Sunday 17th December - Where Did You Ride and What Did You Practise?

[Terminated]

This is a regular weekly thread and invites the Kiwibiker community to participate in a manner that may provide a good insight to how we approach our riding. Each week two members within the community will each select an entry posted to this thread, and the posts will be copied to BuckBuck's Update - Newbie Training.

The spirit and intent of these weekly posts is to remind us all, and in particular 'newbies', that there is no room for complacency when riding: endeavour to hone your riding skill each time you go for that Sunday ride and review those safety strategies - no matter how fundamental they may appear to be.

It is not intended to curtail posting any humour associated with your Sunday ride, and if you have pictures of your ride, by all means please share. Enjoy your ride be relaxed but focussed.

This week the selectors are: Mrs Kendog and gijoe1313. They have been invited to make their selections by Monday Evening 18th December.

Heads Up and Enjoy Your Ride

[boomer]

Took a trip to Raglan today with 4 mates, the kids didn't have swimmin and were off to parties, so i had a free saturday.

Met the boys at BP Papakura @ 10 and we headed off at ridge rd down 22 to NgawaaarriaaaH or somewhere like that. steady pace, plenty of gravel. nice blue skies and warm. turned right and headed to Raglan.

Now.. here's my learning. STOP following so CLOSELY Duncan. I've been in the habbit of finding someone with a good pace and following, far too close i now realise.

i've often asked the 3 people i do it to if they minded, and thev'e all said no. I know when i was learning a mate use to do it to me and i'd punch him, his response...stop looking in the mirrors and ride your own ride. WELL thats true and i've got better for it.. looking ahead that is.

But today, following closely behind the k6 thou whos behind 2 cars, the car upfront decides to take a right hand turn .. last minute.. like ya do. Well... all hell broke loose, brake lights.. brake lights.. Stomping on the rear and squeezing the shit out of the front; My back end gets all out of shape. Well, we're all good, fortunately.

so.. moral(sp?) of this story.. STOP DOING IT DUNCAN!

other than that, the hill over to and back from Raglan was mint and the bike cranked over. Lanky legs Logan scraping his knees... the bitch !

Nice bike Logan.

lesson learnt! something i SHOULD have known better in the first place. :mellow:

[Toaster]

I'm riding SH16/Rodney district area early Sunday a.m. Maybe see you early birds out there too?

[NordieBoy]

My Sunday ride was on Thursday.
Went through the Maungatapu Track from Pelorus to Nelson.

Lessons learned?
#1 Stay on top of the bike more in gravel corners.
#2 Go faster you pussy!

[Steam]

I tested the limits of my braking traction around the neighbourhood.
I'd tootle along at 50kph, then stomp on the brakes to practise emergency braking and see how hard I could push it before the brakes locked or the wheels lost grip.

I also tried just using the front or back, which was interesting. I had to learn how to adjust my rear brake, as there was too much play.

The tyres made some nice squealing noises as they reached the edge of their traction limits, and I also laid down a couple of black marks as the tyres lost it and began skidding.

It was a very interesting hour or so, and I learned bikes don't stop as well as cars. I also realised if a car pulls out in front of me, using emergency braking only will end up in me hitting it. I'd need to swerve or something instead.

[Chisanga]

I went out around Howick and Cockle Bay for the first proper ride of my bike. Felt my confidence increasingly rapidly as I managed to get the gears to change sort of like they should. Still the occasional over-rev etc. but I can definately feel good progress happening.

Practised a few emergency stops... this needs much more practise I feel as I need to stop revving as I am braking hard.

All round though had a good time... stalled only once - at the main intersection at Botany Downs - may have just been trying too hard 'cause of all the cars around but I made a quick recovery and away.

Took the bike through some Baby Twisties (Point View Drive for those that know East Auckland) and was happy again with leaning into the corners.

Trying to do everything smoothly as the bike is new and i'm still scrubbing in the tyres. Experimenting with the right rev ranges for gear change - again trying to take it easy as still running in the engine.

What else - finally found a semi-decent spot for the L-Plate (With McJim's advice) and the help of some sticky tape and pulled into my garage with 99kms on my new bike and myself dripping sweat under the riding suit.

Must practice emergency stops and hill starts and gear changes and everything else but a very successful day... might go out again later if the weather stays nice.

Safe riding all.

[nadroj]

Came up from the Naki yesterday for a work doo in Hamilton last night. Decided to cruise out to Raglan for a look before heading home. Saw groups at TeKuiti and Piopio and it got a little damper the further south I came.

[Patch]

What a blast! Nailed every corner with such finesse, gave every honda luffin fag the learn, I even managed to impress myself - well just a little. Can't wait for the shop to open in the morning, I think I'll buy an extra set of sliders as they just don't last long enough anymore. Might as well grab a spare set of pegs as well, don't think the current ones are gonna last much longer.

Gotta love these back country roads, no coppas, nothing but fresh air an the next adrenline rush from powerslidin' the moss covered corner, wheelin' on the exit an hittin the rev limiter in every gear. What a blast!! :Punk:
Pity its only a dream, as I sit here, struggling to type with one hand, remembering my friends - some old some new, wondering what they maybe upto, praying that they are keeping safe out there, so I can ride with them again when I am able too. Please remember to be safe, and to all the idiots out there, crashing ain't cool. It bloody hurts, I was lucky. It really sucks not being able to do a hell of alot, bloody mission trying to scratch my snoze with the wrong hand :whocares: let alone trying to tie my own shoelaces.


Moral of the story: Don't be a bloody Idiot, save it for the track.


Take care out there, Merry Xmas blah blah an watch out for that phat Honda wigglin' ass out there :shutup:


:rockon:

[SpankMe]

To the local pie shop and back.

[Bonez]

Pushed the bikes out of the shed. Cleaned the shed. It rained. Pushed them back in again. Did the CDMTCI toy run yesterday so I guess that was my sudo Sunday ride.

Moral of this-Never clean the shed, because it causes water to fall from the sky.........

[vamr]

Scrubbed the bejesus out of the front sprocket, chain and wheels, went for a 50k blat to get some heat into the forestated and let the engine breath. Lubed, topped up with 2t... just another day.

[Colapop]

I practiced moaning like a bitch! I got so sunburned yesterday that I can't walk today. My legs are swollen and can't be touched. I feel like I've been beaten with a Kanji stick. So what did I learn? I learned not to be a dumbarse, and apply copious amounts of sunscreen.

What has this got to do with biking? Not everyone rides with the full compliment of gear. So for those of you that don't fully cover up - wear sunscreen! It's almost as important as your helmet and you'll certainly notice the difference the next day - as I have!

[Hitcher]

Mrs H's and my Sunday ride was yesterday, Saturday.

We went to Taihape and back, because we needed some clothes from the country clothing shop and also fancied an Exchange Cafe coffee and brownie.

It was blowing a gale and quite gloomy in Wellington, but the wind started to drop from Levin and the cloud burned off between Bulls and Hunterville. Yes, gentle readers, we went up via SH1. The traffic was tolerable most of the way and we behaved ourselves at a reasonably sedate 110kmh (apart from the occasional overtaking manoeuver).

The return journey was via Vinegar Hill, Palmerston North and the backroad past Massey.

The traffic on our return was well behaved until the last stretch down the motorway from Mana to Ngauranga. Fuck there are some idiots who drive cars who have absolutely no fucking idea at all. I am surprised that more bikers do not meet their demise at the hands of kindy mums in SUVs.

Anyway, the bikes ran well, and I'm really enjoying my new screen.

What did we learn? Never trust a car that is being driven by somebody wearing a hat.

[enigma51]

Took a trip to Raglan today with 4 mates, the kids didn't have swimmin and were off to parties, so i had a free saturday.

Met the boys at BP Papakura @ 10 and we headed off at ridge rd down 22 to NgawaaarriaaaH or somewhere like that. steady pace, plenty of gravel. nice blue skies and warm. turned right and headed to Raglan.

Now.. here's my learning. STOP following so CLOSELY Duncan. I've been in the habbit of finding someone with a good pace and following, far too close i now realise.

i've often asked the 3 people i do it to if they minded, and thev'e all said no. I know when i was learning a mate use to do it to me and i'd punch him, his response...stop looking in the mirrors and ride your own ride. WELL thats true and i've got better for it.. looking ahead that is.

But today, following closely behind the k6 thou whos behind 2 cars, the car upfront decides to take a right hand turn .. last minute.. like ya do. Well... all hell broke loose, brake lights.. brake lights.. Stomping on the rear and squeezing the shit out of the front; My back end gets all out of shape. Well, we're all good, fortunately.

so.. moral(sp?) of this story.. STOP DOING IT DUNCAN!

other than that, the hill over to and back from Raglan was mint and the bike cranked over. Lanky legs Logan scraping his knees... the bitch !

Nice bike Logan.

lesson learnt! something i SHOULD have known better in the first place. :mellow:

Moral of the story concentrate! Thanks for the ride ie show up its was nice having a bit of a play over the hill

[Magua]

I went to shakespear regional park, north of Auckland.. in a cage. :no:

[Chisanga]

Went out for a quick ride again in what seemed like perfect conditions from my house. Got about 10km away when it started to hose down in typical Auckland fashion. Rode slowly and sedately back home.

Lesson Learned - Check weather better before I go out next time and be prepared for any eventuality on your ride.

Definately an interesting experience riding in the rain for the first time.

[kiwifruit]

A few back roads :)
Practiced looking where i want to go and smoking a mates zx12 in roll ons (all gears)

[Trudes]

My legs can't be touched.

Are they finger lickin' good too?!!

[yungatart]

I practised some round town stuff in preparation for doing my restricted, lots of intersection work - roundabouts, traffic lights etc,and looking out for cagers, pedestrians and other assorted brain dead twats.
I also went for a ride over the (Napier) hill, practising those downhill corners and hill starts.
I learned that my bike gets very hot at round town speeds.
I also learned that most things that scare me shitless are not really that bad... I just need to do more practice and stay relaxed.

[Maha]

Went for a ride up SH16 and onto Mangawhai with MadDuck and met up with PinkHogGirl who had two others with her. Then rode down to the Puhoi Pub where it pissed down for about 20 mins, all good, just had to get in another drink. Richard McF turned on his trusty Ducati. What i learned was that, it is easy to make PHG laugh her arse off, made some comment about toilet's V metal (Tink)...guess you had to be there, but it amused her some hours...:yes:

[Colapop]

Are they finger lickin' good too?!!
My camera is currently out of action otherwise I would post a pic. So badly swollen it looks like I'm either retaining water or have been flame kissed... I won't be going to work tomorrow it's that bad.

[RC1]

just a quiet cruise today out the back of huntly,ngarawahia,then out to raglan, speed camera van about 10ks down whatawhata rd front of van facing me on the anchors quick smart instead of overtaking cage ahead ,got some lunch then went to whale bay then home through some back roads,a good 250kms today

[jumma]

Left Wellington in the rain about 3ish, heading for the clear skies looming around the Rimutaka's. Met my flatmates at rimutex and headed over to Featherston for a drink.

Concentrated a lot on cornering, looking through to my exit point and keeping a steady pace throughout.

Heaps of bikes on the hill, despite the threatening clouds.

[Donor]

Today was a milestone, for several reasons.

1) I went on my LONGEST solo ride ever! (Pukekohe... it was scarey for me, OK?)
2) Hit and maintained 100km/h along SH22
3) Practiced my cornering using all the tips and lessons I have learned through KB and the 250 rides.

What a blast, I decided to shoot out to Puke from Takanini, as my brother was cage racing out there today. I seriously considered driving, but figured that as I was already pootling about on Daisy, that I might as well confront my fear of open roads and corners, and try to have fun.

I was a bit worried about the 100k section, so came across a working solution. Parked up on the GSR before the Drury overbridge and waited... waited... finally I saw in my mirror what I was waiting for... a car towing a trailer with a boat on, he was a good guy, sat on 80km/h all the way to Puke... MINT!

Hung out with my brother for a couple of hours, and finally decided to jet back. Bouyed by my low speed trot out, I set out for Papakura. I had been cornering well on the way TO Pukekohe, and decided to take it up a notch.

So, after a few moments of reflection, I set off, determined to ride like a "grown up". Using all the skills that I have picked up from various KB peeps and mentors, not only did I manage to maintain open road speed with safety and confidence, but my cornering didn't scare me once!

Not being afraid to lean the bike left or right, and even going so far as to deliberately exaggerate turning my head to look at the end of the corners, made it almost second nature after 10 minutes of riding, and I eventually found myself doing it without thinking.

I got home with a shitefaced grin, and were it not for the missus having that "do your chores or die ASSHOLE" look on her face, I'd have been off to the servo to gas up, and headed for parts unknown!

So big ups to the KB family, those who have given me wisdom, and helped me become a better rider. You guy rock.

[enigma51]

Today was a milestone, for several reasons.

1) I went on my LONGEST solo ride ever! (Pukekohe... it was scarey for me, OK?)
2) Hit and maintained 100km/h along SH22
3) Practiced my cornering using all the tips and lessons I have learned through KB and the 250 rides.

What a blast, I decided to shoot out to Puke from Takanini, as my brother was cage racing out there today. I seriously considered driving, but figured that as I was already pootling about on Daisy, that I might as well confront my fear of open roads and corners, and try to have fun.

I was a bit worried about the 100k section, so came across a working solution. Parked up on the GSR before the Drury overbridge and waited... waited... finally I saw in my mirror what I was waiting for... a car towing a trailer with a boat on, he was a good guy, sat on 80km/h all the way to Puke... MINT!

Hung out with my brother for a couple of hours, and finally decided to jet back. Bouyed by my low speed trot out, I set out for Papakura. I had been cornering well on the way TO Pukekohe, and decided to take it up a notch.

So, after a few moments of reflection, I set off, determined to ride like a "grown up". Using all the skills that I have picked up from various KB peeps and mentors, not only did I manage to maintain open road speed with safety and confidence, but my cornering didn't scare me once!

Not being afraid to lean the bike left or right, and even going so far as to deliberately exaggerate turning my head to look at the end of the corners, made it almost second nature after 10 minutes of riding, and I eventually found myself doing it without thinking.

I got home with a shitefaced grin, and were it not for the missus having that "do your chores or die ASSHOLE" look on her face, I'd have been off to the servo to gas up, and headed for parts unknown!

So big ups to the KB family, those who have given me wisdom, and helped me become a better rider. You guy rock.

Good job mate little steps at a time
Look at boomer a few years back he was a green as you can get know he holds it with some of the best (At the urinal) :gob:

[blackkatana]

Good on ya, sounds like you got home before the rain or the grin would have been a bit on the damp side. And the chores would have been lees of a bonus. SH22 is not a bad little trot.

[enigma51]

Good on ya, sounds like you got home before the rain or the grin would have been a bit on the damp side. And the chores would have been lees of a bonus. SH22 is not a bad little trot.

Lots of road works down 22 at the moment.

[Donor]

Lots of road works down 22 at the moment.

Didn't seem any worse than usual...

...mind you, riding half way with my eyes closed meant I didn't see a lot... errr, I mean...

[enigma51]

Didn't seem any worse than usual...

...mind you, riding half way with my eyes closed meant I didn't see a lot... errr, I mean...

Spend some time down there on saturday and was big section where they where putting down new seal. Dont know how far you got down but it was sort half down

[Donor]

Spend some time down there on saturday and was big section where they where putting down new seal. Dont know how far you got down but it was sort half down

They're almost always re-sealing between Wesley College and Paerata... I'd be worried the day I see NO new seal...

[Lissa]

My sunday ride was yesterday (saturday) didnt get out today at all. :(

Went on the wairarapa toy run. Meet up in Featherston with other bikers, pretty windy, lots of swearing down the straights towards Featherston, cause I felt like my helmet was going to get blowen off... time for a new one I think! Travelled from Featherston to Masterton, then to Dave Andersons for a barbeque. Was loads of fun, had the only GN there, about 40 bikes there (not really sure). Won a spot prize for my nice shiney new ginny so was excellent day all right, only minor complaint.. it was friggin hot!

[skelstar]

Saturday (sorry) early morning blast over the Takas from SV. Good ride up from *this* side and a nervous ride down the otherside as the tarseal was shiny from the angle of the sun, and didnt inspire confidence. The trip back up from the first bridge was good ish, but got blow around big time and had the front wheel sliding for the first time ever (sideways)...mostly due tot he wind.

XXmins return trip to Ngaio though...good blast.:devil2:

[Toaster]

I finally got out for a ride...... it's been over a month, so headed up sh16 to Wellsford, fiddled about and came down sh1 (snore). Found loose metal a few times on 16, so kept off to the left and right to keep away from the stuff. Almost super motarded myself around the first corner.... blimin' heck!

Sore back and bum after the ride. I need a massage!

[BarBender]

Rode Coro Loop with a mate. Left Aucks @ 8am
Didn't practice anything - just cruised
However - learnt that breaky is a good idea. By 11 I was knackered and needing carbs.

[NordieBoy]

Damn that fuel injection :D

[bistard]

My one day off per week,woke up & its bloody well raining again,waited till about11.00,had dried enough,put my leathers etc on,warmed the bike up,rode to where the secret dyno is kept,caught up with Craig Shirriffs,doing some fettling on his 600,then rode to the top of the Takas,was the only one there,misty drizzly rain,had a cup of coffee,went home via the Haywards,Grays road,put the bike away,went see the new James Bond movie,
And that people was that,another Sunday over !!!

[Blueskies]

Now I am feeling much more at ease with the new bike I have begun practicing the basics again. Sunday it was hill starts and the obligatory turn into my driveway . When I do that last - it is soooo hard not to look at the sunken drain grill and therefore be drawn straight into it :mellow: it is like a magnet. I know, I know. More practice . . . lol
Cheers

[Chisanga]

When I do that last - it is soooo hard not to look at the sunken drain grill and therefore be drawn straight into it :mellow: it is like a magnet. I know, I know. More practice . . . lol
Cheers

Hehe I have exactly the same problem with the letterbox :)

[SPman]

It was 40 in the shade - I didn't go ANYWHERE.

Practiced drinking in an airconditioned room watching DVDs!


No - breezes in that heat are not cooling !

[Trudes]

Today was a milestone, for several reasons.

1) I went on my LONGEST solo ride ever! (Pukekohe... it was scarey for me, OK?)
2) Hit and maintained 100km/h along SH22
3) Practiced my cornering using all the tips and lessons I have learned through KB and the 250 rides.

What a blast, I decided to shoot out to Puke from Takanini, as my brother was cage racing out there today. I seriously considered driving, but figured that as I was already pootling about on Daisy, that I might as well confront my fear of open roads and corners, and try to have fun.

I was a bit worried about the 100k section, so came across a working solution. Parked up on the GSR before the Drury overbridge and waited... waited... finally I saw in my mirror what I was waiting for... a car towing a trailer with a boat on, he was a good guy, sat on 80km/h all the way to Puke... MINT!

Hung out with my brother for a couple of hours, and finally decided to jet back. Bouyed by my low speed trot out, I set out for Papakura. I had been cornering well on the way TO Pukekohe, and decided to take it up a notch.

So, after a few moments of reflection, I set off, determined to ride like a "grown up". Using all the skills that I have picked up from various KB peeps and mentors, not only did I manage to maintain open road speed with safety and confidence, but my cornering didn't scare me once!

Not being afraid to lean the bike left or right, and even going so far as to deliberately exaggerate turning my head to look at the end of the corners, made it almost second nature after 10 minutes of riding, and I eventually found myself doing it without thinking.

I got home with a shitefaced grin, and were it not for the missus having that "do your chores or die ASSHOLE" look on her face, I'd have been off to the servo to gas up, and headed for parts unknown!

So big ups to the KB family, those who have given me wisdom, and helped me become a better rider. You guy rock.

As per Buckbuck's request, I have chosen Donor's post for my pick to go into the newbie training thread/folder.
Reason I chose this post, because Donor seems to have his head firmly on his shoulders, is taking his learning at a good and safe pace and listens to his 'missus', good boy!! Keep up the good work mate, no hurry, steady as she goes, keep safe!!:Punk: