First drive this year

[Andrew Smith]

Well, I finally rolled VUX out of the garage recently, dusted it down and went for a local drive on nice twisty county roads to shake off any cobwebs  that may have formed on the old girl since last July following my right total knee replacement. It was great to be back in the driving seat, even if it takes a little more effort to get in at the moment. Anyway, hopefully it'll be the first of many drives this year following the loss of my enthusiasm for TR driving over the last 4 years or so.....

Not the best photo I've take whilst driving, but probably one of the most satisfying.  

Cheers, Andrew

  

[RogerH]

Well done Andrew.

Just get out there and smile.

 

Roger

[stuart]

Well done Andrew, good to see you back again.

Stuart.

[Kevo_6]

Yes, good to see you back Andrew.

[MilesA]

That's great to read Andrew although I bet VUX took some coaxing back to life!

Miles

[ntc]

Good to hear mate enjoy  🤙

[Andrew Smith]

Thanks folks,

Since the op last July it's felt a long road back, but it's good to be driving and riding my bikes again.  Since Bev, my 'wing-girl', lost her fight with cancer in December 2020, the TR mojo has been difficult to rediscover but it's returning thanks to my two sons, supportive friends and kicking myself up the backside.... I'm considering driving down to the South of France to stay with friends in late May/early June depending how the knee responds to more TR'ing. 

@Miles - although I haven't driven VUX much these last four years I have changed the oil/filter and driven it round the block in order to keep the wheels turning; my two sons have also taken it out on occasions so the old girl didn't need too much coaxing back into life, just a few coughs and splutters before firing on all six and then drove like a dream! 

Cheers, Andrew

For those interested in bikes, I took my Kawasaki out on the same route, but the TR6 was a more sedate drive.

 

[John Morrison]

So good to hear, Andrew, small steps to start with?

Left or Right Knee? because there is advice on these pages about lightening pedal

pressure if ever needed.

John.

[Hamish]

ooooooo a Z9 nice

(sorry to see you overtake on double whites tho)

Glad you are back motoring Andrew. Enjoy

and do the France trip !

Edited April 17 by Hamish

[Andrew Smith]

1 hour ago, John Morrison said:

So good to hear, Andrew, small steps to start with?

Left or Right Knee? because there is advice on these pages about lightening pedal

pressure if ever needed.

John.

Hi John, thanks,

It was a total knee replacement of my right knee. Physio was very hard work, and even though I've achieved the max of 120 degree flexion it does make getting into the TR6 a bit difficult as it's so low, but I'll overcome it.  If VUX was a left hooker it would be easier......😀

Cheers, Andrew 

 

 

[Andrew Smith]

30 minutes ago, Hamish said:

ooooooo a Z9 nice

(sorry to see you overtake on double whites tho)

Glad you are back motoring Andrew. Enjoy

and do the France trip !

Hi Hamish,

Thanks, it's good that my enthusiasm for the TR6 is returning. 

The Z900 is a cracking bike and one I had for 8 years now. Unlike a sports bike, the upright riding position gives me a commanding view and on that particular stretch of road I could see over the hedgerows and the whole road ahead; no approaching cars, motorbikes or cyclists. Admittedly, overtaking on double whites it's not a manoeuvre I would normally do but on this occasion it was perfectly safe and probably looks more dangerous on the video than it actually was.

Cheers, Andrew

 

[Hamish]

As a life long biker I can see you made a dynamic assessment and can see it’s safe. No doubt there,  just doesn’t look good to those that don’t like bikers at the best of time. 
 

I love that era of bikes.  cbx 1000 was a dream bike as was the squarer tanked z1

only able to stretch to 650 cagiva (Ducati v twin) back then  

but then went with Suzukis , Ducati 748s then the BM adventure bikes for the riding position lots of European touring on them 😁

[graeme]

Hi Andrew,

Good to see you and VUX back on the road again.

Cheers

Graeme

 

[pinky]

Hope to see you soon andrew 

[Andrew Smith]

Thanks Graeme and Pink,

Greame: hope to see you and Sue at the next International or whatever it'll be called next year. 

Pink: likewise mate, I'll look forward to catching up with your and Tors soon.

Cheers, Andrew

[TR NIALL]

Hi Andrew tis good to see you back out and about and VUX getting a bit of use so hopefully a good Summer ahead with plenty of Car and Bike outings ahead of you stay safe and enjoy.

[iain]

Well done Andrew, nice to see you enjoying the toys again.

Iain

[unclepete]

Hi Andrew

Nice to see you again....Well your toys anyway! You've been sorely missed.

Mandy, Charlie and Myself all send our Love and Best wishes.......

Peter