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My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
So this morning with the battery fully charged decided I would give my bike it's first run around the housing estate behind us.
Firstly I need to make some excuses before I set the scene - the sun is out but it's a chilly morning I manoeuver the bike out of the garage I have found my crash helmet in the bedroom wardrobe right at the back - the last time I rode a bike was on the 19th July 2009 when I parted with my XJ900F. I am now 73 yrs 11 months old.
I get my full face crash helmet and do my best to get it over my head I am met with three obstacles, firstly one of my hearing aids falls off and I can't get it over my spectacles that I did not need in 2009 except for reading. Both hearing aids removed with specs, helmet on then I realise I have forgotten how to fasten the strap throught the two loops.
Helmet removed - test run on fastening the straps - helmet on - still can't fasten the chin strap - into house with the aid of a mirror, helmet is now secured - visor up, feed my specs into the helmet now I can see the driveway ahead. Into first gear I ride off with a bit of a learners low speed wobble - can't find second gear or neutral again. Complete my maiden voyage in 1 st gear and back home.
Lack of gears is due to the rear link striking the rear footrest pivot pin - easy enough fix - no problem - no idea why I did not notice that when I replaced the shift lever.
Safely navigate into the garage and dismount from the bike that is on the centre stand again back on the ramp.
As I stride towards the house well not so much a "stride of pride" more of a hobble as both my hips now ache from the cold plus the stress of keeping balance at a steady 10 mph in first gear for a staggering 5 tenths of a mile. Odd thing is I feel strangely elated and youthful provided I do not try to walk for at least 20 minutes whilst the adrenaline wears off.
Despite this iffy virgin ride I am still high on the experience - plus the brakes actually work!
Sesman:
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀
Bryanj:
I think thats a fantastic writeup Ted and better luck with the MK 2 testride.
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years
AndyD:
Brilliant Ted,
Well done getting the bike up and running and total respect for venturing out on her.
Sure you'll have her out and about again soon, reliving those youthful days.
Cheers,
Andy
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
--- Quote from: Bryanj on April 20, 2022, 11:53:44 AM ---I think thats a fantastic writeup Ted and better luck with the MK 2 testride.
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years
--- End quote ---
Just make sure they do not let you get your heartbeat higher than needed during the test. In 2009 after completeing my second Treadmill Test I had my first heart attack in the grounds of the Derby Royal Hospital immediately afterwards - they let my heart rate hit 186 bpm as I was told to stop taking my Beta Blockers 48 hours earlier. They should have terminated the test when I reached 136 I found out later.
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