Yaaay! Spring Sunshine at last!

We've had an appalling winter - it seems to have never stopped raining. But the forecast for today was cool but sunny, so Rob and I arranged to meet halfway for breakfast in Staffordshire.

I think I've got the measure of Anna's start routine now: fuel on; tickle carb till she overflows; choke off; free clutch with a few kicks on the kickstart; switch on; half throttle and kick. And she normally starts first or second kick now, no matter how long she's been "resting". Once started, full choke on a cold day has her ticking over nicely and after a mile or so I can close the choke and she purrs along like a kitten!

I followed the A roads across from our temporary home in Whitchurch through Audlem, Woore and then onto the A51 towards Rugeley. Just under 40 miles / an hour later, we reached our cafe stop. There is still an oil weep from the rocker cover, which gives the necessary Royal Oilfield character - I'll sort that out when I have a little more time. The roads were damp but drying and it was great to be out - on the way we passed the 500 miles running in milestone, so I'll start opening her up a little more now. As it was, I was happy to cruise at 45-50.

The sun was properly out for the return journey, which passed in a blur of happiness! I think I enjoy each ride on Anna just a little bit more than the last. It is so unlike anything else I've ever ridden. Here's to continuing improvement in the weather - it's been a looooong winter.