We've all been there; we're out riding a reasonably well known road or route, the fuel light comes on and you know where the petrol stations are, but you don't know exactly how far they are. You think to yourself I can get to 'that' one, so you pass the more expensive or unfavourable petrol station thinking to yourself...I've done this before...I'll be okay...Its just a few more miles....I'll be fine.
So yes, that was me this morning on the A31 between Winchester and Alton. Coming out of a roundabout, about five miles from the petrol station I was aiming for, the engine stutters.....uh oh!
I make sure I'm in top and cut my revs right down....then the engine stutters again, then again and the bike is lurching...then...nothing. The engine stalls about half a mile from the station. The road is fast, there is no hard shoulder and the sun is low. There is no way I'm going to even attempt to push it. Its time to call the recovery guys.
So yes, that was me this morning on the A31 between Winchester and Alton. Coming out of a roundabout, about five miles from the petrol station I was aiming for, the engine stutters.....uh oh!
I make sure I'm in top and cut my revs right down....then the engine stutters again, then again and the bike is lurching...then...nothing. The engine stalls about half a mile from the station. The road is fast, there is no hard shoulder and the sun is low. There is no way I'm going to even attempt to push it. Its time to call the recovery guys.
Twenty mins later, Mr AA man arrives with a few litres of unleaded and less than ten mins later, I'm back on my way. I'm wondering, do the AA bill me for the petrol I needed?
This delay meant I was now in rush hour proper and had to slide my way through the regular Farnham to Guildford traffic jam. Well at least the sun was shining.
The way home was much, much better. It was easily the warmest day of the year and I decided to change my route home a little and followed the A29 all the way to the A27 and then headed west. The A29 is a much quicker and open road compared to the A272, with some good turns and a reasonable surface to boot. There are several small towns breaking up the ride, but all in all, it made a nice change. The tarmac was that lovely very light grey, almost cream colour on the way and it is really starting to feel like the whole summer is ahead of me. Hopefully, its going to be a great 2016 in two wheels.
This delay meant I was now in rush hour proper and had to slide my way through the regular Farnham to Guildford traffic jam. Well at least the sun was shining.
The way home was much, much better. It was easily the warmest day of the year and I decided to change my route home a little and followed the A29 all the way to the A27 and then headed west. The A29 is a much quicker and open road compared to the A272, with some good turns and a reasonable surface to boot. There are several small towns breaking up the ride, but all in all, it made a nice change. The tarmac was that lovely very light grey, almost cream colour on the way and it is really starting to feel like the whole summer is ahead of me. Hopefully, its going to be a great 2016 in two wheels.
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