celticbhoy
20th August 2008, 11:04
So I thought I would celebrate my anniversary by starting my first thread and sharing my years worth of experience.
One year ago I was persuaded to finally scratch the itch I had since a teenager but had never got off my ass to do anything about. A common occurance I think but it hindsight perhaps a good thing given some of the choices and testosterone in my twenties. Not that I do not have moments these days also!
Did the BHS in carpark behind newtown sports stadium on tiny little bike - not even sure now what it was but was easy to ride. Sat theory next day with no problem and stoked to fanilly join the fraternity. Looked and looked for a bike around Welly but alas nothing took my fancy and not in price range(which was not huge). Was heading to Auckland for business so used to opportunity to scout and found a lot more options and settled on a zzr from Colemans after a very nervous test ride around the block. Got the gear and arranged transportation of bike back to Welly.
Had to wait a week so was jumping by the time it arrived and took first nervous rides. I found within two weeks I was comfortable riding and loving every minute.
Did a short maintenance course which was great but unfortunately just not that way inclined so in one ear and out the other mostly! Started a bit of group riding with friends and did a trip up to Napier only for on the way back over the Rimataka's the chain to shit itself and ended the trip with bike on tow truck. Damned - learnt lesson always check chain tension and oil it!!!
Sat resticted and easy as. Completed DD course which at time seemed a waste but perhaps a worthwhile check of my awareness etc so then on to full licence and no problem there so upgrade time. Came across the CBR which fitted with what I wanted and budget so yippee on to the bigger one! What a buzz but aware to be cautious of extra weight etc. Another learning curve. Another trip to Napier and back in bad bad rain so add that to the experience list. Took my first pillion as well which opened up a whole new feild of slow speed balancing!
So in first year no bins but a couple of interesting moments with bloody manhole covers, a stray pedestrian and braking left too late(coming down hutt side Haywards lights green -oops now orange, car in front brakes hard I slam on anchors carefully then realise old CBR brakes+weight+downhill and back of cage coming up too quickly so stand her up down the inside and stop dead on white line - must have looked like was totally in control! Reality check on stopping distances and speed but same time kinda proud that the "out" came naturally!)
I hope there will be many more years and the rubber will stay where it is supposed to!
One year ago I was persuaded to finally scratch the itch I had since a teenager but had never got off my ass to do anything about. A common occurance I think but it hindsight perhaps a good thing given some of the choices and testosterone in my twenties. Not that I do not have moments these days also!
Did the BHS in carpark behind newtown sports stadium on tiny little bike - not even sure now what it was but was easy to ride. Sat theory next day with no problem and stoked to fanilly join the fraternity. Looked and looked for a bike around Welly but alas nothing took my fancy and not in price range(which was not huge). Was heading to Auckland for business so used to opportunity to scout and found a lot more options and settled on a zzr from Colemans after a very nervous test ride around the block. Got the gear and arranged transportation of bike back to Welly.
Had to wait a week so was jumping by the time it arrived and took first nervous rides. I found within two weeks I was comfortable riding and loving every minute.
Did a short maintenance course which was great but unfortunately just not that way inclined so in one ear and out the other mostly! Started a bit of group riding with friends and did a trip up to Napier only for on the way back over the Rimataka's the chain to shit itself and ended the trip with bike on tow truck. Damned - learnt lesson always check chain tension and oil it!!!
Sat resticted and easy as. Completed DD course which at time seemed a waste but perhaps a worthwhile check of my awareness etc so then on to full licence and no problem there so upgrade time. Came across the CBR which fitted with what I wanted and budget so yippee on to the bigger one! What a buzz but aware to be cautious of extra weight etc. Another learning curve. Another trip to Napier and back in bad bad rain so add that to the experience list. Took my first pillion as well which opened up a whole new feild of slow speed balancing!
So in first year no bins but a couple of interesting moments with bloody manhole covers, a stray pedestrian and braking left too late(coming down hutt side Haywards lights green -oops now orange, car in front brakes hard I slam on anchors carefully then realise old CBR brakes+weight+downhill and back of cage coming up too quickly so stand her up down the inside and stop dead on white line - must have looked like was totally in control! Reality check on stopping distances and speed but same time kinda proud that the "out" came naturally!)
I hope there will be many more years and the rubber will stay where it is supposed to!