Shameless Plug

This is a bit of a plug for my favourite bike magazine, RealClassic, and for a series of articles I've written about Amelia's rebuild.

The first one appears in the June 2015 issue and chronicles the history of the four from Edward Turner's 1928 fag-packet sketch to the demise of the Mk 2 in 1959. 

Subsequent articles cover the rebuild from the basket case shown earlier in this blog to the eventual start up, and the impressions I've formed and the trials & tribulations I've experienced whilst running it it in.

The articles are profusely illustrated and span several pages - I think I wrote some 12,000 words in all. Back issues can be obtained from http://www.realclassic.co.uk.

It's an excellent magazine, and I'm sure you'll find Frank & Rowena's writing, along with that of their regular contributors enthralling. Buy a copy, then when you've realised how good it is, take out a subscription.

Sheringham Classic Car & Bike Show

Well, its that time of year again. Sunday brought us bright sunshine, hoards of people, dozens of cars and a few motorcycles into our little seaside town for the annual Sheringham Carnival Classic Car & Bike Show.

Of course, I took Amelia for the first time this year. We were the second bike to arrive, after this lovely G2CSR Matchless which was in the same spot last year. I have a soft spot for these, and my own G2CSR has its own blog page.

Despite living about 300 yards from this parking spot, it took ages to get here. All those little lanes and that sunshine were too tempting, but I can report that the front brake is much better now and while not powerful has a good feel.

I took my Bantam as well, which needed a good polish up after the winter and a some general neglect. Sorry Beattie... She always attracts a lot of attention, and we had an eight mile run to get here:

Smart modern scooter:

Very nice 1974 Suzuki AC50:

Every year, a group of local ladies dress up and go about the town collecting for carnival funds & the RNLI. There is a different theme each year:

Groovy Hippy Chick collecting for the Carnival & the RNLI

A nicely patinated C11 next to my Bantam:

One of the most modern cars at the show was this Tesla, which aroused much interest:

In case you were wondering what was under the bonnet of a Tesla

This Tesla Model S belongs to local artist Brian Lewis and is charged in his garage by solar panels. Brian's pictures are a delight enjoyed by many folks all over Norfolk and depict local scenes, towns, buildings, dogs & seals - all in Brian's inimitable style:

Beside the Waves - Sheringham's western slipway

Brian's website is at http://www.art-e-mail.com/, which operates an on-line shop where you can buy prints of his work.

Here's a smart BSA SS80, and  a Vincent Comet:

Apparently this Comet has an electric start. The only give-away is the big red button on the handlebars and the owner's sheepish face when he doesn't use the kick start:

This Commando special appeared near the end of the day, and I followed it up our street. I'm not sure who was making more noise...

Next event is the NNR Transport Festival. Details at http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=35. Beattie and Amelia will be there!

Shark Evoline 3

Back on the Ariel after a two week work break and it's on with the Hi-Viz Shark Evoline 3, my new helmet:

It's a flip front (or modular for you guys in the US), homologated for open face or full face use:

Looks a bit ridiculous on the CycleMaster, but safety is paramount and its great for the other bikes. Visibility is excellent and it is very comfortable.

As for the Square, the steering is much better now I have sorted the head stock bearings, but the forks definitely need re-bushing. The front brake now has a lot more feel, and I have nipped it up a couple of notches.