The world of biking in Ireland.

I've just found out on irishbikerforum.com that Mountjoy motorcycles (a supplier of spare parts and spare information!) are closing/closed. Jack Nolan's have also recently closed. If this continues, soon you'll only be able to buy bikes and bike stuff from either the internetwebulator or from Bikeworld! (Not that I'm really a regular biker any more....) So real world competition is severely lacking at the moment - or is it?

Quinn are now insuring bikes, bringing to 3 the total number of motorcycle insurers in the country. They're either looking to take the last few bob out of the market before it's impossible to run a bike in this country, or else it's a good sign and they see a future for motorcycling. Let's hope it's the latter. Once I get a new starter relay for this K75 I might be able to consider myself a biker again......(no laughing, you.)

And the bike comes to Monasterevin.

I brought the Beemer to Monasterevin this afternoon. Well, it was about time, and it was a lovely afternoon, so I went and got it. Things you forget in 6 months:

1) That there's an alarm on your motorbike;
2) It rearms itself automatically;
3) That's why it won't start the second time;
4) There's a disc lock on the front wheel;
5) There's a disc lock on the bin (don't forget to bring it now)
6) You have to wear earplugs on the bike;
7) By wearing earplugs you miss the lovely noise it makes;
8) You meant to stiffen up that right mirror;
9) Gosh it gets windy on the motorways;
10) The BMW K75S has self-cancelling indicators;
11) The BMW K75S is very heavy;

I've lost a bit of that confidence I used to have as a more regular rider, perhaps I need to become a more regular rider again! Twas nice to be back on 2 wheels, hearing the wind in my visor and feeling the numb in my.......hands. (hah, only joking, it's very smooth)