Basement Jaxx

Popped in to Camden after work to see Basement Jaxx at the Roundhouse. Great venue and it was absolutely buzzing once the show got going. The set was a real mixed bag: loved the African and carnival-inspired rythms and the big hit songs but could have done without some of the extended trancey Propellerheads / Prodigy / techno-rave stylie stuff which just disrupted the flow of the whole thing. Big big sound though and the classic tunes really made it.

Kind of Blue

One of my very favourite events of Spring is the magical but brief appearance of dramatic clusters of Bluebells right across southern England. Preferring shade, they flood wooded areas in an instant – like the annual gathering of some Secret Society of Blue.
And each year I take pictures. Because I can’t quite believe my eyes: their vibrant colour combining with the bright lime of new beech leaves in an almost surreal display. And because perhaps they might not return?

ECU Tuning Software

I recently received the latest TuneBoy Engine Management software, which can be used to diagnose ECU problems and make changes to Fuel / Air and Ignition settings by writing directly to the Tornado’s SAGEM ECU.

This evening I checked the Ignition Map currently loaded on the bike (6033 standard) and then uploaded a modified map which has been tuned for improved performance and fuel economy. The screenshots below show 3D views of the different maps.

Will have to wait until the weekend to try out the new map and see if it is a genuine improvement – I have to say I’ve been impressed with the Benelli’s smooth power delivery from day one so it is hard to imagine much of an improvement. Better fuel economy would be very welcome though!

Standard 6033 map:

Modified 6033 map:

Spring Cycle

Smeeta & I went for a long cycle on Sunday – 27.5 miles in total! Out through Stony Stratford, Deanshanger, Wicken, Leckhampstead; North to Lillingstone Lovell and Paulerspury. Across the A5 to Alderton, then back through Grafton Regis, Hanslope and Haversham to Wolverton. Good weather and lovely spring countryside. The last 5 miles was tough though!!

Cricket & Cocktails

Went to Lords Saturday afternoon to catch the last session of Middx v Glamorgan. Sat in the sunshine on the balcony outside the Spreadex box. Match was drawn after 4 days but we did get to see new Aussie batting sensation Phil Hughes crash a few boundaries into the boards. Nearly 200 runs in the game for him and he certainly looked the part.
It was a beautiful sunny but blustery spring day and after strolling through Regents Park, down the ever-so-chic Marylebone High Street we popped in to The Pontefract Castle on Wigmore Street for a drink. Approximately 20 years ago Adrian & I had a Party there as students, when it was known for it’s excellent Guinness. Now they have a good range of Ales too.
We then stopped at Carluccio’s in St Christophers Place for some excellent pasta and finally on to Bar Zero off Regent St to meet up with Manish and sample their great cocktails (Sagini, Mexican75, SilverLining). Another late train home 🙂

Electric car on charge…

Desert time

Bought some cheap raspberries from t’Co-op the other day and blended some with creme fraiche, banana, castor sugar and Dragan’s favourite Hazelnut syrup to make a very tastey (and very pink) sauce. Yesterday we poured it over almond croissants, and today a slice of chocolate sponge cake. Yum 😛

Bike Bling :-)

Stuck at home today thanks to a big accident on the M1. Managed to resist going out on the bike – just – but had enough time this evening to fit some nice new and shiny brake fluid reservoirs. The standard plastic ones are a bit naff and the front one was quite corroded – that’s my excuse anyway!

Crappy plastic pots… corroded lid!

That’s more in keeping…

New home

We will be moving to Campbell Cottage in Bovingdon, Herts, on the 9th May. It’s similar in size and shape to Anson Road, but has a lovely long garden, perfectly looked after by a Gardener. Includes a small pond currently full of frog-spawn. And it has a fully equipped garage ideal for one (or two?) motorbikes…

Carbon fibre tank pad

I bought a carbon fibre tank protector through one of the guys on benelliforum.com and fitted it this weekend. The quality is excellent – has a nice glossy finish, and fits perfectly.

Priten’s send-off

We spent the Easter Friday bank holiday in a pub on Tottenham Court Rd hanging out with Priten, Bhavisha, Alpesh and the gang. Priten flies back to Australia next week. Loads of people came along and we ended up drinking cocktails at BelowZero where Manish DJs on a Saturday. Missed our last train home so stayed over with B and Alps in Croydon. Had brunch in Croydon Saturday and eventually got home about 3pm!