Be Prepared!

Chief mechanic and engineer Blue Bear here - you don't often hear from me as I do tend to be rather busy, especially at this time of year. When icy and snowy weather arrives, while Chelmer is busy worrying about the birds and local wildlife, my focus is on keeping the fleet of bearmobiles in tip top condition and prepared for hazardous driving conditions.

One important investment the Board of B.U. authorised me to make just over a year ago, was the purchase of a set of winter tyres for one of the bearmobiles. I felt this was a good move to make as we live in rather a rural area, with little public transport, and we do need to keep mobile even when snow and ice appear.

The first year we had the winter tyres, we only had one set of wheels, so had to pay a friend to take off one set of tyres and put on the other. I'd been looking out for a new set of wheels on E-bay and managed to get a set before the time came to take off the summer tyres.

This made it nice and easy to put on the winter tyres when the time came. It was just a case of changing a wheel, but it took me a while as I had to do it four times.

I then had to find somewhere to store the summer wheels and tyres. It's a good job I'm a big strong bear as I had to lug them up to the garage roof to store them on the beams.

I had as good a workout that day, as any of my friends who pump iron at the gym.

Last week I also made sure all bearmobiles carried shovels, rescue mats (to provide tyre grip), ice scrapers hi-vis jackets, torches, boots, warm clothes, water and Mars bars.

Despite all the snow last week, we managed to keep motoring and stayed safe, so I was quietly pleased with my preparations.

Don't forget to equip your car properly too before you venture out.

Lots of love Blue Bear xxx