Blog Comments

You're just a bloody larrikin!! I would never have guessed.

Great read Alan

Great read. I've just stumbled across this and I'm gonna have a read through your previous blog posts. Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by Tricia1000

Well done!!!

Thanks Tricia... seems like a different life from March 2012 when I had a session with you: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...824-03-2012%29

I also find it amazing how much I've sort of absorbed. Hard to explain, but without very deliberately studying (just a little instead) I've incorporated so much into my riding and knowledge since then, and just over 2 years from the beginning to now, I find myself having reached that intermediate goal of Observer.

Well done Alan! You've achieved something which is measurable and anything but easy. Something to be really proud of.

Well done!!!

Originally Posted by KoroJ

Haved you saved enough to finally trade up to an ST??

Hehe, the local dealer tried to get me in to ride an ST, but I was busy with various things in December running up to Christmas.

Considering the complete lack of neat things it has stock, it's a trade down, and I'm not ready to join the grandpas yet

Haved you saved enough to finally trade up to an ST??

I have enjoyed your blog of your ride to Opononi. Glad you enjoyed your chocolate milk at the 4 square as it burnt down in the weekend. The pub was saved. happy riding.

Wow! A mention in despatches, I feel really special and would await my bronze oakleaf in the mail...if I had a medal to pin it on!

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

Jeez, this was a whiles ago, amazing you can still remember details! (mind you, you are a pedantic SOB!) ... And what, no picture of aforementioned cute backpacker?

Uh... like a fine wine I get better? I envy KoroJ and his quick blogging... I'm farking shocking, still, like the post, it'll always get through!

No, the poor girl looked a bit overwhelmed at a whole group lobbing advice at her.

Ahh this is what happened after I left you guys! When I was leading Mplant down to Taupo, I was a bit concerned myself. We had some slight drizzle and slippery conditions - I really had to emphasise the lines and braking to ensure he had the right cues.

Wish I could have tagged along for the rest of that ride!

Jeez, this was a whiles ago, amazing you can still remember details! (mind you, you are a pedantic SOB!) ... And what, no picture of aforementioned cute backpacker?

Sounds like you are going to become an instructor one day yourself! Very reflective thought processing about the way you ride (which gets me to think about the way I ride ... er, at the moment, not much! )

I'm getting traumatic flashbacks from this!

Originally Posted by BMWST?

not tempted by a montana?

Was tempted, but it falls down badly when I want music playing and a couple of other things I can't remember. Tis a nice device, but mine has several functions, not just GPS. The montana looks very good for off road stuff, but the Zumo 660 has some functionality which suffices for me. I think I compared side by side, and once I found a few deal killers, abandoned the idea.

I have thought recently I could perhaps have 2 GPS.

not tempted by a montana?

The usual shenanigans and gremlinesque type behaviours. Good to see you are reining in your predilection for carrying the kitchen sink! (will wonders never cease with this new Gremlin?)

A very restrained ride by your usual standards!

Originally Posted by BMWST?

why do head checks need to be obvious?

Well firstly there is the assessment factor. If you can't be seen to be making one, then are you? I'm falling into this trap a little, because while I might look at something, the person assessing me can't see I'm looking unless I'm turning my head. Same advice we (the forum) give learners and restricted riders going for their tests basically.

Second, you can easily fall into the habit of not doing a proper check. A quick glance isn't sufficient and is a bad habit. You want to be physically turning your head and looking at your blind spot to make sure there is nothing there. It's actually an easy habit to get into and I've had two occasions now where a good head check found something I didn't expect (even though I'm regularly looking in my mirrors). You initially think, argh, but what are the odds of something getting into your blind spot, but then, it only takes one mistake to take you out aye?

why do head checks need to be obvious?