My first stuff up

[MystikEagle]

Hey guys. So, did the Pro Rider course in Taupo today. I absolutely loved it! My cornering has improved a crazy amount! Had an awesome day, great ride home (thanks to those of you who rode home with me! Especially Gene), until I got to my gravel driveway.

Having spent the day going fast and lent over through corners and also because I was so tired and not concentrating properly, I turned into my drive too fast and lent over too far. End result being that the back wheel disappeared from under me and myself and the bike ended up in the gravel. Not a good look :weep:

So, I am ok, just a little sore from trying to stand the bloody thing back up again. Bike is not so good. Got some pretty serious gouges in what I would call the engine cover. Nothing broken though which is always good. Does anyone know if it would be fixable and if my insurance would cover an accident like that? I'm in no rush to get it fixed, just would be nice to know :)

Anyway, I look forward to getting out there with a few more of you now I'm not so worried about holding anyone up by being slow!

[jellywrestler]

a picture tells a thousand words....

[Usarka]

Tiredness. Just as bad as pints.

Better falling on the driveway than in front of a truck!

[FJRider]

Having spent the day going fast and lent over through corners and also because I was so tired and not concentrating properly, I turned into my drive too fast and lent over too far. End result being that the back wheel disappeared from under me and myself and the bike ended up in the gravel. Not a good look :weep:

So, I am ok, just a little sore from trying to stand the bloody thing back up again. Bike is not so good. Got some pretty serious gouges in what I would call the engine cover. Nothing broken though which is always good. Does anyone know if it would be fixable and if my insurance would cover an accident like that? I'm in no rush to get it fixed, just would be nice to know :)

Anyway, I look forward to getting out there with a few more of you now I'm not so worried about holding anyone up by being slow!

Glad you're ok to post about it. Shit does happen.

For a start ... never worry about holding people up on a ride. They were newbies once too. Any that get upset/comment ... stuff them. Ride as you see suitable for your piece of mind. Your bike should keep up at 100 km/hr. (most places)

As far as the gouges go ... if nothing is leaking ... there is no urgency. Check out prices of replacement parts (new vs secondhand) ... then compare them with your insurance excess ...
You decide if it's worth the trouble.

I personally would wait untill I was ready to sell it before I put shiny bits on. The learning process is a school of hard knocks ... and hard knocks are common. Your decision though ... and I know you want to keep your bike as pristine as you can. And scars are cool ... right ... ??????

[carburator]

post a pic to two, the gs500e and the gsx250 ( invader share the same parts )
as for insurance, id the excess is more than a replacement cover / parts ..

with the bikes and certainly the race car's i always work on the ten minute rule
from home, and go into putt putt mode

[Geeen]

Oh bugger. You sure you ok? You might find extra aches when you get up tomorrow. As has been said just check nothing is leaking and check the price difference between your excess and second hand parts.

Not sent from an iDevice

[arcane12]

Doh! I am glad to hear you came out of it not to worse for the wear.

With the insurance it would be best to see if it's worth it. I would be assuming your excess is quite high, not being on a full license? Plus, not to be too mecenary about it, but how much will the repair cost you, versus how much value will you lose? If you spend $500 to fix it, and you only would have lost 100-200 on the eventual sale...

Man, now I'm getting nervous... I have yet to have a spill or drop (knock on wood)...

[MystikEagle]

with the bikes and certainly the race car's i always work on the ten minute rule
from home, and go into putt putt mode

Thanks for that. I was hoping I might get a little advice from some more experienced riders. I think I might put that rule into practice from now on

[Tigadee]

So, I am ok, just a little sore from trying to stand the bloody thing back up again. Bike is not so good. Got some pretty serious gouges in what I would call the engine cover. Nothing broken though which is always good. Does anyone know if it would be fixable and if my insurance would cover an accident like that? I'm in no rush to get it fixed, just would be nice to know

If you can still ride it, just get it checked by a mechanic. Scratches on the engine cover is not serious unless it's been cracked or broken off/leaking. Just looks ugly - live with it.

Don't get insurance involved, it's not worth it unless the bike is seriously damaged (un-rideable). The excess is a hefty sum and your premium goes up, at least for a year if not longer.

[MystikEagle]

Oh bugger. You sure you ok? You might find extra aches when you get up tomorrow. As has been said just check nothing is leaking and check the price difference between your excess and second hand parts.

Not sent from an iDevice

Yeah, thanks. All good. Just a few sore muscles either from a full on day or fighting to get the bloody thing picked up again. Was hard work milking this morning!

Nothing is leaking, purely cosmetic damage luckily. Will probably get them to check it over for me when it's in for a service next week though. It ran real rough for a few minutes once it was up and also leaked a little fuel(?) when it went down

[MystikEagle]

If you can still ride it, just get it checked by a mechanic. Scratches on the engine cover is not serious unless it's been cracked or broken off/leaking. Just looks ugly - live with it.

Don't get insurance involved, it's not worth it unless the bike is seriously damaged (un-rideable). The excess is a hefty sum and your premium goes up, at least for a year if not longer.

That was what I was thinking. Might just see if I can sand it down a little, bog it and re paint. Won't be perfect but will look nicer

[Paul in NZ]

Its no biggie... Chances are it will happen again so just live with it for now. If you get a new one leave it until you are ready to sell the bike.

Look - we ALL topple off at a standstill (or close to it) at some point or other. Even if its just putting your foot onto the ground and the ground is suddenly not there... Its more embarrassing than anything but you got back up and picked the bike up - good skills

[HenryDorsetCase]

Its no biggie... Chances are it will happen again so just live with it for now. If you get a new one leave it until you are ready to sell the bike.

Look - we ALL topple off at a standstill (or close to it) at some point or other. Even if its just putting your foot onto the ground and the ground is suddenly not there... Its more embarrassing than anything but you got back up and picked the bike up - good skills

Thats good advice. When I decked my Hornet I did just that and the buyer was happy: got a new cover in a box. Bet its not been installed yet!

The stupidest thing I have done lately was ride off with a disc lock engaged. thankfully no more damage than to my pride. and a speedo cable.

If you really want to ghetto fix that, a bit of sandpaper and a black Sharpie, bada boom bada bing.

[duckonin]

Hey guys. So, did the Pro Rider course in Taupo today. I absolutely loved it! My cornering has improved a crazy amount! Had an awesome day, great ride home (thanks to those of you who rode home with me! Especially Gene), until I got to my gravel driveway.

Having spent the day going fast and lent over through corners and also because I was so tired and not concentrating properly, I turned into my drive too fast and lent over too far. End result being that the back wheel disappeared from under me !

'Pro rider course',:Oi: Go back and find one that would match your ability.

[GrayWolf]

Hey guys. So, did the Pro Rider course in Taupo today. I absolutely loved it! My cornering has improved a crazy amount! Had an awesome day, great ride home (thanks to those of you who rode home with me! Especially Gene), until I got to my gravel driveway. Pro Rider? Ok it's helped you to corner faster. Has it solidified the BASICS? That's the question I'd be asking. It's so easy to shhot people down in flames and going on ANY course is not to be discounted. Really though, you need to go to ones that match your ability and skill

Having spent the day going fast and lent over through corners and also because I was so tired and not concentrating properly, This is a good demonstration (NOT GOOD IN THE DROPPING RESPECT) of my comment a while ago re leaving the EPIC bends ride alone, a day of concentrating and thinking of what you are doing left you tired.
Taupo race track, does not require the added concentration, of assessing blind corners, pot holes, gravel, mud banks etc that obscure line of sight... I am glad you are alright, and it's cosmetic damage on the bike. Learn the lesson, you overdid it as far as your 'mental abilities' are concerned. = fatigue

So, I am ok, just a little sore from trying to stand the bloody thing back up again. Bike is not so good. Got some pretty serious gouges in what I would call the engine cover. Nothing broken though which is always good. Does anyone know if it would be fixable and if my insurance would cover an accident like that? I'm in no rush to get it fixed, just would be nice to know :)

Anyway, I look forward to getting out there with a few more of you now I'm not so worried about holding anyone up by being slow! <<<< This worries me..You are allowing the speed others travel at to dictate how you are riding. DON'T DO IT. Ride at YOUR speed, You've just experienced what over reaching yourself can do, don't repeat the lesson at 100kph, huh?

[Tigadee]

It ran real rough for a few minutes once it was up and also leaked a little fuel(?) when it went down

That's normal and to be expected... Looks like it's fine and nothing major to worry about.

[BigAl]

That was what I was thinking. Might just see if I can sand it down a little, bog it and re paint. Won't be perfect but will look nicer

Yep that's what I'd do ME, file and touch up with black enamel and wouldn't worry about getting the bike checked out as long as it is now running ok.

You'd be understandably tired after riding 320ks and doing a course over a day so wouldn't lose any sleep over a very minor incident.

[neels]

If that's the extent of the damage just get it a once over when it's serviced as you said above.

A quick sand and a spraycan will sort that out and it's not at all unusual to see that sort of damage, every second bike for sale on trademe has the same scrapes (and always done by the previous owner, not the current one :laugh:)

[rideon]

<<<< This worries me..You are allowing the speed others travel at to dictate how you are riding. DON'T DO IT. Ride at YOUR speed, You've just experienced what over reaching yourself can do, don't repeat the lesson at 100kph, huh?

Very good advice mate, how many times do we see ambition outweigh ability in a group situation??? I would say find riders or people of similar ability or a group that support & encourage all levels of skill & get some good steady k's under your belt. ALWAYS ride your own ride. If you are getting those heart in your mouth moments :shit:, or shots of ice through your veins in the twisty stuff :eek5:, slow down, they're the best indicator that you may be just pushing it a bit hard. :niceone:

[Geeen]

<<<< This worries me..You are allowing the speed others travel at to dictate how you are riding. DON'T DO IT. Ride at YOUR speed, You've just experienced what over reaching yourself can do, don't repeat the lesson at 100kph, huh?

I've been in two minds as to respond to this post for much of today, but, I have ridden with the OP and she is improving dramatically. The Pro-rider course we both did in the weekend assigned coaches to your ability. The track was used purely as a controlled environment.
The more experienced riders we ride with are more than happy to take turns tootling at newbie speeds to make sure everyone is happy and arrives right side up.
I am aware large blocks of text aren't great at conveying the intent behind what is being said but your respones to the opening post hit a nerve with me and I felt I had to say the OP is not a Rossi/Stoner wannabe but a mature new rider.

Mini-rant done

[Road kill]

I always thought coming off in your own driveway was a right of passage sort of thing.

Anybody that hasn't done it yet just isn't trying hard enough.

Engine side covers are what MC wreckers are for an for this bike I doubt there will be any shortage.

[MystikEagle]

I've been in two minds as to respond to this post for much of today, but, I have ridden with the OP and she is improving dramatically. The Pro-rider course we both did in the weekend assigned coaches to your ability. The track was used purely as a controlled environment.
The more experienced riders we ride with are more than happy to take turns tootling at newbie speeds to make sure everyone is happy and arrives right side up.
I am aware large blocks of text aren't great at conveying the intent behind what is being said but your respones to the opening post hit a nerve with me and I felt I had to say the OP is not a Rossi/Stoner wannabe but a mature new rider.

Mini-rant done

Thanks Gene. I too have been struggling with what to reply to a few posts. As to the Pro rider course, we were all split into groups with others of a similar skill level and the basics were well covered. First lesson was braking. As Gene said, the track was simply a safe place to practice and be observed without the worry of on-coming traffic.
I think that worried was probably the wrong word to use when it comes to group riding and holding others up. I am more than happy to cruise along at the back and take my time. I was just wishing that I could corner faster while still being safe and now I can. I feel like I have alot more in reserve when I head around a corner. My lines have gotten better, I'm staying wide rather than hugging the inside of the corner the whole way round.
I am definately riding within my limits and if I was feeling pressured in a group situation I would simply tell them to go on without me.
This accident simply happened because I was tired (I'm just glad I went down the night before so I didin't have that to cope with too) and not thinking clearly. I turned into the drive a little too fast and lent over a little too far and the back wheel just dissapeared on me. I would have been fine if it was paved but just wasn't thinking. I have learnt the hard way to not lean too far in the gravel...

[duckonin]

I've been in two minds as to respond to this post for much of today, but, I have ridden with the OP and she is improving dramatically. The Pro-rider course we both did in the weekend assigned coaches to your ability. The track was used purely as a controlled environment.
The more experienced riders we ride with are more than happy to take turns tootling at newbie speeds to make sure everyone is happy and arrives right side up.
I am aware large blocks of text aren't great at conveying the intent behind what is being said but your respones to the opening post hit a nerve with me and I felt I had to say the OP is not a Rossi/Stoner wannabe but a mature new rider.

Mini-rant done

I don't think there is one person taking the piss here. The simple message is 'be safe' get good sound training. The more good advice that can be conveyed and that advice is taken in the the better the person should be for it.

Many times words 'typed' are taken as agressive when really it can be quite the contrary. There is no emotion in typeing:rolleyes: Many times those with an amount of grey hair are short on words , they just say it like it is rather than making a bloody booklet of it.:msn-wink:

I do not know of one person who rides bikes that would not impart with good advice to those who ask or may need it.:niceone: Good luck to the person who started this thread, may they have many safe k's ahead of them.

[FJRider]

I always thought coming off in your own driveway was a right of passage sort of thing.

Anybody that hasn't done it yet just isn't trying hard enough.

Engine side covers are what MC wreckers are for an for this bike I doubt there will be any shortage.

The only better place to come off your bike ... is outside a hospital.

Such rider courses are what you get out of it. If you do it again in a year or so .... you may see things on it you missed ... or did better second time around. List the time as experience. Something a biker can never get too much of ...

[Geeen]

I don't think there is one person taking the piss here. The simple message is 'be safe' get good sound training. The more good advice that can be conveyed and that advice is taken in the the better the person should be for it.

Many times words 'typed' are taken as agressive when really it can be quite the contrary. There is no emotion in typeing:rolleyes: Many times those with an amount of grey hair are short on words , they just say it like it is rather than making a bloody booklet of it.:msn-wink:

I do not know of one person who rides bikes that would not impart with good advice to those who ask or may need it.:niceone: Good luck to the person who started this thread, may they have many safe k's ahead of them.

Thats kinda why I was in two minds about replying.

Laura, I can attest to how well black nail polish works. :lol: Kat suggested it and it needs a womans touch to apply properly.

[FJRider]

I have learnt the hard way to not lean too far in the gravel...

You will get practice ... every time you go home ... :2thumbsup

A few dozen rides and you'll be sliding happily into the drive ...

[tbs]

Don't worry about the drop... Or the apparent haters. Think of it as just as much of a learning experience as the course.

I was doing the track day there on the weekend. Having (as far as I know) first suggested Pro-rider to you on your other thread I was happy to see you were booked in and I went and sat at the end of the pit wall to spot your bike. It looked like you were going really well. I know when I did my course at Pukekoke I was feeling super confident at the end of the day, but my then my ride home was a mess. Taupo is a much better track to learn on; lots of corners, both left and right, instead of just maxing it out down the long Puke straights so that will have been good for you. But I think you will find that it takes quite a while for some of the lessons to really sink in. I'm still a far better track rider than road rider as I haven't spent much time out on the open road. Just keep dwelling on the techniques they taught you and they will become second nature. Go back and do another Safe Rider day or just a track day in the slow group, remembering to ask for advice from the tutor, sooner rather than later.

Above all, focus on riding Smooth! Practice that and the rest will follow. Go to a MotoTT day and get on the back of Allan Ure's bike. (KB user name Kiwifruit) I had a ride with him a few weeks back and was amazed at how easily and smoothly he could get round the track. Speaking of which, I saw him out with a camera for the last couple sessions yesterday and found the photos online today. Photorecall.co.nz

MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo has 'Mantiquilla' written on his brake lever. It means 'like butter'. It's a pretty good mantra.

[ckai]

<<<< This worries me..You are allowing the speed others travel at to dictate how you are riding. DON'T DO IT. Ride at YOUR speed, You've just experienced what over reaching yourself can do, don't repeat the lesson at 100kph, huh?



I've been in two minds as to respond to this post for much of today, but, I have ridden with the OP and she is improving dramatically. The Pro-rider course we both did in the weekend assigned coaches to your ability. The track was used purely as a controlled environment.
The more experienced riders we ride with are more than happy to take turns tootling at newbie speeds to make sure everyone is happy and arrives right side up.
I am aware large blocks of text aren't great at conveying the intent behind what is being said but your respones to the opening post hit a nerve with me and I felt I had to say the OP is not a Rossi/Stoner wannabe but a mature new rider.

Mini-rant done


Thanks Gene. I too have been struggling with what to reply to a few posts. As to the Pro rider course, we were all split into groups with others of a similar skill level and the basics were well covered. First lesson was braking. As Gene said, the track was simply a safe place to practice and be observed without the worry of on-coming traffic.
I think that worried was probably the wrong word to use when it comes to group riding and holding others up. I am more than happy to cruise along at the back and take my time. I was just wishing that I could corner faster while still being safe and now I can. I feel like I have alot more in reserve when I head around a corner. My lines have gotten better, I'm staying wide rather than hugging the inside of the corner the whole way round.
I am definately riding within my limits and if I was feeling pressured in a group situation I would simply tell them to go on without me.
This accident simply happened because I was tired (I'm just glad I went down the night before so I didin't have that to cope with too) and not thinking clearly. I turned into the drive a little too fast and lent over a little too far and the back wheel just dissapeared on me. I would have been fine if it was paved but just wasn't thinking. I have learnt the hard way to not lean too far in the gravel...

haha looks like there was a few of us that were unsure :) I'm another one that will have to vouch for Miss Eagle. Although never riden with her, seeing what she was doing on Sunday and also what she says on here, it's clear she's going to ride her own ride "most" of the time. I say "most" because, let's be perfectly honest, 99.999999% of people will, at one time or another, worry about holding others up or try to keep up with others. Especially when starting off.

I've seen times when no matter how much you tell people to ride their own ride, they still try and push themselves to keep up. For some, it's just in their heads. The chill moments rideon was talking about, I feel are one of the most effective learning tools though :devil2:



Laura, I can attest to how well black nail polish works. :lol: Kat suggested it and it needs a womans touch to apply properly.

I know a professional that can help with that ;) Could even use flash stuff that hardens with crazy light. Hell, could even make the marks look carbon fibre! Actually, I wonder how long it'll last. Perfect for those "just before selling" moments I suppose.

[ducatilover]

Oh noesssss!!!!
Glad you're okay.
If you're wanting to be fussy I'll repair the cover for you :niceone:

Keep it upright!

(p.s: running rough after being dropped is okay, the fuel tends to overfill past the floats and fuck off up in to the intake, causing it to run pig rich)

[arcane12]

haha looks like there was a few of us that were unsure :) I'm another one that will have to vouch for Miss Eagle. Although never riden with her, seeing what she was doing on Sunday and also what she says on here, it's clear she's going to ride her own ride "most" of the time. I say "most" because, let's be perfectly honest, 99.999999% of people will, at one time or another, worry about holding others up or try to keep up with others. Especially when starting off.

I've seen times when no matter how much you tell people to ride their own ride, they still try and push themselves to keep up. For some, it's just in their heads. The chill moments rideon was talking about, I feel are one of the most effective learning tools though :devil2:



I know a professional that can help with that ;) Could even use flash stuff that hardens with crazy light. Hell, could even make the marks look carbon fibre! Actually, I wonder how long it'll last. Perfect for those "just before selling" moments I suppose.

I am not sure if I should mention it here but hey thick skin right? My last 'chill' moment I had was actually following ME. It was a road I did know well (might have been on it once before?) a slight downhill slope with a blind drop. I am not sure why the chill happened - the road revealed a gradual left which I should have been able to deduce, but I think it was just that I did not expect it to be so close to the increase in gradient? It was silly as there was no need for it, but I guess it might have been the slap of reality that told me 'you assumed the road to be straight and was presented by a slight curve. What if there had been something actually dangerous?'

It was a strange time to have a chill as there was no real danger - but I prefer to be as aware and in control as possible, and to suddenly realise that the road could suprise me like that was unsettling. The next day I was out on the road to Kawhia, not a single chill moment even though I was riding a bit harder (without pushing myself to keep up or anything).

I have tried not to say much on ME's riding as I am too new to have a real 'valid' opinion, but I would have to say she has a mature approach by just taking it at her own pace rather than trying to keep up with anyone, and is happy to be conservative to get used to the road and the bike. :2thumbsup

The talk of gravel is wher eI am out of my league. 'Too much lean for gravel' - wait does that mean you plan on doing more than 10km/h on that evil stuff? :msn-wink: I guess I did not buy the Boulevard with gravel riding in mind!

[MystikEagle]

Don't worry about the drop... Or the apparent haters. Think of it as just as much of a learning experience as the course.

I was doing the track day there on the weekend. Having (as far as I know) first suggested Pro-rider to you on your other thread I was happy to see you were booked in and I went and sat at the end of the pit wall to spot your bike. It looked like you were going really well. I know when I did my course at Pukekoke I was feeling super confident at the end of the day, but my then my ride home was a mess. Taupo is a much better track to learn on; lots of corners, both left and right, instead of just maxing it out down the long Puke straights so that will have been good for you. But I think you will find that it takes quite a while for some of the lessons to really sink in. I'm still a far better track rider than road rider as I haven't spent much time out on the open road. Just keep dwelling on the techniques they taught you and they will become second nature. Go back and do another Safe Rider day or just a track day in the slow group, remembering to ask for advice from the tutor, sooner rather than later.

Above all, focus on riding Smooth! Practice that and the rest will follow. Go to a MotoTT day and get on the back of Allan Ure's bike. (KB user name Kiwifruit) I had a ride with him a few weeks back and was amazed at how easily and smoothly he could get round the track. Speaking of which, I saw him out with a camera for the last couple sessions yesterday and found the photos online today. Photorecall.co.nz

MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo has 'Mantiquilla' written on his brake lever. It means 'like butter'. It's a pretty good mantra.

Thanks mate! So many people have been great in offering their support through my learning process. It has been a great confidence booster to hear people say how much I have improved or how well I'm doing. It is rather hard for me to believe that I have only been riding about three weeks! Now I just want to spend as much time as I can, out there practicing and putting what I have learnt to use. My head won't stop spinning with all the info I'm trying to digest!
I am keeping a look out for a track day at Hampton Downs, always wanted to ride around it and I think it would be better practice with having up and down hill slopes.
Allan has taken some pretty awesome photos, I'm considering buying all the ones of me, just as a memento...

[ckai]

I am not sure if I should mention it here but hey thick skin right? My last 'chill' moment I had was actually following ME. It was a road I did know well (might have been on it once before?) a slight downhill slope with a blind drop. I am not sure why the chill happened - the road revealed a gradual left which I should have been able to deduce, but I think it was just that I did not expect it to be so close to the increase in gradient? It was silly as there was no need for it, but I guess it might have been the slap of reality that told me 'you assumed the road to be straight and was presented by a slight curve. What if there had been something actually dangerous?'

It was a strange time to have a chill as there was no real danger - but I prefer to be as aware and in control as possible, and to suddenly realise that the road could suprise me like that was unsettling. The next day I was out on the road to Kawhia, not a single chill moment even though I was riding a bit harder (without pushing myself to keep up or anything).

I have tried not to say much on ME's riding as I am too new to have a real 'valid' opinion, but I would have to say she has a mature approach by just taking it at her own pace rather than trying to keep up with anyone, and is happy to be conservative to get used to the road and the bike. :2thumbsup

The talk of gravel is wher eI am out of my league. 'Too much lean for gravel' - wait does that mean you plan on doing more than 10km/h on that evil stuff? :msn-wink: I guess I did not buy the Boulevard with gravel riding in mind!

See, BIG learning experience. You probably wouldn't have realised it to the extent if it didn't happen. One of the only things in life that I've "learnt the hard way" was that when you're riding, there is no way in hell that you can afford to "zone out". You can get away with it in a car but on a bike is another story.

I find if I'm not all there while riding, I stop or ride so slow it's not funny.


Thanks mate! So many people have been great in offering their support through my learning process. It has been a great confidence booster to hear people say how much I have improved or how well I'm doing. It is rather hard for me to believe that I have only been riding about three weeks! Now I just want to spend as much time as I can, out there practicing and putting what I have learnt to use. My head won't stop spinning with all the info I'm trying to digest!
I am keeping a look out for a track day at Hampton Downs, always wanted to ride around it and I think it would be better practice with having up and down hill slopes.
Allan has taken some pretty awesome photos, I'm considering buying all the ones of me, just as a memento...

Hampton is a totally different beast altogether. I've done most of my training on Hampton. Huge amounts of grip. Great "wind on" corners to give you some cool feelings and tough gradient changes to sort your lower body grip on. If you don't hold on to the bike properly with your lower body, Hampton will show it big time.

Looking forward to getting back to Taupo for some sessions though. Will be good to compare the two again.

Brooke's looking at buying a few of the photos as well. I'm gonna piss her off and get one blown up for the lounge :cool:

[tbs]

Yeah Hampton Downs is totally different, and not everyone feels the same way, but I find it much easier than Taupo. I find Taupo is quite technical, with so many low to medium speed corners and not many straights, whereas HD is a series of straights separated by corners. For learning I would say Taupo is better, as you have to be able to flow around the track, while at HD you just pin it down the straights, brake really hard, tip it in, wind it on through the corner and then pin it down the next straight and repeat. I LOVE HD. There are few better feelings than pinning it hard out of turn 6 up the hill and through the start finish area at 220 or more (still on a lean) before sitting up into the wind, which tries to rip your head off, and braking hard while watching the downhill blind apex turn 1 coming at you..... or dragging a knee through turn 4 and then gunning it up the hill and braking hard over the crest with the back of the bike trying to overtake you....... but that's just me.:msn-wink:

[Brooke]

Hey ME, I'm Ckai's better half. Funny when you put a post up on here asking about something and all the different responses you can get aye?

I think most people that ride bikes (and drive cars) have all had whoopsy moments. It was a great day and I know I certainly got lots and lots out of the day too. Was pleased we trailered the bike down as I know I was really tired at the end of the day also. With the heat, everything that was learned and the riding that was done.

I would agree with the others about fixing the bike at a later stage (unless it really annoys you seeing it there). A patch up job can sometimes be the best way to go (not to mention cheaper!) I've a pretty steady hand, and black nail polish if you want me to have a go of tidying it up for ya.

Need to get out on the bike again for another ride very, very soon to instill what I learned on the weekend also, so keen for a ride somewhere if you'd like. (I have two young kids so need a bit of time to sort out people to watch them). Think the weather for this weekend is going to be crap. Stink :(

[Maha]

Thanks mate! So many people have been great in offering their support through my learning process. It has been a great confidence booster to hear people say how much I have improved or how well I'm doing. It is rather hard for me to believe that I have only been riding about three weeks! Now I just want to spend as much time as I can, out there practicing and putting what I have learnt to use. My head won't stop spinning with all the info I'm trying to digest!
I am keeping a look out for a track day at Hampton Downs, always wanted to ride around it and I think it would be better practice with having up and down hill slopes.
Allan has taken some pretty awesome photos, I'm considering buying all the ones of me, just as a memento...

The only thing you will learn from doing a 'Track Day' is how fast you are willing to go with the certain knowledge that nothing is coming the other way, on a bit of seal thats wider than what you are used to, all done in a safe environment with no potholes/roadkill/painted center lines/pea metal on the corners etc..you are far better off puting what you have learned into normal road riding conditions, especially after only three weeks or so.
I have the evidence of new riders doing track days and being outragously hopeless on the road.

If you feel the must to go to a track, look out for an ART day of something similar.

PS: That downhill 25kph right hander at Hampton Downs is a bastard in the wet.

[tbs]

The only thing you will learn for a 'Track Day' is how fast you are willing to go with the certain knowledge that nothing is coming the other way, on a bit of seal thats wider than what you are used to, all done in a safe environment with no potholes/roadkill/painted center lines/pea metal on the corners etc..you are far better off puting what you have learned into normal road riding conditions, especially after only three weeks or so.
I have the evidence of new riders doing track days and being outragously hopeless on the road.

If you feel the must to go to a track, look out for an ART day of something similar.

PS: That downhill 25kph right hander at Hampton Downs is a bastard in the wet.

There are plenty of riders doing track days that are outrageously hopeless on the track too. I think the main benefit of doing track time early on is learning the basic mechanics of machine control. If you run wide on a corner, then you get to go back around and do it better next time rather than end up in a ditch or under the wheels of a truck. It really is useful to have a good idea of how hard you can lean or brake into a corner or....whatever.... and specifically how to actually make the bike do it before you find yourself over the center line with a truck baring down on you wondering what to do.

I agree that you can't learn to ride well on the road with only track time. I freely admit that I'm a mediocre at best road rider, but when I'm faced with a sudden decision about what to do on the road I'm no longer wondering what the bike is going to do or what I should be doing. Less to think about equals more apparent time to evaluate options and make the right decision. Also, I've found that being comfortable at higher speed on a track re-calibrates my perception of speed out on the road.

And there is a lot more to be learned at Taupo with it's more complex corners than at HD even with the elevation changes. HD really isn't anything much like a road. It is fun though. Edit: except the one day I did there when there was an oil spill on turn 4. Feeling the bike sliding on that was a great education.

[tbs]

Brooke and ME, how did you guys find riding those bumps coming out of that little chicane with the cones onto the back straight?

It used to freak me right out hitting bumps while leaned over. I felt like the bike was going to fly out from under me. It would be quite a problem for me on tighter road corners that had ripples in them, as I'd subconsciously lift the bike up to deal with the bumps and then run wide.

[Brooke]

There are plenty of riders doing track days that are outrageously hopeless on the track too. I think the main benefit of doing track time early on is learning the basic mechanics of machine control. If you run wide on a corner, then you get to go back around and do it better next time rather than end up in a ditch or under the wheels of a truck. It really is useful to have a good idea of how hard you can lean or brake into a corner or....whatever.... and specifically how to actually make the bike do it before you find yourself over the center line with a truck baring down on you wondering what to do.

I agree that you can't learn to ride well on the road with only track time. I freely admit that I'm a mediocre at best road rider, but when I'm faced with a sudden decision about what to do on the road I'm no longer wondering what the bike is going to do or what I should be doing. Less to think about equals more apparent time to evaluate options and make the right decision. Also, I've found that being comfortable at higher speed on a track re-calibrates my perception of speed out on the road.

And there is a lot more to be learned at Taupo with it's more complex corners than at HD even with the elevation changes. HD really isn't anything much like a road. It is fun though. Edit: except the one day I did there when there was an oil spill on turn 4. Feeling the bike sliding on that was a great education.

Totally agree with all of the above (not like I'm experienced at all, but it all makes perfect sense to me)


Brooke and ME, how did you guys find riding those bumps coming out of that little chicane with the cones onto the back straight?

It used to freak me right out hitting bumps while leaned over. I felt like the bike was going to fly out from under me. It would be quite a problem for me on tighter road corners that had ripples in them, as I'd subconsciously lift the bike up to deal with the bumps and then run wide.

Believe it or not, it was actually one of the corners I enjoyed the most.

It freaked me out the first time I went over it, but just told myself, the bike know's what it's doing and so long as I have "floppy arms" and don't grip the bars hard and try and correct it, it will be OK. In saying that, I wasn't going like a bat out of hell and don't even know if I was taking the best line for it or not, but felt comfortable going over it.

[Drew]

If I say it....It's fuckin agressive!

Ya dropped the bike in the dirt, after a long day. It's being over analysed something fierce, because it's on Kiwi-cock-in-yer-hand.

[MystikEagle]

Hey ME, I'm Ckai's better half. Funny when you put a post up on here asking about something and all the different responses you can get aye?

I think most people that ride bikes (and drive cars) have all had whoopsy moments. It was a great day and I know I certainly got lots and lots out of the day too. Was pleased we trailered the bike down as I know I was really tired at the end of the day also. With the heat, everything that was learned and the riding that was done.

I would agree with the others about fixing the bike at a later stage (unless it really annoys you seeing it there). A patch up job can sometimes be the best way to go (not to mention cheaper!) I've a pretty steady hand, and black nail polish if you want me to have a go of tidying it up for ya.

Need to get out on the bike again for another ride very, very soon to instill what I learned on the weekend also, so keen for a ride somewhere if you'd like. (I have two young kids so need a bit of time to sort out people to watch them). Think the weather for this weekend is going to be crap. Stink :(

Hey Brooke! There have been a few useful replies which is good. And yes, a touch up, DIY job is on the cards. My mates brother is actually a whiz with things like that so he is going to take a look for me and probably end up re piainting it for me too :)
I wish I could have gotten the monday off work and just stayed there the night. I am still really tired, brain doesn't want to switch off because it's too busy trying to digest all the information!
Would be great to have someone to go for a ride with! I work 9 days on, 3 off and don't finish work till 6.30 at the earliest so the bike pretty much stays parked up till my days off. I've got it booked in to get fixed up on monday, (first day off) so could maybe do a ride late arvo, early evening? Maybe shoot over to Raglan for a coffee...

[MystikEagle]

Brooke and ME, how did you guys find riding those bumps coming out of that little chicane with the cones onto the back straight?

It used to freak me right out hitting bumps while leaned over. I felt like the bike was going to fly out from under me. It would be quite a problem for me on tighter road corners that had ripples in them, as I'd subconsciously lift the bike up to deal with the bumps and then run wide.

I honestly can't say I felt/saw any bumps... Maybe I was taking the corner a little wider? I really enjoyed that Chicane though. The corners I had trouble with were the first and last although both became a heck of alot easier once I had the counter steering sorted!

[ckai]

Edit: except the one day I did there when there was an oil spill on turn 4. Feeling the bike sliding on that was a great education.

Unless i was there on the same day as you, it must be a popular corner for it since I had the same problem. It definitely was "fun" and considering I wasn't really a fan of that corner at the time it was a bit of an eye opener. I've actually come across the same situation on the road since and didn't flinch. Seems like it worked ;)


If I say it....It's fuckin agressive!

Ya dropped the bike in the dirt, after a long day. It's being over analysed something fierce, because it's on Kiwi-cock-in-yer-hand.

hahaha no truer words spoken. There seems to be a hang up on this nasty "track" word that "caused" the fall on the "road".

I know, how about we say this:

ME recently had moment on her ROUGH AS GUTS gravel driveway after doing an intense and highly beneficial education day in a large carpark with cones and shit and randomly placed lawns.

Maybe that will help some.:scooter:

[MystikEagle]

hahaha no truer words spoken. There seems to be a hang up on this nasty "track" word that "caused" the fall on the "road".

I know, how about we say this:

ME recently had moment on her ROUGH AS GUTS gravel driveway after doing an intense and highly beneficial education day in a large carpark with cones and shit and randomly placed lawns.

Maybe that will help some.:scooter:

:rockon::2thumbsup

[tbs]

Unless i was there on the same day as you, it was be a popular corner for it since I had the same problem. It definitely was "fun" and considering I wasn't really a fan of that corner at the time it was a bit of an eye opener. I've actually come across the same situation on the road since and didn't flinch. Seems like it worked ;)


It was about a year ago from memory. I was bummed because turn 4 has always been my favorite corner. Probably because it was the first corner I ever got my knee down. I love being hard on the brakes and then tipping it in, and you can get so hard on the gas coming out of it and up the hill, but some wally in a car had dropped a whole bunch of oil there the night before and not cleaned it up. It was slippery the whole day, which really annoyed me but was probably great for my development.

[duckonin]

Star another thread for your dribble about how you liked the "TRACK", this thread has lost the plot. 'Track' is not the road. Your 'computer' in the top paddock needs to be 'honed'. How many of you can do '100kph ave' open road without worrying about what might happen ? How many of you can go through tight sections of road and not have to think 'too' much about what you are doing ? Getting passed a prick coming straight through a compulsary stop/giveway sign, a kid that was on the footpath riding his/her push bike that all of a sudden comes flying out onto the road in your path. Did your computer pick that up before it happened ? were you ready for any/all of this at anytime? Reading the road ahead useing your 'eyes and computer'.

Yep exactly none of you ! Your eyes and computer in the top paddock do all your work. Your hands/body and feet work from both of these.What brake would you use in times of trouble. Both, or just the front, maybe just the rear, maybe need to use one then the other very quickly. If there is any doubt about what your reaction would be under most circumstances that may confront yourselves then you still have a long way to go.

Maha said it. Tracks are good, Get yourselves plenty of road time. Forget missing a place/town/city because of the traffic just get right on in there, that should give your computers a work out. Be vigilant awake and thinking ahead. Forget the other mutt let them get their own shit figured out, they are not riding your machine you are.:sweatdrop.

Another wrote this but it is worth repeating. " Alot of people have the 'inability' to imagine the worst that can happen, and how quickly it can happen, and they are never prepared for it".

[ducatilover]

I don't understand how things like this become a big deal? Falling over on gravel is easy to do regardless of long day, track day etc.
Good ol' Kiwibitcher. :facepalm:

[tbs]

Yep exactly none of you !

You are assuming far too much.

[Geeen]

I don't understand how things like this become a big deal? Falling over on gravel is easy to do regardless of long day, track day etc.
Good ol' Kiwibitcher. :facepalm:

Wot ee said

Not sent from an iDevice

[duckonin]

You are assuming far too much.

I would not think so !!:innocent:

[duckonin]

I don't understand how things like this become a big deal? Falling over on gravel is easy to do regardless of long day, track day etc.
Good ol' Kiwibitcher. :facepalm:

Yes you are correct. Thread starter says on first post." After track day of ect ect I went into my driveway going too fast and lent over to far " on Gravel entrance !

Do you understand now ? It is not a big deal !!! Nor am I a Kiwibitcher fucken idiot ! Just trying to keep some alive a mite longer. :sweatdrop

[tbs]

'Pro rider course',:Oi: Go back and find one that would match your ability.


Yes you are correct. Thread starter says on first post." After track day of ect ect I went into my driveway going too fast and lent over to far " on Gravel entrance !

Do you understand now ? It is not a big deal !!! Nor am I a Kiwibitcher fucken idiot ! Just trying to keep some alive a mite longer. :sweatdrop

But you come across as such. A LOT. Your first post showed it. She wasn't at a track day. She was at a training day exactly suited to her ability level. It was done on the track as the consequences of screw ups are minimized. The focus was on basic machine control and I've already discussed the benefits of that before trying to learn it out on the mean streets. Ok so the thread veered off somewhat talking about Hampton Downs but that's hardly your concern as the OP first mentioned wanting to ride there, and any useful comments on dropping her bike had largely been made.

[MystikEagle]

Star another thread for your dribble about how you liked the "TRACK", this thread has lost the plot. 'Track' is not the road. Your 'computer' in the top paddock needs to be 'honed'. How many of you can do '100kph ave' open road without worrying about what might happen ? How many of you can go through tight sections of road and not have to think 'too' much about what you are doing ? Getting passed a prick coming straight through a compulsary stop/giveway sign, a kid that was on the footpath riding his/her push bike that all of a sudden comes flying out onto the road in your path. Did your computer pick that up before it happened ? were you ready for any/all of this at anytime? Reading the road ahead useing your 'eyes and computer'.

Yep exactly none of you ! Your eyes and computer in the top paddock do all your work. Your hands/body and feet work from both of these.What brake would you use in times of trouble. Both, or just the front, maybe just the rear, maybe need to use one then the other very quickly. If there is any doubt about what your reaction would be under most circumstances that may confront yourselves then you still have a long way to go.

Maha said it. Tracks are good, Get yourselves plenty of road time. Forget missing a place/town/city because of the traffic just get right on in there, that should give your computers a work out. Be vigilant awake and thinking ahead. Forget the other mutt let them get their own shit figured out, they are not riding your machine you are.:sweatdrop.

Another wrote this but it is worth repeating. " Alot of people have the 'inability' to imagine the worst that can happen, and how quickly it can happen, and they are never prepared for it".

I think that TRAINING days on a track are a great way to learn how your bike handles without having to worry about oncoming traffic.
I learnt how quickly I could get my bike stopped with front and back brakes and then both together. I learnt how to corner properly and also how quickly I could get my bike turned if a situation arose where I needed to very quickly change direction.
I learnt the basics of how MY bike handles so that I can go out on the road and know how to deal with various situations.
I think that having some training on a track is highly beneficial. Learn the appropriate actions for hazard avoidance before you actually need to dodge that kid on the push bike that just shot out on the road infront of you!
Yes, I stuffed up. I was tired and not concentrating. Now I have learnt not to do it again and if I ever need to dodge another vehicle on a gravel road I know not to lean the bike over too far which could save my life.

If you have nothing positive or constructive to say, please post elsewhere...

[Fast Eddie]

crashings all part of it..

you'll crash again - don't worry bout it lol.

[MystikEagle]

crashings all part of it..

you'll crash again - don't worry bout it lol.

Too true! I think the stress of it happening (first crash and all) has worn off now. Looked at the bike today and honestly don't think I will worry about touching it up. Already had a few scrapes there anyways...
Just have to find some time to get back on it and hope that my confidence hasn't dropped again...

[Drew]

"The right way to corner".

Training failure.

"How quickly I could get my bike stopped with front brake/both brakes".

Same same or you don't know how fast you can stop your bike with the front brake.

I'm sure these training days are beneficial to most people. I'm also sure their selling a farce with all the "right ways". Instead of 'not wrong ways'.

[ckai]

I think that TRAINING days on a track are a great way to learn how your bike handles without having to worry about oncoming traffic.
I learnt how quickly I could get my bike stopped with front and back brakes and then both together. I learnt how to corner properly and also how quickly I could get my bike turned if a situation arose where I needed to very quickly change direction.
I learnt the basics of how MY bike handles so that I can go out on the road and know how to deal with various situations.
I think that having some training on a track is highly beneficial. Learn the appropriate actions for hazard avoidance before you actually need to dodge that kid on the push bike that just shot out on the road infront of you!
Yes, I stuffed up. I was tired and not concentrating. Now I have learnt not to do it again and if I ever need to dodge another vehicle on a gravel road I know not to lean the bike over too far which could save my life.

If you have nothing positive or constructive to say, please post elsewhere...

Booya! :bash: haha

Hey here's a question(s), how was your riding on the road after your "track" day compared with riding there? Did you find you were more aware of your surroundings? How far ahead were you looking compared to before? Did you ride slower or faster? Did you pull wheelies and try and get your knee-down?


crashings all part of it..

you'll crash again - don't worry bout it lol.

:eek5: Holy shit! Don't say that! Not here. Of all places.


...and hope that my confidence hasn't dropped again...

You know that's bollucks :)

PS, don't all your threads you start turn to custard? haha

I shall now stop stirring the pot...maybe:shifty:

[arcane12]

"The right way to corner".

Training failure.

"How quickly I could get my bike stopped with front brake/both brakes".

Same same or you don't know how fast you can stop your bike with the front brake.

I'm sure these training days are beneficial to most people. I'm also sure their selling a farce with all the "right ways". Instead of 'not wrong ways'.

Have you considered that perhaps they were pointing out errors in cornering etc, and that has been summed up as 'The right way to corner' rather than explaining each error they might have pointed out? Just stating 'Training failure' really jumps to a conclusion with very limited information.

I am not even sure what the hell you are trying to say in your second line. But to me it seems like the OP described an exercise that would show a new bike rider the relative strengths of each brake (which can be useful to know in situations such as a blowout) and the merit of using both brakes. I know a number of new riders will mostly use front only as it is the better brake, and they don't want to over complicate things. I did it a bit (guilty confession). I quickly forced myself to use the back brake more, and am glad of it.

Perhaps you should attend the next training day and write up a breakdown of what they taught and why it is a farce, and wrong, and not for new bike riders?

I am going to end with a nice happy face to show that I mean this as part of a light hearted discussion, with no evil intent. :innocent:

And a bit more on topic: That first picture makes the damage look scary, but from a bit further back in the second one, it's just a cool 'war wound' right? :yes:

[Maha]

Yes you are correct. Thread starter says on first post." After track day of ect ect I went into my driveway going too fast and lent over to far " on Gravel entrance !

Do you understand now ? It is not a big deal !!! Nor am I a Kiwibitcher fucken idiot ! Just trying to keep some alive a mite longer. :sweatdrop

Some posters just like to be patted on the back with that words ''you'll be fine'' uttered quietly in their ear, without taking in constructive comments...positive or otherwise..:corn:

[Drew]

Have you considered that perhaps they were pointing out errors in cornering etc, and that has been summed up as 'The right way to corner' rather than explaining each error they might have pointed out? Just stating 'Training failure' really jumps to a conclusion with very limited information.

I am not even sure what the hell you are trying to say in your second line. But to me it seems like the OP described an exercise that would show a new bike rider the relative strengths of each brake (which can be useful to know in situations such as a blowout) and the merit of using both brakes. I know a number of new riders will mostly use front only as it is the better brake, and they don't want to over complicate things. I did it a bit (guilty confession). I quickly forced myself to use the back brake more, and am glad of it.

Perhaps you should attend the next training day and write up a breakdown of what they taught and why it is a farce, and wrong, and not for new bike riders?

I am going to end with a nice happy face to show that I mean this as part of a light hearted discussion, with no evil intent. :innocent:

And a bit more on topic: That first picture makes the damage look scary, but from a bit further back in the second one, it's just a cool 'war wound' right? :yes:
My final line of text is quite clear I thought, but I'll paraphrase. If they are selling it as "the right way", then they are a farce. If in fact the girl doing the course is just paraphrasing by saying. "The right way". Then by all means there is no problem.

I do not wish to even bother with the 'blowout' comment. It's just too hard. As for braking, I mean to say that you can stop just as fast using nothing but front brake, as you can with both. I am more than happy to prove this to anyone who wants to see me abuse their bike.

You are right, I do need to do one of these courses. If I learn something it is a win, if I make fools of them (which would certainly be the opposite of status quoe), it is a win.

[tbs]

My final line of text is quite clear I thought, but I'll paraphrase. If they are selling it as "the right way", then they are a farce. If in fact the girl doing the course is just paraphrasing by saying. "The right way". Then by all means there is no problem.

I do not wish to even bother with the 'blowout' comment. It's just too hard. As for braking, I mean to say that you can stop just as fast using nothing but front brake, as you can with both. I am more than happy to prove this to anyone who wants to see me abuse their bike.

You are right, I do need to do one of these courses. If I learn something it is a win, if I make fools of them (which would certainly be the opposite of status quoe), it is a win.


I did a course soon after buying my first bike, and I was glad I did as they taught me the various ways of making a bike turn, with a big emphasis on taking a wider line into a corner. In my case I had years of riding and racing mountain bikes but the cornering techniques I use for that were entirely wrong for a motorbike. It was quite instructive watching riders who had been riding for a number of years arguing about technique with the coaches. One that stuck out was a rider who had had a few scary moments on his bike trying to use predominantly the back brake. (Triumph Sprint, not a cruiser). He was arguing their point that he should be using mainly the front brake, and couldn't understand why the back had kept trying to come around on him.

I think the main point of these training days is to weed out bad technique, which I think might be what you are getting at.

[Drew]

I think the main point of these training days is to weed out bad technique, which I think might be what you are getting at.That is what I hope they do, and even if it is not all they do, it will be the majority.

I just pray that no biker ever thinks they are doing anything "the right way". Oh, except me. I crash THE RIGHT WAY, ironically, from doing it too much.

Biffing it away in the driveway, at nearly no speed, does not count.

[Geeen]

........
I shall now stop stirring the pot...maybe:shifty:

So when are your Lightechs showing up? :whistle::innocent:

[Geeen]

Some posters just like to be patted on the back with that words ''you'll be fine'' uttered quietly in their ear, without taking in constructive comments...positive or otherwise..:corn:

And others just post smartarsed comments for no real reason....

[Maha]

And others just post smartarsed comments for no real reason....

....if its not a pat on the head post, then is classed as smartarsed?
All posts on this particular thread are constructive...some are just looked upon in a negitive way, because they seem non conforming to an uptight select few. :corn:

[MystikEagle]

Hey here's a question(s), how was your riding on the road after your "track" day compared with riding there? Did you find you were more aware of your surroundings? How far ahead were you looking compared to before? Did you ride slower or faster? Did you pull wheelies and try and get your knee-down?

My riding on the road was much better on the way home. I personally think I was much smoother, I know my lines through the corners were much better/wider. I used to just hug the inside of the corner but now I am actually planning my turns with a wide entry, late apex and smooth throttle out. I did ride faster but like I said before, I was alot smoother and I certainly felt alot safer than I ever have on two wheels. I was on the rear tyre on the straights and had the knee scraping along the road on every turn :msn-wink:

And yes, most of my threads do seem to turn into some form of heated discussion... :innocent:

[MystikEagle]

I feel the need to clarify what I was asking in my first post as this has just turned into an argument over if a training day on the track is beneficial or not.

I explained what had happened so that people knew the situation.
I then wanted to know if there was an easy way to touch up the damage done.
Any advice to prevent the same thing happeneing again is appreciated.

As to the training day, I was given alot of riding tools to adapt to my own riding, no right or wrong way. Because of this, I feel alot safer on the bike and was easily able to work out what I had done wrong to end up in the dirt in the first place. I just wish they had shown me an easy way to pick up a bike after dropping it!

[arcane12]

Not that I have had the pleasure, but something like this I think is the usual method?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPjYweKeiLk

I think there is a better link in the rant and rave forum :devil2:

[Geeen]

I just wish they had shown me an easy way to pick up a bike after dropping it!

Like this?


http://youtu.be/CRtC5HzYrHk

[MystikEagle]

Not that I have had the pleasure, but something like this I think is the usual method?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPjYweKeiLk

I think there is a better link in the rant and rave forum :devil2:

Awesome! I would never have thought to pick it up backwards like that!

[FJRider]

I feel the need to clarify what I was asking in my first post as this has just turned into an argument over if a training day on the track is beneficial or not.

I explained what had happened so that people knew the situation.
I then wanted to know if there was an easy way to touch up the damage done.
Any advice to prevent the same thing happening again is appreciated.

As to the training day, I was given alot of riding tools to adapt to my own riding, no right or wrong way. Because of this, I feel alot safer on the bike and was easily able to work out what I had done wrong to end up in the dirt in the first place. I just wish they had shown me an easy way to pick up a bike after dropping it!

You probably learned things you may not even be aware of. Good habits should start early .. and rider training days start good habits. How best you use those new skills and habits is entirely up to you.

You decide if any advice given here should be ignored ... or followed. But over the weekend ... you gained a lot of experience. And survived.

You-Tube has a few vid's on how to pick up a bike without destroying your back. Some on here may even post a link.

And the next time you "off" in your drive ... YOUR first thought will be ... dam, I've done it again ...

[arcane12]

Noooo! Now I am going to have that Brittany Spears song in my head!

[chasio]

I feel the need to clarify what I was asking in my first post as this has just turned into an argument over if a training day on the track is beneficial or not.

I explained what had happened so that people knew the situation.
I then wanted to know if there was an easy way to touch up the damage done.
Any advice to prevent the same thing happeneing again is appreciated.

As to the training day, I was given alot of riding tools to adapt to my own riding, no right or wrong way. Because of this, I feel alot safer on the bike and was easily able to work out what I had done wrong to end up in the dirt in the first place. I just wish they had shown me an easy way to pick up a bike after dropping it!

I have to ride for half an hour to get to some gravel, so I am jealous of your driveway. Transalper made a good point about body position when cornering on gravel, which I hope was not lost in the fog. I also thought the point about really dropping back when close to home was well made.

The questions I'd ask are do you think you'd recognize the head-space you were in shortly before the accident if it happens again? And what would you do differently?

[MystikEagle]

I have to ride for half an hour to get to some gravel, so I am jealous of your driveway. Transalper made a good point about body position when cornering on gravel, which I hope was not lost in the fog. I also thought the point about really dropping back when close to home was well made.

The questions I'd ask are do you think you'd recognize the head-space you were in shortly before the accident if it happens again? And what would you do differently?

I aggree, slowing down when you get close to home is a great idea and something I will be doing in the future.
The head space I was in... I switched to auto pilot as I know the road well... BIG no no and won't happen again
Next time, if I am feeling that tired, I will pull over somewhere for dinner or something similar if practical or just ride slow as and really take my time with everything.

[FJRider]

I aggree, slowing down when you get close to home is a great idea and something I will be doing in the future.
The head space I was in... I switched to auto pilot as I know the road well... BIG no no and won't happen again
Next time, if I am feeling that tired, I will pull over somewhere for dinner or something similar if practical or just ride slow as and really take my time with everything.

Even if you slow down ... don't start thinking of all the things you need/want to do when you get home. Tired or not ... concentrate on riding 1st ... and getting home (or where you are going) 2nd.
Switch the brain off, when the ignition gets switched off.

Most accidents happen within 10 km's of home.

[Brooke]

I agree with picking the bike up back to the bike. I had an unfortunate incident where the bike was dropped (conveniently after filling it full of gas and a full tail bag on the back). I guess the thing for me is, it totally sucked that it happened but Its good to know that I can pick it up on my own fully loaded.

Speaking of braking, before I started riding motorbikes, I had only ever ridden push bikes. It took me along time to realise the back break on a motorbike isn't the most effective to use (especially as the main brake) unlike push bikes where if you use the front brake as the main brake you're over the handle bars!

I'm really happy Ckai got me to do it. I really wish I had done it when I was a noob so I didn't start out, form bad habits and now try to change them. In future, if either of my children want to ride bikes, they can, so long as they do some sort of training first to teach them about the bike, techniques etc.

[arcane12]

Found it!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOCTsna2jiI

Don't ask how long I spent looking. :facepalm:

[TheTengTheory]

Unlike a bicycle which I'm use to or my scooter (which coincidently I've never had an off as yet touch wood).

Lifting by the handlebars doesn't work. At all....You just look silly. I found out real quick holding the front and back seems to work for me. Mind you it's only a hornet 250 so not exactly heavy. Can't imagine a 600cc :gob:

[arcane12]

My 650 is only 10kg heavier than that hornet. It's actually lighter than the OP's bike. The big boys version of my bike is about twice the weight though!! The middle child version is 200kg dry (depending on version) - not bad.

[FJRider]

... Can't imagine a 600cc :gob:

Then don't imagine a 1200 then .... :facepalm:

[MystikEagle]

Just booked into the course at the Uni on the 15th, sounds like it will be good for learning town/city riding skills. I may or may not learn anything new but it should at least help make my new skills more natural. For $30 I'm not going to loose anything anyway...

Arcane12, you should come along too!

[ckai]

Just booked into the course at the Uni on the 15th, sounds like it will be good for learning town/city riding skills. I may or may not learn anything new but it should at least help make my new skills more natural. For $30 I'm not going to loose anything anyway...

Arcane12, you should come along too!

Well maybe with you doing this course, certain people will feel it's more appropriate for your "abilities" and thank heavens it's not on a track - although it's in a carpark without random lawn.

:shutup:

Looking at booking Mummy dearest in for that as well. Just depends on how wired she is from coming back from Europe the week before. The old man found it good. Should really book her in anyway.

[tbs]

It took me along time to realise the back break on a motorbike isn't the most effective to use (especially as the main brake) unlike push bikes where if you use the front brake as the main brake you're over the handle bars!


Uh Brooke? This is exactly incorrect. You get 80% of your stopping power from your front brake on a push-bike. Even on loose dirt I use my front brake to slow down and my back brake to help control the bike, usually to slide it around to change direction.

It is exactly the same principle as on a motorbike, only it's easier on a push bike as the back of the bike isn't as prone to trying to pivot around the front wheel and overtake you if it loses traction. This is because the bike doesn't have all that mass that a motorbike does.

The key is to 'feather' or 'modulate' the brake and it is exactly the same on a bike or a motorbike. If you pull a big fist-full you are going down. On a motorbike you will wash out the front. On a push bike you might catapult yourself over the front.

I recommend for anyone learning to ride a motorbike to get out their pushbike and practice using the front brake. I can very easily get up to considerable speed and then ease on the front brake until the back lifts off the ground and cruise along in a rolling stoppie. This can be done on a motorbike too, but it is a damn site easier to learn and so much less dangerous on a push-bike.

Go practice.

[GrayWolf]

Just booked into the course at the Uni on the 15th, sounds like it will be good for learning town/city riding skills. I may or may not learn anything new but it should at least help make my new skills more natural. For $30 I'm not going to loose anything anyway...

Arcane12, you should come along too!

Hi ME,
look a lot of us old Bastards may come across as negative, we really arent being that. I think the Uni course is an excellent idea. What many of the older riders here dont like about track days IS the very fact the environment is not a realistic one.
If you google the UK training schemes, many of which are run/helped by Police motorcyclists, they dont use any of the many race tracks to teach on. (There is a difference? between the UK/NZ police. UK Motorcyclist Police are Traffic Division, T.D. are trained specialist 'high speed' drivers/riders. The average Patrol cop is not trained to this level, ergo not allowed to do high speed pursuit stuff. Police' Interceptors' on Sky, good example). What I and others do not like about track days is they do not teach roadcraft. They cant, they are not on the road. This is the skills, knowledge, understanding and defence methods of actual ROAD RIDING, this for UK Police is paralleled with machine handling skills. The skills you learn on the track may well enable you to 'avoid' a spill.... roadcraft should give you the skills to avoid being there in the first place... ergo, which is preferable?
This is a debate with no end. young, dumb and she'll be right, or old, crotchety and easily bruised? The two sides just never seem to meet.
I'd suggest strongly a copy of 'Motorcycle Roadcraft', .... one of the things I despair seeing riders here is the lack of use of the 'Life Saver'; It's called that for a VERY good reason... go read the book and you'll see why.

[arcane12]

Just booked into the course at the Uni on the 15th, sounds like it will be good for learning town/city riding skills. I may or may not learn anything new but it should at least help make my new skills more natural. For $30 I'm not going to loose anything anyway...

Arcane12, you should come along too!

Done. Booked!

Well you'd lose $30? :p

[Brooke]

Uh Brooke? This is exactly incorrect. You get 80% of your stopping power from your front brake on a push-bike. Even on loose dirt I use my front brake to slow down and my back brake to help control the bike, usually to slide it around to change direction.

It is exactly the same principle as on a motorbike, only it's easier on a push bike as the back of the bike isn't as prone to trying to pivot around the front wheel and overtake you if it loses traction. This is because the bike doesn't have all that mass that a motorbike does.

The key is to 'feather' or 'modulate' the brake and it is exactly the same on a bike or a motorbike. If you pull a big fist-full you are going down. On a motorbike you will wash out the front. On a push bike you might catapult yourself over the front.

I recommend for anyone learning to ride a motorbike to get out their pushbike and practice using the front brake. I can very easily get up to considerable speed and then ease on the front brake until the back lifts off the ground and cruise along in a rolling stoppie. This can be done on a motorbike too, but it is a damn site easier to learn and so much less dangerous on a push-bike.

Go practice.

Hey tbs, maybe that's why I came off and broke my ankle is 3 places in the redwoods going downhill and around a corner... :doh:

[chasio]

Hey tbs, maybe that's why I came off and broke my ankle is 3 places in the redwoods going downhill and around a corner... :doh:

I think you are suggesting that using the front brake caused your accident..? Is it possible that there were other equally important factors e.g. where was your weight (as far back as possible?) what was the surface doing, etc. This isn't kiwicyclist.co.nz so I don't want to go too far OT but I agree with tbs about the front brake and also acknowledge that in certain circumtances its use can put the finishing touches to an accident that is waiting to happen.

As with any accident, yours on the deadly treadlie or the OP's on the drive will no doubt have had lots of contributing factors. I'd suggest that the key in all cases is to work out what they all are and take appropriate steps to mitigate them without compromising other areas unacceptably. There are always trade-offs and Drew's suggestion that there is no one right way that can be applied in all circumstances certainly rings true.

[tbs]

Hey tbs, maybe that's why I came off and broke my ankle is 3 places in the redwoods going downhill and around a corner... :doh:

Yeah, could have been... Ouch. My wife took a lot of convincing to use the front brake. She was certain if she touched the front brake she would get launched into the air. That and standing up. It seems a lot of new mtb riders can't make themselves stand up on the pedals when hitting bumps. She knows to do these things correctly now, but still has problems target locking on trees.

My mother in law asked to have a ride on my wife's mtb and didn't realize how strong the disk brakes were. She broke both wrists. :eek5:

[Subike]

Hi ME,
look a lot of us old Bastards may come across as negative, we really arent being that. I think the Uni course is an excellent idea. What many of the older riders here dont like about track days IS the very fact the environment is not a realistic one.
If you google the UK training schemes, many of which are run/helped by Police motorcyclists, they dont use any of the many race tracks to teach on. (There is a difference? between the UK/NZ police. UK Motorcyclist Police are Traffic Division, T.D. are trained specialist 'high speed' drivers/riders. The average Patrol cop is not trained to this level, ergo not allowed to do high speed pursuit stuff. Police' Interceptors' on Sky, good example). What I and others do not like about track days is they do not teach roadcraft. They cant, they are not on the road. This is the skills, knowledge, understanding and defence methods of actual ROAD RIDING, this for UK Police is paralleled with machine handling skills. The skills you learn on the track may well enable you to 'avoid' a spill.... roadcraft should give you the skills to avoid being there in the first place... ergo, which is preferable?
This is a debate with no end. young, dumb and she'll be right, or old, crotchety and easily bruised? The two sides just never seem to meet.
I'd suggest strongly a copy of 'Motorcycle Roadcraft', .... one of the things I despair seeing riders here is the lack of use of the 'Life Saver'; It's called that for a VERY good reason... go read the book and you'll see why.

Probabley the most relevant post in this entire thread. When I was a learner, we did not have to wear helmets, shingle roads were very common, and my dad use to clip my ear when I did something wrong on the bike. Yup, clip my ear, he would ride up behind me and "owch!"
Learning the environment was crucial to survival, in the years that followed when riding with a different bunch of people different road skills were learnt. needles to say Im a heap lot slower on the road now then I was before. I have never been on a track on a bike, I cannot see the point of it other than to race. For me I would learn very little new, not saying I know everything either. I dont. Road riding takes %100 concentration , no time for listen to music, cant hear the bike. No time for chatting on a blue tooth, need to watch the road ahead, a conversation would reduce my focus on the road. have I a suggestion that could help? maybe, ride in all conditions, ride in such a way you can stop within the distance you can "see" ahead of you, ride with a clear mind, never when you are angry, depressed or stressed out.
Stay alive peoples and enjoy riding, don't over anilize every little thing, and leave you ego at home in a shoe box under the bed.
have I ridden fast ? yes, am I a perfect rider, fuck no. Have I made fuck ups on the road, hell yes. But im 55 now, been riding since I was 12, and will still be riding for many more years to come. Rain Hail, fog, Sunshine, night or day, experiance gained on the road comes from riding, not talking about it.

[Banditbandit]

Probabley the most relevant post in this entire thread. When I was a learner, we did not have to wear helmets,
....

Stay alive peoples and enjoy riding, don't over anilize every little thing, and leave you ego at home in a shoe box under the bed.
have I ridden fast ? yes, am I a perfect rider, fuck no. Have I made fuck ups on the road, hell yes. But im 55 now, been riding since I was 12, and will still be riding for many more years to come. Rain Hail, fog, Sunshine, night or day, experiance gained on the road comes from riding, not talking about it.

Absolutely - I've been riding bikes since before helemts were compulsory - and I made a stuff up today - very similar to the one MystikEagle describes at the start of the thread - in a moment of inattention (after running on the open road) I turned into a driveway too fast ... lucky it was on tarmac so I didn't drop it this morning ... But I'm still here and still ride most days ..

[Drew]

Do you three old cunts accept though, that BIKE CONTROL IS AS IMPORTANT AS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS? Hmmmmm?

Change the fucking record.

Ohh, a car is where it should not be. I have seen it with lots of time to react, if only I knew how my bike reacts to different inputs.

Two sides to the argument. Listen to the other, before you repeat your side a hundredth cunting time!


FUCK. I really felt there would be more swearing, but after a quick read through I think that last one was missing.

[GrayWolf]

Do you three old cunts accept though, that BIKE CONTROL IS AS IMPORTANT AS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS? Hmmmmm?

Change the fucking record.

Ohh, a car is where it should not be. I have seen it with lots of time to react, if only I knew how my bike reacts to different inputs.

Two sides to the argument. Listen to the other, before you repeat your side a hundredth cunting time!


FUCK. I really felt there would be more swearing, but after a quick read through I think that last one was missing.

If you BOTHERED to read posts before going into one of you dumbarsed cum filled tirades Drew,,, you'll have NOTICED in my post i stated the UK Police are taught MACHINE SKILLS at the same time as ROADCRAFT............the point being made IS.............track days do NOT teach you how to read the fucking road situations, OR teach you threat vectoring/assessment.
You NEED both.........track days do not teach both, but so many of the young dumbarses on here think track days are the fucken PANACEA to fix everything........... end of the old fuckers rant!!
now, as YOU were, sonny..... I'm still waiting for you to fetch my farkin Pipe and slippers :angry2:

*Wanders off to change His depends muttering about young upstarts who have no farkin respect for us crotchety old fuckers...........*

[Banditbandit]

Do you three old cunts accept though, that BIKE CONTROL IS AS IMPORTANT AS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS? Hmmmmm?

Change the fucking record.

Ohh, a car is where it should not be. I have seen it with lots of time to react, if only I knew how my bike reacts to different inputs.

Two sides to the argument. Listen to the other, before you repeat your side a hundredth cunting time!


FUCK. I really felt there would be more swearing, but after a quick read through I think that last one was missing.

Fuck - who stuck a hair up your arse ???? :2guns:

Yeah ... of course bike control is as important as situational awareness ... I had a great time and learnt a lot running my 650 round Hampton Downs during a training day ... at a much lower speed on the open road my confidence was/is much higher than it was before I did the track training day ... despite the fact that I had been riding for more than 30 years when I did the training day ... I have much better control of the bike/s now ...

The point I was trying, in my obviously subtle and obscure way, was that not matter how long I've been riding I can still fuck it up ...

[arcane12]

So... how about that local sporting team? And what is up with politicians, amIright?

[Geeen]

If you BOTHERED to read posts before going into one of you dumbarsed cum filled tirades Drew,,, you'll have NOTICED in my post i stated the UK Police are taught MACHINE SKILLS at the same time as ROADCRAFT............the point being made IS.............track days do NOT teach you how to read the fucking road situations, OR teach you threat vectoring/assessment.
You NEED both.........track days do not teach both, but so many of the young dumbarses on here think track days are the fucken PANACEA to fix everything........... end of the old fuckers rant!!
now, as YOU were, sonny..... I'm still waiting for you to fetch my farkin Pipe and slippers :angry2:

*Wanders off to change His depends muttering about young upstarts who have no farkin respect for us crotchety old fuckers...........*

Which track day are you talking about??? OP was at a TRAINING day.......

Drew, you are the KING of stirring :lol::lol:

[Maha]

Which track day are you talking about??? OP was at a TRAINING day.......


From post #32 ''I am keeping a look out for a track day at Hampton Downs''
Thats where the talk of a track day came from, not the first post.

[scumdog]

Do you three old cunts accept though, that BIKE CONTROL IS AS IMPORTANT AS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS? Hmmmmm?

Change the fucking record.

Ohh, a car is where it should not be. I have seen it with lots of time to react, if only I knew how my bike reacts to different inputs.

Two sides to the argument. Listen to the other, before you repeat your side a hundredth cunting time!


FUCK. I really felt there would be more swearing, but after a quick read through I think that last one was missing.

Ah, sorry? - you were saying something???.....<_<

[Geeen]

From post #32 ''I am keeping a look out for a track day at Hampton Downs''
Thats where the talk of a track day came from, not the first post.

Aaahhhh, makes sense now.

[duckonin]

Which track day are you talking about??? OP was at a TRAINING day.......

Drew, you are the KING of stirring :lol::lol:

You are almost as good as Drew. You need a tad more experience in life sonny ! Then you would b the KING !:yawn:

[MystikEagle]

Ok, sorry for confusing people.

The thing I went to on sunday was a training day that just happened to be on the track. I learnt alot about how my bike handles but don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that there are certain things that you can only learn on the road. And there are things that you can only learn with time and practice.

I mentioned maybe doing a track day at Hampton because I enjoyed riding around Taupo (once I got over the initial nerves), and also because I found it rather helpfull to be able to do the same corners over and over, trying different things to see what works and what doesn't. There is no right or wrong way, just what feels comfortable, safe and easy for me on my bike. If I stuffed up a corner, I would just try something different next time around.

Personally, I think that learning how your bike handles is much better on a track rather than in a carpark due to being able to go at road speeds. And I think a track is better than on the road for the simple fact that you are much less likely to cause an accident and possibly injure or kill yourself or someone else.