Bump Start

Nothing that I thought was funny happened this weekend, but I suspect that several hundred shoppers feel differently. On Sunday I stopped at Morrison's in Plymstock to buy a couple of things. When I got back to my bike the starter motor wouldn't run. There simply isn't a downhill from there. It's literally (and littorally) astride Pomphlet Creek, so it's at sea-level. I had to push the bike faster and faster across the car park until I was running, then leap onto it, then get it into 2nd (don't ask), and then let the clutch out with a bang. As if that procedure isn't difficult enough:

• I was wearing big cumbersome boots, warm jacket, and thick gloves.
• The car park was full and busy.
• I had to avoid trolleys, cars, dithering old folk, and babies in pushchairs.
• The car park is slightly corrugated, so there are several areas which are gently uphill.

I did get home, but I had built up a good sweat and a noble thirst before I did so.

Richard "No Kick Start" B