Les proved himself a worthy guide (taking over shortly after I led everyone into the only cul-de-sac in Portishead!). A stop at the new Marina for a cuppa - then on to Clevedon, via the rather delightful route next to the Estuary, for impromptu snacks / beers etc and a chat. Finally, we ended up in good old Weston - where Bernie turned up after a very late night gig - but not without mysteriously managing to lose Russ just before the M5 roundabout.
Here the tale becomes a little more muddy! Russ's Li had conked out - as had his mobile. So, it was only the eventual intervention of a friendly biker (Joe?) who diagnosed engine seizure but allowed Russ to use his mobile to give us a call. By the time we got back to him, poor old Russ was sitting on the grass verge in despair - side panels off but no sign of a remedy apparent.
The collective wizardry of the BMSCers failed to make any impression - until the knight in a white t-shirt (Jeff) - made a few suggestions, tweaked a few things, put ina new plug and - hey presto - Houston, we have lift off. The relief was tangible!
So - all in all, a typical summer scooting day - albeit with proper summer weather and a typical Lambretta hiccup. Russ called me later this evening to convey this thanks to everyone, but in fairness I believe Jeff should be offered Honorary BMSC Membership for his valiant efforts.
Good time, good company and a decent BMSC Monthly rideout - although we missed many of our usual crowd due to holidays, family stuff, garage shenanigins and Bristol Ballon capers.
To me - today represented the essence of scootering. Good rideout, good comradery and digging a mate out of a scooter problem (by one means or another). Long may it continue.
Thanks to everyone who managed to make it. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I have quite a few pics which I hope to be able to post shortly - if anyone else has some, please feel free to put them up for folks to have a gander.
Thinking aheaad - see Jim's note about Bristol Bike Show next weekend - and hopefully we'll have more of the same.
Yours aye
Norm
