Summertime and the living is easy!

First of all I’ll apologise for missing the meeting again, as you read this I should have just returned from Vezio and tomorrow (Friday 22^nd) will be heading to Applecross for my birthday to which you are all invited. Hopefully that’s it warming up for the next few months now so get these bikes fettled and out there. The Centenary year of the Isle of Man TT will be over by the time you read this. I wonder how much longer this ultimate test of man and machine will survive? At the end of the day I suspect it will be bureaucracy that kills it rather than the ongoing need to pitch yourself against the best 37 ¾ miles of circuit known to man. Those of you who go to the international in August will become part of that history, in the past when I watched Phil Read comeback in 77 and then Hailwood’s comeback and victory against Read in 78 and a host of other race events that were to pass into folklore I had no idea that I was watching history in the making.

Although I haven’t been for years I’m looking forward to the Rally at the Manx and seeing some racing. I’m not sure how much longer we will have to enjoy this spectacle, nice to think they’ll still be at it in another 100 years but I doubt it.

A bad day!

I had two Nortons booked in for their annual MOT a couple of weeks ago, the plan was Fraser would meet me at the garage with one while I would take MVD. In theory quite a simple and stress free start to a Saturday (except of course for the nagging doubt that the tester may have found a fault. I had just rebuilt the primary side of MVD with new chain and sproket's, bearing and seals had also been changed.

I was giving it a run to check all was well and as I headed up into Perth on the M90 feeling pretty pleased with myself, the bike running sweetly, sun shining, all seemed well, then of course the day changed. I heard an awful noise coupled with a lack of drive. I made a course for the hard shoulder and a quick inspection revealed a lack of drive chain.

Luckily I was travelling with Fiona who was heading up for another service on her Kawasaki, she stopped a bit further up the motorway. May bike was wheeled down the slip road to Bridge of Earn and she volunteered to wait with my bike while I went and got a hold of Fraser and a joining link (I managed to recover the chain from the Motorway) Off into Perth, got Fraser, out to Dunning top get a joining link & tools , back to the stricken Commando.

An hour passed while the three of us tried to thread the chain back onto the sprockets (not an easy job on a Commando) Oil up to the armpits we finally done it, still time to make the mot station, then disaster the spring link didn't fit, obviously for a different type of chain.

Fiona and Fraser then set off for Perth on her bike leaving me sunbathing at the side of the road whilst they went in search of a 530 joining link and to collect No2 Commando. Bad news Perth M/c's didn't have one, a quick call to Captain Pugwash AKA George Peddie located him in Sandy Bloy's shop, result, Sandy said he had one, Fraser dispatched to collect it and bring it out to me.

George came out as well to make sure all was good again in my Norton World. Spring link on, many thanks to all concerned, helmet on and then the grim realisation that I had handede my keys to Fiona when i left her with the bike. Left Fraser to watch No1 Commando, onto No2 Commando and back into Perth, collect keys, at this point my sense of humour was running out. Back out to No1 Commando and at long last got on my way. No MOT fopr No 1 Commando today but at least No2 passed.

Oh and the police arrived at one point, very cheery and helpful, I had my head in the window of their car telling them what was wrong until I realised my good friend Johnny Walker was probably still oozing out of my pores, luckily I've perfected the art of inward breathing!

Guzzi Rally

I attended the annual Scottish Guzzi rally on the first weekend of this month at Guildtown, an unusual location for a rally but I have to say thanks to the efforts put in by the organisers it was excellent. The rally was based around the newly revamped village hall and the facilities were very good. The ususal mix of guzzi’s on site ranging from a 1937 500 GTV (owned by Herman from Belgium, Herman as well as owning this bike was also a good hand at drinking whisky as I found out to my detriment.) to a new 1200 Sport which was very tasty. Over the weekend I had a quick visit to see Sandy Bloy and found Peter lurcking there with his newly restored Dominator which was looking excellent (unlike Peter!)

The Small Print

The views and opinions contained within this publication are not necessarily those of the NOC or of the branch but are probably mine as I wrote it.

No one accepts any responsibility for anything, if you have a good time don't say I didn't warn you.

Gino Rondelli

June 2007