Thanks for the welcome guys, there is a storey behind the purchase of my 748. I have a good friend who's 40 and was diagnosed with stomach cancer last Oct. he was at first told he had a very good chance of beating it, but unfortunately this wasn't the case. He currently has a very aggressive form of the diesease and is looking at possibly weeks or if lucky months. Amyway we all meet for a drink with our sick mate about 5 weeks ago. There was a group of use used to drink and generally misbehave for years until most of us got hand brakes (wives) or work became more challenging, any how the old group although still in touch don't drink and socialise on mass as we used to. During the evening i was discussing his illness and generally asking how he and the family were coping, he told my things that used to seem a big deal when he was unaware of the cancer, now seemed nothing and of minor concern in the grand scheme of things and he has spent too much time since getting his bad news regretting many things he's not yet done. He told me just before I left to make sure I never had those doubts and if there was something I really wanted to do and could do it if then I shouldn't make excuses but get on and do it. Well after 10 pints and I lecture like that it was an easy decision. I realised that I have been involved with bikes since I served my time for an accomplished road racer some 20 years ago who was up there at national level in the 60's and 70's and got me interested in road racing. I've passengered a side car outfit afeter one of the lads we went racing decided it would be a great purchasea!!! (How wrong), I've spannered for a workmates and been a regular TT and Manx visitor with lads that competed there. But I'd never got of my arse and done what I wanted since seeing my first 916 many years ago. that has since changed although I went for the slightly more sensible 748. I'm totally obssesed and can't wait to get the rest of my test passed as soon as I get back from Florida mid Aug. sorry if I've bored you all but I do realise that a 748 is generally considered not to be the most sensible first bike choice, but the only reason I'm doing this is for the Ducati to be honest. Anyway thanks again to you all for the messages and I look forward to catching up with some of you as soon as I'm mobile. ps I will be careful I promise ... cheers T
Oh and sorry should have answered the question I'm in south Cumbria not far from Kendal and Ulverston.
So, Greenodd, Arrad Foot, Penny Bridge, Haverthwaite, High Newton, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge? Know the place a little bit.
Lovely part of the world - I spend quite alot of weekends and holidays at Lakeside. Some great biking roads to enjoy once you are sorted. Supervee - I suppose it depends on your perspective; it's the 3rd biggest county in England.
I was born, bred and live in the "biggest" so everything else is less........tiny. Could argue this all day - biggest by - people; area; economy; productivity; beauty; slums; immigrants; cities; arable/agricultural activity; Stopp getting all serious. Seriously. See you all on the road.
Do you still live in Harrogate? Was there shopping yesterday - I'm 'just' up the road in Richmond. Not trying to be serious - just trying to work out if I might see the OP on the road
