Airy-ole

Sayonnara

2012-01-15T12:47:00.003Z

Time for the Honda Civic to head to pastures new.

That only leave one Honda in the stable - C70.

Swindon Needs A Proper Skatepark

2012-01-13T19:42:00.001Z

Come along and support the first fundraising event. Or just buy a ticket for a good cause.

We need to build this before my knees give out.

Livin in the Plastic Age

2012-01-03T14:46:00.004Z

Got my system hooked up:-

Dual CS505-4 turntable:-

Pioneer mini hifi components:-

Took me several hours and several trips to Google before I found out that the amplifier won't power up without the tuner and graphic equaliser connected. Stoopid.

Got a gash pair of Technics bookshelf speakers to be going on with.

Spinning the Magnum platter as I type.

Welcome back 1985. Yay!!

The Vinyl Solution

2011-12-31T15:23:00.002Z

..is coming.

Carburettor Lore

2011-12-30T16:38:00.004Z

As I said in an earlier post - the throttle stop screw threads in the carb body would be knackered. And lo, it came to pass. Feckin great.

I have carb spares (as most old bike riders do), including a spare 276 carb body. So I dug it out, checked the threads (yeah, surprised aren't you) and got the poking wire and ultrasonic cleaner off the shelf.

Replacement 276 carb body being cleaned:-

I stripped the old 276 carb so all the settings are right in the new one. My 276 carb in bits:-

Replacing the brass carb block in the body I managed to split the bottom threads.....

Plan B - oversized screw into throttle stop on original carb body - recut the threads by forcing the screw in a bit at a time. Job done.

Bodged but working - welcome to the real world of old bikes.

Day 2 - Velocette

2011-12-20T15:30:00.005Z

So today I did manage to get out of my pit and swim. And yes it was hard work.

Today is Velocette Day - time to give the old girl a looking at as she still won't start easily and last time I was out on her she was running a bit rough.

My 1954 Velocette MAC:-

The bit of wood under the centre stand is because the wheels still touch the ground when its on the centre stand due to a hamfisted recovery man and his ratchet straps.

As usual I kicked and kicked and nowt happened. Checked the spark - nice and blue. So I tickled the carb just a little bit and she burst into life (which is much better than bursting into flames). But there was a lot of popping and banging and spitting back through the carb.

MOT checks seemed to be OK. All lights work and theres nowt wrong with the chassis and wheels.

Of course, what normally happens happened - pulled the nipple of the valve lifter cable.

Resoldering:-

Time to check out the carb - must be running weak if its spitting.

The AMAL 276 carburettor - those of you familar with old junk will note that there is something missing:-

Yup - the throttle stop screw has fallen out. No wonder it was running a bit lean. Ho hum.

And as always, it'll be the threads in the carb which are knackered not the throttle stop screw - but I won't know that til I buy a new one.

More fun tomorrow.

1913 Ariel TT

2011-12-19T14:58:00.009Z

First day of my holidays and I failed to get up to go swimming. But I didn't fail to do some spannering.

My TT Ariel has always leaked oil onto the drive belt, which is a really bad thing if you want forward motion. Huw had investigated and found a breather hole in similar crankcases to mine, so I thought I'd take a look and give the old girl a quick check-up before getting an MOT.

This is the timing chest with the cams removed - the big brass plug below the crank pinion is the breather.

There is a hole directly below it, which on my bike was plugged with a cheeseheaded screw. This is it without the screw blocking the hole:-

Now, I can't really tell if its breathing through this hole with the timing cover open. I poked a wire up the hole and there wasn't anything blocking it. Refitting the timing gear and sealing the case and I can hear the engine beathing from the hole - wonder if it'll make any difference. Only time will tell.

Timing cover and cams:-

I also replaced the Brammer belt with the T-link belt I used before.

My garage is too full:-

One you drink, one removes gaskets - you choose.

A 1913 gearbox:-

Bikes

2011-10-22T14:59:00.007+01:00

Had some time in the garage today. Rearranged the bikes so I can get to the 1928 Ariel and make some progress.

Swapped out the kickstart-less Burman Q box with the one I rebuilt (with a kick start):-

This is the old one (no kickstart). Got to take the clutch off this for the other box.:-

The 1928 Ariel ohv engine is back on the bench and I'm going to try to get it finished this time:-

A couple of pics for Beales - some of the fleet:-

The old 1954 Velo I had off Den. Must of had it 15 years now. Done a fair few miles on this old un:-

And the 38 Ariel Red Hunter 500 I got off Welch. I've been using this for a fair long while too. Complete with temporary Stealth tank (BBQ paint works a treat):-

Project `Fast As A Shark'

2011-10-05T22:13:00.002+01:00

My return to swimming continues unabated - loads of lengths at the Link Centre today with no coffin dodgers to ...erm.....dodge. Managed to do some proper front crawl breathing as well.

Long Overdue Update...

2011-09-16T13:34:00.013+01:00

Since I got a FB account its far too easy to do that and forget Blogger - but here goes.

Been busy since June. Very busy.

Bought a new old bike:-

Went to Kemble Airshow:-

Went skatin in Hamburg:-

Bought a surfboard (so far unused):-

Did Deaner Day:-

Went to the Tour of Dean and Annual Rally:-

Went on holiday to Croyde:-

Went to Holland twice in one week:-

And finally a business trip to Greenville, South Carolina:-

Also saw the Dickies in Bristol, skated MSN, Glastonbury and Dorchester. And Cretesham of course. And other random stuff. Hardly done any Bristol skoots:-(

Don't feel like I've skated much this year. Not used the DoomRamp since June but winter is round the corner. Not been MTBing since last New Year but I have been swimming for the first time since I was 15.

More later...

Lets Be Friends

2011-06-05T18:04:00.002+01:00

Time I made friends with the DoomRamp:-

Dropping in from the low roof side was interesting the first time but seems OK. Theres a roof beam a bit close to the platform but I didn't hit it so it must be OK.

I started dropping in and running off, then riding a bit up the transition and running off, then wheels over the coping and hitting the wall with the nose then jumping off and finally a kinda halfhearted turn, then jumping off. So progress of a sort. Felt good though and thats what its supposed to be about.

Adventures in Gearboxes

2011-06-05T15:34:00.003+01:00

Made more progress putting the 28 Ariel gearbox together.

Got the front casing fitted as its now repaired. All the gears change now I've assembled it correctly. All studs are present and correct.

Gearbox with the end casing fitted showing the kickstart mechanism and gearchange lever (its a 3 speed handchange Burman Q-box)

I filled the gearbox up with a mixture of moly grease and 50wt oil. You can see one of the gears on the mainshaft and the change mechanism all covered is grease.

Just waiting for some of the painted bits to dry and it should be finished. Next is the engine.

1928 Ariel Gearbox

2011-05-30T16:25:00.005+01:00

After riding Welchys 1926 Ariel in Ireland I'm keen to start making progress with my 1928. I've only had it since 1996 so really theres a few more years before it needs to be ready...

So, I made a huge project plan with all the jobs listed. And theres quite a lot to do.

First off - gearbox - the kickstart casing needs repairing and the whole thing needs assembling and sealing up. Its actually a 1929 Burman box (with speedo drive) but I have a sports ratio gear set that will not fit the 28 box so it'll do.

So, there is a broken bit on the kickstart casing - now bodged with a strip of ally and some Araldite - its in a place that can't be seen so should be OK. Note use of not one but two sets of Moleys.

This is the gearbox with the endcover off. Physically quite small.

These pics also make me realise I need to tidy up.

Overlord

2011-05-30T16:08:00.006+01:00

More `world of tanks' type events - Overlord was last Saturday down near Portsmouth. Not a bad show, but it could have been warmer. Good old British summer:-(

Matchless G3L and BSA M20 ready for dispatch duties.

The local SchutzStaffel was out in force. LAH re-enactors were well equipped and looked like they won the mock battle (for a change) beating the Americans.

Not quite sure where the humble Trabant featured during D-Day but I thought Gaffer would like this. Ring-a-ding-ding-ding...
The LAH SS encampment also had a PAK. And a fahrrad fahrer complete with two panzerfaust.

Not too sure about the UXB tho - surely smoking would be least of your worries...

How F@?kin Much?

2011-05-30T16:04:00.002+01:00

Most expensive bottle of coke in the world?

Euros 3.50 for 0.5l!!! Big hand for Movenpick, Gate 77, Dusseldorf Airport.

Robbing bastards.

Slievenamon 2011

2011-05-18T18:47:00.013+01:00

Me, Huw and Welchy went to Kilkenny last weekend for the Slievenamon rally. Welchy kindly lent me his 1926 Ariel for the weekend. The rally is for pre-31 bikes so there was some nice stuff there.

Some pics:-

My steed for the weekend - 1926 Ariel Model B - 557cc sidevalve single

Couple of old uns - veteran Humber and a Revere.

Early 20's AJS Big Port 350cc

Mid 20's Royal Enfield v-twin

Early Scott 2-stroke

Welch prepares to prepare - 1913 Triumph 500

Early 20s Indian Powerplus with sidecar. This bike has shocking brakes despite being very powerful. Failure of said brakes resulted in Paddy Guerin putting it in several ditches on the Saturday and taking a trip over the handlebars. Mrs Guerin, in the sidecar, wasn't amused.

Another shot showing the complex lever arrangement on the tank.

Flat tank Norton sidevalve - Big 4 or 16H - not sure which.

1920's Rudge Multi

Outside the `coffee' stop in Inistioge on Saturday. We visited this village several times during the weekend. The last time, on Sunday morning, we arrived about 11am. The pub was closed. The owner popped his head out and said `will you be wanting a beer lads? We're not open til 12 but if you come round the back door you'll be alright. Just incase any Garda are about...' And he was right. The pub was quite busy.

All in all a cracking weekend.

DoomRamp

2011-04-25T17:49:00.004+01:00

The mini is finished and ready to rock. Walls are painted white, which should show the blood nicely.

Had my first proper roll there today - first pumping up the transition from the flat just to see how it rides. Been a while since I've had to do that, since I learned to drop in anyways. Managed a few sketchy kickturns a way up the transition but it rides pretty well. I was a bit concerned that the middle section isn't the best join but it makes no difference.

So, time to drop in - there is more head clearance at the far end of the garage so I tried that first. Drop, accelerate, bloody hell!! Dropping in - no problem, being fired at the other transition like a bastard cannon ball - a tad more difficult. Fookin fast as fast. Kinell.

It'll make me a better skater or kill me.

Pot Hunter

2011-04-25T08:52:00.002+01:00

The Ariel Club wanted my 1913 TT Ariel on the show stand at Stafford. Imagine my surprise when it won 2nd Place in the Veteran class - can't have been many vets there this year...

More Progress...

2011-03-26T13:26:00.005Z

Me and the Bird fixed the last transition section today:-

Got to fill the gap in the middle, countersink some screws and paint the walls and we're rockin.

50s Wrecker

2011-03-24T16:49:00.003Z

Decided to put my 50's Ariel together to see what I have and what I need. Also to see if I can reclaim the registration number. Its not a pretty sight:-

Bike is a 1951 plunger chassis which started out as a KH (500 twin) now with a 1951 VH engine (500 single). It has the makings of a bike but will need completely stripping. Thinking about making it into a bobber, but we'll see.

Bob a Job

2011-03-13T13:01:00.004Z

Bobster came over to The Doom to help me reskin the mini. After a somewhat bouncy start we got the 2ft bit in place and screwed it down:-

We had to lash the next 4ft section down cos even with both of us we couldn't bend it enough and hold it in place:-

Most of the second 4ft section is fitted - just got to finish screwing it down, fit the second 2ft section and fill the flat bottom.

Instant Re-Ply

2011-03-12T15:27:00.003Z

Started to reskin my miniramp today. Proved to be a bit tricky on my own, armed only with tie down straps and a big hammer. Managed to get the first big sheet fitted anyway. Second one I just couldn't hold with the straps. Will need some assistance,

Still Not Available In Cans...

2011-02-25T14:42:00.001Z

Hartlepools finest.

Teesside

2011-02-25T14:13:00.015Z

Took some days off and went to see my Mam in Teesside. Had a day trip to Whitby while we were there:-

Captain Cook and friend:-

Whitby from the west cliff:-

Whale bone arch:-

Whitby Abbey, beloved of Goffs and Dracula fans:-

Funky old ice cream Landy:-

Top of the 199 steps (to the Abbey):-

And bottom of 199 steps (note comedy road):-

Then it was time to eat:-

Then we had a go on this - 1931 Sentinel Steam Bus:-

And there was a skatepark too:-

Not a bad trip all in all.

Cash From Chaos

2011-02-18T16:17:00.004Z

...or selling dodgy strides anyhow.

Johnny Rotten would choke on his Country Life smeared crumpets.

World of Tanks #2

2011-02-06T15:39:00.008Z

Well...not really tanks, but lots of military jibber - went to the Militaria thing at Stoneleigh last Sunday with Griffer.

Lots of things to see and buy, some strange, some stranger...

BMW R75 wehrmachtgespanne - 750 outfit with a driven sidecar wheel:-

British airmen - lost in time:-

Harley DAvidson WLA - 750 flathead with all the accessories - the stall holder wanted £10500 for this:-Pasty looking German Feld Gendarme - all available to purchase for those `can't be bothered to leave the house' weekends:-

Re-enactors were everywhere:-

And in other news - during a rather enjoyable Crazy Horse rally I noticed two hairline cracks in the top yoke of the Velocette - where the handlebars attach. So one very expensive EBay purchase later, a replacement:-

Painted in finest black Finnegans Smoothrite. Ho hum...

More Ramp Musing

2011-01-18T18:41:00.006Z

So I've been trying to make the ramp skateable knowing in the back of my mind that the old ply is a bit rough. The main problem I've had is matching the new and old ply so there is a smooth transition.

This is as far as I got:-

Had a roll back and forward on it and there was the unmistakeable sound of cracking ply - the old stuff ain't too good, particualrly around the edges. Infact I'd tried to fill a bit of a hole and this was where it was starting to crack:-

And the surface of the old ply ain't too good either. Too long outside:-

So, what to do? I'm not a fan of A&E but I could patch and try to make good, or rip it all off and put some new ply on there, which it will need at somepoint anyway.

I ain't that good a skater so I need all the help I can get. The obvious thing to do was bite the bullet and get some new ply.

So out with the crowbar and hammer, trying to avoid twatting my bruised fingers (which I did several times), and what we have now is a naked ramp:-

Just from the wee roll I had it feels nice so I reckon this will be worth it in the long run.

Kidlington

2011-01-16T19:57:00.006Z

Small autojumble, mainly car stuff.

Bought this:-

These were outside:-

Fade to Black (and Blue)

2011-01-16T19:53:00.004Z

Clumsey twat. I only stepped over the hubba on the ramp, slipped and went arse over tit. All OK until I saw my right hand. Two fingers pointing in the wrong direction. I wasn't even skatin. Fortunately I popped them back in and applied a bag of frozen carrots.

Another Year, Another MOT

2011-01-07T18:40:00.004Z

Hoping it doesn't disgrace itself again like last year...

Unit 1 MAS Sesh

2011-01-02T19:47:00.003Z

As reported elsewhere, today was a red letter day for me - first proper grind on the Unit 1 mini. Well chuffed.

Fortunately we had our Team Photographer with us (big bow Alec). Me grinding:-

New Ply

2010-12-31T15:28:00.003Z

Cut a couple of sections of new ply for the SkateGarage ramp today. One will fill in where the horrible steel plates went, the other includes the extended flat bottom.

Hopefully get em screwed on place in the next few days. I remember now why I chose metalwork over woodwork at school.

Shroom

2010-12-31T15:27:00.003Z

No this isn't DTBs holiday home. Taken near Alixxs gaff on a trip to Unit 1.

Dark Days

2010-12-31T15:21:00.004Z

Found this picture on my camera - taken at Shepton Mallett autojumble last October

Way ahead of its time but its still awful - the Ariel 3.

If you've got one of these little beauties in your garage - keep it there.

At Holiday

2010-12-30T15:04:00.002Z

First MTB ride in ages turned into a clag-fest yesterday. Nice up on the Ridgeway though.

More progress on the SkateGarage - battens fitted to the metal ramp bits so I can now cut and fit new ply sections. Garage seems a bit wet at the back tho - maybe got a leaky roof.

And Unit 1 old blokes sesh next Sunday - first skate in 5 weeks or so.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T09:25:00.001Z

Have a good un, one and all.

Ramp Musings

2010-12-12T14:37:00.005Z

So, 2ft6 extension frame made - here it is insitu:-Looks like the old ply is about 12mm as well so should be OK with the wombled ply. Just need to figure out the best way to fit it, particularly at the joints where the metal frame starts. Prolly screw some battens to the metal frame to screw into.

Measuring the flat bottom it now looks like its going to be about 6 1/2 to 7ft with the extension, so the old ramp dimensions must have been mega short. Duh. It did feel really big, although the platforms are only 2ft6. Not quite as bad as this but you get the point:-

It looks much better with the extension - more clearance overhead too. Actually looks better to skate instead of looking like a one-way trip to A&E waiting (but not very long) to happen.

The planning process has been rigorous using all modern planning techniques:-

Rampy Rethink

2010-12-11T15:31:00.006Z

So I screwed the metal plates to the skate ramp and they stick out a mile. Not nice. And the ramp is quite short which means one of the platforms is a bit close to a roof joist, and it'll be really fast. And I don't skate that well yet.

So, Plan B - ramp extension time. I reckon I can add 2ft6 to the flat bottom and get rid of the metal plates. Should by a lot easier to learn on and a bit slower with the extra flat bottom.

Frame for the flat bottom extension is made:-

Its 2ft6 by 6ft. I used 25x38mm battens. The ramp flat bottom metal frame is 25mm box section steel and I didn't really want to add anymore height.

I also wombled two sheets of 8ft by 4ft 12mm ply from a skip in Swindon. One sheet is a bit gash but the other is OK. Hopefully I should have enough to fill the gaps where the metal plates would go (flat to the bottom of the transition). And then I think I'll skin it all with 3mm hardboard as the old ply is a bit rough.

Thats the plan anyway - we'll see how it pans out.

How We Laughed....

2010-11-27T17:45:00.006Z

..when we found that we couldn't even get one of the quarters of my miniramp into PIs van. Not even close. So - Plan B - load it onto my bike trailer. Which worked fine. Sailing down the M4 with half a miniramp sat upright on the back.

So, its all in the garage now, just need to screw it together and find some lighting.

Swindons only indoor skate facility:-

Back To The Future

2010-11-27T10:43:00.004Z

Set up my old Bob Burnquist deck again. Its more of a popsicle shape that the Flip Lance Mountain. Thought I'd give it another try and see which I prefer.Flip Bob Burnquist deck. Independent 149 Stage 10 trucks, Cortech wheels.

Winter Arrives Early in the `Doom

2010-11-27T10:37:00.003Z

Lovin This.....

2010-11-22T20:20:00.005Z

Week Off....

2010-11-14T13:24:00.001Z

...reclaiming some of the time owed for working at Staythorpe.

Off to Teesside for a couple of days, back midweek then its Motorhead on Friday in Bristol. Then Unit 1 Saturday sesh.

No skating for the last two weeks due to work and rain:-(

Protect and Survive

2010-11-01T19:36:00.002Z

Saw this in a pub in Newark:-

32% ABV and £35 a bottle.

`And of the rest of the night was just a blur.....'

Progress....

2010-10-23T09:54:00.002+01:00

Easton miniramp sesh on Thursday - biggest I've managed to drop in on so far.

Yes Thats Right - Punk Is Dead

2010-09-29T19:51:00.002+01:00

Went to see Steve Ignorant on his Last Supper tour in Brissle last Friday. Cracking gig.

Boro Postman Pat

2010-09-28T09:58:00.001+01:00

All I Do Is Work....

2010-09-19T21:02:00.004+01:00

...well, most of the time. Mostly Staythorpe, the latest deathstar from Air Vay Ay.

Other than that I've been out a'skootin with the chaps - Midsomer Norton, as ably documented by Herr Mullett, and Cretesham a coupla times. I really struggled to get going at MSN. A coupla Red Bulls and a slap or two from Bobster and Habgood helped. Managed to drop the small whippy quarter and got a wee line going. Sometimes it feels like I ain't progressing any but if I can just make small steps and see a small improvement then I'm happy.

Still looking for an indoor berth for the miniramp. Working on it.

Back to Staythorpe this week for more tests. Nearly there...

I found this footage on my works compooter. I'd forgotten all about it. Its a B52 taking off from Fairford around the time of the Gulf War. Proper heavy metal.

Ramp-age

2010-09-07T19:09:00.003+01:00

Tempted by EvilBay again. At least it was relatively cheap. 2ft6 by 6ft by 16ft.

Now I need somewhere indoors to set it up. Anything in the Swindon/Chippenham area. If you know of anything leave me a comment.

Lathe Experiments

2010-08-28T17:52:00.002+01:00

Thought I'd see how easy urethane can be turned

Not too bad a finish. The urethane comes off a bit powdery but I reckon a quick whizz round a concrete park would have em finished fine.

Now for Flatspot Recovery Service initial trials.

At Holiday

2010-07-24T08:38:00.002+01:00

Prince of Darkness

2010-07-14T20:26:00.004+01:00

This is a Lucas E3H dynamo. I know this because it says so on the shell.
This little wonder of British technology has lived on my 1938 Ariel as long as I've had it. Its does everything a dynamo should except generate electricity. Sometimes it does, more often it doesn't. I've stripped it, cleaned it, fiddled with it - still the same result - sometimes charging, sometimes not.

Some years ago I bought a spare dynamo, but still stuck with this one. Imagine my amusement when at long last I swapped the dynamos to find that the spare is in perfect working order, knocking out the amps like no-ones business. Of course this will only be the case during daylight.... Joe Lucas - Prince of Darkness.

Reg

2010-07-11T16:29:00.001+01:00

Stop The World....

2010-07-08T21:29:00.007+01:00

Busy again.

Bit of a skate with Bob at the Deaner followed by `An Introduction to Street Skating' with Jim, Dave and SamJebusSonofGod which basically mean't watching cos I can't skate street.

Coupla rolls at Cretesham, one with Gaffer.

Off to Nothumberland with the Ariel on a trailer for the Gathering - top weekend with some great riding, beer, talking bollocks, beer, eating pies, beer - and I won a trophy - Best Post Vintage. T'was a fluke. Honest.

Sqwelch adjusting mappage (Ariel W/NG):-

1920s AJS 500, Raleigh 500 and a swing arm Ariel SQ4

And the rare and lovely Liver Pie (cunningly designated with a pastry `L' so as not to be confused with chicken pies which look outwardly similar, and are designated with a pastry `C'. Makes after beer pie eating a far less haphazard affair):-

The it was off to Essen once again for a week with the Germans. Managed to watch some football and have a skate at the Essen Kray skatepark, which was excellent. A load of blokes turned up from Dusseldorf - imagine my surprise when I bought a copy of Monster Skateboard Magazine in the airport to find them all in there. They weren't shabby skaters mind.

Their blog:-

http://www.teamintus.blogspot.com/

Monster Skateboard is a bit like a German Sidewalk - not too bad really:-

http://www.skateboardmsm.de/

And the Essen Kray park, now well graffitti'd:-

www.minus-ramps.com/projects/Essen__D.html

Class Prezzie

2010-06-26T21:30:00.002+01:00

Got this for Fathers Day

Wander Yonder....

2010-06-11T16:34:00.002+01:00

....On Yer Honda.

Got the C70 MOTed today. Just need road tax and we're in business. Last tax disc was 1986 so its been idle for a while. I intend to do something about that. First plan is to ride it from Gloucester to Saundersfoot in September for the VMCC event. No doubt we'll be well received....

Junk Collector

2010-06-09T18:11:00.008+01:00

Or at least thats what the missus thinks.

That wonderful institution EBay has yet again tempted me. This time its a Benjyboard White Lightning.

ACS 651 trucks and unknown wheels (anyone hazard a guess?)

All in all its not in bad nick. Certainly better than the last Benjyboard I bought anyway. And all for 36 quid plus postage.

And its got the remains of an original Benjyboard White Lightning sticker on the top as well

Ariel Bits

2010-06-08T18:39:00.006+01:00

Started to take a few bits off the 1928 sidevalve engine I got off Evilbay. The plan was to use some of the bits to complete the 1928 ohv engine I've been building since time began. Turns out theres some good stuff on the engine:-

Engine shaft shock absorber

Complete with all the right bits including the spacer on the engine side. The spring looks a bit skanky but it might be OK.

Timing cover including all the bits (oil pump and valve lifter mechanism)

Just needs a good clean bit its better than the one I intended to use. No damage at all and all the bits are there. Even the camshaft is looking good although I've got a proper lumpy cam for the ohv engine.

The barrel needs a bit of work - the exhaust pipe fitting is damaged and theres a small crack on the casting near the exhaust valve guide. The bore looks good though so its useable. No damage or tramlining that I can see. Fins on top of the barrel are a bit thin. The barrel is a blind casting - no detachable cylinder head - its all one piece, just as it should be for 1928.

The bottom end seems to be OK. Theres no play in the big end and the crank rotates OK. Probably split the cases and change the main bearing before using. Its only a tenner to buy a new one. The timing side bearing is a bush.

All in all I'm pleased with it. Not bad for 150 quid.

This Week I have Mostly Been Listening To.....

2010-06-05T11:33:00.004+01:00

.....Pop Will Eat Itself

And when they were a grebo band.....

Gimme Big Mac fries to go.

TK Tuh The Maxx Innit

2010-05-30T16:06:00.007+01:00

Good haul of swag at the Maxx today:-

Coupla Indy t-shirts

Pair of Indy boardshorts:-

Pair of Emerica BAKU mids:-

And a 125l flight bag complete with wheels. My wheely plank disappears inside it. Its huge. (12 year old not included)

Busy Week....

2010-05-29T10:20:00.008+01:00

Daytrip to Montreal followed by a roll at Shoreham Skatepark with Alec and the MASers

The street bit:-

The MAS Massive:-
What you lookin at...

Bowlage

Cretesham

2010-05-23T21:05:00.002+01:00

Nice roll at Cretesham this morning with Bobber, Gaffer and Muttley. Blumin hot tho.

Brissle Tonite

2010-05-21T15:12:00.002+01:00

Trials Rider (Rtd)

2010-05-15T19:51:00.002+01:00

Thats retired, not retarded. Sold my Zoo! Pitbull today.

Reserve Stick

2010-05-13T17:43:00.002+01:00

Creature 8.6, Krux, Bones DTF - hitting a skatepark once I get bored with the LM

Me Velo

2010-05-13T17:41:00.002+01:00

Been all over on this little chappie - 2s up touring in France, been to Bavaria, Ireland several times, all over the UK. Its caused me a bit of trouble occasionally but its great fun to ride and makes a huge noise.

1954 Velocette MAC:-

Two Bikes I Shouldn't Have Sold

2010-05-12T21:52:00.004+01:00

Bultaco Sherpa T Model 92 (325cc) circa 1973/4

1999 Yamaha YZF-R1

Fixin To Die

2010-05-09T14:28:00.006+01:00

Felt a bit apathetic on the skate front this morning (and it was bloody cold out) so no skoot at Cretesham.

Instead I progressed my fixed gear project:-

Just need to sort out the front brake and we're in business. Had a quick ride up and down the road - a very strange sensation particularly when you forget and stop pedalling.

In other news, I repositioned the front truck on my travelling skoot so the wheelbase is similar to my usual board. Moved it about 5/8" further forward:-

New Wheels

2010-05-08T16:58:00.002+01:00

Project Fixie

2010-04-29T16:39:00.008+01:00

Welchy gave me an old 10 speed Peugeot racer. So, time to make it into a fixie.

How it started:-

Stripped down:-

Spare bits:-

As it is now:-

Looks like it'll make a nice bike. Having read up a bit more about fixies I need a track hub for the rear wheel. Also need a seat post mount, a front brake lever and some grips. And to do a bit of pruning on the front chainrings.

Busy Times

2010-04-28T21:35:00.003+01:00

Been dashin around all over the place the last few weeks - skated a coupla times with `Nur and Bobster - Marlboro, Calne, Deaner, Groover and Cretesham. Also went to the Stafford Classic Bike Show and did the Ariel Club Long Distance Run. All good fun. And my computer picked up a virus so I've been back in the mid 1970's for the last week or so......

And I have a new project - Retro Fixie - more to come.

Bastard Volcanoes

2010-04-17T18:11:00.002+01:00

Unit 1

2010-04-05T13:24:00.001+01:00

Crackin skate yesterday with the MAS crowd. Legs aching still. To busy to take any pics tho.

Benjy-bored

2010-04-03T17:32:00.012+01:00

A couple of months ago I won a Benjyboard off EBay. As ever, it looked a lot better in the photos than in reality.

So, wet Easter Saturday, mild hangover due to meeting up with Hong Kong Dave last night, time to dismantle the Benji and try some, ahem, `restoration'.

Had to saw off the bolts to get the trucks off:-

Trucks are Tracker but not sure if they're Midtrack or Fultrack. Oddly there was an additional wooden riser as well as the standard deck one under each truck.

Heres the deck with the trucks off. Its taken a fair few knocks in its life:-

The underside is cleaner than the top.

Heres the top of the deck with the grip tape removed. Now you can see what colour it should be:-

The Benjyboard logo:-

So I started to sand the deck to tidy it up a bit. The edges are coming up really nice. Think I'll have a fair bit to do on the nose though. And I'm not sure how to preserve the logo - it'll need to be sanded to clean it up but I don't want to destroy it.

The wheels are 1st generation Star-Trac Kryptonics in bottle green. 70mm I think. They have also had a fair old bit of use and the outer part of the wheel had faded to an amber colour. You can still see the lovely translucent green in the core though:-

Wet Good Friday

2010-04-02T16:06:00.003+01:00

= no skate.

So, as the Ariel Club Long Distance Run is fast approaching and the 38 Red Hunter let me down last time it went out, it was time to take a look inside (yet again).

I suspected a sticking exhaust valve and once in bits it was obvious where the valve had picked up on the guide. Stoned the valve and a bit of guide reaming and hopefully we're back in business - find out next Friday anyway.

Slipping Clutch

2010-04-01T16:14:00.001+01:00

= Honda Unhappiness.

Into the garage it goes then - hopefully under warrantee.

This Weekend I have Mostly Been...

2010-03-28T11:31:00.000+01:00

Lethargic

This Week I Have Mostly Been Eating....

2010-03-21T16:05:00.002Z

Veteran Maintenance

2010-03-21T15:58:00.004Z

The last time I used my 1913 TT Ariel was the Slievenamon Rally in Ireland in 2008. On the way back to Rosslare we thrashed the bikes down the main road from Wexford after one or two drinks, and my bike got very very hot and lost power. So I thought I'd best take the top end off and have a look before I use it again. Just as well I did.

This is the piston:-

Its a big cast iron lump with a solid floating gudgeon pin. It should have small brass pads on the end of the gudgeon pit to prevent the barrel being scored. Mine had two very small blobs of melted brass. Fortunately there is only very minor scoring on the barrel. Very lucky indeed.

The piston with new pads:-

Just need to put it back together now for the MOT.

Marlborough Skatepark - Progress

2010-03-14T14:02:00.006Z

Looks like its nearly done (BMXers obviously can't read the signs)

New Stick

2010-03-14T10:11:00.004Z

Set up the Flip Lance Mountain deck today. Gaffer-inspired grip job. I set it up with the shorter wheelbase option, about 5/8" shorter than the Flip Bob Burnquist I was riding before. Might be a mistake but I'll see how it feels. Easy enough to change.

Flip Lance Mountain deck (8.5" wide), 149 Stage 10 Indys, 60mm Cortechs:-

A Grand Day Out

2010-03-14T08:25:00.010Z

Seeing as the weather has been great me, Bobster and Gaffer went out for a wee skate this Saturday. We did the new park in Keynsham, then St Georges and the Deaner in Brizzle, joined at the Deaner by Habgood and Samjebusblokechappiefella.

Grand day, grand weather and three parks I haven't been to before. Brand new and proper old skool. And the first sunburn of the year. The joys of ginnerness.

Joe slides while Bob waves his weapon:-

Hooded man departs at speed:-

Hairy Jebus in flow (shouldn't you be revising?):-

Sham Hunter

2010-03-14T08:21:00.003Z

Saw this in Melksham:-

Groover

2010-03-04T19:41:00.001Z

Nice evening skate at Hengrove last night with The Bob, Gaffer and Ricker. Cold but lots of fun.

This Week I Have Mostly Been Listening To....

2010-03-02T19:15:00.001Z

1980

2010-03-02T19:02:00.003Z

In 1980 Crass started to produce a series of compliations of unknown bands called Bullshit Detector. Me and my mates had a gash garage band. None of us could play but we were enthusiastic. I dropped a note to Crass asking if we could send a tape, which we never did. I got a reply with some Crass stuff including these two button badges:-

It Lives

2010-02-28T17:12:00.001Z

....for now

Brace of Hondas

2010-02-28T17:10:00.003Z

Guitar Hero

2010-02-19T21:22:00.001Z

Just buy a real guitar and learn to play it.

Come On You Boro

2010-02-19T11:08:00.004Z

Für Gäffer

2010-02-12T13:54:00.005Z

Busy busy

2010-02-12T13:49:00.002Z

Secret Brizzle skatespot sesh - Unit 1 MAS jam - a week in Germany and now off to Nottingham.

EBay Treasure

2010-02-02T18:25:00.002Z

Got this off Ebay as well. Cost me 156 quid plus postage - bargain!!

Its a 1928 Ariel 550cc sidevalve engine.

In Other News

2010-01-31T13:36:00.002Z

Got this off the Bay the other day. Not sure why but I did:-

Not too bad at £33 plus some postage.

New Engine

2010-01-31T13:25:00.005Z

Took Friday off on leave to get cracking on my Velocette rebuild. This is as far as I got - new (original) bottom end assembled and ready to go back in the frame. Oil pump fitted, all timing gears in, piston on the conrod, magneto fitted:-

Got the old engine out of the frame as well:-

Need to give the frame a lick of paint in places before the engine goes back in.

My garage. Its a bit congested in there at the moment:-

1913 Ariel TT (front left), 1978 Honda C70 (front centre), Honda Fireblade (rear centre), 1938 Ariel Red Hunter (rear right). Hiding is the 1954 Velocette MAC, 1928 Ariel Model D, 1952 Ariel VH, 1920 Ariel 500sv and up in the loft a 1959 Norman Nippy. Lathe, drill, mountain bikes blah blah.

Crazy Horse

2010-01-17T16:26:00.005Z

Off to the Forest of Dean for the Crazy Horse rally this weekend. Decided to take the Velocette. Fairly uneventful ride there. Loads of beer Friday night. Start the bike in the morning - no problems. Go to set off on the run and it went thud. No compression and very stiff to turn over on the kickstart. So I went out in Huws sidecar. Again.

Got recovered home on Sunday morning (no point wasting a good weekend) and started to investigate.

Rocker cover off - no sign of damage - but nothing was moving when I turned the engine over.

Timing cover off and I found this:-

A bit of metal about 10mm square jammed between the crank pinnion and the intermediate timing pinnion.

This is where it came from:-

Its a BTH automatic ignition timing device. And they say X never marks the spot - it does this time. Not drawn by me I might add.

So the bit of metal has jammed the timing pinnions, shearing the crankshaft woodruff key. Complete engine strip down then. Again.

New Wood

2010-01-14T18:00:00.002Z

New deck arrived today courtesy of Skateboards of Choice. And its got front wheel wells.

Sunday Drive

2010-01-10T12:18:00.001Z

Went to Skate Extreme in Newport. Nobody turned up to open the place. Drove home.

This Week I Have Mostly Been Listening To...

2010-01-05T21:54:00.002Z

Ferndale

2009-12-31T10:44:00.005Z

Private hire at Ferndale skatepark on Tuesday. Braved the snow and ice (wasn't too bad) for a nice relaxed sesh. Tried and tried to drop in on the mini but just couldn't suss it. Bit irritated by that.

Jacko and Bobster hug up:-