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The red bike and the blue bike had a race...
Posted by : Nutter (92.28.198.139) 
Inappropriate or SPAM?
On Saturday 24/06/17 at 19:33:48
What a lovely day for racing. Setting off from home, I couldn't think of nicer weather for the event, the sun shining and a breeze to keep both Scruff and I cool for the journey down to Severn View. Out on the M5 heading south, I began to wonder if my decision to go higher on Scruffs gearing was such a great idea, as the Northerly wind was pushing back against Scruff and I, bringing our speed down to a sedate but pleasant 60mph. Sooner than expected Scruff gave a cough and died until I shut the throttle and turned the fuel tap to reserve, Scruff burst back into life and we continued our way without incident for almost 5 minutes, until Scruff once again complained of thirst and died. Bloody Hell I thought, that fuel didn't last long, and I began to wonder if the forum member who didn’t think Scruff could make it 54 miles on a tank full, might be right! Shutting the throttle counting to three and opening it again, restored life to the engine and with relief I saw the Gloucester Services sign and pulled off to refuel. On removing the fuel cap, I could see that Scruff still had some fuel, shrugging my shoulders, I filled the tank anyway, and we were on our way once again. Before long the same thing happened again, having experienced a similar thing with Big Mig, I felt sure that the cause was the increased fuel consumption, resulting from some recent tuning, that now exceeded the rate of supply from the tank. Uuum I thought; might need to add a fuel pump, and continued, occasionally having to shut the throttle for the count of three to allow the fuel supply to catch up. Pulling into the Severn View Services, I spied Jammy James just ahead and sped up to say hello. Hands were shaken, coffees drunk and I ate a Croissant (i’m posh like that). The minute hand of my watch soon reminded me it was 9.00 and time to commence our race. First stop was the fuel station to fill both bikes to the brim and then with words of encouragement we headed for the motorway and across the bridge where the wind tried to blow us into the Severn. I soon realised Scruff had an advantage in terms of speed over our opponent, and so we settled down to following Jammy James and his steed in order to conserve fuel and have some company. Jammy James had an amusing method of encouraging further speed from his steed, by whipping the hind quarters of his bike as if he were a jockey upon his horse, this brought a smile to the various lorry drivers we slowly passed. 27 miles from our start point we took Junction 30, turned and returned towards the start. This was it, it was now or never, as I got tangled in traffic Jammy James tucked in behind his screen and headed into the distance. Gunning Scruff, I soon realised that although we were gaining on Jammy James it was certainly not at the rate that the legend of Scruff was built on. This could only mean one thing, it was time to adopt the racing position, shifting my bum back on the seat I lowered my head until my nose was level with the handlebars and together (it’s better that way) Scruff and I surged ahead. In no time at all we were alongside Jammy James, and I adopted I normal riding position, not wishing to give away the struggle we had had to catch up. A clear road ahead I headed for the bridge with the only break to the routine being the regular shutting, counting and opening of the throttle to restore life to Scruffs thirsty engine. Back at the services I filled with fuel and made a note of the fuel consumed. As I headed off to pay, Jammy James arrived having got lost in the services lol. Comparing fuel consumption figures, it was clear that Jammy James and his worthy steed had won the fuel challenge with 93 miles per gallon compared to our poultry 83, so it was one all, the best end to any race. We headed to the viewing point, consuming our winners rewards of bottles of Coca Cola which strangely have names on countries on, I chose Bangkok, not sure why really, probably just because a name with both Bang and Cock in it makes me giggle like a naughty kid. All too soon it was time to stopping admiring the view of the bridges and the Severn, say our good bye’s and head for home. Scruff at this point decided he no longer had a fuelling issue and took off like a bullet towards Cheltenham. I can only put this down to the behaviours of a horse who reluctantly carries its owner on a ride that the horse didn’t really want to do, stopping to chew on grass at every opportunity, until it see’s home and then becomes a race horse. Entertaining a few car loads who would drew alongside to take videos of the tatty Honda C70 now with the benefit of the following wind, travelling at 70mph, we zipped long eating up the miles. One particularly enthusiastic family encouraged me to once again adopt the racing pose and with nose resting on the speedometer as if pushing the needle round might help, Scruff and I soared to a lofty 76 mph. The family waved cheered and filmed until they took the slip road and we waved our goodbyes. Back in Cheltenham I chugged along amongst the shopping traffic in need of a wee. Minutes later I was home and hugging my wife Cheri and declaring that Scruffs honour was intact. What a great day, a great big thanks to Jammy James and his steed for a great race and congratulations on your impressive fuel consumption win. Right then who’s next to step up to the mark lol.
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