Author Topic: What have you done today (Read 146438 times)

2112 · « **Reply #1520 on:** January 13, 2026, 10:55:47 »

I'm back ! We had a fantastic time in Madeira and the two weeks flew by in no time. We stayed near the Forum at the West of Funchal, the area is brimming with shops and good quality restaurants. It's about a 1.8 mile walk or about 45 mins into Funchal centre but it's almost all slightly down hill, so very easy going. Get a bus or a taxi back mind... The weather has been good and we could see the rain battering down in Funchal centre while we basked in the sunshine on a few days. The tempreture has been around 19c to 20c average but only dropping down to 17c at night. We've had a couple of day's at 24c too. Top Tip - take no notice of the BBC's weather app for Funchal, it's so innacurate it's hilarious. We had a nice walk about in 100% chance of rain, 16c, 40kM winds in blue skies, no wind and 22c... The New Year fireworks were amazing, quite a show and we watched them from the hotel roof. The food has been incredible (the 'hunger games' start today) and the wines and spirts are brilliant, especially if you get a nice bottle at the supermarket for 3 euros... We had a car for a couple of days and explored the island which is simply stunning. Some pictures of events -

MisterDavey · « **Reply #1521 on:** January 13, 2026, 11:35:29 »

That does look gorgeous 2112, glad you had a great time.

crump · « **Reply #1522 on:** January 13, 2026, 12:29:37 »

Yeah Madeira is a great winter break. At the airport, taking off and landing can be 'entertaing'

2112 · « **Reply #1523 on:** January 13, 2026, 12:45:39 »

Er yes, we had a great landing but a rather 'interesting' take off with much 'ooohs and ahh's' from the passengers.

Asmith61 · « **Reply #1524 on:** January 13, 2026, 17:44:27 »

Great pictures 2112. glad you both had a lovely holiday

pstm · « **Reply #1525 on:** January 14, 2026, 15:55:47 »

Fitted lowering links to swmbo's new to her Tracer 9 - only a couplathree mil between the dogbones but that equates to 15mm difference apparently. Forgot to measure before and after of course. Dropped the forks to match. Side and centre stands fine with the drop.
Took the Black Widow end can off for easier access to the dogbones and actually considered cleaning it for a moment. Then thought better of it and bunged it back on dirty.
Also took the grab rails off at her request as she keeps getting her foot caught on them getting on and off.
Coded a new key (£20 delivered from Webike in Japan plus £10 to get it cut) for it via the dash as it only came with one black key and the red Yamaha one. Instructions obtained from YouTube. Slight hiccup as soon after coding the new key the original one wouldn't work. Back and forward a few times before realising that you had to code the new key and the old black key immediately after each other otherwise the other one wouldn't start it.
Quick test ride and torque check and bobs Your uncle.

Pic of swmbo taken Boxing day on her first ride on it.

nigel s · « **Reply #1526 on:** January 14, 2026, 16:15:50 »

Vroom

Asmith61 · « **Reply #1527 on:** January 14, 2026, 20:30:17 »

Nice work

And great picture SWMBO looking good

2112 · « **Reply #1528 on:** January 15, 2026, 16:02:11 »

I couldn't have refitted that exhaust like that. I would have had to forensically cleaned it and then refitted it, might be a touch of OCD?

mr_diver · « **Reply #1529 on:** January 15, 2026, 16:30:47 »

Even I wouldn't have put it back on like that and I have an aversion to cleaning.

Generally though, when her bike gets that dirty, I'm usually the one who got it that way

2112 · « **Reply #1530 on:** January 15, 2026, 19:16:15 »

It seems to have taken months but it's finally my mate Alec's funeral tomorrow. As with all funerals, I have the mixed feelings of fond memories and deep sadness. We have been invited into the 'family' car as neither of them have much family left! It was decided (between Alec's eldest brother Steve & Widow Andrea) that his mum would be too much effort to take along to the funeral due to her severe and worsening dementia. She's going downhill fast and while it's a shame she won't be there, she probably wouldn't remember it. Maria is barely mobile and getting her in and out of anything other than an ambulance is an ordeal. Fingers crossed for a dry day.

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #1531 on:** January 15, 2026, 20:08:58 »

I have two air rifles and two air pistols, all Weirhach except one pistol which is Webley. I collected my new gun today, another Weirhach. I bought it on the internet and had it sent to my local gun shop.

I couldn't wait to get home and fire it but after fitting a scope the weather turned fowl and I wasn't going to lay out in the rain so looking forward to a spot of sunshine tomorrow, an hours zeroing and target shooting then out on the bike.

I'll be like a kid waiting for Christmas tonight and probably find it hard to sleep.

Edit. I'm definitely not going to sleep tonight. I've just put my new gun in my bed and going to sleep with it. It's harder than I have ever been.

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #1532 on:** January 15, 2026, 20:27:44 »

2112. I have found that funerals really can be a celebration of life and you may even have a laugh at some of the good memories. I hope it all goes well for you and all.

Asmith61 · « **Reply #1533 on:** January 15, 2026, 21:00:21 »

2112 my thoughts are with you all

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #1534 on:** January 15, 2026, 22:23:04 »

Thoughts with you and all Alex's friends and family 2112. Hope it goes well.

2112 · « **Reply #1535 on:** January 15, 2026, 22:45:42 »

Cheers folks, most appreciated.

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #1536 on:** January 16, 2026, 01:32:16 »

I said I would find it hard to sleep. It's 1:30am and I'm wide awake. It will probably be midday before I'm ready to go shooting.

2112 · « **Reply #1537 on:** January 16, 2026, 04:37:18 »

Oddly, 04:37, been awake for ages...

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #1538 on:** January 16, 2026, 14:08:05 »

I only had an hour to shoot my new gun this morning, zeroed it then realised that I've lost the accuracy with a springer and need a lot of practice, I have got to used to PCP. It started to rain after an hour so that was that for today.

My landlord and landlady have gone to a Birthday party and I'm looking after the dog so I can't even go out for a ride. It's going to be a boring day.

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #1539 on:** January 16, 2026, 14:10:56 »

2112. How did the funeral go? It must have been heart breaking for his wife, so soon after marriage but at least they did have time to marry before the end so, another wonderful memory for her.