A postcard from Smoggy

Dear Calum, Tony and the team,

Smoggy here….

Mum and I have been having a fabulous time, she’s been working me very hard. Lots of twisty roads, mountains and gorges. I’ve been getting regular breathers so that Mum can admire the scenery and take photos; some have been of me!

Just to make sure I’m awake, morning exercise consists of 2nd and 3rd gear. The last two mornings it’s been noon before I’ve been in higher ones! Today. Got to the dizzy heights of 6th gear, but not for very long.

I’ve been coping very well, Mum has been gentle in places, at other times she’s given me a good workout, particularly yesterday when we went on an adventure up to the top of a mountain. I started to wheeze a bit and has to use my fan to cool down. No wonder, you would too if you were carrying Mum AND full panniers. My brakes were thoroughly tested out on the way back down, that’s for sure. They certainly worked before we rammed a wee coo up the bum too! That was a close call!

Calum, the work you have done on me over the last year is making such a difference. My beautiful Ohlins shock absorber (now manky) has been well and truly put to good use and I know my Mum feels a difference. We are both glad that you replaced my timing chain this winter. I think it might have gone ‘pop’ yesterday with all the strain of the mountain climbing.

I was worried about Mum today, twice. Before she even got on me, she came to say good morning to me and collect her last, precious, gluten free roll from my top box. Heading back up to the hotel, she took a massive face plant (again, the second one in two weeks) and landed square on her knee, squishing the roll and twisting her ankle. It was ok though, she was still able to change gear. Toasted, the roll was fine.

Then, half way through the morning, she slammed on my brakes! In the middle of a quiet section of road! She seemed to unzip things in a panic. We set off again and stopped further up the road. She was stuffing her hand down the front of that thing she wears under her t-shirt. I heard her go ‘phew’ and something flew off past my wing mirror.

I have to complain though. I’m not looking at my best. I’m covered in cow poo and Mum stood in some yesterday which means it’s all over my foot peg too. I think I smell. However, I think Mum smells too, it’s been a bit sweaty today. Luckily Mum is getting some washing done tonight! Not only that, I’m splattered with bugs. The bugs here all seem to have yellow blood. It’s not all bad though, the ones that are missing me are hitting Mum. Hahahaha! She had to wipe off a big smear of yellow goo from her chin…. and jacket. Good to share.

When I’m home I’ll be visiting you all to say hello and pass my MOT. if I don’t, then it’s all your fault. I’m being a wee rascal though, I’m making life difficult for Mum getting into neutral. She has to go up into 2nd gear to get back down into neutral. Maybe Uncle Tony can take a note in my file….

Mum’s taking me through Rioja tomorrow. No doubt she will be having one or two glasses of wine once she’s parked me up for the night. Then onwards to somewhere called the Pyrenees for some more exercise. How exciting.

I’ll sign off now, I’m enjoying my rest whilst Mum enjoys hers with wine at the beautiful La Lobera Hotel.