Getting Into The Groove [Archive]

Zed

5th February 2006, 12:26

Karma

5th February 2006, 12:31

I've found that crashing is generally a good way to lose your groove.

At first you seem to approach every corner with a voice in the back of your head saying "if you fluff this corner it's gonna cost you x amount of dollers and x number of days off work to fix".

Zed

5th February 2006, 12:54

I've found that crashing is generally a good way to lose your groove...Crashing certainly knocks ones confidence, and I've heard of some riders never being able to get back into motorcycling because of a bad accident...but that's not really relevant to my point in this thread Mr Weasel! :blink:

zadok

5th February 2006, 13:06

I can only really get 'in the groove' on the open road / country. The City is the pits.
MY wifes birthday yesterday and she wanted to go for a ride, so we went and did a 300km loop. Stopped off at a couple of nice places for refreshments and lunch. Great day 'in the groove'.:ride:

far queue

5th February 2006, 13:52

Surely we all have those days when we get on the bike and our riding is just *crap*, we are out of our riding groove, we have all of a sudden lost our good standard of riding, our lines into corners are out, our concentration in general is lacking. Why? I'm interested in your thoughts. What do you do to remedy the situation? :niceone:

Why does it happen? - God knows
What do I do about it? - Just accept it's one of those days and stop trying to push the envelope, slow down, enjoy the scenery. There'll plenty more days to go for it.

Bleck K6

5th February 2006, 14:07

Went on an awesome ride yesterday up thru Dargaville/Opononi/Kaikohe/Whangarei and back to Ak,
:Oi: And you didn't Invite us Northerners.
Did you have a blast through the forest?

erik

5th February 2006, 15:32

Surely we all have those days when we get on the bike and our riding is just *crap*, we are out of our riding groove, we have all of a sudden lost our good standard of riding, our lines into corners are out, our concentration in general is lacking. Why? I'm interested in your thoughts. What do you do to remedy the situation? :niceone:
I think for me it's often tiredness, but also if I haven't done much riding recently then I usually feel like I'm not at my best when I get out on the bike. Also my mood plays a part.

I don't really remedy the situation. I just try to ride to however I'm feeling at the time, knowing that some days will be better than others.

Motu

5th February 2006, 15:49

Why does it happen? - God knows
What do I do about it? - Just accept it's one of those days and stop trying to push the envelope, slow down, enjoy the scenery. There'll plenty more days to go for it.

Yep,it's just not your day,so take a cruise and check out some stuff you normaly blast past,stop somewhere you've always wanted to stop,take that road you don't know where it goes.There's a lot more to bikes than going fast.

Zed

5th February 2006, 16:32

:Oi: And you didn't Invite us Northerners.
Did you have a blast through the forest?Well I did actually invite ONE northerner but he said he was coming down to Auckland for the looong weekend!!! :crazy:

The forest was the highlight of my ride! 28kms of non-stop tight twisties, luved it, and coming over the hill to Opo and seeing those white sand dunes across the water was just priceless! Much enjoyed the road from Opo to Kaikohe too!!

There will be a next time Tiller. :Punk:

James Deuce

5th February 2006, 17:42

I had a superb ride yesterday. But. After nearly 4 years of riding bikes again, it finally hit home. My groove is very different to my previous period of intensive motorcycling.

The guys I was riding with were all on Guzzis, and one guy on a '89 1000S easily kept up with me when I turned the wick up a bit. Especially in the twisty bits. I evaluate hazards differently now, and have built a huge buffer into my personal safety margins. If I can't see through a corner, the pace goes down. Most of all I don't let the competitive urge out on the road anymore, don't cross the centre line, and "worst" of all, don't exceed instant license loss speed.

I still have fun though. But my new found maturity and my "memory of motorcycling" have been cause a touch of dissonance that would shake me out of any groove I'd established. Yesterday was different (at last) and the hugely experienced and much faster rider following me didn't complain about having to follow a slow guy. I guess medium pace is OK then :)

Zed

5th February 2006, 18:07

My groove is very different to my previous period of intensive motorcycling.I suppose my riding groove has become more clearer to me over the past few years with doing so much more long riding than before, and more riding has increased my skill and learning about how to better recognise that groove, not to mention improving on entering and staying in it!

...I guess medium pace is OK then :)Of course it's okay, my ride yesterday was pretty much that pace with very few loss-of-licence speeds achieved, good when the guy in front has a radar detector too, we saw 9 marked police cars (6 or 7 HP) and 3 undercovers ALL on SH1!!

riffer

5th February 2006, 20:38

I don''t ride as much as I'd like, particularly riding for fun - with four young kids there always seems to be so much to do, so I really treasure the opportunity to ride and as such, I really notice when its an off day.

Like most of us, I guess slowing down and getting back to basics helps me.

Highlander

5th February 2006, 20:49

Have yet to narrow it down but have noticed that some days it comes naturally while others you feel like you have to work at it.
Doesn't seem to make any difference if I am solo or two up, have had good and not so good rides each way (yet to have a bad ride ).

Adamski

5th February 2006, 21:06

Went on an awesome ride yesterday up thru Dargaville/Opononi/Kaikohe/Whangarei and back to Ak, and early on in the ride one of the riders I was with experienced some difficulty 'getting into the groove' as we say. A quick stop in Helensville found out that her seat was not on properly so that was one reason why her riding was not up to her normal standards, but it got me thinking...:wait:

Surely we all have those days when we get on the bike and our riding is just *crap*, we are out of our riding groove, we have all of a sudden lost our good standard of riding, our lines into corners are out, our concentration in general is lacking. Why? I'm interested in your thoughts. What do you do to remedy the situation? :niceone:

Well Zed I don't think you're talking about going fast necessarily, but it's nice to be getting in the groove on yer bike (or other places I could think of hmm.)

For me that groove is about feeling completely in tune with the road surface, sensing every slight up and down or texture change. Where the bike is almost an extension of the body. (OK I like adventure riding :woohoo: ) Speed also comes into the equation at times.

How to get back there is probably forgetting whatever is on the mind (or fixing your seat, tires etc.) and just feel the road. Good luck groovers! :Punk:

Zed

5th February 2006, 21:53

Well Zed I don't think you're talking about going fast necessarily...No, i'm not at all. Not sure if others have perceived that or not? I believe a motorcyclists 'groove' can be separated from his/her riding 'pace', though they are closely related. In fact i recall feeling out of my groove multiple times when i'm going slow at the beginning of a ride, i say to myself "snap out of it!" Works too. When it comes to life and death i start getting real serious, gotta get in that groove!

For me that groove is about feeling completely in tune with the road surface, sensing every slight up and down or texture change. Where the bike is almost an extension of the body. Yes, the rider becoming one with the machine as they say!

How to get back there is probably forgetting whatever is on the mind (or fixing your seat, tires etc.) and just feel the road. Good luck groovers! :Punk:Switching off ones mind and allowing the body to feel the bike & road does work! There's a bit of an art to it though...for some it doesn't come naturally. :shutup:

Zapf

5th February 2006, 22:16

Well if it helps the quest for Grooves!

My Groove is best after lunch. :banana:

Gixxer 4 ever

5th February 2006, 22:19

Holy Roller

5th February 2006, 23:24

There's a lot more to bikes than going fast.

Thats why I have a slowish bike and don't ride all that fast. Helps to ride alone that way one stays at their pace and enjoys the ride even if it is slower than others go. Get in a group and one trys to keep up and rides outside their normal groove even though it has been said that one can ride at their own pace.

Posh Tourer :P

6th February 2006, 03:12

Like most of us, I guess slowing down and getting back to basics helps me.

If I´m really out of it, I´ll slow down, and concenrate on those late apexes. Tipping in late, and being able to get on the power without worrying about running wide etc I find really helps. As I push faster (if I do) I tend towards a more "correct" apex and line.

notme

6th February 2006, 08:59

Playing gigs in a band, sometimes there are nights when the groove just isn't there either (not good for the drummer!).

Personal life distractions, work deadlines looming, whatever's on your mind...sometimes it's just not your day :bash:

BUT, as others have pointed out, you can turn the situation around and enjoy the scenery or go somewhere new or let the bass player have the moment....(well.....nah maybe not that last one....)

Pillick

6th February 2006, 16:57

I discovered the dangers of getting in the groove yesterday... Was really getting into the corners on the open road, finally leaning and counter-steering and taking them as fast as in my car (Im new at this, ok?). That was fine on the road, felt really good. But then I got cocky and came in a little hot into the gravel driveway.....

Injured pride, ripped jacket, bent gear lever, ... worst of all scratches down the side of my poor bike :cry: To top it off, had a walk of shame down the driveway past a party next door.

James Deuce

6th February 2006, 17:01

.......let the bass player have the moment....(well.....nah maybe not that last one....)

Only if you're shagging his/her girlfriend on the side. ;)

Pillick - it happens to us all. Don't sweat it, and at least the only thing injured is that fundamentally worthless pride thing.

notme

6th February 2006, 17:33

Only if you're shagging his/her girlfriend on the side. ;)
..............

Isn't that basically the drummer's job description??? :Oops:

Oh and loving the thought of "his/her girlfriend" cheers Jim! :corn:

notme

6th February 2006, 17:40

Pillick:

.........Injured pride,
Will heal real quick mate

ripped jacket,
fixable!

bent gear lever, ...
will bend back!

worst of all scratches down the side of my poor bike :cry:

"Experience scars"

To top it off, had a walk of shame down the driveway past a party next door.
Hey, they sure as hell noticed you didn't they???

Better to learn this lesson the way you did, than on the motorway in front of an 18 wheeler......but it sounds like you've taken the spill in your stride, and will now be a better rider for realizing your fallibility.

Zed

6th February 2006, 22:17

I discovered the dangers of getting in the groove yesterday...

...But then I got cocky and came in a little hot into the gravel driveway...I'm not sure it was being in the groove that was dangerous in your case, you admit getting cocky so maybe you actually stepped out of your groove to perform said cocky maneuver! You have my sympathies Pillick.

inlinefour

7th February 2006, 00:10

I've found that crashing is generally a good way to lose your groove.

I've also found that having one of my bikes stolen can affect my abilities to get into riding on one of my remaining bikes.:kick:

Rashika

8th February 2006, 08:33

hmmm I can relate...
To me being in the groove is getting everything right first go, no minute adjustments. Feeling the sway of the bike and your hips as you move into a corner, just looking and doing, not having to mentally THINK about whats coming up....feeling the sun on your back, throttle responding smoothly to a slight twist, and the roar of the vtwin motor as it boots you outa the corner.
Doesn't seem to matter what bike you are on....I had the same feelings on the Virago as the Buell, altho i think the Buell has been easier to adapt too, and seems to give me more of a buzz at times. Still there is a 15 year tech gap between the 2 not to mention the obvious other difs.

Somedays it is there and other days not...I cant seem to pick when or where so just have to try it to see. Tried the other day and had an absolute failure, damn migraine came along and spoiled it.....fk trying to ride when you cant see the road cos your brain is playing tricks with your eyes.
Next day tried again and had a damn good ride, with a Duc Monsta sticking on my tail as we wound our way down from the hilltop, passing cars/vans you name it, even a trailer full of sheep (dont they look at you oddly??) ... and yet each manouvre was safe, smooth and effortless... which is saying a lot from ME! (the effortless part I mean)
It was just the groove was there....

Kinda like dancing for me; somedays you merely go through the motions, do the movements, other days you ARE the music, it flows THROUGH you and makes YOU their instrument showing the world what it is trying to say, timing, emotions, flow is perfect ...its magical :spudflip:

damn I'm waffling....must the birthday groove :wari:

Zed

8th February 2006, 09:11

To me being in the groove is...
damn I'm waffling....must the birthday groove :wari:A well articulated explanation of the groove there Rashika!

A most hearty happy birthday to you too!! :2thumbsup

imdying

8th February 2006, 10:07

Sometimes a beer and a plate of chips combined with some trash talking with the mates at the first pub does the trick :) Other days some prayer or meditation (depending on your perspective) does wonders. Other days it's just not your day. Kinda nice how the mind/body/soul lets you know when to slow down.

Blackbird

8th February 2006, 10:20

Surely we all have those days when we get on the bike and our riding is just *crap*, we are out of our riding groove, we have all of a sudden lost our good standard of riding, our lines into corners are out, our concentration in general is lacking. Why? I'm interested in your thoughts. What do you do to remedy the situation? :niceone:

Hi Matt - excellent post! I find that I drop into my "Zen groove" more easily when I start off a ride at a relatively slow pace and then find a natural rhythm. I'm crap if I push from the start. Don't know whether you saw it a month or so ago but I posted an article on "why I ride" and touched on the same thing as part of it. Have re-attached it in case you didn't see it.

Safe riding.

Geoff

DMNTD

8th February 2006, 10:42

I have many days "off" but try not to let them concern me,I just accept them and enjoy the views. I believe the worst thing to do is to succumb(sp) to ego and try to out ride yourself when you're not "on".
Had a shocking day on Monday for the Gixxer ride! Mucked with suspension settings the night before and had the front wash out on me a few times which knocked my confidence a lot. I simply backed off,let others pass to avoid potential danger to them and myself,and rode in my comfort zone. Sure it was very frustrated especially on "my" roads but heck...there's always tomorrow:yeah:

sAsLEX

8th February 2006, 10:57

and had the front wash out on me a few times which knocked my confidence a lot. I simply backed off,let others pass to avoid potential danger to them and myself,and rode in my comfort zone. Sure it was very frustrated especially on "my" roads but heck...there's always tomorrow:yeah:

Done that a few times , just sat up and cruised, no point pushin it at the wrong time and wearing a faceful of tarmac, and who care if JSG passes you, not like its hard to catch up.....

Zed

8th February 2006, 14:03

...Don't know whether you saw it a month or so ago but I posted an article on "why I ride" and touched on the same thing as part of it. Have re-attached it in case you didn't see it.Yes that was a great read too Geoff, very relevant to the subject at hand, thanks. :2thumbsup

loosebruce

8th February 2006, 15:57

I've only had one real off day, chasing John and Vladi round the loop on the GSXR, mainly cause the bike was doing weird shit, under heavy braking the rear was chattering so badly my fillings was falling out, real unerving didn't do it all the time, so each corner i was waiting for the bike to chatter away, turned out the top nut on the shock mount had come loose (seems when the shims to raise ride height were put in it wasn't tightened properly) and the swing arm had free play, normally i can ride around problems i face but not chasing guys like John and Vladi.

Really depends on the company i'm with to the mindset i'll get into, if there's someone i can push myself, or not. But yeah if things aren't right i'll back off it's not worth biffing myself down the road (again).