Thanks everyone!
I celebrated by going on my first 'proper' ride-out with by brother (also new to biking). We were going to go on the Wooten Basset ride, but missed the registration, so decided that as we both had wife weekend passes, these should not be misused!
We went on a round-about-way to our Mum's, then on to the Ace Cafe, and was pleasantly surprised at how friendly everyone was there as it looks a bit intimidating when you first turn up. I liked the way you could roll up on just about anything, and nobody turned their noses up. Saw not one, but two grey Stroms leaving just before we arrived (about 10.15ish), one or possibly both were two-up. Anyone from here?
Then a country-road leisurely ride out to Tring in Herts. Pub lunch (that was a mistake - now I can't be bothered to do anything), followed by a quick ride up to Ivinghoe Beacon, then a blast home to Hatfield.
Somehow we managed to clock up 98 miles, and permanent grins.
The down-side is that now I've got just that little bit older, instead of thinking 'Wow! Great! great!', all I really want is a cup of tea and a bath!
Cheers,
Steve (and his brother Russ, just for today).