I haven't been out on the Devon lanes for a long time so jumped in on a short novice run on Saturday and was joined by fellow TTR rider Martyn (Cubber on this forum). The TTR performed perfectly but my winter clothing wasn't quite what I had hoped. My Frank Thomas over trousers wouldn't fit over the top of my boots so were swapped for a pair of Gortex cammo over trousers on the Sunday ride.
Pics from Saturday - 3 TTRs on the run (me, Cubber and Jane - a newbie):
Martyn on his TTR with a view over Chiselbury Bay
Martyn pointing out the clever use of an empty Newcastle Brown can to decorate his shock reservoir:
There had been a lot of trees blown down in the recent gales but most had been cleared - this was a new faller:
Some pics from Sunday - 4 out of 8 bikes were TTRs (me, my bro' Trev, Adrian and Bob)
This pic was supposed to show all 4 TTRs but a KTM owner took the pic
We found another fallen tree but this one completely blocked the lane:
It called for a tricky steep detour where some of the riders on trials tyres needed help!
Bob's TTR tried climbing the hedge at one point!
A very enjoyable couple of trail rides after a long time off the TTR
Two days on the trot doing exactly what you like doing, what could be better?
You had a fair day yesterday too with no rain, snow, sleet or blizzards, nearly as good as our Saturday run.
It looks as if Bob will be investing in new rubber soon if his TTR decides to go hedging and lying down so much. It may be the bike's way of telling him that tennis balls may be better.
I hope your big bore engine didn't have any problems. Any comments on the stainless steel silencer? (I must say it sounded rather nice on Saturday)
At least your confidence will be renewed after your forced lay-off and you have the rest of 2012 as well to enjoy it more.
The weather couldn't have been better and the lanes are in great condition with no dust to contend with
The 325 engine is running like clockwork and I love it to bits
The new stainless steel silencer is great for trail riding as you can crack open the throttle and not frighten the natives. Also, we met quite a few horse riders on Sunday and, although we switched off our engines in the lanes, we passed them slowly on the road and it was nice not to have to worry about a loud pipe. So far, very good
Most of it was OK but I don't like ruts and we did a lane nicknamed the "lane of pain" which is one long slippery rut. Here is one of Martyn's pics showing a rider who came to a stop at the bottom corner
Here is another of Martyn's pics with a nice Open Enduro in the foreground and a view toward Sidmouth in the background:
Anyone who has ridden in a group including Katooms knows the problem what with stands falling off - along with other bits that us TTR riders have to pick up for them...
I think young Dan on his Katoom had the shortest trail ride on Sunday. The pic below shows him changing a fouled plug on his 2-smoke only a mile after the start. He used his second spare plug about 2 miles later and, when his KTM cut out again a few miles later he decided to call it a day and head home and fix the bike
Unless you sample the brew in the House of Commons, where I believe it is on draught , I think Newcastle Brown can only be purchased in cans or bottles.
I bought a clutch of four from Tesco and after sampling one I thought I'd replace the old Stella cover on the reservoir.
Nice photos i would love to join you on a ride some time i have a 2003 ttr, from Honiton Devon so wouldn't be much of a trek. I am also new to the forum and trying to find people to green lane with as at the moment there is only a couple of us. Look forward to hearing from you soon :) Dan
You are lucky living in the Honiton area as there are loads of lanes around you and some excellent trail riding. Also lots of action and runs. Doug (works at Honiton Comunity College) and "jt" do runs most weekends. Watch the Devon TRF Group forum here http://devongtrf.activeboard.com/