On Friday I picked up the V-Strom and despite the typical British weather deciding to ruin this event there was no turning back now. I was unusually nervous riding the bike home that day, I’m still not sure why but it felt very big and very different to the monster I’d just left behind. A few rainy miles later I was home where getting the bike into the garage proved to be a challenge; there’s a lot more bike to move around our driveway now and I had a couple of unsteady moments before finally getting her in safe.
I was dreading rain again on Saturday but it never came, instead the wind decided to show it’s ugly face. I decided to brave it; I’m not going to be able to pick and choose the weather when we’re on the road so why bother doing it now? I rode to the Purbecks, a favourite spot at Creech Hill, battling with the wind along the way but determined to carry on. My confidence grew as I rode, learning what the bike was capable of as I went. After 50 miles my back was fine, my bum wasn’t numb and most importantly I still had sensation in my hands! I rode until I ran the tank down to empty and took her to a petrol station to fill up; the cost was £16.56 and the trip counter has been reset, I’ll keep you posted on mileage.
If I was still nervous about my decision on Friday, this ride had eradicated it, I’m fully confident I’ve made the right decision now. I have a feeling this bike will eat the miles, and it’ll keep me comfortable while it’s doing it. The most unusual thing has happened too; the V-Strom’s ugly looks might actually be growing on me, I think this could be the start of a beautiful relationship…