Tedbiker: Blog

Two (presumably) Dutch readers have written to point out that 'skûtsjes' is plural, and I ought to write 'skûtsje'. I will be correcting that chapter in due course. Now would be a good time to let me know if you've spotted anything else that's wrong!

I have completed another 'Dulcie' episode, rather longer at about 40K words, just now being edited and proofed. Hopefully will begin posting soon. As in Rose-Marie, Dulcie is not the main protagonist, but is an important secondary character. Look out for 'Wild Geese'.

Once upon a time, people used to make a pilgrimage, which usually consisted of walking barefoot a long way to a shrine, or something like that. Last Thursday, I ddecided to ride my 500cc single-cylinder Royal Enfield motorcycle 86 miles to the RAF Museum, Cosford - a visit I'd wanted to make for several years. I duly got an AA route and set out at 7.30 am, filled up with petrol, and almost immediately was embroiled in rush-hour congestion as I left the city. Of course I got the benefit of the congestion in Chesterfield, too, and was relieved to get on a smoothly flowing A38. Until I reached Derby, where the ring road was solid in both lanes. Got through that, and as it was around 10, considered finding somewhere to buy coffee. Decided against.
Missed my turn near Lichfield and found myself the wrong side of Sutton Coldfield - completely lost. Tried to buy a road map... at a convenience store, then a filling station. Finally managed to get one and worked out how to get back on track.
Arrived at Cosford at 1145, approximately an hour later than planned, after 110 miles.
Fantastic visit - incredible collection of unique aircraft. Literally unique in one or two cases. Worth the drive.
Set off home. Diverted in Lichfield because of roadworks and found myself heading south on the A38 instead of north. Said some rude words.
Back in Sheffield, refilled the petrol tank after 200 miles, and picked my way through the afternoon congestion back home. 206 miles, instead of 172.
But Oscar behaved impeccably... though that distance on a machine with a 55mph cruising speed (only if traffic permits!) was, perhaps, optimistic.

Well, it was, anyway. As Grandad I've been riding Oscar from Sheffield to Maldon on a fairly regular basis so my son and daughter-in-law can continue to work. Oscar is consistently returning over 80mpg and actually achieved 98 recently. Of course, English summer being as it is, riding a motorbike can be damp and less than delightful...
Yes, I am still writing and am up to chapter 8 of the latest Dulcie episode, the chapters being longer than my usual so I wouldn't be surprised if 'Wild Geese', or what title I end up with, doesn't end up one of my longest efforts. Please don't hold your breath waiting, though. It's slow going!
I've been taking the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford on my way home from Maldon. If you haven't heard of it and are interested in aircraft, I'd recommend googling it. Actually, I'd recommend visiting. Examples of aircraft ranging from WW1 RE8 to SR71 Blackbird and an impressive collection of land warfare equipment too. Duxford is an active airfield and you have a good chance to see warbirds flying.

I've responded to all the emails I can, but I do want to say thank you in particular to several anonymous folk. I'm touched by the volume and content of the messages I've received, so THANK YOU! Very much.