Howdy gang,
I was having a reminiscing rabbit wiv 'our kid' last night - he's just come back from 3 months in Porky (lucky sod). He was waxin lyrical about somethin called 'sunshine', it must be a new buzz word cos it ain't one I've come across very often
Anyway, we got to chatting about some the sheds we used to have and wouldn't it be nice to still have them today - especially knowing now what we didn't know then.
First thing my Dad got me for work was a 1952 James Comet which cost him £3.10.0, it came with a massive 98cc of raw power, a delightful gearbox full of 2 gears: 'low' and 'high' - (I bet that designation took the designer some working out), handling was that of an early Fordson tractor, but it was a magic carpet of a ride with girder forks on the front and a solid frame and cracking 18 or 19" tyre on the back - there were springs under the saddle though, just to ensure you kept some of your teeth should you have the stomach to eat after anything like a long distance jaunt, like for example: the 16 miles from home to the River Severn at Bridgenorth, to do a bit a maggot swimming.
Joking aside, it wasn't a bad bike really, and it allowed me to venture far and wide. I had a friend who had moved from Wolves to a place called Eryrys, near Mold. His Dad & Mom took on the duties at the post office there, so every other weekend I'd set off up the A41 to spend a few days with them, it was and, I imagine, still is, a lovely little village.
I learned there that a James Comet, with all it's latest technology and handling disabilities, does not make a very good dirt bike, if you ever decide to test your mettle down a deep, steep and very slippery quarry, I suggest you use something a little more appropriate. Take it from me it's not a lot of fun sliding down a steep rocky slope on your posterior with your god heavy old bike chasing you down the hill.
I kept that bike for about 2 and half years, learning never to go anywhere without the essentials:
Here's my emergency kit:
2x Gear change cables - they were no more than rear brake cables for a push bike and broke with alarming regularity.
1x Inner tube, puncture repair out, tyre levers and pump.
1x each headlight and back light bulbs (Lucas 6v, headlight was 21w I think)
1x Plastic sack with head and arm holes cut out (nothing like a bit of wet weather gear)
1x spare parts bag with points, plugs and spanners (just in case)
1x fold up road map (it's nice to get off the beaten track)
I never carried spare fuel because garages where plentiful and a gallon only cost 4s 6d includes two shots. (those were the days)
Anyway, enough for now. If you can stand it, I'll do another bit in a day or two. If, on the other hand, you don't want/like what I'm writing, just say so an I'll shut up.
All the best
George