I meant to write something at the turn of the month, but work and life got in the way as usual. Not sure what it's like for the rest of you, but we've lost a lot of people in BT and those that are left have to make up the shortfall, which means working daft hours and having few breaks, let alone find time to catch up on the forum.

I've just added a tribute to Hovis from Lily  in the Fallen Friends section.

It's always sad when we loose a member of the forum to a biking accident, and not that easy to discus as it always reminds us of our our vulnerability when out riding.

So it was a bit of shock to hear about Hovis's recent accident. I can't imagine that anyone doesn't know of Hovis, he certainly made an impact on the forum when he was alive and now a bigger impact in death. I can't say I knew him that well, so it's not fitting from me to comment on his character, I'll leave that for someone better qualified.

He's going to be missed by a lot of people.

I believe there is a large group of 'Orger's' planning to attend his funeral, and I would recommend checking out the forum for details about meet up points etc.

Meantime here are the main details from Nathan Bishop.

Hi there,
 
Im not a biker but thought you would all like to know this:-
 
Hovis's Funeral arrangements are as follows: 21st October 2009, leaving his house in Abertridwr at 11.40am to be at Eglwysilan church at 12pm and then down to the Glyn taff in Pontypridd at 1.30pm. Please spread the word.
 
Nathan

I've always fancied buying a front stand but at £30 odd quid I couldn't justify the expense for the amount I would use it.  Until the other day that is. MPS bike spares had an offer for a pair of front and rear stands for £39.  I already have a Micron rear stand but I don't really like the hanging hooks, they are a fiddle to engage.  So I took the plunge and ordered a set.

I've now used them a couple of times and the rear stand hooks are a much better design. You can set the width of the hooks to suit your swing arm width and engagement is a doddle. The stand is slightly shorter than the micron so a little more effort in needed to push down but that's a minor niggle.

The front stand I wasn't so sure about. The swinging two pin design doesn't really look that secure. I'd prefer something that located in the hole under the fork leg, still it works and it make the job of cleaning the front wheel much easier.

I thought I'd sell the old Micron on eBay but whilst giving it a clean I noticed some rust. I gave it a poke with my finger and it went right through. I expected this to last a life time, instead they lasted 10 years.

John

19 September - Hello from Kyle

Kyle sent me a photo of his SV but not much in the way of any text. It's always nice to have a few words to go with the photo, so here's Kyles reply.

hi there,  it jus has a Blueflame can, braided hosing and the main mod is the upright Renthal ultra low road bike bar and a custom made top yoke from 998cc.com! will be getting a new scorpion stubby can fitted soon so I'll send another pic of it in! cheers!

I asked about bar conversion.

the bar conversion kit is a lot more comfortable as ell, well worth £300 like! the best £300 I've ever spent, should of got it 3yrs ago when I bought the bike!

Just got back from a jolly jaunt around the Elan Valley, as organised by DarylB. Very nice too. I saw this as the last rideout of the year for me. The September weather in Shropshire has been pretty good so far, nearly an Indian summer. So this seemed like a good opportunity to enjoy what's last of the good conditions.

Confession time now.  I had a bit of an RTA last week.  RTA is probably a massive overstatement, but I'll expand.  As you are probably aware there are some drivers who know the difference between 'give way' and 'stop' and those that don't.  I can usually spot these by their driving style and if not then I make sure I'm not in a position to find out the hard way.  I was on the way to work and travelling down the lane that leads out of the village where I live. At the bottom is a T junction onto a dual carriageway. You can only turn left. It's a give way junction.  I was third in the queue. First car pulls away as the main road is empty, second car moves forward as do I. Second car looks like it's going to pull out as the road is still empty. I start to look right to check that I'm also clear (this is at walking speed), it is so I roll on the throttle and turn my head back only to find the car in front has stopped dead. I managed to swerve clipping the car with my indicator and boot.

I didn't get a chance to brake, and I didn't need to as there was still no cars on the main road, just as well as I was now stopped in the middle of it.  So I pulls over by the curb next to some safety railings and park the bike on it's stand.  I start to remove gloves and walk back to the car driver when there's a crunch behind me. Yep the bike has fell of it's stand onto the railings.  Smashed the fairing, grazed the screen, snapped the wing mirror and put a small dent in the tank. I wasn't sure whether I should laugh or cry. So what was the initial damage caused to the bike, nothing that I can see, just a bruised little finger and some silver paint on my boots.

So I calmly ask the car driver why she stopped but I don't recall getting a sensible answer. I've no idea why the stand collapsed. It was parked on the level. I guess it's just one of those things you have to put down to fate and experience. As my father told me 30 odd years ago when I jumped on my first bike, 'treat every driver as a complete idiot'. It's still good advice, always expect the unexpected. 

John