The beginning

Well where to start! Bought a new Stelvio for the tour and the next day after taking delivery there was obviously something wrong with the transmission - the clutch as it turned out. On Guzzi Tech it says that this is a known issue with the dodgy clutches that MG make (blame Colin for provoking my interest in these bikes). I am told by my NZ biker "collegaues" that the word on the street is that MG asemble the bikes but they are finished off by the owners! They are bikes of character and emotion - not commonsense (bit like women really). Prue has just emailed to say that there is a recall of the suspension arm which needs replaced - wot next?? Am in a detailed discussion with Fowlers of Bristol about getting things sorted ASAP as I still need to run the bike in during the 2 weeks prior to our tour (and I am also attending with JR the IOM Classic TT)- so time is of the essence. You can start taking bets as to whether I will complete the tour without further breakdowns, recalls or other mishaps. JR thinks I need extra insurance for bike recovery. I am confident it will go well!

A word from the wise one

Time may show that a better name would be "The clueless lost"
That is of course assuming that the Italian Job has its clutch ands its factory recall to replace the rear suspension double connecting rod sorted. Very important as it is MY rear that is over that rod!!
All the best
Prue

Finally, Ross has downloaded the satnav maps to the laptop. This has led to sudden interest and fretting about where we are actually going. Morna, realising some time ago that nobody cares where we are going, struggled to assist with the route planning. Ho hum.
The new bike is now complete with luggage, top-box and tank bag. The driver requires a neck the length of a giraffe to see over the bag. Never mind who needs a speedometer. We had a trial run with it loaded up tonight. Happy days, nice soft pillion seat.
Bring on the holidays. Can't wait.