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I have just hit the half century and am as adventurous as ever. Life though, tried to throw a spanner in the works just over 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This condition, as you may know, can only be treated not cured but with modern day medicine treatment can be quite successful. In my case however, being me, all the range of drugs prescribed have not helped my condition greatly. This form of arthritis can affect every joint in the body and can be extremely debilitating but I refuse to get down and treat the condition as more of an inconvenience than an illness.
I have had a full bike licence for 14 years and have ridden my husband Sam’s bikes on occasions but being only 5 foot and a bit tall the GSXR 750 (too tall) and the V Max (too big) have not been my thing. After sustained coaxing I got my own bike 4 years ago, a VZ 800 Suzuki Marauder.
The bike is just me with custom styling, low seat and noisy pipes.
Sam says I look like a monkey on a camel.
Over the last couple of years the arthritis has affected my hands and feet badly with using a manual clutch and gear change difficult at times and not possible on other occasions. As Sam was concerned for my safety we discussed the idea of a quickshifter or similar device but anything that we could see was very expensive. Then lo and behold when at last years TT we came upon the NABD stand at the Ramsey Sprint and got talking to some of the staff who were very helpful and they recommended a Kliktronic gear changer and an Easyclutch unit.
Shortly afterwards we joined NABD and Billy Leath gave us good advice on the Kliktronic and Easyclutch which we duly ordered. After a bit of searching we got a local chap to fit the units and were more than happy with the job.
I can now sail around on the Marauder thumbing the green and red buttons and enjoying the scenery. The Easyclutch also makes riding a pleasure again. With a bit more practice I will be ready to have a go at the mountain course next year.
Without the help of the NABD team I think that I would have had to give up biking and will always be very grateful for the help and assistance that you have given. Now all I need is some decent weather.
Many thanks again NABD
Melanie Moore (N Ireland)
This NABD grant of £295.00 was sponsored by a donation from Fowlers of Bristol
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