Ignore the blog time/date stamp: this a retrospective update to get things rolling: the timings and workload weren't conducive to the real-time update that will follow from this point forwards.

Wednesday 31st March 2010: 10.00am

A hasty journey to Chester Harley-Davidson to pick up the long term Fat Bob is called for, because when ringing to make sure it'll definitely be there for the Thursday, I discover it was there already, and so was Jenna from Harley's PR company, RBP: the handover was actually scheduled for Wednesday.

Great news on two counts - already had a massive day schedule for Thursday, and it meant I had the cover shot I needed for this issue - but not for the fact it was raining, and had been for days. So much for trying to get the shot outside in front of the bar and shield logo: rain doesn't belong on the cover of a motorcycle magazine. Yes, I know it's a reality of riding in the UK, but let's just call it 'willing suspension of disbelief'.

I shoot it in the open doorway of Chester's workshop and wonder how the hell I'll manage to stop the headlamp from burning out, quote apart from making a cover out of it and our other long-termer, then bid Jenna farewell and don the FXRG suit. I had the presence of mind to bring my flip-front Vemar helmet, and am just grateful for the first 380 miles have been covered already, scrubbing in the tyres on dry roads, and strike out for the office and a crippling workload. That will now include washing the Fat Bob before anything has a chance to bite into the ally wheels: must have a chat with Chris about recommendations for their protection: S100 gets a lot of good press, but I'll take advice.

Another positive: got the next Street Bob of the Issue ... which only serves to underline that we haven't got one this time. They're like buses. I've got another two now!