It has been another stressful few days with our vehicle problems persisting, we finally had Celtic Prides’ electronic problems sorted and were happy to present it for its annual test with no warning lights on and great brakes (mostly replaced) on Wednesday true to form for this season it failed with a fault on a component that we cannot test manually and can only be tested on “shaker plates” at a test station. There has been no sign or wear in the component visually or driving the vehicle but to save a long technical description we are without a bus again as parts will have to be shipped from UK and the job will take a few days so any potential buyers of Celtic Explorer will have to wait for a few weeks as I don’t see us having Pride back this season!
These new test standards are being imposed by the Road Safety Authority and it would be fair to say that we now have the most demanding test inEurope after having probably the most relaxed 5 years ago! The thing is we still have the same or worse road surfaces and components that would have 3 year life in UK or much of Europelast less than 12 months here! I fully endorse the RSA and their aims but feel that the standards they expect are ONLY ACHIEVABLE WITH A DECENT ROAD SURFACE! This situation on top of fuel costs is really making us question how long it is economical to operate in Ireland for a small business like ours.
As if this were not bad enough the RSA seem to operate by instilling a sense of fear into every test station by holding them entirely to book if there is an accident caused by a vehicle failure so I fully understand where the testers are coming from and don’t blame them for being overly zealous in highlighting faults on vehicles but surely there has to be some compromise somewhere!
As usual I’am writing this at Caherconnell and have just done our first day of a diversion due to roadworks in Corofin and I got to thinking of the life of suspension components as I traveled over a section of road that was so bad that I could barely hold the steering at 15 mph – is zero tolerance of wear acceptable in operating conditions like this? If any of you in the trade think not – don’t just sit there - complain to someone as you can be sure this situation can only get worse!
Books – I have gone away from Welsh for the moment and may save the latest for holidays, I bought a great read the other “In Full Flight” by Alan Ruddock which tells the story of Michael O’Leary of Ryanair fame – it really is a riveting read – highly recommended if, like me you are interested in the Ryanair phenomenon.
Music – Went to a gig on Thursday at Smyths in Limerickby J90 – a Cork based 5 piece and whilst it was not my usual fare I have to admit to thoroughly enjoying it. They produce what I could only describe as a massive sound which incorporates many influences from Rap, Hip hop, dub and you name it! They seem to have a good following and I can well see why – they are a huge talent and I think we will hear more of them, they have a website www.j-90.ie so check it out, I’am going to download a couple of tracks and will let you know next week!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Richards Blog – 16.09.08 – We have had visitors !
My blog is a little late this week as we have had guests and so I have not had much time to spare. My mother and father have been over from UK for a few days and it has been great to have a bit of company as well as a little help with the day to day running of the company. My father in particular is a great bus washer and he has had plenty of practice as true to form this year the weather was not too great during their stay but they did see the Cliffs in decent weather on Saturday.
It was really tough saying goodbye this morning but not so bad as we will see them soon one our tours start to slow down and we have our first break planned to Birmingham in November to visit a trade show and relax a little. We have added some tours for October but we will be cutting back a little with the last Galwayand Waterford tours running next week, we will still have a fairly full programme though for October.
We will hopefully be back to 3 coaches next week as Celtic Pride is nearly finished and should be back on the road soon after prolonged electronic problems. This means that Celtic Explorer is for sale , we have already had a few enquiries and I’am sure we will find a new owner soon. It really will seem strange as that coach has been my “office” for 6 seasons now and parting will be tough as it is still such a good reliable workhorse.
No books or music this week – too busy entertaining but might go out to a gig on Thursday – Watch this space!
It was really tough saying goodbye this morning but not so bad as we will see them soon one our tours start to slow down and we have our first break planned to Birmingham in November to visit a trade show and relax a little. We have added some tours for October but we will be cutting back a little with the last Galwayand Waterford tours running next week, we will still have a fairly full programme though for October.
We will hopefully be back to 3 coaches next week as Celtic Pride is nearly finished and should be back on the road soon after prolonged electronic problems. This means that Celtic Explorer is for sale , we have already had a few enquiries and I’am sure we will find a new owner soon. It really will seem strange as that coach has been my “office” for 6 seasons now and parting will be tough as it is still such a good reliable workhorse.
No books or music this week – too busy entertaining but might go out to a gig on Thursday – Watch this space!
Richards Blog – 06.09.08 – The Secret revealed !
I wonder if any of you have guessed the reason for our secret visits to UKlately, anyone that knows us probably will – we have bought another coach! Our latest purchase is a 35 seater with a very nice specification that includes full air conditioning meaning we will now have air con on our 3 front line vehicles. The vehicle is currently lying at our favourite coach repairers being given the “Barratt touch” which will include a repaint, panelwork and a full re trim which really will make it as good as new. These really are exciting times and we look forward to taking delivery probably in November.
One part of this story which is causing me sleepless nights is that we are selling Celtic Explorer aka “Perry” which has been a fantastic servant for 6 seasons now and has really become “my bus” I know it seems mad but I have become so attached to it and it really will break my heart to part with such a reliable vehicle. Lately Perry has been clocking up a lot of miles as “Celtic Pride” is still awaiting parts from the UK. So if you want a superb 2 owner low mileage vehicle and think you can offer a good kind home – get in touch. We have been given some thought about a name for our new coach and have decided to have an online competition – so watch this space!
Music – got out to a gig on Thursday at Smyths and enjoyed a great change of scene with a Limerick band called “Free beer (www.freebeer.ie) and had the sort of mad night that thankfully still happens every so often inIreland! They played a mix of trad and modern Irish Music which really entertained us especially some great “Saw Doctors” covers which made us both reminiscent of when we used to go to Saw Doctors gigs in England – oh happy days!
Book – “This is not a drill” by Paul Carter is nearly finished and I’am just starting my latest Irvine Welsh – “Porno” the follow up to trainspotting – not a read for the faint hearted but the start is filthy and captivating – great stuff!!
One part of this story which is causing me sleepless nights is that we are selling Celtic Explorer aka “Perry” which has been a fantastic servant for 6 seasons now and has really become “my bus” I know it seems mad but I have become so attached to it and it really will break my heart to part with such a reliable vehicle. Lately Perry has been clocking up a lot of miles as “Celtic Pride” is still awaiting parts from the UK. So if you want a superb 2 owner low mileage vehicle and think you can offer a good kind home – get in touch. We have been given some thought about a name for our new coach and have decided to have an online competition – so watch this space!
Music – got out to a gig on Thursday at Smyths and enjoyed a great change of scene with a Limerick band called “Free beer (www.freebeer.ie) and had the sort of mad night that thankfully still happens every so often inIreland! They played a mix of trad and modern Irish Music which really entertained us especially some great “Saw Doctors” covers which made us both reminiscent of when we used to go to Saw Doctors gigs in England – oh happy days!
Book – “This is not a drill” by Paul Carter is nearly finished and I’am just starting my latest Irvine Welsh – “Porno” the follow up to trainspotting – not a read for the faint hearted but the start is filthy and captivating – great stuff!!
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