My Blog
Change of plan!
Tuesday 29th Apr 2025I'm still waiting for parts to repair the VeloSolex, so I've decided to use the Triumph instead. I was looking forward to using the VeloSolex, but time is pressing on, I haven't got it fixed yet, so better to use the Triumph. This means I'll be able to do the whole Ride rather than just the second half as I'd planned. Also means I can keep up with the others, something I wouldn't have been able to do with the VeloSolex.
Also, I haven't heard yet when I'm going into hospital for surgery, so I'm going to assume that I won't be before the Ride and am now asking for donations. If I do get called into hosital (last time I had surgery it was at two day's notice), I'll not be able to return any donations received and they will go to the DGR.

Getting the bike ready.
Monday 21st Apr 2025Had a look at the VeloSolex today as it wouldn't start last time I tried (Visualise me running up and down the street trying to bump start it). Fuel wasn't getting to the carb and after a bit of investigation found the fuel pump wasn't working. Have ordered a new diaphragm for it (£3.50!), hopefully that'll fix the problem. Just look how small the engine is when the fuel tank is removed. Also found a few stripped threads, so that's another job to do.
Hopefully, I'll have it running in time for the DGR, and I'm not called into hospital for surgery before then!

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Monday 24th Mar 2025On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm intending on riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. This year I'm intending on riding at least part of the route on my VeloSolex S3800. As this has a top speed of 22 mph/35 km/h, I'll be struggling to keep up with the others, so it will be 'interesting' to say the least! I may be undergoing some surgery before then which might make it impossible for me to take part, but if I can do it, I will. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'll let you know if I'll be able to take part, and ask for donations to this very worthwhile cause.

My Sponsors
Christine Wade
$55 USD
ANTHONY HOULIHAN
I was hoping you'd do it on the Velosolex!
$42 USD
Tommy Irvine
Happy riding Norman!
$41 USD
Norman Wade
$39 USD
Stuart Wade
$35 USD
Fiona Wade
$35 USD
Nicola Meikle
Good Luck Norrie. Hope it’s a dry day for you. Nicola xx
$34 USD
Pauline Harris
Good luck and enjoy the day Norman.
$34 USD
Louise McKenna
Good luck Norman and have fun 😉👍🏼
$33 USD
Kirstin And Karen
Great cause, Norman. Hopefully you get to enjoy the day.
$27 USD
Laura Stables
$14 USD
Julian Howe
Enjoy
$14 USD
Robert Kennedy
Good luck, hope all goes well.
$13 USD
Graeme Brown
Well done Norman, perhaps you'll use the wee Raleigh next year