1 Triumph, 1 Brit. 20,000 Miles, The Long Way Home

So i came home today to find my motorbike on its side with a broken brake clamp, mirror and fender and fuel everywhere. what made it worse was heavy cold rain, it was bitch to get back up because I haven't put the back wheel on yet, so i went and got the back wheel and sat there in the rain for 2 hours fighting my rear wheel and righting the bike, i'm concerned now that I have potentially damaged my rear wheel by putting it back together in the rain and dirt, if i take it apart when its dry and clean and grease it, will I be ok?

This might sound ridiculous, but I have worked so hard on this bike in shit conditions for weeks and to come home to this was upsetting. I must have had 15 cars come into the parking lot and not single one asked if I needed help. I suppose its an ignorant thought on my behalf that someone would help me and I am doing this trip alone so there will be plenty of time for me to wish I had a helping hand but this bike is getting a beating without me doing any miles.

sulk over

This was a test - congratulations, you passed!

Seriously though, take it all back apart when you've regained some patience and ambition and all will be fine.

Not at all - it is part of the adventure

Did you read 'Ted Simon - Jupiter's Travels'? '74 Triumph Tiger 100 - am sure the the Scrambler will be a breeze by comparison. Stiff upper lip and all that. You will be fine!

Thanks man, appreciated

I've read Jupiter Travels quite a few times and its one of the inspirations for this trip, my rant seems silly now, but I just wanted to vent, I've had help from people already for this trip, a lot of help, including what's on here, I just found it upsetting someone had damaged my bike when its going to play such a pivotal role in the upcoming months, like you said, it's part of the adventure.

Thanks fella, much appreciated

subscribed

This is my grandfather for the RAF during WW2, my Gran said he rode Harley's but I can't find anything that look similar, any idea what bike it is?



About a week ago I received a letter in the post and it contained this pendant and the above picture, the pendant was given to my Grandfather just before he left in 1939, he was asked to wear it for protection, and he did for the entire war (it has has the entire lords prayer on the back) , I'm not religious per-se, but it will definitely be my lucky charm. In the letter she asked that I bring it back home and hope that it will keep me safe.

the side of the tank looks like it says Ariel -

yeah its an Ariel 350 WG

The Ariel W/NG 350 was a British military motorcycle based on the well proven Ariel Red Hunter singles built by Ariel Motorcycles, and designed by the firm's chief designer Val Page in 1932 around an engine he developed six years earlier. Although the Ariel was not initially selected by the War Department, they were in great demand after the evacuation of Dunkirk when much of the British Army's materiel had been left behind.

how does your current bike match up to this?

Manufacturer Ariel Motorcycles
Production 1940–1944
Predecessor Ariel Red Hunter
Engine 346 cc (21.1 cu in), OHV two valve air cooled single
Power 17 bhp at 5,800 rpm
Transmission Four speed gearbox to chain final drive
Suspension Girder front forks, solid rear
Brakes drum brakes
Dimensions L 2.13 m (84 inches)
W 0.76 m (30 inches)
H 1.06 m (42 inches)
Weight 169 kg (370 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity 2.625 imp gal (3.152 U.S. gal; 11.93 L)


when you get to England you should visit the Sammy Miller Motorcycle museum to see one in person, the place is amazing

here's a shot of the left side




and here's what its like to ride one

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GKm5AJfROEQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks

It would be cool to have one of these in my collection (currently 1)

Paul Thanks, I just checked you Ride Report, pretty epic route, how long did that take you?

i was on the road off and on for 22 months and 63,000 miles (101,000 kms) taking a short break right now, then i'll continue next year starting with NZ, then OZ then the far east...on a different bike, see the thread in my sig line

Not to high-jack this thread, but I'd love to know your thoughts/reasons for a change in bikes. Maybe on the other thread?

The very best wishes to you, ride safe brother

Looks the part mate! What kind of range do you think you'll get?

Including the fuel carried in the Jerry Cans around 320km or about 200 miles

sent you a PM

An early morning test with 80% of the weight to be carried... feels great and manageable and pulls really well!