Spare Parts.

The "Spare Parts" reference is to the George Formby song, "Riding in the T.T. Races", from the film "No Limit," a spoof on the 1935 T.T. Races. The song contains the line, "All my spare parts hanging out."

I grew up seeing George as a portly middle-aged/old man on the television and in panto and was under the impression that he actually raced motorbikes on the Isle of Man, this is probably a false memory as I can find no reference to it. However, he was a motor bike enthusiast and 5 years ago one of his many bikes, a 1947 Norton 500, sold at auction for £30,000 with full history, maintenance record and photographs of George riding it.

There was a story that he could only play his banjolele in one key, hence the numerous instruments he toured with; this was a story he modestly started himself during an interview, probably partly in jest; on films he is obviously (to a musician) playing difficult key combinations while his innovative strumming rhythms also demonstrate that he was an accomplished musician.

Purely by chance the other day, I was talking to a friend who had never heard of him. Meanwhile a cycling pal's parents are very modern and use a "George Formby Grill."

The particular spare parts in the blip are to fix the trike; a couple of weeks ago one of the freewheels failed and on investigation found that, not only had the spring broken but the bearings had seized; the main axle bearings are also a bit stiff so while I'm at it I'm replacing the lot.

p.s. Lady Findhorn commented yesterday that I seem to be a walking encyclopaedia, I'm not really that clever. An idea occurs to me, in this case the line of a song, and I Google it to see where it leads me - half remembered facts emerge together with other snippets.
It amuses me and I hope it does you.