I loved that bike! It was slow, had only three gears, and consummately
refused ever to kickstart so I always had to bump start it. Nevertheless
it went! So the expedition was to see if I could get down to Deal
(my new “home” when not at college) on it in one piece.
My mother and aunt had moved into a bungalow there after my Dad
died. They made a good team at washing student clothing and roast
Sunday dinners, and the 80mile trip seemed like a manageable challenge.
This bike was a completely different kettle of fish to my first.
For a start it was reliable, i.e. it started with the kickstart
and it went well, cruising at 45mph and doing 100mpg. I enjoyed
it right from the start. I fitted a handlebar fairing in silver
and took to pottering round the leafy Sussex lanes, stopping to
explore old Saxon churches and brass rubbings. And of course there
were frequent trips down the A2 to Deal with a load of dirty washing
to keep the ladies busy.
