Tabitha The Trident

After a forty year absence from outfits, and with the imminent arrival of Harry (Rika’s father), we decided an outfit would allow us to still attend events on bikes, but with a plus one! The hunt was on, most outfits coming up for sale seemed to be in Scotland! I had one requirement, it had to be a Triumph (or maybe another Ural). Having been let down after several months on the one I’d set my heart on, Tabitha came up for sale locally, from a lovely chap in Norfolk. He’d bought the outfit from a 94yr old to take his dog out in, unfortunately his dog passed away, and then due to ill health he couldn’t get his leg over (the bike). The good news, we were met by Toby, a friendly little Terrier pup who was keeping Peter on his toes. Tobie got lucky too as I’d a bag of dog treats in my pocket. Tabitha is a 98 Trident Sprint, with a Watsonian Manx GP chair colour matched in ‘British racing green’ to the bike. The chairs fitted with a hydraulic disc brake operated via an extra pedal mounted next to the bike one, depending on foot placement either, just the chair or both bike rear and chair brakes can be operated at the same time, she wears a Wasp leading link fork set up front. The wheels are aluminium split rims, 15”, wearing car tyres. With the engine running the dreaded T300 death rattle was heard, however being 99% sure what was causing it, I wasn’t concerned and a deal was done. A 25lt container of water was added to the chair for ballast along with 5lt of gold dust (same price as petrol). With Rika following in the car to protect my back (and pick up any pieces), we set off. Now, if I said the journey back to Felixstowe was a 100% pleasant one, I’d be lying! Tabitha scared the crap out of me a couple of times, I did say its forty years since I last drove an outfit, (and yes you do drive them), I wanted to go round a corner and she wanted to go straight!! With a stop for food and a regroup, we eventually got home in one piece, with me only clipping one curb, whose idea was it to put all those bloody roundabouts in Yarmouth and Lowestoft? The alternator was removed and the cush drive housing fell off the driveshaft, sheared bolt and suspicions confirmed. A phone call to a fellow Trident owner resulted in a secondhand shaft being posted out next day FOC, thanks Dave. In the meantime, the clutch was removed for access, all parts cleaned and a new clutch cover gasket made. The old alternator shaft was pushed out with the new, being careful not to drop the spacer into the gearbox (would have meant and engine out and split). The clutch was reassembled twice, the clutch basket being tight the first time for no apparent reason (might be how it got its name). All the other bits n bobs refitted, engine started and.......... no rattle, yay. The first long(er) run was to the branch meeting in Stowmarket. Harry at 83, was game enough to be the first passenger/victim in the chair. The journey was much better than the first, with a stop off at Needham Lakes enroute to show Harry and take photos. After a brilliant meeting it was home time, this was not so enjoyable, not Tabitha’s fault, it was my first time night driving with my new glasses. The homeward highlight was the huge ‘Strawberry moon’ seen from the Orwell bridge. I have a feeling Tabitha and I will have some adventures in the future, along with that added bonus, I can’t drop her!