We're getting battered up here in Aberdeenshire at the moment. Bloody South Americans and their Hurricanes.
Last night was a pretty sleepless night, with me diving up to the window every time I heard a loud clatter. Thankfully, every bang on the road was a wheelie bin going over (it was bin night). Then, I was waiting for a fully laden wheelie bin to flip and smack into the side of the VTR. Thankfully, it never happened.
This morning was worse (wind wise) and it's meant to get stronger later today.
So - panic situation now. I don't have a garage. I don't have a shed. My house only allows for on street parking, and as it's nest to the sea (well, about 40 yards away), the wind seems to funnel up the street and acts like a wind tunnel. Not good for a bike under a cover. Despite lashing the new Oxford Rainex cover down with bungees to take up all the billowing, it was no good. I stood and watched the bike get blown backwards 1 foot on the side-stand. I thought that was it. All over. Bike gone down. But nope.
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Sod this fer a joke. It's doing me ticker no favours. Think think....who's got a garage? Started phoning heaps of folk.
Nope. No room at the inn. Not even for 1 night. Miserable buggers. And that's the last time I help them out. They have PLENTY room in their lock-ups, it's just they can't be arsed going out in this. 2 folk I know are bike dudes, and have a huge lock up, with just their bike and a shitload of tools. And it's still "sorry mate".
Racking my few brain cells, I thought of the disused Memorial Stone Works here in the town. Probably sounded like an ass, waffling why I was calling (not wanting his business, never used them before, and now, out of the blue, I need help - Urgently. And the guys not into bikes at all.
Yes he said - no problem. He'll send a guy round in the Jeep with a set of keys to unlock the gates, and then I can put it in a secure building overnight.
Uncovering the bike outside the house was not fun at all, trying to grab handfuls like gathering a parachute in record time.
Riding the bike to the place of storage was erm...interesting. I've ridden in the wind before, many a time, but this I think was the worst one yet.
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But - I can rest easy now, and get some sleep tonight. Me VeeTeerrrrr will be safe in this wind. I wasn't allowed to keep any keys, and I've to call him tomorrow when it all dies down, and get them back out to open up again.
I asked how much for the "overnight" fee - and he said nothing - as long as it's just the one night. (Had to sign a disclaimer if anything happens to the bike, he assumes no responsibility).
It's sort of restored my Faith in humans for a bit, that some folk out there feel your concern and are willing to help a total stranger out.
Right then. Time for a coffee and a proper sit down. No more diving up to the window!
![Dancing3 :Dancing3:](./images/smilies/Dancing3.gif)