Stiperstones

Yesterday I went for a ride to visit Ian at Church Stretton Motorcycles in Shropshire. I'd heard good reports from Carl who works in our machine shop that Ian was the man when it comes to servicing and tuning BMW Boxers (and K's).

Nice chap he is too, I wanted a bit of advice on tuning now she's over 21k and has a bit more vibration through 3.5 to 4.5 rev range. I was concerned that since I modified the exhaust (see previous post) there was something not quite right, and phoned him earlier in the week where he suggested he take her for a short ride to investigate. I'm particularly keen to iron out any issues before the up-coming Mountains:Alps tour. Thankfully, nothing too much to worry about, apparently the vibes are more pronounced when the engine is cold, and might need a bit of throttle body/valve clearance adjust at the next service. His experience and knowledge of the flat twin has put my mind at rest, and I will definitely take her there for a service come the 24k interval where he described the comprehensive package he provides for servicing, and has the full BMW diagnostic equipment too. 

Afterwards, given that I had my field glasses and camera in my top box, I punched in 'Stiperstones' into my Garmin and headed up and over Long Mynd to the nature reserve. I parked up at one of the car parks and walked out along the excellent footpath. 

Great for wildlife, I could spend hours up here there is so much to look at.

Purple heather is abundant this time of year. Swallows darting about everywhere.

 The rocky outcrop known as 'The Devils Chair'. Stiperstones is one of the six Shropshire summits is mostly Quartzite stone.

Superb views across Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.

On my return to the car park I saw a brief flash of a bird with red underbelly and breast and thought it was a robin. However the reddish tail and longer tail length made me take a closer look through the field glasses. After looking up in my pocket bird guide realised it was a 'Redstart' I think in it's Autumn/Winter guise as they lose their black face and have a duller red tail.

This was about as close as I could get before it flew off into the trees behind.

Must return to Stiperstones Nature reserve again soon with walking boots and panniers to lock up my bike gear. Lots of people walking dogs on a Saturday, but I guess a quiet day in the week would be better. Maybe in the future I could identify the Raptors circling above the Devils Chair too !!  

Paul

This week while at work an unusual number came up on my phone. Normally, I disregard these and don't answer, but something told me to take this call. I'm pleased I did. It was an old mate Phil AKA 'Taffy' who I haven't spoken to in about twelve months. Really great to hear from him, made my day and he's still as mad as ever, what a laugh. Pleased he's happily married now and settled down with Carol over in Builth Wells.  

Taff as we all refer to him (even my kids do too) explained he had been out with Dave over the weekend to pay respects up at the road where our good friend Paul (Dave's younger brother) had his fateful accident on the road just outside Rahayder 8 years ago while they were out for a Sunday ride. How could I ever forget that awful news? So it was, Taff and Dave ended up in the pub afterwards to reminisce old times with Paul. 

Over the past 8 years my own memories with Paul have come flooding back on many occasions,  often while driving I'll have a Paul moment, or something comes on TV that sends me right back in time to another Paul moment, Oasis on the radio and I hear him singing Wonderwall on a night out after the racing in the Isle of Man. Mad nights in the Fountain pub, Squash games at the Glades and of course Dismantlers paintball team tournaments. So many great memories. 

             Paul, how I best remember him. A pint, some wit, wisdom, and 'Bond Cool'.

Paul, my old mucka, my best friend for so many years, I have so many memories of those great days and wild nights together (often involved slamming Tequilas). We shared the good of times, and the bad of times too. A true mate to all who knew you !!

                                        Paul Vale, In the Land of the Lounge Lizards. RIP.

... thanks again Phil :-)