Couldn't get rid of the itch!

[k9doc]

Tried hard but it just wouldn't go away.

Lost my mojo (again) towards the end of last summer, in no small part due to the onset of aches and pains after about an hour into a ride. A week end tour would lead to a week's worth of back and wrist problems, so I reluctantly came to the conclusion that pain outweighed gain and sold the bike.

Have resisted the tug for quite a few months but my determination started to falter as I realised how much I used to enjoy the bike, getting out into the country (which just isn't the same in a car) and particularly laterly our little jaunts with the 'Northern Monkeys'.
Made the mistake of calling in on a whim for a breakfast at my local dealership. Should have known better as I once called in for some earplugs and ended up changing the bike (call me shallow if you will).

Anyways, there strategically placed at the entrance to the café was this little 650 VStrom. Now I've never read a bad report about this bike and the late Kevin Ash thought they were wonderful. I knew another RT wouldn't suit so I thought I'd give it a go.

After two hours today in less than ideal conditions, not an ache or pain anywhere. Good weather protection and ample power for my modest needs.

It's no RT, not even BMW but hopefully my little marmoset will be allowed to run with the 'Northern Monkeys' as we have unfinished business from last year and new avenues to explore.

[simbo]

Welcome back Chris! Good to hear you're back on two wheels and look forward to seeing you on the meets again cracking bike the VStrom often thought about one myself 

[michaelc2710]

Welcome back old man and all the best for 2018.
Look forward to catching up over a Morrison breakfast...

[k9doc]

Thanks for the welcome chaps. Ever heard the story about the young bull and the old bull?

Be good to have a breakfast meet. Could always travel by car if the weather proved to be $híté.

[David.]

Welcome Chris, good to have you back onboard again.

David's Days Out with the Northern Monkeys continued in your absence.

Looking forward to some more adventures with K9 Tours.

[k9doc]

Thanks for that David.

Like you I'm sure, have a few ideas floating around and one or two in the bank from last year yet to bear fruit.

Anyway, one way or another, hope to contribute to and participate in an interesting and fulfilling 2018 'season'.

[Taz]

Welcome back. Being in the north myself (well, partly) I hope to be able to join some runs during the year ahead.

[David.]

Being in the north myself (well, partly) I hope to be able to join some runs during the year ahead.

Whereabouts are you Taz, your profile map shows Poland!

[k9doc]

Welcome back. Being in the north myself (well, partly) I hope to be able to join some runs during the year ahead.

Thanks for that Taz, would be good to see you. Didn't do all the runs last year but those I did were spot on as were the couple of overnighters some of us did.
Usually meet up at Morrison's Wetherby for brekkie and kick off at 1030 for the day rides.
That would mean an early start for you from Poland!

[simbo]

Usually meet up at Morrison's Wetherby for brekkie and kick off at 1030 for the day rides.

Be good if you could park the Suzuki over by the trolley's Chris, And not in the designated BMW park, There's a good chap   

[k9doc]

Be good if you could park the Suzuki over by the trolley's Chris, And not in the designated BMW park, There's a good chap 

Can't keep a good man down and that is a pretty funny pi$$ take  ) ........you ***t.  I expect it's just a taster but took slightly longer than expected. Suppose I should be grateful for trolleys, could have been the bins.
If we do a 'preseason' breakfast meet, although I realise you're not a big breakfast fan, I'll probably turn up in the car and save embarrassment all round. Having said that I can just hear the comments re my motor, fits the profile.

[simbo]

I'll probably turn up in the car and save embarrassment all round. Having said that I can just hear the comments re my motor, fits the profile.

Hooked!! I'm gonna take a wild guess at a LR Defender? And while I'm on a roll I'm gonna guess David drives a Prius? And Michael a stolen BMW?. Me? I don't often drive for pleasure, But when I do, I drive a Lexus, 'Because everything in life aspires to be a Lexus', That's what the brochure said anyway  [size=78%]  [/size]

[k9doc]

Hooked!! I'm gonna take a wild guess at a LR Defender? And while I'm on a roll I'm gonna guess David drives a Prius? And Michael a stolen BMW?. Me? I don't often drive for pleasure, But when I do, I drive a Lexus, 'Because everything in life aspires to be a Lexus', That's what the brochure said anyway  [size=78%]  [/size]

Waaaay off, not remotely warm although I have owned the aforementioned in a previous life.

[michaelc2710]

My BMW isn't stolen just on loan until they find it.
Do you drive a convertible sports car K9? you know like the story of an old bull trying to be a young bull...... 8)

[k9doc]

Do you drive a convertible sports car K9? you know like the story of an old bull trying to be a young bull...... 8)

The thing about old bulls is they take it steady and get the job done properly. (There's another clue re the motor). Options will be limited on my weedy 650, but don't worry, I'll still wait for you. 

Regarding the motor, have had a few ragtops over the years (plenty of them - years that is). My favourite I think would be my Triumph Stag if you know the marque. I thought myself a real flash barsteward back in those heady days.

Still do to a slightly lesser degree. Hooning around and looking down on the world from the commanding viewpoint astride my all conquering Weestrom.