Know thy limits

[dpex]

I got a good lesson in humility/sensibility tonight. I set out with the Thursday night ride group. The first major corner on the first country road was nearly my undoing, and from there, as the corners got tighter, things just got worse.

I realised my night-vision eyesight and lack of properly developed riding competence, collectively, weren't up to keeping up with riders way better than me. Going wide (over the yellow lines) on a tight left-hander finally put my ego in my pocket.

It was a damned good lesson. I figure that (perhaps) by this time next year, with maybe 30,000 more k under my bum, I might just be able to keep up. Meanwhile I shall wait for daylight saving before engaging on the next Thursday ride.

Another issue which was clearly highlighted tonight is my lack of trust in what my bike can and cannot do, although I did learn one interesting thing....through that first sweeping left corner. I believed I was going too fast (for me) but felt duty-bound to my ego to follow the guy in front.

In the micro-seconds during which I thought I'd blown it, I did everything back to front (for me) and wrapped on the throttle, pulled on the right bar instead of pushing the left in counter-steer and, bugger me, my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep.

Woo! But I have soooo much to learn.

But tonight I got a great lesson as regards my current limits, and I was pretty bloody pleased with myself for kicking my ridiculous ego into touch. Good, eh?

[Katman]

It was a damned good lesson. I figure that (perhaps) by this time next year, with maybe 30,000 more k under my bum, I might just be able to keep up.

Hopefully, by then you may have figured out that you have the ability to override your ego's desire to "keep up".

[1vanvan1]

keeping up with riders way better than me.

First mistake :P

Don't worry. We have all done it I am sure. The more k's you do the better you will feel.

[piston broke]

ride your own ride

[Drew]

my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep.



Duty bound or not, you had a better chance of getting round the corner by commiting to it, than trying to stand the bike up, or just half arsing your way round.

Way to keep your cool, well done.

[jrandom]

I got a good lesson in humility/sensibility tonight. I set out with the Thursday night ride group.

OK, well, that's not a pair of concepts that normally goes together.

:laugh:


The first major corner on the first country road was nearly my undoing...

The little uphill right hander after the roundabout with the slightly shitty surface?


...from there, as the corners got tighter, things just got worse.

Go cruise those roads on your own at your own pace, learn the lines and braking points, it'll be all good.


Going wide (over the yellow lines) on a tight left-hander...

Downhill, heading into the swoopy bit through the forestry?


It was a damned good lesson. I figure that (perhaps) by this time next year, with maybe 30,000 more k under my bum, I might just be able to keep up.

Nah bro, you just need to do a trackday or two.


Another issue which was clearly highlighted tonight is my lack of trust in what my bike can and cannot do...

www.motott.co.nz

:niceone:

[98tls]

I got a good lesson in humility/sensibility tonight. I set out with the Thursday night ride group. The first major corner on the first country road was nearly my undoing, and from there, as the corners got tighter, things just got worse.

I realised my night-vision eyesight and lack of properly developed riding competence, collectively, weren't up to keeping up with riders way better than me. Going wide (over the yellow lines) on a tight left-hander finally put my ego in my pocket.

It was a damned good lesson. I figure that (perhaps) by this time next year, with maybe 30,000 more k under my bum, I might just be able to keep up. Meanwhile I shall wait for daylight saving before engaging on the next Thursday ride.

Another issue which was clearly highlighted tonight is my lack of trust in what my bike can and cannot do, although I did learn one interesting thing....through that first sweeping left corner. I believed I was going too fast (for me) but felt duty-bound to my ego to follow the guy in front.

In the micro-seconds during which I thought I'd blown it, I did everything back to front (for me) and wrapped on the throttle, pulled on the right bar instead of pushing the left in counter-steer and, bugger me, my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep.

Woo! But I have soooo much to learn.

But tonight I got a great lesson as regards my current limits, and I was pretty bloody pleased with myself for kicking my ridiculous ego into touch. Good, eh? Refreshing,well said.For my money Jrandom hit the nail on the head with his 3rd reply.

[KiwiKat]

I've recently been in a similar situation, getting back into riding after a lot of quiet years. While it's supposedly safer to ride in groups the groups tend be predominantly experienced riders and they are quicker into and out of corners (superior). There is a tendency to want to keep up with group who think they are going at a slow pace. I'm still learning to fight the ego and still feel frustrated when the others are waiting for me. Also a lot of the roads are well known by these riders and even their tyres are better conditioned.

[rustycharm]

ride your own ride

wot he said.... best lesson I ever learned

[discotex]

Do I get a prize for guessing the correct road on the clues? :first:

Riding that road (assuming it's the one I think it is) at pace at night would give me the shits even though I kinda know it in the daylight.

My biggest problem with open road night riding is the lack of forward visibility. Makes judging corners a and picking brake/apex points a lot harder.

Also because I can't see the road surface as well I don't automatically trust my tyres as much.

My solution. Slow down till I don't feel like I'm pushing it. Sounds like you got it sorted dpex.

If only bikes had high beam lights that turned according to lean angle.

[discotex]

In the micro-seconds during which I thought I'd blown it, I did everything back to front (for me) and wrapped on the throttle, pulled on the right bar instead of pushing the left in counter-steer and, bugger me, my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep.


:first: as much as it feels wrong it's totally the right way to handle that situation (aside from not getting in it in the first place as you also realised).

[jrandom]

Sometimes even slowing down until you're comfortable isn't enough. I did that a few months back when travelling down the line at night in the rain, but I still hit a diesel spill just after I happened to get on the front brake, and chucked the bike down the road.

So, ho hum. Do your best and leave the rest, it'll all come right some day or night.

And, yeah. Always ride your own race.

:niceone:

[Jacko2]

Good Post P.
I think I followed ya for a while tonite.
Glad you adjusted and as you say "parked the ego".
I remember well going through same space, trick is not to forget.
Well Done :niceone::niceone:

[westie]

And, yeah. Always ride your own race.

:niceone:

Classic :)

Good on ya dpex. Sounds like you controled your safety responses well?

You will find a comfortable place to ride in the group. Most new people start near the back and then work forward through the group finding a place that suits. Hope that helps.

Was a good night for a ride. See you another time.

[jrandom]

Most new people start near the back and then work forward through the group finding a place that suits.

And some of us just turn up and GIVE EVERYONE THE LEARN, cos we're fuckin' awesome.

:first:

[westie]

And some of us just turn up and GIVE EVERYONE THE LEARN, cos we're fuckin' awesome.

:first:

Hmmm

Planning on making a long awaited appearance?

[jrandom]

Planning on making a long awaited appearance?

If Jody'll give me the gas money.

:shutup:

[DarkLord]

The first step is admitting that you have a long way to go, which should not be something to be ashamed of. Well done.

One of my mates called me a turtle the other day, just in jest of course, so my immediate response was "I'd rather accept that I am still a turtle for now, than try to be a hare and wind up dead!"

Ride safe dude.

[dpex]

Nah bro, you just need to do a trackday or two.


Agreed. So where and when can a bloke get a track day?

[sinfull]

today in taupo damn it lol !!! Next one is a sat i be thinking www.motott.co.nz
Edit :nope its friday the 31 oct

[raftn]

I recently went away for the weekend, leaving late on friday night. I have done plenty of riding of late, but it was the first time in ages i had ridden at night for a long period and on back roads. You have no choice but to slow down,. as visiability certainly is limited, and any cars coming towards you temporily blind you. I din't enjoy the experince, but it was still good to do. As the saying goes ride to the conditions and your ability...

[CookMySock]

I realised my night-vision eyesight and lack of properly developed riding competence, collectively, weren't up to keeping up with riders way better than me. Going wide (over the yellow lines) on a tight left-hander finally put my ego in my pocket.Sounds to me like too fast on unfamiliar road in worsening visibility.


[...] my lack of trust in what my bike can and cannot do [....] I believed I was going too fast (for me) [...] In the micro-seconds during which I thought I'd blown it, I [..] wrapped on the throttle, pulled on the right bar instead of pushing the left in counter-steer and, bugger me, my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep. My first time was similar to yours, but a result of inattention - way too quick, but shoulders out and firm bar push, and it did it! Yes, I held my breath too. ;)


But tonight I got a great lesson as regards my current limits, and I was pretty bloody pleased with myself for kicking my ridiculous ego into touch. Good, eh?Yes. But alarm bells should have been going off earlier I think - that is a deadly combination before you even lit it up - experienced riders, unfamiliar road, failing light.

I wonder why the hurry to learn all this, dpex? I have had to remind myself that one day it must all end - I'll have to slow down and stop learning and advancing more, or die or go to jail.. Why pack it all into only two years? If you relax a bit and take your time, the fun will last longer.


Steve

[Chrislost]

My first time was similar to yours, but a result of inattention - way too quick, but shoulders out and firm bar push, and it did it! Yes, I held my breath too. ;)


My first time was similar...
I had had the bike for about a month, and having finally gotten it to a point where it would let me ride it, i rode it too hard too soon.

Luckily the moss bank under the landing zone was soft and the bike recovered enough to take me home.

[Qkchk]

And some of us just turn up and GIVE EVERYONE THE LEARN, cos we're fuckin' awesome.

:first:

*Cough cough* I think I just choked on my biscuit. :rolleyes:

[mstriumph]

well said, dpex ----- first stage of learning is admitting what you don't know

.......... also, it's refreshing to hear a BLOKE being as open about their riding as this

i have no trouble critiqueing my own performance but i've noticed it's a thing not many blokes do, even when their riding stinks ......:mellow:

[Kiwi Graham]

Good on ya dpex for vocalising what many people have experienced.

Riding at night is a totally different experience. Its often reassuring to follow someone who knows the road (or has better lights!) but you need to have confidence in your bikes ability and know your own limitations.

Take time to bend an ear or two on tips and tricks to improve you riding and theres no better substitute than pilling on the K's in all conditions. Come back to the ATNR and sound someone out, explain where your at and ask if you can follow there lines etc. Not everyone that goes is there to 'race' each other, stay towards the back and let the heroes blast of in front and ride your own ride. You would be more than welcome to follow a lardy old GSX 1400 to Albany.

[Gassit Girl]

ride your own ride

Definitely. No one wants to look like a noob and it's tempting to try to stick on the back of other more experienced riders. Their 'duty' is to keep their bikes upright and yours is to keep yours upright and then park safely at home afterwards with a smile on your face! As others have said here, thinking independently is vital on these rides.