Being out in the motorcycle shed has a uniquely relaxing and calming quality that is hard to replicate anywhere else. It is a space removed from the noise and demands of daily life, where time seems to slow and the mind is free to wander at its own pace. The shed is not just a place for tools and machines; it is a personal sanctuary, shaped by familiarity, routine, and quiet purpose.

The moment the door closes behind you, the outside world softens. The air carries the mixed scents of oil, rubber, fuel, and aged metal—smells that are grounding rather than intrusive. They speak of work done by hand and problems solved patiently. The cluttered benches, hanging spanners, and coffee mugs stained by years of use all contribute to a comforting sense of order within apparent chaos. Nothing needs to be perfect; everything simply needs to be ready when it’s needed.

Working on a motorcycle in the shed encourages a kind of mindful focus. Tasks are simple and deliberate: cleaning a chain, adjusting a cable, polishing chrome, or just sitting and looking at a bike mid-project. These small actions demand attention but not urgency, allowing worries to fade into the background. The rhythm of turning a spanner or wiping down a tank becomes almost meditative, grounding the body and calming the mind.

Even when no work is being done, the shed offers peace. Sitting on an old stool with a cup of tea, listening to rain on the roof or the distant sounds of the neighborhood, there is a sense of quiet belonging. The bikes themselves seem to hold stories—of past rides, long roads, breakdowns, and triumphs. Simply being near them evokes memories and daydreams of future journeys, offering comfort without requiring motion.

The motorcycle shed is also a place free from expectation. There is no pressure to produce, perform, or impress. Progress happens when it happens. A job left unfinished today will still be waiting tomorrow, without judgment. In a world that often feels rushed and crowded, the shed provides space to breathe, think, and reconnect with oneself.

Ultimately, the calming nature of the motorcycle shed lies in its honesty. It is a place of gre

ase-stained hands and quiet satisfaction, where simplicity rules and peace comes naturally. For many, it is not just a workspace, but a refuge.

We do get the old bikes out occasionally, had a lovely ride with a smile a mile wide. Very pleasant. 

Lots of reports about Harley Davidson falling over.

Lads having some fun

One of my bikes in the later days of racing. We cleaned up that year.

I remember this guy very well. What a legend. Standing in the bar at Pukekohe after a BEARS meeting. He pulled $8 bucks in coin out of his pocket. He was telling me that he had to get home to Nelson that night and this was all the change he had. He asked the bar lady how much was a bourbon and coke. She replied "$7.00". You could see his brain working and he duly bought the drink. I always wondered how you would over 600K's and a ferry with no money. As I said Legend.

Double A was always good at doing a wheel stand

He still does them.

 

This man in my opinion was/is the best 500cc champion ever. Eddie Lawson, just got on with the job and kicked everyone's arses.

And thats about all for the first installment of the year. Hope you enkoye it, share the shit out of it and see you out there.