Tedbiker: Blog

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.

As a fully paid-up 'Grumpy old Git' (I saw a notice in the back of a car - 'Grumpy Old Git On Board'. I want one!) I have become somewhat adjusted to the loss to death of friends and relations. This is just an inevitable part of life. Sometimes, though, difficult decisions have to be taken.
In a couple of my stories, characters have to 'let go' of a loved one ('Dulcie's Devastation' and 'Jim and Su')...
Seventeen years ago, my wife and I fostered a boy, who stayed with us through his first year at Uni. Just before he was due to go back, he collapsed with a cardiac arrest, as a result of which he was physically (not mentally) disabled; blind, severely impaired speech and badly contracted arms. He made it clear that, should further problem occur, he was not to be rescusitated.
Last Saturday, aged 24, he suffered a further arrest as my wife was with him and she had the difficult experience of not doing anything as he departed this life.
Quite incredibly distressing...

Why do I say this? Well, for two reasons.
Firstly (not in order of priority) they bring stories to the attention of those who might not otherwise find them. An example is one I've just added to my favourites - "Finding an Editor" by qhml1. There are just so many stories and so many authors on SoL it's much too easy to miss good ones. Perhaps I ought to be more adventurous, or something. But seriously, this is a good one; read it.
Secondly, as an author I love feedback - who doesn't? But when the feedback drops off I derive enormous encouragement from reviews of my own work.
So here's a rousing cheer for our reviewers. Friends, I thank you for your efforts. They are valued and valuable. I know how folks look down on critics, at least the ones who don't write themselves, but don't be put off. Please.
Ted