OK – so the big day was almost too big… I mean it was stressful in the sense that there was a bit of confusion at the bike shop regarding papers, keys, alarms, license number, etc. Almost 4 hours after arriving to the shop I was finally ready to depart on Black Pearl however the battery was drained… so we tried to jump start it but that was just a comedy of middle aged guys pushing a hunk of dead metal back and forth. Back in the service shop, some jumper cables and “voila” as the Australians say – and Black Pearl came back to life. Rain was pissing down and just to add to it there was a strong wind that had brought a mist thick as whipped cream all over the landscape. Not the ideal conditions for riding new metal for the first time… but then again, it was a real adventure and that is was LostRiders like !!!

The first ride gave me the surprise that the windshield is rubbish – well, at least for me. the upper edge of the windshield is exactly the same height as my eyes. Also around 80km/h the thingie generates the most phenomenal turbulence around my helmet. So the windshield will have to go (luckily I have found some interresting replacement at J&P Cycles)

Once home in the newly heated and cleaned garage (guess I have to call it “Tortuga” or something) I took time to wipe the bike clean, check all the storage compartments, connect the battery charger etc. Black Pearl seemed content with the new home and the new mates although the white Yammy will be sold (if all goes according to plan). I found the manual to the Black Pearl so that kept me busy all evening.

Today I managed a short spin during lunch and could try out the newly adjusted highway pegs. Together with the small backrest the seating position is so comfortable it felt like I could ride for hours. Time will tell once the real season starts. The instruments were playing up a bit but what could you expect from a bike that has been standing still for too long. The bike was low on fuel when I started and I made it back home on the last few drops. Another adventure !!!

Now I just look forward to meet up with “Tjockponken” and “Red Chief”.
Hoping that Mugglarn will find his way to some wheels also.
LostRiders ROCKS !!!

Yours
//Jake