After a bit of a gap I went on another observed ride in preparation for the IAM motorcycle test and on a rare sunny day. The starting point was the ever popular McDonald’s Sawston (I can’t understand why anyone would drive out there for a hamburger). About 50 miles of riding included dropping off at Hideout Leather, a successful company founded in the 1970s that specialises in made to measure leather jackets and suits for bikers ( I read a long article about Kate Jennings, the woman that founded the company but can’t find it). The showroom is at Ashdon, Essex, not far from Safron Waldon in the middle of nowhere (CB10 2LZ). As well as stocking a range of other high quality biking stuff, like Daytona boots, their own brand is impressive, just at a quick inspection its clearly really hard wearing leather and nicely put together. A nice retro number ( a little like this http://www.hideout-leather.co.uk/hideout-mens-leather-brando-jacket but with a belt) starts at £700, so not cheap but it would last a lifetime. Its tempting.