What did you think I'd be doing?

  It's Sunday, sunny and I was at a loose end so what did you expect me to say when a mate asked if I wanted to meet at Box Hill? The answer, if you need help, was, 'Which toy shall I bring?' MT09 was the request so off I set. Not only were there a load of other folk there with the same idea, filling the car park but BMW, in their infinitely generous wisdom had decided to set up shop and offer out rides on their latest toys.

  How very thoughtful of them, I thought, as I went to sign up and take advantage of their kind offer. However, I was a touch sceptical because on a previous occasion when Yamaha had made the same offer, the ride was a tame procession where we were all expected to stay in an orderly line and within the speed limit. Not very thoughtful at all.

  With that in mind, and as I didn't want to poodle around slowly on a race bike, (very uncomfortable), I chose something a little more sedate. And when I say, 'little', I'm not kidding. The riding position was more relaxed but the engine was still determined. If you're geeky it was an R9T and jolly fun it was too.

  Especially as the escort at the front of the pack was sympathetic to the needs of customers like myself and at appropriate moments lit up and set off at a speed that was exhilarating to say the least. This is more like it I thought, as the distance between the few of us at the front and the rest of the pack grew at an alarming rate. After about forty five minutes we were back at base and it was time to swap beasts for my second ride. I knew that to make sure of a similar experience, I had to be at the front of the procession. Luck was on my side, I was behind our escort. Engine started and away we went.

  This time I was astride an S1000XR, (you can see it above), and though it may look quite big, it was no slouch. Once again, our herald led the way at a sensible speed so I returned with a suitable grin. Though my friend Shorty has an XR, (and I know he'd let me try it), I thought I'd have a go on this one because I could treat it with a lot less respect. I needn't have worried as it certainly felt like it was designed to be on the receiving end of a healthy amount of abuse. What a cracking day out. It's always a joy to try different bikes and burn the fuel of giant multinationals as well as meet up with mates to discuss the finer points of the latest tech. Tonight's supper is a bit of cod that I'm off to attend to now and introduce to some spring greens that will be accompanying it down my throat.

Next week, the impending supper club.

VonKirk out

Chefsebastian.com