2403.30 END OF THE X78

OK, if you don't live or visit South Yorkshire, if you're a stuck up twat that's too good to catch buses, or you live in the future from me now - you'll probably want clarity as to what the x78 is. Well it's a bus service, and one that I've used a lot. It's also one that's been around for a long time. 

1603.30 BIG BOYS LICENCE

Years ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I used to drive a bus (in fact it was many buses). I passed my PCV licence back in 1995 but since 2006, and a change of career, I haven't had call to use it.

The licence for large vehicles has to be renewed when the holder gets to 45. Since that age is creeping up on me fast I have a decision to make.

Fast forward to today. I knew it was coming, it wasn't unexpected but seeing it is still a bit of a sting. The form from the DVLA was waiting for me when I got back from my Easter trip. As well as the form to fill in I'll need a medical report completing for the renewal.

So here's my dilemma. A medical report will cost me upwards of £50 to obtain. So do I shell out to renew for a licence I haven't used for 10 years as a 'back up'? Or do I let it lapse? After all I don't use it, and am I likely to get use from it in the future (plus the renewal only lasts for 5 years)?

Supplemental 1604.01;

Just before I set off for work I received this email response from the DVLA regarding the question as to whether I could reinstate my driving entitlement once it has lapsed. Here's what they said... 

Dear [CaptainKirt] 
Thank you for your email received on 1/4/16. Your email reference number is ********.
I can confirm you would not be required to re-take your PCV test.
When you are ready to apply for your renewal you will need to complete a D2 and D4 application form in order to do this.
I trust I have answered your enquiry.

So it's good news. I still can keep my entitlement 'on ice' until I potentially need it, then take a medical to reinstate it. 

1502.03 COLD SNAP

So the first month of 2015 is over. It's been cold and we've had a couple of snow days (snow days for me at least don't mean a day off work).

I had hoped to be back on the bike by now, apart from a couple of commute rides this hasn't happened. Firstly the weather has been against me, I'm not in a place where I'm willing to risk the frostly or snowy days. Then there was a technical problem with my steed. The rear mech felt wrong and following a gear change it chucked the chain off. My mech hanger had bent. Following a visit to my local cycle repair shop it appears that the rear mech has been damaged too. It was on my list to replace so not a huge deal. I'm hoping to have it back later this week.

Our eldest continues to live with us with little issue. If she could just get a job...

The snowfalls had little effect except to delay my commute to work. I noted (as usual) that teachers continue to struggle with getting in. Luckily this didn't affect my youngest daughter's school on this occasion.

I'm writing this on the top deck of the bus on my way home. It's pretty full, there are a number of loud phone calls in foreign languages and the faint sound of tinny headphone leakage. An elderly Asian man is sat beside me (who I'm sure is trying to get a sneaky glance at my phone screen). It's quite a claustrophobic atmosphere, this is why I prefer my bike.

1012.07 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

This week I have been late for work everyday because of major fail in public transport.

The heavy covering of snow has been followed up with record low temperatures, some places getting as low as -20 C. All main roads and the majority of side roads have been gritted so buses are running pretty much a full service.

Buses running late or missing are not a way of encouraging the public to adopt mass transit for their commute, what's the point if you can rely on it to get you into work. I'm lucky since my supervisors are understanding about my predicament. I would use the car but it's a real pain to get it off our road since it never get's gritted (I live on a cul-de-sac) and the couple of times I've ventured out with the car I've needed assistance from neighbours.

With the winter weather set to continue for the rest of the year at least I forsee more logistical misery. I for one can't wait for the big thaw so I can get back on my bike*.

*Some may ask why I'm not cycling, after all there are plenty out there who are. Well that's their choice, I've assessed the risk and decided that I don't want to put myself in unnessesary danger, after all it only takes one patch of ice!

0910.19 BACK TO WORK

As I write this first paragraph I'm sat on a bus travelling to work. I'm not quite ready for my cycle just yet, I'm taking it one step at a time. I'm pretty keen to get back to work however I feel a little apprehensive to what awaits me. I've heard some rumours about certain staff being shipped out of the team for a transgression and other tit-bits. I'm not a fan of office politics an fear that there will be something of an atmosphere on my return.

0902.15 VALENTINE

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. We made a deal this year to only buy cards for each other and to have a night in with a chinese and a DVD. It was the perfect evening, add a couple of bottles of Cava and the evening was complete.

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Last week was my first week in exile while my bike is off the road. It's booked in for repair but the first available date isn't until 0902.20 (next Friday) so my exile onto the peasant wagon (the bus) continues for another week.

I'm trying to use this experience as leverage and an argument for owning a second bike. I'm fancying a road bike to do some leisure riding and distance work on. Morticia isn't convinced, I guess I'll have to work harder.