Advanced Driving Skills

Today did not get off to a great start.

I planned my day and went to Granny's to adjust the sag. I had loads of things going through my head and, having put some stuff in the top box, started the engine. I waited for a gap in the traffic and rolled the throttle on to ride straight off the pavement onto the road.

I didn't get very far. This is the second time I've done it - I'd forgotten to remove the padlock securing the bike to a lamp post. I got about five feet before coming to a rather abrupt halt and falling off. As is usual in this situation I leapt up to see if anyone was watching.

Unfortunately, there was one chap walking down the other side of the road who had seen it all. I asked him if he could kindly help me pick it up. He was soon joined by my neighbours Nev and Leslie who'd heard me start the engine and were also watching from their house.

I explained that this sort of thing was normal behaviour for me and shouldn't be cause for alarm.