Well, the tow bar (trailer hitch in US-speak) has finally been installed on the car, so I can go pick up the new trailer when we get back from Yorkshire on Monday.

I know that probably isn’t terribly exciting for most of you, but it is a major step in my getting the TM up and running so I can go do some off-road riding. I’ve had that bike for several months now, but haven’t been able to ride it ‘in anger’ yet, so the prospect of actually being able to get out there is very exciting for me.

Ever since I got a pure off-road bike, I’ve needed a a trailer to tow it around with. I have been bidding for them on eBlag for absolutely ages and haven’t ever managed to get one for a decent price – until now! I had to get some of that last-minute bidding software to do it, but it worked.

So here’s my new trailer.

I’m really excited about it. Not only will I be able to tow the off-road bike, but I’ll be able to tow the Fazer as well. Track day here I come!

It was a chilly commute to work this morning. Another 60 miles on the bike in freezing temperatures. If you ever wonder about the polluting effect of cars, ride a motorcycle on a major motorway/interstate when it’s 32F outside then exit onto a smaller road that is hardly used. Even if you stay in full sunlight, you’ll notice how much cooler it gets. That’s because there aren’t hundreds of cars’ exhaust fumes warming the air.