TRAVERSE Issue 16 - February 2020 | Page 61

Sweat soaked riders pulled into the Royal Oak Hotel; cold beers con- sumed as tall stories and reflections of the day were spilled forth. Riding a motorcycle, sharing the adventure with a great bunch of friends ensured that while I might be a little 'bent', there is no concern about being put back together. If only the R1200 was as easily repaired ... Suze Demarchi sang, 'don't be afraid your life may end, be afraid it won't begin'. Riding a motorcycle, the perfect example of life beginning! Many people suggest riding a motorcycle is dangerous - crossing a road can also be dangerous. Our morning was delayed by yet more ‘in field’ engineering work on the R1200; another jump start, work on the brakes and the ubiquitous electrical tape. Despite the best efforts of all concerned, the brakes were more wooden than usual and the blue smoke emanating from the rear drive seal was more pronounced TRAVERSE 61