Ok, Ok, I know it's been a big gap. After last blogging, I retook my bike test, this time in Lichfield, only to fail again on the U-turn. Annoyingly, I didn't put my foot down, or drop the bike, but it wasn't controlled enough for the examiner's satisfaction (to be fair it was a bit wild and willing ).

So, I rebooked for yesterday. Having failed two tests on the U-turn, I'd decided to change from a rolling start to a standing start. You can do it either way. The difference is that you need a little more balance and fine clutch control to go from stationary, as you don't get the benefit of gyroscopic stability. However, you've already got the front wheel on full-lock, so the turn is effectively already started before you move, which means you can be less fearful of running close to the kerb. Back in January when I started out, the guys at CBT recommended you try both ways, and then pick one style and stick to it, which is what I did then. I'd settled on the rolling start, as I seemed able to do it reliably 14 times out of 15. As it hadn't worked out like that on test (and you only get one go!), I decided to switch. It was a bit scary re-learning the technique of standing starts yesterday morning, but I got it right first time, so I guess that's the benefit of the extra time I'd spent on the road doing these tests!

Anyway, once in Lichfield, I practised U-turns in a couple of different roads; including the road I'd failed on, so I could exorcise that particular demon. Pleasingly, the standing start seemed to work a treat. Then back to the DSA centre, and out for the test ride. This time I passed with only three minor faults (you can still pass with up to 15). So, I'm now licensed to ride any motorbike. With impeccable timing, naturally. Of course, I forgot my camera, so there's no shot of me looking all manly in my leathers. Have to save that for another time. I suppose the only other thing to say about biking at this juncture is that the learning really starts here...

In other news, my mum came up to visit for one weekend:

and Jess has continued to get better after her nasty bout of 'flu, tummy bug and subsequent drippy cold:

She's standing up well, and quite cheery at the moment; nice to see her back near normal. She's eating loads, although we think she's got another tooth coming on the way.