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Thursday 6th March:
I decided to go for a reflective ride over the Rimutaka Hill RH up to Greytown across to SH53 then a small loop circuit before returning to Featherston and over the RH and home. 150km non-stop and 2 hours duration.

I focused on two things:

1. Recently my brother-inlaw 'Stevedee', we ride regularly on the weekends, I followed him on Kawasaki Z750 and Johnnie on his Ducati Paseo on two separate occasions. Firstly, Steve was going very smoothly up the Hutt side, at the top he said 'I just kept it in 5th all the way and focused on the corner approaches'. The other time, Johnnie was very sedate on his way up and he was just not concerned just wanted to take his own time.

Though I have often selected 4th on the Hornet at the 13km Winding Advisory sign, and taken a relaxed ride up, today I really focused in on the road and corner set up. The late morning was very quiet and little distraction with other traffic. On the way up various things came to the forefront, counter-steering, body position, visualisation approach apex and exit points, two step approach to turn in across apex and steady throttle with little wind on through apex and exit point. Attention when a little bit more brake was required with deliberate conscious and gradual use of rear brake. Mindful of suspension travel with some increased weight transfer to front wheel. Picking the right areas and looking through corners for hazards then pushing the inside bar let the bike dip and turn, sensing the suspension and physical force and tyre grip with very gradual on-throttle.

2. The second focus item was the descent down RH to Featherston. From my days riding with Uncle B he impressed upon me most of what I described above, however one particular drill was to descend selecting one gear [GN250 3rd]and using throttle braking, not touching the front or rear brake and just get a feel for the bike. Since those times back in 2006, I have generally used my gears and throttle control going up and down the RH. Today I recalled how Stevedee is more deliberate, he applies his brake in preparation for corner setup and on occasion I have followed his lines and braking patterns. So, today I spent some time on riding outside my normal gear throttle deceleration and focused on corner setup using brakes.

On the way home I turned off at Te Marua and came down the Mangaroa and Whitemans Valleys and down Blue Mountains Road into Silverstream. I must confess I spent some very reflective moments - Uncle B mentored me well, and I am very very grateful.

Heads Up and Enjoy