Je Suis Bimbling

I'm at METS in Amsterdam for the next few days (https://www.metstrade.com/)..... .... It's a bit flat with a large number of exhibitors cancelling at the last minute due to the Dutch government lockdown announcement last week.  Still, I'm staying in comparative luxury as I've brought the tent in this trip..... Everywhere is really quiet. Even the ferry across the channel was almost empty.... But I did score a free breakfast as DFDS are trying to tempt travelers back..... ... And a very calm crossing.....

I saw this little symbol flashing on the 701 dashboard. A quick look on YouTube and it's a low instrument battery..... .... So, of with the headlamp (I'm sure it wasn't that dirty in there when I last looked a couple of years ago!!)..... and in with them new battery.... .... Simple and only a 15 minute job.

This has been languishing in the garage for far too long..... It's not been out for at least a couple of years, since I've had the Montesa. Over the next few days it will get:- - new front wheel bearings - new rear wheel bearings - new oil filter - new engine oil - new battery - refurbish brakes front and back - clean air filter - refurbish chain - 2 new rear indicators - good wash and clean - adjust rear brake sensor But at the moment it looks like this.....

....you know when you're just going along....everything's fine....you recognise that there's more than a few miles on the clock, but hey at least everything still works.  Then you take a good hard look and realise that far from being new, its seen better days and some radical maintenance and even an overhaul may be required.....I'm talking about the bike - THE BIKE !!

I thought the camouflage on the registration plate was really good, until I realised that half the plate was missing!!

Had an enlightening day learning the basics on how to make a short adventure video. There is just so much to know..... But Austin makes it fun and interesting. If you are serious about producing better adventure films YOU MUST DO THIS COURSE. Met lots of enthusiastic, budding film makers who all seemed to know far more than I did, and now armed with the basics feel more confident with filming. Austin runs courses regularly and no doubt I will be back in the autumn for his editing course.  Thank you Austin and fellow course participants - thoroughly enjoyable.