Andy B

Many years ago had a swan clip the handlebar end of my CX500 as I was leant over going from the M3 onto the M25 wobbled a bit but no damage. Hit a baby deer/fox going up Telegraph Hill on the A38 just outside Exeter. Caused a £1000's worth of damage to my month old FJ1200, didn't come off but had a throbbing leg where it hit me then trashed the fairing. Lorry driver behind was amazed I stayed on. At work we regularly clean birds and wildlife off the front of trains they lose a race with, feathers everywhere

Members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch acted as escort for both of these funerals. www.rblr.co.uk

I forgot to add, another good thing with Vango tents, is the bags are a generous size for repacking after the 1st time unlike some other tents that seem to be vacuum packed when you buy them

Vango tents get my vote Khyam are easy to put up on your own Some good advice already given, only thing I can add, is to practice putting it up at home before having to do it for real

Have you only just sobered up after your birthday weekend

Go for the best quality varifocals you can afford and the transition isn't so harsh between reading and distance I personally had no problems when i succumbed to old age and went to varifocals, took me a day to get used to them You'll soon get used to occasionally tilting your head slightly to adjust for the different focal lengths

wonder if i can talk the missus into that for a vows renewal!! Seconded ! Do it, we had a brilliant time and everyone who came including non-bikers enjoyed the day. Caused no end of curtain twitching in our road when all the bikes turned up at our house to pick the missus to take her to the ceremony, much more than a bog standard wedding car would, was gutted I was at my best mans house so missed it. The ride back from the ceremony was great as there was no end of heads turning and people waving, once again you wouldn't get that with a limo which are 'two-a-penny' these days ( and bloody expensive)

Our wedding transport http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p554/AndyB50/Wedding%20Day/RArrival1.jpg Our cake topper handmade by a good friend (would have cost over £150 for a specialist cake decorator to make) http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p554/AndyB50/Wedding%20Day/Cake2.jpg

At my age (50) most weddings we go to are 2nd time around so not so pretentious as the 1st time weddings. I agree that some weddings can be a royal pain in the arse held in posh overpriced venues with mediocre food and crap cheesy disco. Luckily I come from a small family so not too many family do's to worry about. Also working shifts helps with turning down invites. I've never understood the need to wear top hat and tails when you normally live in tracksuit bottoms and t-shirts, basically people trying to be something they aren't and end up stressing out and not enjoying their day, due to the pressure they have put themselves under. I went to a rugby mates wedding which was held in the chapel of the public school he attended, lots of posh people there, but no-one was putting on airs and graces as morning suits and hats (optional wear) were the norm for them, turned out to be a really good do with all sorts mixing at the reception - professional rugby players, posh titled people, city types and normal working class people. We got married a month ago and done everything the way we wanted and only invited the people we wanted. It was bike orientated, our transport was a Gold Wing outfit (double adult chair) with bike escort from the civil ceremony to the reception. Lovely sit down meal of steak and mushroom pie plenty of wine and 2 very short speeches. Had a cracking band for the evening bash, club prices at the bar and everyone who came had their party heads on and had a superb time including ourselves. One of the best days of my life

Bumping this up It's this saturday, unfortunately I'm on shift so can't be there

The Royal British Legion Riders Branch Hampshire Meet & Greet Fort Widley Portsmouth, PO6 3LS Saturday April 7th2012 GATES OPEN 10:00 This is an open invite to all two/three wheel riders To come and meet up with the Hampshire Region of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch. FREE ENTRY !! Entertainment and Refreshments all day ‘SKIDZ’ ‘N’ ‘LIDZ’ –CLOTHING BOUNCY CASTLE SUMO WRESTLING ‘KICK START’-MOTORCYCLE TRAINING ‘ IAM’ -OBSERVED RIDEOUT’S MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

As the late Ian Dury once said: There's 'narf been some clever bast*rds!! Excellent

Mudbath

Working all weekend and need to save leave for other events this year Starting to do the running around for the Brass Monkey next weekend

Happy Crimbo to you and all serving abroad