'm usually quite a solitary person I would be very happy to get acquainted with other local bikers in due course, especially if anyone fancies ride-outs and so on. All the best everyone and safe riding! Chris
Bought our house off a Chris Chadwick strangely enough. Anyway you've done the correct move to have your bike freedom back and you know it! Welcome in
Cheers Tigcraft. Yep, I know it alright!! . I can't afford a house, not down here anyway. Still, I've always got me tent!
Hello Chris and welcome to the forum There's one or two nut cases on here,,,,,,, no not really there's lots
Ha Ha! Tiglet and Tigcraft? Are you related? Couple of pics from yesterday's visit attached. Check out my explorer streetfighter! Who needs a screen or mirrors?
Incidentally, I feel obliged to say I'm originally from Sheffield so a special hello to all my fellow Yorkshiremen (and women). But I do feel very welcome daan Saarf having been here a few years. My mum doesn't know I've bought this yet so I plan on surprising her by rumbling up her drive in Sheffield later this month! Ha Ha! I don't visit her often enough, so she tells me etc. She'll be sick of the sight of me soon! Any excuse to check out the cruise control on the M1
Welcome in here, Chris. May I humbly suggest Aurora the Explorer? Yes indeed, I do have too much time on my hands. Pass the Kia-ora, Flora. This is too much! Oh god, I need help. NURSEY, more meds, and the screens please!!