3...as long as I keep it on the boil, and has become my go to respite ride. It's not fast by any means, vibrates fillings loose, shits me to tears at times, but damn, it helps keep that black dog away, and that's what counts. 😁😎<end>
#ducatisingle
#ducati250
#ducativintage
#blackdog
#respite
#mentalhealth

2... lots of "wrong" bolts - the sort of thing I'd do, not a professional. Lots of niggles to fix, nothing major. Oil leaks in a motor that's usually tight, clutch nearly worn out. All things I'd expect in an unrestored 50yo bike. Not what I'd have expected from a bike supposedly unridden since a reputable restorer worked his magic. Sigh, I'm getting there slowly 😁

Despite my moans, it's now a pleasant old bike to ride on a country road.../3
#ducatisingle

1The joys of vintage bikes. I bought a vintage bike last year, a neat little Ducati 250 Desmo. 1973. I lusted after these and other Ducatis as a young fella. It was supposedly restored years ago and parked, and looked the goods.

🤔 I'm not convinced. I think it was restored and fiddled with... The carb had a big lump of resin holding a piece in. Not old fuel, Araldite or something. It was hopelessly rich. Front sprocket nut was finger tight (it did have a proper lockwasher).../2
#ducatisingle

As well as parrots, flowers, and other pretty stuff, I've always enjoyed motorbikes, & have had one since I was 14 or so - it's a long time ago. 🤷‍♂️

Anyway, the Australian NDIS provides funding for my wife to participate in fun things she couldn't otherwise do, and respite from my carer duties. Two days a week, 6hrs straight. "I'm free" sounds wrong, but it's fair.

In hood weather, I like to ride old bikes, today, a vintage 1973 Ducati 250 Desmo. It can be a challenge. My last two rides ended in bike rescues. It's 50 and vibrates fillings loose, of course bits break or wear out. 🤷‍♂️

Once out of the mountains I had the roads to myself, 175km of highways, byways, & bits needing lots of work. Great fun, & only a few things went wrong - two fixed roadside & one at home 😂 Perhaps I need to carry tools.

A good day respiting does a lot for my mental state. Knowing more days are coming helps immensely.

#ducati250
#ducatisingle
#motorcycle
#mentalhealth
#respite
#NDIS
#fuckalzheimers