To be fair to the vehicle driver, we don't know the circumstances behind Mike's death.
In respect riding, I had a bit of change today. My bike shop owning friend was running an Orange Bikes demo day, and I kind of felt obliged to go along, especially as Orange had brought along 20 bikes.
I choose an Orange Four RS.
I'm glad that I did, as it helped prove to me that my fitness level is better than I had thought.
I also conquered a steep bank/drop that has been my nemeses for over two years. I was familiar with the ride route, but after the lead rider had to take a call, I opted to lead the ride, and wanted to see what the Orange Four was capable of (not being my bike) so took it down what must be a near 3 metre almost vertical bank, that you have to stop at sharply when you hit the bottom, turn 90 degrees and go down a second drop of about 1.2 metres, that had a gully at the bottom which could send you over the bars, and a cast iron water pipe just forward of it, that goes like ice when wet. I have also been happy to go down the first bank, that others hesitate at, but not the second. Today I flew perhaps too fast down the big bank, but still made the turn at the bottom, and just went for it. I should really go back again and do it again tomorrow, but it was brilliant feeling knowing that have beaten it.
My next move perhaps wasn't so smart. There is a very steep and very long wooden staircase along the ride route, and I know of only one person that has ridden down it. I thought sod it today, and took my chance on it as well. It kind of went okay for the first half of it, but then the 800mm wide bars, hit the handrail, the bike locked solid and flipped sideways, and that was it. I was also perhaps carrying bit too much speed, but because the drop between each step is so great, I figured that speed would smooth things out. My hang on and hope method, might not be so recommended, especially as the momentum increased.
Good to be out on the KTM Ultra 1964.
And the Orange Four RS with Fox finishing kit, was just brilliant, and I am definitely now going to convert the Ultra to a single ring front chairing set up with a 42 on the rear.
Not a bad play ground, and right on my door step. (not my clip)