The engine purring away contentedly at an average cruising speed of 120 kms per hour, I had to find something to do whilst riding as a pillion passenger on an Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid motorbike for 2 days from Abruzzo to Oxford. The only way to beat the volcanic ash from Iceland was to hop on a motorbike and take to the open road. Time flew past, because I was totally absorbed in the nature that surrounded me. I could throw every cliche in the book at this point and they would all be true, so I will limit myself to a few. Yes, I felt "at one" with nature. Deep in thought, I was able to appreciate the spectacular beauty of the undulating hills of the Abruzzo countryside. Yes, the roar of the engine was a thrill, when pulling out into the traffic. Yes, I was surprised to see that a lot of people were staring at the motorbike, an awful lot.
What is the connection to my adventure with the following headings?
- The End of the Road
- Stairway to Heaven
- Pony Express
- Salvador de Madariaga
- Espallier Pears
- The Real Deal
- Ted Simon
- Moles
- Born to Be Wild
- Arabella's Biker Club
- ETD
- A White Rolls Royce
- The Parting of the Waves
- The Royal Wave
- "Bella Moto"
- Saddle Sore
- The Tunnel by Friedrich Durrenmatt
- Formula 1
- FC Basel
- Akropovitz Exhaust
- Sheepy Hollow
- Eternal Flame
My next blog post which will reveal all is titled "Special -K in April Rally". I had over 2,000 kms to think of this title. Second best was "On the Road", 3rd best was "Easy Rider". Last one was "Janet's Motorcycle Diaries". As you can see, my mind had a very pleasant work-out and I proved that I still do have some grey matter left.
Unfortunately, the group of primary teachers I was going to be teaching for the next two weeks was unable to get to England from Turkey, Italy and Japan. I was allocated another class of delightful Upper Intermediate/FCE level students. A great mix of UAE, Nicaraguan, Swiss, Spanish, Japanese and Korean students.
Coming very soon - an explanation of the above titles!! In the meantime, can you guess what the above could refer to???
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7 comments:
Dear Janet,
what a lovely teaching idea, collecting titles of songs and books and books and films and clubs to tell a story. Are you a biker, like your husband?
Anne
she's a hell's angel anne!
Hi Anne
Thank you so much for popping in. I really appreciate it. I am NOT a Hell's Angel, contrary to popps' mistaken assertion!! :) I don't really have an affinity with motorbikes (I have a fear of them, in a way), but in order to do some fun things together, I have had to conquer my fear of them.
I guess I have grown to respect motorbikes over the 21 years I have known K. I have picked up a lot of the technical jargon and maybe I know a few things about motorbikes simply because of my close contact with a master instructor and passionate motorbike afficianado.
So in answer to your very interesting question, maybe I'm a "closet" biker!! I've never been asked this question before. My instinct would be to say "No,I'm not a biker", but riding approximately 20,000 kilometres on the back of a motorbike during my life, perhaps makes me an experienced pillion passenger of sorts? I don't really know.
Hi Chris
Being an angel of sorts would be nice, so I think I should take your comment as a compliment?
20,000 kilometers!!!!!!
See, Janet, Chris,
now that I can relate to: A closet biker! I used to be a closet sailor until I came out of same. I still prefer sailing with my guy, but one day I'd really like to be able to handle a boat as cooly on my own as when there are others on board. But frankly I've a long way to go!
Now I've got this fun picture in my head of the two of you in fancy Harley helmets. No?
;) Anne
PS, just kidding, I've seen that beautiful Aprilia, wow.
Hi Anne
Sailing across the seas- what a lovely feeling that must be! I am sure you will one day be able to handle a boat on your own, if you really really want to do it. It may take time, but the result will be important. Good luck!!
PS
No fancy helmets - just practical ones!
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