Nick Jordan

This morning I managed to have a minor accident on my motorbike. I won’t go into all the details here except to say that I wasn’t hurt at all and neither was anyone else. The bike’s fairing and headlight don’t look too good; I had a repair estimate this afternoon of £610.00 which, given my current financial situation, really hurts. Time to wave the credit card and try not to think about it too much.

Still, I just have to remember that it could have been a whole lot worse and that the bike’s just a thing which can be repaired or replaced. So I’m not too downhearted, all things considered.

I’ve taken to wearing earplugs on the bike again. It’s amazing how much more comfortable they make a long journey but they also produce an odd disconnected sensation that means that my speed has a tendency to creep up beyond the level I feel is safe. It’s also rather weird sitting at traffic lights and watching all the vehicles moving in almost total silence - rather like watching an old silent movie. I shall continue to use them, though, since I have no wish to go deaf.

I’d just like to say a huge public thank you to the guy who, to cut a long story short, when traffic was diverted off the A12 last night, said he was heading to Colchester and I could follow him. If it wasn’t for his kindness I’d have been home a lot later than I was, and even more tired. What an absolute star!

Motorway shut after biker murder. This is truly shocking. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. A tragic waste of a life.

On Friday night I met up with some friends for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, followed by beer and then kebabs at Leicester Square. It proved to be an extremely good way to finish off a pretty trying week. I love my job but there are times when I could do with a little less stress.

Yesterday I availed myself of Lidl’s regular sale of cheap motorcycle gear and bought myself a new magnetic tank bag for a tenner. It has a useful detachable side pocket and can be unzipped from the magnetic base, which stays on the bike. The act of doing this reveals straps that allow the bag to be worn as a rucksack. All very clever. To be honest, I’m a sucker for anything that has lots of zips and pockets and stuff.

Today I intend to laze around in front of the TV, watching the German Motorcycle Grand Prix and drinking beer, specifically Badger Golden Glory, a lovely summery ale containing extract of peach blossom, which gives it a light, fruity flavour I really enjoy.