loaded_rebel_125.html

Pete writes....

Here's a sneaky look at the first released picture of the UK's first ever Rebel Meet.... Found lurking under the wing of a Museum - bound aircraft, you'll notice a selection of Rebels enjoying one of the friendliest gatherings I've ever been to! Those that weren't there missed a good event, despite the weather throwing a 'damper' on things quite literally!!!

Taken on arrival, literally! Note the nice sunny weather, and the well tied down luggage, which was also carefully distributed over the bike to avoid unbalancing the whole thing (making it handle badly)

Three days into the trip, the weather turned nasty, with Force 8 gales and driving rain. This all took place on a campsite which is only 50 yards from the sea, so the effects on my tent were devastating, as I found out on returning from an evening out... The tent had blown over, ripping the inner to shreds in places, and soaking all my gear. I had to put the whole thing back together at midnight, in appalling weather, with nothing but a torch to see with! I had a very wet night, and the rain didn't stop for another 2 days, by which time most of the other campers had gone home early, leaving me and a few RV's on the site!!! I stuck it out though, but only because I had to dry all the gear before loading the bike up again (wet gear would have weighed too much)

Another view of the loaded bike taken as soon as I got home again (same time as yesterday's shot, but from other side!!) You can see that despite the weather, and the fact that I rode home in the rain too, the bike still shines, even though the dirt covers it! One thing I've lost since fitting the new Givi screen is a home to tie down the sleeping bag, which can be seen here bungee'd to the top forks over the headlight bowl. Point to note - the red / grey bags are actually a set of bicycle panniers which have found a new home as double-stacked panniers for the Rebel now. It all means that I can unload very quickly, after releasing only a couple of bungee cords!!!!

Regards

Pete Buckingham

hondarebel@lineone.net

http://www.rebelclub.org.uk