Newbie's first 300+km ride and track day [Archive]

bosslady

18th January 2013, 21:19

Newbies first 300km+ solo ride and track day and f*ck me am I tired... Rode from Auckland to Taupo yesterday. Left the shore about 3pm, arrived about 8.30pm... Wasted about 45 minutes back tracking multiple times cause I got lost trying to get to Cambridge... most angry at myself... note to self, look at the map I've been given or the GPS on my phone before leaving and don't rely on road signs... haha. Unfortunately it was either wind, rain, or both but mostly rain about 70-80% of the way down and I haven't really ridden in the rain before, guess I have now eh. Learnt how to handle myself better when big ass freaking trucks barrel past me, heaps of them on the open road it seems... will update my blog with all the things I learnt but I had my first track day with Grashopper today too! first two sessions I hated the other three were really good, starting to build confidence with cornering which is what I wanted but bloody hell that Ginny is slow and so was I, basically a snail on the track, oh well haha. Would totally recommend a track day, the linesmen (or women...) are very supportive! A break is in order for me now before my next "milestone". Yawwwwwwwn nuh night other newbies!

Zamiam

18th January 2013, 21:39

Well done. Love the way you are training yourself/doing the right thing 10 out of 10

bosslady

18th January 2013, 21:40

Well done. Love the way you are training yourself/doing the right thing 10 out of 10

Doing the right thing is debatable... lol. But thankyou :)

Hitcher

18th January 2013, 21:44

Is "f*ck" the same thing as "fuck"?

bosslady

18th January 2013, 21:47

Is "f*ck" the same thing as "fuck"?

it sure is... sometimes I feel like being a lady and *'s make it all possible...

Subike

18th January 2013, 21:53

Bloody good on you girl, the lessons you learnt to day will fare you well in the future, bloody good on you.

bluninja

18th January 2013, 21:55

Well done....just one thing...I thought it was only blokes that won't ask for directions when they get lost :bleh:

actungbaby

18th January 2013, 22:19

meteor

18th January 2013, 22:29

You can bypass Hamilton by going thru Gordonton, bit zig zaggy but saves about 10 minutes and it's well signposted.
Plus you bypass Hamilton and that's worth it anyway!

wasiler

19th January 2013, 04:04

Would you say that track day will make you a better rider on the street?

Tricia1000

19th January 2013, 04:59

So do you still reckon that Taupo/Hampton Downs is totally do-able on a small bike?
It isn't always the kms that get a bit much, but like you experience, the wind and the rain, and the big trucks can all take a heavy toll. Plus, it would be assumed that absolute newbies might be going to to the course to learn about how to deal with State Highway traffic/Motorways etc.
Good on you for taking on such a big trek..
Well done.
Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

Taken from rider training days: Bosslady quoted: "she mentioned the bridge and also Hampton downs. Bridge not a biggy nor is Hampton downs if you've been riding a few months. Anyway there would be nothing stopping someone from riding down the night before, stay at a backpackers, ride to course in morning, back packers again at night then ride back in the morning. Tiring, but achievable with a few stops there and back to rest and 're fuel. Totally inconvenient but an adventure eh!

Oh and I know were taupo is, lol going down next week"

Newbies first 300km+ solo ride and track day and f*ck me am I tired... Rode from Auckland to Taupo yesterday. Left the shore about 3pm, arrived about 8.30pm... Wasted about 45 minutes back tracking multiple times cause I got lost trying to get to Cambridge... most angry at myself... note to self, look at the map I've been given or the GPS on my phone before leaving and don't rely on road signs... haha. Unfortunately it was either wind, rain, or both but mostly rain about 70-80% of the way down and I haven't really ridden in the rain before, guess I have now eh. Learnt how to handle myself better when big ass freaking trucks barrel past me, heaps of them on the open road it seems... will update my blog with all the things I learnt but I had my first track day with Grashopper today too! first two sessions I hated the other three were really good, starting to build confidence with cornering which is what I wanted but bloody hell that Ginny is slow and so was I, basically a snail on the track, oh well haha. Would totally recommend a track day, the linesmen (or women...) are very supportive! A break is in order for me now before my next "milestone". Yawwwwwwwn nuh night other newbies!

unstuck

19th January 2013, 05:41

Good on ya girl, way to go.:Punk::Punk:

bosslady

19th January 2013, 07:20

Well done....just one thing...I thought it was only blokes that won't ask for directions when they get lost :bleh:

it's bad enough I have a big L plate on my bIke, like I'm going to admit I'm a retard too? lol

Would you say that track day will make you a better rider on the street?

Hmm I'm not sure I'd totally agree with that statement. Kind of yes, kind of no? I didn't go to make myself a better rider on the street. I wanted to know how far I could take my bike in a controlled environment I.e. if I had to, how fast I could take a corner, how far my bike can lean etc., I don't want to "practice" that on the road I might hurt myself or even worse. Of course I didn't reach the bikes limitation or even mine, but I'm probably a little better off confidence wise and knowing my bike can go a little further then I thought and it was marvellous practice for "looking where you go". I just didn't want to get to a "real life" situation and panic (which I can do) because I didn't know how far my bike could go etc.

So do you still reckon that Taupo/Hampton Downs is totally do-able on a small bike?
It isn't always the kms that get a bit much, but like you experience, the wind and the rain, and the big trucks can all take a heavy toll. Plus, it would be assumed that absolute newbies might be going to to the course to learn about how to deal with State Highway traffic/Motorways etc.
Good on you for taking on such a big trek..

Yes I absolutely do, although I haven't seen more then what any spectator can at Hampton downs so maybe that track is harder, I don't know but Taupo was ok for me. Strangely enough I wasn't that tired after the Auckland to Taupo trip, my backside was sore but that was about it. But the track day took a lot of concentration and thought for me and that's what made me tired. And I don't really know 're. the course you're talking about, what makes an absolute newbie? I've been riding just over 4 weeks now a lot of people would still consider me a total newbie, I just think I'm a newbie. I'm no super woman, I'm far from awesome and I have. heaps to learn but I really make an effort to get time on the saddle, pretty much mostly all solo.

nakedsv

19th January 2013, 07:33

Good job on the track day and taking a good highway ride, sounds like it was a bloody good experience, doing a track day is next on my list after the chateau to plateau next weekend.

FJRider

19th January 2013, 08:53

... I've been riding just over 4 weeks now a lot of people would still consider me a total newbie, I just think I'm a newbie. I'm no super woman, I'm far from awesome and I have. heaps to learn but I really make an effort to get time on the saddle, pretty much mostly all solo.

That about sums it up. Weeks riding ... not months ... or years. Experience gained on the track in controlled situations ... is still experience in bike handling. And you can relate it to on road riding.
Knowing what you still need to learn ... is as important as ever. Days spent on the track teaches you plenty about what stage your abilities are.

The longer rides will seem easier now ... don't rush it. Don't try to memorise your whole route ... just in stages. Then check the map ... and continue.

So what will be the next milestone then ... ???

bosslady

19th January 2013, 09:08

That about sums it up. Weeks riding ... not months ... or years. Experience gained on the track in controlled situations ... is still experience in bike handling. And you can relate it to on road riding.
Knowing what you still need to learn ... is as important as ever. Days spent on the track teaches you plenty about what stage your abilities are.

The longer rides will seem easier now ... don't rush it. Don't try to memorise your whole route ... just in stages. Then check the map ... and continue.

So what will be the next milestone then ... ???

Very true.

Next milestone I dont know, I'll run out of them eventually lol

FJRider

19th January 2013, 09:14

Next milestone I dont know, I'll run out of them eventually lol

Maybe .... A two day ride. Overnighting ... :msn-wink:

FJRider

19th January 2013, 09:17

... I'll run out of them eventually lol

You'll always be able to think up the next one. My last milestone was 1635 km's in one 24 hour period. I must be due for another one ... mmmm :scratch:

bosslady

19th January 2013, 11:57

I should point out in case it's not clear, that I rode down on Thursday, had dinner and a good nights sleep, went to the track day on Friday and trailered my bike back up with my flatmates van straight after. If I was going to ride back up I'd have done it the following morning after a sleep but I had to be back for family commitments. I'd totally do the same trip again, wind, rain, getting lost, getting wet, plus the trucks and all (minus the smell of farm animal shit). I was never scared, didn't think I could afford to be, little nervous leaving Auckland but then the nervousness subsided not too long after and for safety I stopped briefly a few times to text someone where i was in case something happened to me at least theyd know the general vicinity to look for my body LOL. I rode at my own pace which yes for the most part was 100kmh but took my time on corners, especially with the rain and wet roads so that I wouldn't panic. I was courteous and let people pass me when they wanted to and when I had to I overtook trucks and cars on the open road too. All in all an experience I would absolutely repeat.

bosslady

19th January 2013, 12:00

You'll always be able to think up the next one. My last milestone was 1635 km's in one 24 hour period. I must be due for another one ... mmmm :scratch:

have you ever ridden to Auckland? that's probably a stupid question?

bluninja

19th January 2013, 12:23

FJRider

19th January 2013, 12:38

have you ever ridden to Auckland? that's probably a stupid question?

Not a stupid question ... I have actually. AND ... I did get lost in Hamilton (Go figure ... eh .. !!!)

And I've ridden over the bridge TWICE.

bosslady

19th January 2013, 12:40

As stupid as ...have you ever got lost in Hamilton? LOL

BTW I don't think I've crossed the Harbour bridge on my bike...maybe that should be a challenge for me in the future

My challenge this year is to learn to ride (and be conpetent/confident) on gravel.....maybe even try doing some adventure riding on my wee strom.

I just don't know how I got lost I'm not sure but I think it was between gordonton and Cambridge, I must have missed a sign and went into Hamilton from there. :facepalm:

Harbour bridge? if you're anything like me you'll be like... was that it? I think we psych ourselves up about it more then we should but I admit if it were a really windy day I might 're think my route.

Gravel! that reminds me I didn't slow down enough for some road works, total gravel, lesson learnt... it's bloody scary hitting it at like 50kmh fark... slowed right down, think the ambulance trailing me was waiting for something to do lol. You're brave... I think gravel confidence is something for me to work towards but maybe later... hah

FJRider

19th January 2013, 12:49

.... All in all an experience I would absolutely repeat.

Yep ... you have the affliction ... that is ... you are a Biker chick. Often ... some rides you won't want to repeat. But over a lifetime .. they often are. Either similar roads, or similar conditions. Sometimes bad ... sometimes bloody terrible. These rides can be a sort of benchmark ... either better or worse than "That" ride. You will compare them ... That's what you (we) do.

Subike

19th January 2013, 12:49

Gravel! that reminds me I didn't slow down enough for some road works, total gravel, lesson learnt... it's bloody scary hitting it at like 50kmh fark... slowed right down, think the ambulance trailing me was waiting for something to do lol. You're brave... I think gravel confidence is something for me to work towards but maybe later... hah

never be afraid of gravel, dont slow down tooo much, relax your grip on the bars and look where you want to go, NOT at the gravel on the road, Allow the bars to twitch slightly as they traverse the stones, your bike, will continue in a straight line. all you have to do is keep your balance, your cool, and relax.

Trev will be along within a few posts to expand this, I am sure

bosslady

19th January 2013, 13:01

never be afraid of gravel, dont slow down tooo much, relax your grip on the bars and look where you want to go, NOT at the gravel on the road, Allow the bars to twitch slightly as they traverse the stones, your bike, will continue in a straight line. all you have to do is keep your balance, your cool, and relax.

Trev will be along within a few posts to expand this, I am sure

I was going 100kmh saw the sign, approached it at maybe 70-80kmh even though it said 30kmh. Saw the gravel ahead so by the time I hit it I was going at least 40-50kmh. I shouldn't have ignored the sign but the two sets of "road works" preceding that one there was effing nothing there! so I assumed it would be the case again and ignored it FAIL, I could have wiped out, hurt myself and ruined my "adventure". I think once I hit the gravel for a bit I probably was going 30kmh or slightly more. I wonder if I looked ahead or looked at the gravel... I can't remember truth be told but just remember that the lack of grip was seriously unnerving and I didn't expect it to feel like that.

bluninja

19th January 2013, 13:23

I just don't know how I got lost I'm not sure but I think it was between gordonton and Cambridge, I must have missed a sign and went into Hamilton from there. :facepalm:

I got lost in Hamilton the other week. My satnav said Westfield shopping was over the bridge. Looked at the route then rode and found myself in Hell (s Pizzas). Tried again and wanted to send me back to where I'd started. Looked on the web and saw it was at Chartwell...satnav was sending me back to the centre of town. As I lifted my head to put on my helmet I saw a road sign marked Chartwell...so I ignored satnav directions and went straight to the place. Then got lost on the way out! I got lost there trying to find the Yamaha dealer in Hamilton....seems everyone else did as it's now closed down.

At least in the Naki there's a big mountain and if you are lost you can look at the mountain and work out where you.....except when it's raining or clouday...in fact most of the time :)

FJRider

19th January 2013, 13:32

.... all you have to do is keep your balance, your cool, and relax.

Trev will be along within a few posts to expand this, I am sure

Those three are the one's to remember. The rest is experience.

Expansion just confuses.

arcane12

19th January 2013, 14:02

I got lost in Hamilton the other week. My satnav said Westfield shopping was over the bridge. Looked at the route then rode and found myself in Hell (s Pizzas). Tried again and wanted to send me back to where I'd started. Looked on the web and saw it was at Chartwell...satnav was sending me back to the centre of town. As I lifted my head to put on my helmet I saw a road sign marked Chartwell...so I ignored satnav directions and went straight to the place. Then got lost on the way out! I got lost there trying to find the Yamaha dealer in Hamilton....seems everyone else did as it's now closed down.

At least in the Naki there's a big mountain and if you are lost you can look at the mountain and work out where you.....except when it's raining or clouday...in fact most of the time :)

You can see some mountains - and when you get to know them, they are helpful! The river is another good one - if you come to a bridge and your destination in not on the other side, you know you've missed a turn!

Bosslady: Sounds like you were taking SH 1B. There is are bits where it crosses other roads, or splits off from the 'main' road that can confuse. Depending on where you came in you could have missed the turn off after Gordonton, or perhaps where it crosses morrinsville road.

I'm glad you enjoyed the training. I really want to go to one, but find around 200 KM's is my limit sitting on the bike (300km round trip, plus the track time) :( Next Hampton Downs and I'm in. I did a local training course, and I found it great to be able to practice unfamiliar techniques (emergency braking) under controlled conditions, with someone to tell me what I could do better :)

caseye

19th January 2013, 14:05

Well done bosslady, it's never easy hopping on a bike and heading off for far away places on your own, without the time in and experience that only comes from "doing it"
To have completed a full on Taupo track day as well, well that's just bloody awesome.
Good moving trailering back under the circumstances, no sense in doing too much at once.
Have enjoyed reading your posts, reminds me we must get on and get some more track time, the wife and I both, Hampden Downs was her first a year or so ago.

bosslady

19th January 2013, 14:16

You can see some mountains - and when you get to know them, they are helpful! The river is another good one - if you come to a bridge and your destination in not on the other side, you know you've missed a turn!

Bosslady: Sounds like you were taking SH 1B. There is are bits where it crosses other roads, or splits off from the 'main' road that can confuse. Depending on where you came in you could have missed the turn off after Gordonton, or perhaps where it crosses morrinsville road.

I'm glad you enjoyed the training. I really want to go to one, but find around 200 KM's is my limit sitting on the bike (300km round trip, plus the track time) :( Next Hampton Downs and I'm in. I did a local training course, and I found it great to be able to practice unfamiliar techniques (emergency braking) under controlled conditions, with someone to tell me what I could do better :)

Just to clarify, there was no training involved. I mean sure I guess I was training myself... and the lines(wo)men were there to help you find the lines etc. but not a training day, just a fun day learning I suppose, but at my own pace. You could always do an overnighter if you wanted... make it an adventure like I did!

Well done bosslady, it's never easy hopping on a bike and heading off for far away places on your own, without the time in and experience that only comes from "doing it"
To have completed a full on Taupo track day as well, well that's just bloody awesome.
Good moving trailering back under the circumstances, no sense in doing too much at once.
Have enjoyed reading your posts, reminds me we must get on and get some more track time, the wife and I both, Hampden Downs was her first a year or so ago.

I'm definitely happy with my personal achievement, hopefully some newbies can learn a little too...

bosslady

20th January 2013, 10:11

But these are the best pictures out of a series of pictures of me looking like a total retard... I'll put the rest in my albums later if anyone wants to have a laugh...

Corse1

20th January 2013, 10:22

I thought it was great to see you two girls on your ginny's at the track! Well done and apart from a small amount of rain in the middle of the day it turned out a good day.

Well done!

bosslady

20th January 2013, 10:24

I thought it was great to see you two girls on your ginny's at the track! Well done and apart from a small amount of rain in the middle of the day it turned out a good day.

Well done!

Did we talk to you? I don't remember.. talked to so many people and I'm no good for remembering bikes, locations, names, what I had for dinner etc....

Corse1

20th January 2013, 10:43

Did we talk to you? I don't remember.. talked to so many people and I'm no good for remembering bikes, locations, names, what I had for dinner etc....

No I only turned up for the arvo. Will say hello next time:-)

bosslady

20th January 2013, 11:13

No I only turned up for the arvo. Will say hello next time:-)

ahhh a stalker then, lol

Subike

20th January 2013, 11:20

bosslady

20th January 2013, 11:30

those pics look good girl, you are exercising the first rule of riding, LOOK where you are going.
You look like you have good control over the bike, you angles of attack at the corner look good.
Thats not a series of pic of a noob...rater someone who is listening and doing well

as for looking Fat, no way, look like you would get a few whistles if it was not classed as sexual harassment

Thank you Subike... :o at least I can see that I need to work on my posture and I'm already starting to think about what bike I will move to next maybe in a years time or something when I have some cash money. I don't look very "cool" on that bike and I can see how no one would, it looks so... stupid... haha but hey it got me to Taupo safely. Shhh don't tell ginny I don't want to hurt her feelings...

GrayWolf

20th January 2013, 12:03

it's bad enough I have a big L plate on my bIke, like I'm going to admit I'm a retard too? lol

Hmm I'm not sure I'd totally agree with that statement. Kind of yes, kind of no? I didn't go to make myself a better rider on the street. I wanted to know how far I could take my bike in a controlled environment I.e. if I had to, how fast I could take a corner, how far my bike can lean etc., I don't want to "practice" that on the road I might hurt myself or even worse. Of course I didn't reach the bikes limitation or even mine, but I'm probably a little better off confidence wise and knowing my bike can go a little further then I thought and it was marvellous practice for "looking where you go". I just didn't want to get to a "real life" situation and panic (which I can do) because I didn't know how far my bike could go etc.

what makes an absolute newbie? I've been riding just over 4 weeks now a lot of people would still consider me a total newbie, I just think I'm a newbie. I'm no super woman, I'm far from awesome and I have. heaps to learn but I really make an effort to get time on the saddle, pretty much mostly all solo.

Good on you for doing a long ride and exploring your bike and yourself..... I've attached a couple of youtube clips The BIkesafe one, at 5mins 10, they do an observed ride with a commentary which might be useful.... And I'll say it again, the track doesnt throw at you the type of unexpected 'obstacles/impediments' that need to be accounted for on the road.... as you realised with the trucks you needed to deal with, etc.

The second one is an Advanced Instructor going for a ride,,,, compared to so many of the 'sprotty' riders.... notice how smooth his lines are, how little he brakes or accelerates heavily during the ride... and the road position through each bend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L180bhYy_1g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3niqkN4u22I

This one?/Gotta love the typical comment to the video " HurricaneMtnRoad 1 week ago

The rider is a real criminal, eh? He hurt no one and stole nothing. So the cops endanger everyone by launching a Volvo bark-o-lounger into traffic at triple digits. England is a lousy socialist nanny state. They can keep it. I can't believe anyone would want to live there. Speed doesn't kill, unskilled application of speed (more often by cops) kills." Yet the cops comment to the rider was, your skills are'nt all that! Oh BTW the 'poor hard done by rider' was doing 180 in a 100 limit (110mph in a 60mph limit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8msQmLzwkrg

bosslady

20th January 2013, 12:15

And I'll say it again, the track doesnt throw at you the type of unexpected 'obstacles/impediments' that need to be accounted for on the road.... as you realised with the trucks you needed to deal with, etc.

Yea course not, don't think I encountered any intersections, roundabouts, traffic or cages pulling out in front of me :laugh:

Will try and have a look at those video's now.

bluninja

20th January 2013, 12:42

Almost expected you to ask, does my arse look big in this?

All looks good to me.....feet on pegs, body in line with bike, forearms parallel with ground and nicely bent (your elbows, not your forearms :) ), looking where you are going.

Looking fat is when you sit on a GN and look like a drum on a pea, you look fine, it's just the bulky clothing.

bosslady

20th January 2013, 12:50

Almost expected you to ask, does my arse look big in this?

Well, does it? :laugh:

All looks good to me.....feet on pegs, body in line with bike, forearms parallel with ground and nicely bent (your elbows, not your forearms :) ), looking where you are going.

Looking fat is when you sit on a GN and look like a drum on a pea, you look fine, it's just the bulky clothing.

Where else would my feet be if not on the pegs? :laugh: as for body in line with the bike, forearms parallel with ground and how they're bent etc, I've never heard of any of this type of stuff but I presume there is a "right" way? I don't think I was "taught" about that now that I think about it.

Yea... it's the bulky clothing *sucks her stomach in* haha, maybe this means I need to get a bigger bike to make ME look smaller?!

Corse1

20th January 2013, 13:26

ahhh a stalker then, lol

Nah I'm just shy around pretty girls!

It was great to see the lines riders taking the time to show you the way around. I wasn't riding just supporting a mate on his first trackday. Guy on the RSV4 in your group. He is now well and truly hooked.

bosslady

20th January 2013, 13:36

Nah I'm just shy around pretty girls!

It was great to see the lines riders taking the time to show you the way around. I wasn't riding just supporting a mate on his first trackday. Guy on the RSV4 in your group. He is now well and truly hooked.

pretty? pfft had our helmets on! lol

Dunno what an rsv4 is... lol, apart from that it's a motorbike :) I used the lineslady on the first two laps of the first session then took off and did my own thing when we hit the back straight the 2nd time.

bluninja

20th January 2013, 21:16

Well, does it? :laugh:

Where else would my feet be if not on the pegs? :laugh: as for body in line with the bike, forearms parallel with ground and how they're bent etc, I've never heard of any of this type of stuff but I presume there is a "right" way? I don't think I was "taught" about that now that I think about it.

Yea... it's the bulky clothing *sucks her stomach in* haha, maybe this means I need to get a bigger bike to make ME look smaller?!

Body in line with the bike.....a lot better than leaning the bike over into the corner and leaning the other way :shit:
Forearms parallel with the ground.....much easier to move the bars and less likely to lean your weight onto them.
Elbows bent helps to keep things supple and relaxed as opposed to stiff arms making things feel crap and reducing control.

If you haven't read them, both Twist of the Wrist books cover this stuff.

Does it? Hard to see from the front :innocent:

bosslady

20th January 2013, 21:21

Body in line with the bike.....a lot better than leaning the bike over into the corner and leaning the other way :shit:
Forearms parallel with the ground.....much easier to move the bars and less likely to lean your weight onto them.
Elbows bent helps to keep things supple and relaxed as opposed to stiff arms making things feel crap and reducing control.

If you haven't read them, both Twist of the Wrist books cover this stuff.

Does it? Hard to see from the front :innocent:

I've got those books, well the flatty does. First time I opened it I didn't understand what was in it so gave up. Been awhile now though so maybe I'll understand more now. I bloody hate reading though lol

JimmyC

22nd January 2013, 08:09

Gravel! that reminds me I didn't slow down enough for some road works, total gravel, lesson learnt... it's bloody scary hitting it at like 50kmh fark... slowed right down, think the ambulance trailing me was waiting for something to do lol. You're brave... I think gravel confidence is something for me to work towards but maybe later... hah

FWIW I learned more in 20 mins about my bike and balance in general riding around Wellington's south coast (Red Rocks) through sand and loose rocks than I did in hours of riding on the road. It's very confidence inspiring when you get back on tarmac, and you seem more attuned to the little things your bike tells you when cornering, stopping etc etc. The type of the terrain will be largely bike dependent I'm sure but yeah, I think there's a lot to be said for getting in some decent time on loose surfaces.

And congrats on your epic travels btw. I'm not sure I'll be doing anything quite that long on my WR250, purely for comfort reasons!

Grashopper

22nd January 2013, 10:08

Lol, I was the one sticking to one of the line riders at the beginning of each session. :)
But the coolest thing was when she took my GN around the track with me as pillion. Scary as at the beginning as the ground was coming quite close, but it helped me a lot to relax and get the feeling of how you should lean (and that the bike doesn't go flying out of the corner if you do :) ) Wish I had photos of that. Don't thing my GN will ever go at such an angle again :)

Grashopper

22nd January 2013, 10:12

Banditbandit

22nd January 2013, 10:22

Good one Boss Lady .. you'll be into the 24 hour-1,000 milers soon.

Yes I absolutely do, although I haven't seen more then what any spectator can at Hampton downs so maybe that track is harder, I don't know but Taupo was ok for me.

They are different tracks - Taupo is faster - maybe a bit more flowing - Hampton Downs is a bit more technical .. but of the two I'd say that Hampton Downs is the most fun track I have ridden (and I've ridden five tracks - four in the north and one in the south) .

f2dz

22nd January 2013, 14:31

Sounds like quite the journey.

Did you sort out insurance for on the track? Or were you just rolling without any?

I'm keen to look at having a track day sometime this year but just worried abot not getting insurance for it. I'll only be on my restricted..

bosslady

22nd January 2013, 16:13

FWIW I learned more in 20 mins about my bike and balance in general riding around Wellington's south coast (Red Rocks) through sand and loose rocks than I did in hours of riding on the road. It's very confidence inspiring when you get back on tarmac, and you seem more attuned to the little things your bike tells you when cornering, stopping etc etc. The type of the terrain will be largely bike dependent I'm sure but yeah, I think there's a lot to be said for getting in some decent time on loose surfaces.

And congrats on your epic travels btw. I'm not sure I'll be doing anything quite that long on my WR250, purely for comfort reasons!

epic? hardly lol. And that sounds good 're. gravel but I think I might wait till I have more confidence else I see my bike getting binned lol.

Lol, I was the one sticking to one of the line riders at the beginning of each session. :)
But the coolest thing was when she took my GN around the track with me as pillion. Scary as at the beginning as the ground was coming quite close, but it helped me a lot to relax and get the feeling of how you should lean (and that the bike doesn't go flying out of the corner if you do :) ) Wish I had photos of that. Don't thing my GN will ever go at such an angle again :)

I reckon you did super well and yea stink there's no pics of you on the back of your gn that would've been super sweet!! and I bet you can too get your bike to lean that far again (and NOT fall over!)

Good one Boss Lady .. you'll be into the 24 hour-1,000 milers soon.

They are different tracks - Taupo is faster - maybe a bit more flowing - Hampton Downs is a bit more technical .. but of the two I'd say that Hampton Downs is the most fun track I have ridden (and I've ridden five tracks - four in the north and one in the south) .

hmmm ahh well see haha. I don't have any leathers so I couldn't do HD anyways!

Sounds like quite the journey.

Did you sort out insurance for on the track? Or were you just rolling without any?

I'm keen to look at having a track day sometime this year but just worried abot not getting insurance for it. I'll only be on my restricted..

Insurance yea of course. Before I even registered for the track day I contacted my broker (Dave Hewer) lovely chap said no worries he'd endorsed (that the word?) my bike for that particular track day and to have fun! maybe some other companies won't be so understanding though I don't know oh and I'm on my learners.

FJRider

22nd January 2013, 17:04

those pics look good girl, you are exercising the first rule of riding, LOOK where you are going.
You look like you have good control over the bike, you angles of attack at the corner look good.
Thats not a series of pic of a noob...rater someone who is listening and doing well

as for looking Fat, no way, look like you would get a few whistles if it was not classed as sexual harassment

+one ... again. The best part is ... it's YOU in the pics DOING it. Not just talking about "thinking you might" do it. Many have NOT done it.

I have heard ... leathers made from skinny cows help you look slim ... :innocent:

But I doubt if you need them ... :2thumbsup

Corse1

23rd January 2013, 14:06

+one ... again. The best part is ... it's YOU in the pics DOING it. Not just talking about "thinking you might" do it. Many have NOT done it.

Have a guy here at work I am trying to get on a track day. No way is that going to happen and hey its not for everyone. Once you start though....................:first:

FJRider

23rd January 2013, 14:10

Have a guy here at work I am trying to get on a track day. No way is that going to happen and hey its not for everyone. Once you start though....................:first:

Show him that pic. Ask him ... If a "Girl" can do it ... what does that make him .... (then meowl)

unstuck

23rd January 2013, 14:13

I have no interest in doing a track day, so does that mean I am a pussy? Or just not interested?:lol:

bosslady

23rd January 2013, 14:14

Show him that pic. Ask him ... If a "Girl" can do it ... what does that make him .... (then meowl)

Haha I reckon, girl, gn250, been riding less than 5 weeks (at that point) tell him he's a poof ;) (just joking!!!). Maybe he thinks track days are more "hard out" than they are in actual fact. They're relaxed, fun, everybody is lovely and supportive you can go as slow (or fast) as you want. Just pick a group that matches your ability level and for a first timer or someone on a slow coach bike like mine, that's probably Group 4. Hell you're not that far from Taupo - no excuse!

bosslady

23rd January 2013, 14:16

I have no interest in doing a track day, so does that mean I am a pussy? Or just not interested?:lol:

I believe it mean's you're a pussy, I think, I'm sure someone will chime in ;) Meowwwww hisSsSsSss. I don't know that it's something I'd do for as long as I ride, but it was fun to do last Friday and I may still do it a couple times more yet.

unstuck

23rd January 2013, 14:18

I believe it mean's you're a pussy, I think, I'm sure someone will chime in ;) Meowwwww hisSsSsSss. I don't know that it's something I'd do for as long as I ride, but it was fun to do last Friday and I may still do it a couple times more yet.

I think I would rather spend my gas money on a ride up the west coast. Meoooww.:devil2:

FJRider

23rd January 2013, 14:18

I have no interest in doing a track day, so does that mean I am a pussy? Or just not interested?:lol:

I'll ask your wife. Not that she'll probably care either way ...

Corse1

23rd January 2013, 14:19

Show him that pic. Ask him ... If a "Girl" can do it ... what does that make him .... (then meowl)

Dont worry he was there watching as well. So he knows he is a pussy!:baby:

unstuck

23rd January 2013, 14:21

I'll ask your wife. Not that she'll probably care either way ...

I am just an pussy when it comes to the wife, that is true.:not:

FJRider

23rd January 2013, 14:24

I am just an pussy when it comes to the wife, that is true.:not:

A wise, healthy, well fed, looked after ... fella.

unstuck

23rd January 2013, 14:25

A wise, healthy, well fed, looked after ... fella.

:killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme I am well fed however.:lol:

haydes55

23rd January 2013, 16:57

bosslady

25th January 2013, 17:25

I wonder if a ride from the north shore, Auckland, to Palmerston north is too far?

Grashopper

25th January 2013, 17:36

bosslady

25th January 2013, 17:42

Hm, just try to remember how you felt last time riding to Taupo. And then try to imaging doing the same thing again. On the other hand, you can always hang around in Taupo for a bit and rest, before the second part.

my lower back was a lil sore but mostly I was impatient and peed off cause I was running late for dinner lol. But I only stopped briefly for fuel and spent ages being lost lol. My aunty is putting doubts in my head.

frogfeaturesFZR

25th January 2013, 17:46

GPS and you'll be fine. Do it !

Grashopper

25th January 2013, 17:49

It's not that much longer than the L's angel's ride, I think. Maybe decide after that weekend?

haydes55

25th January 2013, 17:49

I wonder if a ride from the north shore, Auckland, to Palmerston north is too far?

You will be fine. Its a very relaxed pace. Stopping for decent rests before you will even need gas. The more you relax, enjoy the ride and enjoy the breaks, the easier it will be. You will learn heaps from the experience. I'm doing it on a motard with a back pack and no wind protection. You have it easy. The ginny's designed for cruising.

Edit: Oops, as you can tell, I got New Plymouth and Palmerston North confused :facepalm: Surely I'm not the only one who often confuses these 2 places?

unstuck

25th January 2013, 17:51

Take a sleeping bag , and ride as far as you feel comfortable with, then stop and sleep.Give yourself plenty of time, dont rush. Be brave.:Punk:

bosslady

25th January 2013, 18:12

GPS and you'll be fine. Do it !

yup think I'll utilise my phone this time, put an earplug in me ear

It's not that much longer than the L's angel's ride, I think. Maybe decide after that weekend?

I perhaps will. do u think you'll go to manfield?

You will be fine. Its a very relaxed pace. Stopping for decent rests before you will even need gas. The more you relax, enjoy the ride and enjoy the breaks, the easier it will be. You will learn heaps from the experience. I'm doing it on a motard with a back pack and no wind protection. You have it easy. The ginny's designed for cruising.

Edit: Oops, as you can tell, I got New Plymouth and Palmerston North confused :facepalm: Surely I'm not the only one who often confuses these 2 places?

a girl at work used to do that all the time lol