Thursday, August 17, 2023

Ola Amigos

 Well, well, well, it's been a while hasn't it ?  Really need to retire and focus on me and my hobbies rather then spending so much of my time and energy on work..... 

So, what has happened since April ??  not much really.   I carried on doing saturday rides in the desert with Motozones and on the last one, nearly before the summer break, I had a bit of a crash with a novice rider (he actually hit me) which damaged some of my spokes and rear caliper.   So that was that !!!  and considering it takes months to get part in the middle east, I left the bike in the good hand of Motozone Mechanic....  We'll pick up desert riding again after summer break.  There were discussion about starting some navigation classes at motozone, so will have to see if that takes place but it would be good if I register for the Emirates Baja that will take place in December.  

Took a short trip to France early may and seize the opportunity to tune up the Dyna and the Vespa in preparation for the summer.   


Took the Dyna for a ride to see my parents and unfortunately but two in one exhaust made my me gave up.  

so much for my welding skills (did last 20 years though).   Considering lack of time to re-weld and desire to change, I ordered a Vance and Hince short stops which I mounted immy after receiving it. 

I will need to work on them but they'll do for the summer.  

During my short stay there, I contacted Tuto la Vespa to bring my VBB back to life considering it had not run for more than 7-8 years.   As it turned out, just few consumables needed to be changed (and the rear suspension) and it was good to go.  




When I got back to Dubai, Oldtimer organised a function for the whole adventure bike community which I attended with my XT which drew lots of attention.  

There was great food, great bikes and loads of people. 



Then before the real heat wave hit the middle East, I participated in the last track day of the season at Yas Island Circuit.  The same one they use for F1 (but in shorter version).  


And actually ended up buying the bike I was riding 

A Ducati Paningale 959 track ready which I immy send for painting.   


And since I bought the bike, I also ordered a taylor made race suit to go with it.  



Now am ready for next season......

Considering the weather was becoming too hot to ride, GOT MC organised an off road night ride for maxi enduro.   It was my first time at night and have to admit, it was quite fun, though many crashes.  


Well that was it for the summer, though must mentioned that I did not spend much time of the big twin but mostly navigating in my village with the Vespa.  Even took my son to his wedding on it.  


Now eagerly waiting for new off road and on circuit season to start.  But before I leave I will post one of  the last picture I have on my self built shovel, just few pics stolen from the net, and as usual some good looking stars.