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This Blog Entry is dedicated to our Mentor - Uncle B

28 May 2006

Sunday Evening - completed 400km in Stokes Vegas this last fortnight, and haven't ventured outside the valley yet. My commitment to myself is to do 1000km at least until the end of June, here in the Vegas [probably driving the locals crazy thinking they have somebody casing their street etc etc], but seriously, I have found the last two weeks damn good running here practising each day for an hour or two. Each time I go out and focus on one or two key things and I must say 'being in one with the motorcycle' is slowly taking its shape and I am getting a lot of pleasure [read 'fun'] out of this new found freedom.

29 May 2006

It is quite surprising how the kilometres can click up, I started at the very top of the valley and worked my way down each off street then down George up Logie across the top of Holborne and into of streets up there, down out to the service station and up the steep opposite side across and down, then up through the Glen area and work my way back up the main road to the fire station into Manuka and home. I may do three or four runs across the Holborne ridge during that out, and usually am out around 90 minutes and can run up 50km no sweat. Found a couple of places to pull over and dwell on things I have been working on during the ride and keep focused on improving gradually.

When I get out of the valley brother in law is going to take me over to Whitemans Valley for a run. Understand it will be a good test on the road going out that way initially.

Though it is traffic light free and single lane only here in the valley, I have mixed up the times I get out and have got out around end of school time just to get a bit of pressure with the increased traffic including buses [shheeeessh], seriously though, it is coming on quite well and enjoying the new found joy.

Have been practising the emergency stop, with the immediate rapid accelerate. I have been taking a lot in these few weeks and will certainly work on the rapid accelerate too now.

In the several books I have been reading the constant that comes through, and there are numerous, however the emergency braking skill is something that should become as the result of habit. The tip I read is the habit of getting into of front and rear breaking coming up to a curve, then off brake, look, lean, and roll on the accerator. By constantly developing this technique then it will be habit formed and there for when the big emergency is needed.

In the back of my mind is to run down as far as Avalon and do the loop Fraser Park ie Taita Drive and Harcourt Werry Drive in the evenings in early Spring before I venture further a field. Also down the High Street back over the Wingate Bridge and Pomare loop would be another good initial evening ride too.


3 June

Now at 650km in Stokes Vegas. Finding improved balance, leaning and counter steering, as well getting a good feel for slow turning with clutch and back brake keeping revs up a little.

I have found a good circuit now from top of valley back down then off to both sides and back to top of valley again, round trip is 13km. I have been staying out for around one and a half hours each run and mixing up the ciruit clockwise then alternating the other way around also going over the top of Holborn I switch direction and at times stay on the Holborn Drive for several runs.

All in all very happy with progress in the 3 weeks since getting the GN.


7 June 2006

Just got to 700km today, but not hitting the road until around 11.30am it is still pretty damp [slippy] around some parts still in the shade.

11 June 2006

My brother in law has mentioned the Whitemans Valley run and it will certainly be one as soon as I click up my 1000km here in SV.

When I did my first posts to this site, only recently, I was surprised at the feedback, and it certainly does appear as though we may have a few members here. Around spring time I will be keen to do a few group rides and who knows we may be able to get a Stokes Valley - Whitemans Valley run organised.

11 June 2006
Hey BuckBuck,
Nice to meet you today & put a face to the name. Keep up the practise & when summer rolls around you'll be ready to venture further afield.

1000kms....that's nearly from Welly to Cape Reinga....didn't know Stokes was that big.


12 June 2006
Thanks Uncle B
Have sent you a pm about the mentoring role, much appreciated.
Oh Cape Reinga, I was aiming for Sydney across water.



12June 2006

I have found a few quiet streets to practise the emergency stops and accelerating.


14 June 2006

Update: Just completed the 900km mark and still in Stokes Valley. Booked in for the 1000km service next week.

Books that have been passed to me include:
The Biker's Bible - Graham Allardice
Proficient Motorcycling - David Hough
Total Control - Lee Parks

I suppose all up since 13 May the 900km and elapsed time of 32 days I have spent a lot of time in the numerous cul de sacs here in the valley doing a lot of slow manouvering, clutch/bkbreak u-turns and also up over a good ridge road with a few bends. I have chosen different times of the day to expose to light and heavy peak conditions [the latter in the last week].

Also for those that may be interested I have looked at the following website:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school-SectionFive.htm

though it is from the USA and you have to change L to R etc the general approach I found to be quite useful too.

I am looking forward now to spreading my wings and leaving the nest of Stokes Valley and going for rides a little further out in the Hutt district.

Uncle B mentioned Cape Reinga the other day too. Amazing how the miles/kms build up when you are out of a cage and enjoying yourself. Look at my profile the long term ambition is to complete the Sth Island.

There's a whole six years ahead of me to reach that goal and when I set off on the first short leg who knows I 'might have a plan' to have several KB'ers want to join in say every 6mths or so head south and chip off a few more miles down there.

I got all the time in the world now to ride each day weather permitting, and having never, I mean never ridden a bike before I decided I would set my first goal and discipline myself to remain in the SV until the 1000km came up. Been no sweat and really enjoyed the time here as you could build up certain riding conditions etc, I figured it was a good goal and good place to start.



17 June 2006

1000km In Stokes Valley - Golf November Two Five Zero

Elapsed Time 35 Days Distance Travelled 1000km:

Many hours of enjoyment, and plenty of good moments of learning, expected the unexpected and gave myself a few wake up calls.

Found a few good vantage points to stop and have a banana and orange and soak in the pleasure of my novice riding as well as to look at and around the lovely vistas of the Hutt Valley and down the harbour to Wellington.

I am so glad I set my first goal and achieved it unwaveringly.

Golf November Two Five Zero - GN250 has cast off for'd and aft, leaving port Stokes Valley, and is underway.

Thanks to all for your encouragement during this preliminary time of this newbie's riding.

17 June 2006
Well done Buck.
Go Forth and discover the Hutt Valley.


Where To From Here For BuckBuck's Future Updates


19 June 2006

Having set the preliminary goal of 1000km and remaining in Stokes Valley - of course it now does raise the challenge of where to from here.

I am thinking out loud here - was the thread BuckBuck's Update - Newbie Training worthwhile? [Leave me out of the picture for one moment - of course I enjoyed providing the interim updates to my preliminary goal] But moving ahead now would another thread along the same lines be practical and of interest? If so where in the Forum could/should it be listed?

I will be happy to receive feedback from 'administrators and/or moderators' if they care to private message, else general feedback within this current thread.

I am retired now and would be keen to extend contributing to the forum and have time to do so.

Administrators/modertors may want to contact other KB'ers who may not have taken in the thread todate or facilitate in some other way through the forum facility.

Thanks to all who participated in the thread, I appreciated the comments and the witty ones too. It was an enjoyable 5 weeks doing "BuckBuck's Update - Newbie Training."


19 June 2006
BuckBuck, your thread has generated good feedback on your progress to a better way of life. I for one have enjoyed reading your updates and wait for more episodes from your adventures and experiences outside Stokes Valley. A continuation of this thread would not be a bad thing as others and yourself can go back and see the progress you have made......it may even inspire others to follow a similar and sensible approach when starting out.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to more updates in the future.


1000kms IN STOKES VALLEY!!!!!!! WOW


20 June 2006

BuckBuck's Training Development 30-40-30

The motorcycle had its 1000km service yesterday and was delivered back home this morning. [Hint I wasn't going to ride it into Wellington yet.] Thanks to the crew at Wellington Motorcycles door to door pickup and delivery is well worthwhile.

I ventured outside the valley today and as a result was able to formulate another plan read "challenging goal":

Timeframe: Six Weeks [Time of Day 12.30pm - 4.00pm]
Target: To cover three major riding environments 30-40-30 ratio.
1. Suburbs riding - Leave the Stokes Valley and head out into the suburbs eg. down to the fringe of Lower Hutt. [Target 30km - objective to experience light traffic conditions]
2. Rural riding - circuit Stokes Valley - Silverstream - Wallaceville - Trentham - Stokes Valley. [Target 40km - objective motorcycle proficiency riding (selecting key focus items and review eg. counter steering, turning points, apex, and exit. To be varied and followed up with other training disciplines eg emergency stops etc)]
3. Slow Handling and Peak Traffic flows - Return to Stokes Valley go over 'local personal training circuit' review slow handling and practice. Move into school zone areas then to shopping centre distict in Stokes Valley. [Target 30km - objective Heads Up and Concentration Alertness Escape Strategies]

Personal Target to complete the above programme by middle of July - my birthday.

Will provide interim updates through this Training Development - My Title "The 30 - 40 - 30 Target"

20 June 2006

I have met with a 'Mentor' from Kiwibikers and arranged to review my riding skills progress in July, by which time I will look forward to going out with one, two or three others in a group.

Today I managed the 100km, spent the first hour down and back to the Hutt and back home for drink, then another run up to Silverstream Bridge, back home for coffee. At that stage upto 45km. Then slow run back up to Silverstream and a good quiet ride through Whitemans Valley around back down through Trentham and back to Stokes Valley, stopped in at the outlaws [read ma and pa kettle in laws] for cuppa and chat, then finished off last 35 minutes in the valley going over local training route and practising some bike control in cul de sacs.

I started at 12.45pm and finished at 4.40pm and managed the 100km with the three breaks for refreshments. Must say I found the three facets well worthwhile, 30 suburb, 40 rural, 30 local circuit, and was able to focus on different aspects during each session in the afternoon.

I fit in golf most Tuesdays and Thursdays to break up my week, and get along to the swim centre a couple of mornings during the week to keep up my fitness. The bike riding the last month has been great, the 30-40-30 program should work in well twice during the week and perhaps a casual ride on the weekend.


21 June 2006

Whitemans Valley up and back today and time in the suburbs Upper and Lower Hutt, returned to Stokes Valley and completed slow bike control.

Observation: Will do slow bike control in Stokes Valley for 30 minutes before heading out in future. A good way to 'work up' the 30-40-30 program.

Overall Today: Recognise areas to work on out there in the suburbs. Rural run was good and enjoy reading corners: turning points, apex, and exit. Entering slow and good counter steer.


22 June 2006

Transition - Throttle and Brake And Suspension Sweetspot

Over the past six weeks I have noticed the [my] common problem that we newbies encounter and that is coming off the throttle too quick and also coming off the brakes too quick. This certainly affects the suspension and can cause handling problems. I am aware of it and have been improving this transition.

I have been reading Lee Parks' book "Total Control" and came across the above subject at Chapter 9 "Throttle Control" that discusses the transition and the "suspension sweetspot" [in the middle of the travel range].

Would like to get some feedback on this topic if you are interested in contributing please.


22 June 2006
BuckBuck, it takes time and lots of practise.
Try to make all your actions as smooth as you can.

And remember to have fun at the same time.


23 June 2006

Firstly to acknowledge all of you contributors my thanks and here goes:

Drum:
Thanks for the comment 'responsible approach', I hope by my example some of the younger and keen newbies can pick up something from this thread, and at times it may be the little voice inside them that may remind them of one or two things.

Korea:
Rolling on evenly the accelerator, and progressively increasing pressure when braking. Thanks and spot on, I talk about this further down with Swanny.

Drum:
You mentioned did the book explain 'how not to lock up the rear brake' well rather to look at it the other way he explains a few things on what to do if the rear does lock up:

Maintain your line by leaving the wheel locked up while steering into the turn OR by gently letting up on the rear lever and immediately reapplying it once the tyre has regained traction. [Letting up too quickly risks a high side off].

As an aside if I knew how not to lock up then besides patiences I would be a Saint

Swanny:
Your comments are pure coincidence -today I spent some time out in Whitemans Valley [twice] and once in the rain. Being wet I was more conscious of the brake pressure and progressively applying. Also the down shifting and getting a blap in to keep the revs up and not lock the rear.

I welcomed the showers today and the chance to put myself out there in the quiet rural region [carried a mobile phone, and wife new when to expect me back home - a good tip to those who may venture out on their own and not let anyone know.]

Cassina:
Talking about different bikes and different engines, with this little GN250 I am starting to get a good feel for the additional Revs - rpm's in the higher range. Still under 6,500rpm mind you, but I am getting the feel of 'harmonising' the down shift with a blap of the throttle and gradual braking pressure.

Uncle B:
Working on the smooth and getting the practise in this week:

Spreading the wings and going down the quiet side to Eastbourne and then back up through Whitemans Valley and across and up torugh Upper Hutt.

Got the bike back Tuesday and in 3 days out worked on the 30-40-30 program and managed 370km.


Here is one good item I did pick up on this week:
Body Position - I have been working on keeping 'the rider's centreline to the inside of the bike centreline while looking through the turn to exit and keeping the head perpendicular to the road. Also relaxing the outside arm and not fighting for control with the inside arm - I let the inside arm do all the steering.

Thanks again for your comments. I will keep the thread updated during this next 6 weeks 30-40-30 program.


24 June 2006
BuckBuck,
Great skills to go out in the rain. Good on you for doing it to get the "feel" of wet riding.
Tips....
A relaxed but firm grip on the bars. Don't "death grip" the bars as it locks up your forearms and wrists reducing your steering input.
Slight bend at the elbows. Straight arms also reduces steering input.
Relax the inside arm when cornering (see pic).
Look to where you want to go and looking further ahead will "slow" things down giving you more time to react to situations and to plot your couse to the next corner.
Smooth actions on all the controls. Harsh actions will unsettle the bike causing the rider to use more input to keep the bike under control.
The rear brake is only to assist the front brake. Most of your braking ability is done by the front brakes. Locking the rear can lead to an "off". Not recommended.
Relax and have fun.

25 June 2006
Uncle B, Gidday and thanks for your feedback. Was a good week with as discussed above. I am pleased with my progress and the tip you have given is much appreciated - it was good to get out of the valley and experience the longer stretches and the corners. Heading back over to Eastbourne this afternoon after the rugby, I enjoyed the run out there during the week and the gradual sweeping curves and of course the reducing radius ones too.


26 June 2006

Buck's Weekly Update

The 30-40-30 program is working out just about right.
I am not necessarily trying to complete 30 plus 40 plus 30 kilometres in the one day but maintaining approximatedly 30%,40%, 30% of my ride outing to:

30% slow speed bike control handling
I do this in Stokes Valley before heading out.

40% Open road - rural district
I am fortunate to have Whitemans Valley nearby and this provides a good circuit enabling legal speed riding to 70km and good flowing curves and tight corners too. Eastbourne has also been taken up in the program.

30% suburban traffic conditions
Though always maintaining alertness, this is heightened more so in close traffic conditions.

The Eastbourne run, twice this week, was very enjoyable and on my return home yesterday afternoon, around 3.30pm I entered the inner Lower Hutt shopping district and put myself out there to experience the numerous roundabouts and traffic light intersections for 20 minutes or so. A good opportunity because although it was the Sunday afternoon the traffic conditions were still good without being too congested.

Elapsed Time 6 days
Distanced Travelled 432km
Total Distance since 13 May 1432km

Cheers for now.


1 July 2006

Buck's Training Update

Elapsed Time 6 days
Distance 309km
Total Distance todate 1741 [since 12 May]

Applying the 30-40-30 program this week saw new district: ventured up through Whitemans Valley out to Mangaroa and came out at SH2 Te Marua.

Heading back ducked in at Mt Marua and looked at the estate there then pulled into Supercheap Auto, got some Autosol polish. Coffee at McD's Silverstream.

Some serious practice taken up during the week at the Fraser Park off Harcourt Werry Drive in the parking area there: Emergency stops from 2nd gear, 3rd gear and 4th gear, coming down from 20,30,40, 50kph. Remembering to gear down to 1st, check mirrors and emergency accelerate from emergency stop.

Also practised progressive bringing on brake and rolling back throttle to try and keep suspension 'calm' no pitching forward or rocking back. Need to practise this with smoothness in mind.

Close in U-turns, circles and figure eights: moving from sweeping turns and gradually reducing to smaller circles and turns. Looking back over right shoulder, using clutch and rear brake for controlled right turning circles, and over left shoulder looking behind for left turning etc and moved into figure eight with focus and heads up. Good practice program adopted from book 'Total Control' by Lee Parks.

Wellington - What A Beautiful Day I had written in the General section, a classic this week when I took a ride around to Eastbourne.

Today yet another cracker day with the most unusual fog that crept right in around the bays on the way around to Eastbourne this afternoon, while near Eastbourne shops themselves were all misty around 3.45pm as was Williams Park area.

Put myself back into the downtown Lower Hutt traffic, roundabouts and controlled light intersections on the way home. Constantly scanning for danger and assuming if the other driver is stopped don't assume he may not move across your line.

Back into Stokes Valley up over Holborne and into the local shopping centre in the valley.

Looking back over the last 7 weeks there are definite signs of gradual improvement [without being too cocky], and as always being on alert to expect the unexpected.

Wake up call for the week:
Stopped at a pedestrian crossing on the High St outside the hospital, forgot to gear down to 1st [though put the left foot down at stop] looked into mirror, no danger and no close up traffic approaching [thank goodness] - said to myself "Buck you practiced your stopping and looking into the mirror - you spent too much time looking at the pedestrian thought you were doing the right thing and completely forgot your escape plan to gear down and have strategy."

Overall a good week and enjoyable riding and training.


2 July 2006

The figure eight and emergency stops are becoming a part of my weekly review and practice.


Buck's Update 5 July

As at 5 July
Elapsed Time 4 days
Distance Travelled 98km
Total Distance since 12 May, 1939km

Wellington - What A Beautiful Day [Yeah Right]
Well I snuck in before the weather turned to custard this week and managed two more milestones:
1. Sunday Afternoon a ride down SH2 from Silverstream to the city, through the Mt Vic Tunnel around Evans Bay back through downtown, and back up the valley.
2. Monday Afternoon a ride over the Haywards north side around the inlet, around to Mana [McD's coffee and cheeseburger] then back south side of inlet. Completed the afternoons ride with an hours practice down at the carpark off Harcourt Werry Drive. [I don't have any cones to work with but had a stack of old ice cream tub containers in the garage and took seven lids with me (stacked them tied them altogether in a pile with string and slipped them under the strap on my bike seat). I spaced them out at 18 paces each then reduced to 12 then down to 8 paces - the objective was to practice counter steering (caution note) I didn't run over any lids with my front wheel, and wouldn't want to - the benefit was there however in being able to use the markers effectively. Also set up a 18 metre corridor half metre wide with the lids each side and practised dead slow strainght line in no less than 10 seconds. Finally, three separate lids in a line and did figure 8's.

Have arranged with my Mentor for a review of my riding progress shortly. With just under 2000km since 12 May, I am very pleased and am enjoying the riding very much as each week passes by.

6 July 2006
I have been watching/reading BuckBuck's posts and are looking forward to our ride review day.


7 July 2006
Clicked Over 2000km

After all the rain -did a run out to Eastbourne and on the way back brought up the 2000km since 12 May.

Felt like 'cabin fever' the last 3-4days, got the bike all cleaned up and as luck would have it there were a few flood run offs around the bays and the bike looked like crap when I got back. Wiped down clean now and ready for the weekend.



9 July 2006

Elaspsed time 4 days
Distance Travelled 317km [including the initial run over the Rimutakas to Featherstone and back on 8/7/06.]
Total Distance since 12 May 2256km

Mentor Review - Do It, Do It Now.
Thanks to my Mentor Uncle B, we started out this morning at the Stokes Valley Fires Station at 10am, and the next four to four and a half hours was thoroughly satisfying and rewarding. Like I say 'Do it, Do it Now' for a good review of your riding skills it is never too late for us newbies.

A run down on the day:

Up through Whitemans Valley stopping mid way through the valley and discussing observations and technique.

Whitemans Valley back down to short hop along motorway Silverstream to Kennedy Good Bridge into Lower Hutt coffee at McD's and general chat.

LH out to Eastbourne, from Seaview out and around bays, followed Mentor's lines. General chat and review at bus depot.

EB back along Petone foreshore back up through downtown LH and out to Harcourt Werry Dr and to parking lot to review slow bike control and emergency braking. [Elapsed time 4/4 and half hours distance 90km]

To Sum Up:
I am very pleased with my Mentor's review and share these with you:

1. Blind Left curves - Start out right side leading into curve but staying out too wide and not coming across the apex and through exit point. [Expect the Unexpected oncoming cage cutting the corner and becoming an instant bonnet badge.]

2. Roundabouts - [Intended track is proceeding straight through] On roundabout have sighted traffic stopped at Give Way upcoming on left [giving way to me], I was on my line to proceed through to exit of roundabout however, made an unnecessary head turn to look at stationary traffic as I passed. Hence, by looking unnecessarily this will immediately alter the balance of the bike. Because I have sighted the stationary traffic and proceeded, then rely on my peripheral vision and maintain my line through to exit.

3. Mirror Checks - I somewhat expected this though I was only doing it not as frequently as I should, complacency knowing that my Mentor was right there behind me riding shot gun. Point taken though and a point to practise constant frequency and scanning ahead, behind and to the sides.

Scanning always be vigilant - even I didn't see the pothole until clunck clunck.

Thanks again Uncle B and we'll catch up in a months time.

Head Up All and Enjoy
[Here's another line I though about today: remember the famous line from the instructor/mentor in the Karate Kid 'Wax On, Wax Off' think 'Smooth On Smooth Off' ]


9 July 2006
Thanks BuckBuck for an enjoyable day and thanks for the positive feedback on my mentoring of you.

Your positive approach to motorcycling is clear in your riding.

Scan everything in your path from road conditions (I saw the pothole) to traffic, dogs, children, cyclists etc........basically everything that's out there.

Once again thanks for the day and see you in a months time.


11 July 2006

Here is a link:
www.totalmotorcycle.com/school-SectionFive.htm

Though it is from the USA the concept and theme for us newbies I found to be very good.

Set yourself goals:
Immediate Short Term Goal
Mine was a 1000km target inside my little valley here in Stokes Valley - it was a good 'training ground' still is and I review a lot of slow control work (20-30minutes) most times before I head out of the valley for a ride.

Intermediate Goal [Mentor Review]
Spread my wings and move out of the valley after completing 1000km, having experienced different traffic volumes [times of day eg when school is finishing] in SV and feeling confident with the dynamics of accerator, brakes Front and Back, clutch, gear shifting up and down, as well as the essential scanning and 'expect the unexpected' strategy and visualising the escape plan.....whoooo stop it sounds like
too much to take in at this early stage I would imagine for you. Bottom line in my Intermediate Goal was to get up another 1000km and then have a KiwiBiker Mentor take me out for a review of my progress. [I have completed over 2200km since 12 May and aside from several purely recreation rides I have never stopped focusing on two some times three elements while out training.]

Though I have talked in terms of 1000km for each of the above goals, I appreciate that a lot of newbies may be restricted in the amount of time they can allocate if they wanted to reach that sort of distance level - of course it may be unreasonable and therefore it would be necessary to focus more on the available time you could allocate specifically for your own training development. Above all be deliberate and focus, be disciplined while you are out there training, take frequent breaks and reflect 'how did that feel, what could I have done better, I will go back next time [next hour or next day or next week]and do it again and focus get the feedback 'feeling' from the experience and move on.

The website link I have shown above I think has good approach and 'discipline', it certainly made me think and plan and respect the fundamentals needed when going from four to two wheels, I wish you two that have recently replied in this thread all the very best in your new found endeavours. And to those who have read and quietly said to themselves much the same thing as Theatre and RnB Fan, sit back and reflect on one or two things you may have read in this thread when next you go out for your ride.

Heads Up and Enjoy

14 July 2006

Thanks so much for the feedback all of you, I think I will give the possum a very wide berth

I ventured out in Stokes Vegas last night and generally felt comfortable, though of course a little 'more cautious'.

There were many good points raised by you and I immediately experienced them ie, cracking the visor open a little, made sure it was very clean before i left home, also was becoming much aware of the dew coming down and stayed away from the slippery white stuff.

No that we ever expect a cage to come around a bend without lights on - but expect the unexpected. On the upside of course it is good to get the early signs of a vehicle approaching from around the bend with the glow of the lights appearing.

All in all a good first run out at night. Will get out a few more times for sure.

Thanks again for the feedback very much appreciated.


14 July 2006

As At 13 July
Elapsed Time: 3days
Distance Travelled 247km
Total Distance 2503km [since 12 May]

Two riding days completed since last update:

Tuesday 11th
Objective - With the Mentor's review completed on Sunday I proceeded to review my original training circuit in Stokes Valley for an hour and practice slow control including figure eight and u-turns. Also going up and over Holborn Drive and importantly here focusing on the left bends - I was able to appreciate my Mentor's remarks about how I was staying out quite wide unnecessarily so - I was able to find better and safer lines to take going up and over this part of the valley.

Parking lot training [Harcourt Werry Drive] Took the seven icecream lids, and practised the counter steering and worked on one of my Mentor's tips:
Use only your right hand, no brakes, and get a feel for the bike. I did several runs up and down weaving in and out using only my right hand, then re-run the exercise with both hands must say it was quite a good experience and very intuitive feeling.

In the parking lot I started to take some long sweeping curves to get a good feel for lean and yes the heels of my boots both left and right touched the deck fleetingly so, and a smile came to the face. I immediately did several more runs concentrating on speed looking through curve and feeling for lean angle and centrifugal force.

Proceeded down to Alicetown and then back through the Lower Hutt downtown region for some traffic awareness etc.

Thursday 13th
Recall I got my motorcycle on the evening of 12 May so here it was the second month anniversary. Also I have recently booked for a Bike Maintenance course which will be held after dark and across [over the Haywards] over at Linden. So for this anniversary ride I planned on a long afternoon's ride:

Rimutaka's an excellent run up to the top and concentrating on my lines and accelerating from the apex to the exit point and remembering the blind left curves. Focused on countersteering, natural lean with the bike and keeping head level level though looking through corner.

Going to and from the Rimutaka's I was not exposed to high traffic volumes and generally stuck to my regulation limit and was prepared to look way ahead for a pull over area when several cars started to build up behind me. No sweat and felt very much in control.

So with the bike maintenance course coming up at the end of the month I decided to take a run over to check out the location etc. So it was from the Rimutakas down to Moonshine across to Fergusson [avoiding the River Road] coffee at McD's Silverstream then off down the motorway up the Haywards and down out to the inlet. I've done this run a few times now and my preference is for the Whitby side of the inlet there seems to be good flowing road lines as compared to the other side. Once my experience builds up more then I reckon I will probably say the other side is better.

Good flows SH1 from Paramata to Porirua exit. Once in the Porirua, good traffic flow and some good 'exercises' in general road traffic conditions. Proceeded down to Linden found the address and then carried on to Tawa and Johnsonville [all off the motorway]. Back on the motorway out of Johnsonville and down the gorge, a good run and felt good, would not want to do that in the wet though and heck any diesel you could be toast. Had a smile on my face as over in the far lane was this motorcycle cruising down using only his right hand and left resting on his thigh.

Pulled over in Lower Hutt and adjusted the clutch cable it came very sloppy on the trigger.

To top off the days riding I went back out for an hour or so for some night time riding and reviewing the posts today it was very good to recap some of the feedback pointers raised. I look forward to getting out at night for several hours over the next few weeks before the bike maintenance course.

So all in all though distance travelled in this update reads 247m actually 170km were completed on the Thursday.

A good second month anniversary with Golf November Two Five Zero....that's one small step/ride for BuckBuckNo1.


19 July 2006

As At 18 July
Elapsed Time: 6days
Distance Travelled 408km
Total Distance 2911km [since 12 May]

Riding days completed since last update: 4days

This update comes with a few wannabe and newbie insights:

Each time I go out I ask myself:
"Where do you want to go today?"
"Why do you want to go there?"
"What do you want to achieve?"

I believe it was once remarked about a famous explorer:

'He didn't know where he was going.
When he got there he didn't know where he was at.
When he got home he didn't know where he'd been.'

Being a newbie there is one thing for sure I treat the motorcycle with respect, the road code, and all other motorists the same way. Never loose your cool, pull over if needs be, don't look for blame, look at yourself and ask what did I learn from that.....

Here are two Heads Up events:

Scenario:
1. Proceeding down the road with an oncoming car wanting to turn right across your
line........did you forget to turn your indicator off coming straight through and off the last roundabout. Remember if you are proceeding through the roundabout [not going off to the left, or around and off to the right] you still need to indicate [left blinker] as you are proceeding straight through off the roundabout. Okay with me so far, then your proceeding down the road and there is that car wanting to turn right.........T-bone on the menu?

2. Winding inner city suburb, going up the hill and approaching blind left bend - do you feel lucky........If you play poker you could shoot for an open ended straight, an inside straight, a full house. But before you went any further though, you thought that you may call and raise but, but, but, decided to throw your hand in. Was it the right decision? You watch the table play out and see the royal flush being laid down to win. The narrow winding roads in town are cramped with parked cars everywhere and to meet a truck around the bend that is already over the centre of the road because of the parked cars will be more than a royal flush your up against. Remember what the Mentor said pay extra care on those blind left bends, don't leave yourself hanging out there wide because you never know what may be coming at you.


Scenario Discussion:
In the first case I noticed the lady driver pointing at me then she held up her right hand above the steering wheel and proceeded to dab her index finger and thumb repeatedly together ['you've got your blinker on]. You know when you get that pit in the bottom of your stomach...and say to yourself 'you dumb ass - that lady driver is more alert and careful than you are now wake up to yourself'...fortunately she could see I had no intention of doing a left turn [my left blinker being on]and she had the presence of mind to give me the blinker warning sign with her hand.

[Heads Up] Doing the right thing coming off a roundabout is fine but remember to cancel out the indicator, and of course after any left and right indicator turn remember to cancel out the indicator.

On the second case, well there was a truck in the middle coming down the winding road as I rounded the bend, I was in good position not too much lean on not out too wide coming off the apex and toward my middle side - I was able to immediate push the left grip further and counter steer away from approaching danger.

[Heads Up] Survival Instinct - practise your counter steering so it becomes your immediate go to reaction. Being confronted with a truck and immediately going off the throttle and or immediately emergency braking were not options either case would have left me hung out to dry.

Saturday 15th
Where: over the Haywards and around the inlet.
Why: weather was overcast and fine misty rain with moderate wind - you choose to experience these conditions before you let the conditions catch you out.
Achieve What: Building your experience up, through wanting to [self determination] rather than being confronted with weather conditions you have not practised in.

The Haywards is a notorious stretch and cars often travel too fast for the conditions. Being out there with the L-plate could be considered a target waiting to be taken out.

Having travelled over the Haywards hill several times there are several bail out areas if the traffic is building up going up [from SH2] or down[out to SH1], I have pulled over a couple of times more as a courtesy than a fear factor.

As I said previously the inlet is a good ride around - as luck would have it traffic volume was high heading back to the Hutt Valley along the Whitby [note there was the slips on SH2 that day so traffic from the city obviously did the long route] and to a crawl around Judgeford.

[Heads Up] Choose your weather conditions and also look at the weather forecasts before heading out.

Sunday 16th
Where: Up to Caltex Upper Hutt then into town and around the bays
Why: To meet up with any KB'ers and say 'Hi' then into town to enjoy the ride.
Achieve What: Mainly a casual ride, but also to be mindful of extreme traffic conditions around Oriental Bay and out to the airport. [The motorway at 70km can have its moments so live in the rear view mirror and stay calm and alert]

[Heads Up] Enjoy your casual ride. I had not been around Shelley Bay for a long time and to do it on a bike was something I always thought about. Relax enjoy the ride but always be strategic.

Monday 17th
Where: Wainuiomata out to the coast
Why: Time to take on the Wainui Hill [and I have never been out to the coast]
Achieve What: Riding focus was going over the Wainui Hill and particularly coming down the Hutt side. Achieve good control [throttle, brake, and suspension] and counter steering and lean on the winding bends coming down and mindful of any traffic in your space immediately behind and in your blind spot.

[Heads Up] Like the weather conditions choose your time to go out and take on something that may be on the edge of your comfort zone, and literally choose the right time of day 1pm would be better than morning or afternoon peak.

Tuesday 18th
Where: Brooklyn Windmill

Why: Time to take on longer and new suburban conditions. [Nte travelled
over Haywards out to Porirua then off the motorway all the way to Brooklyn - good traffic experience Porirua - Tawa - Johnsonville - Khandallah - out to Karori then back to Brooklyn] Down to Newton to Mc D's Reverse route home.

Achieve What: Prolonged concentration in suburban traffic conditions, escape strategies, protecting your own riding space.

[Heads Up] Forgetting to cancel out an indicator can be a sign of fatigue, particulary if it is a rare thing in your riding strategy.


Well there you go that was 4 days of consecutive riding around the region and personally rewarding:

Like that explorer:
1.Know where you want to go
2.Don't go too far [because you may have reached you fatigue limit before you know it.]
3.And when you park the bike up at home identify no less than 5 things that you thought about out there that you felt good about and or want to improve the next time you head out.

Heads Up and Enjoy


19 July 2006
Hey BuckBuck,
Forgetting to cancel out the indicator is more common than you think. Checking your instruments is just as important as checking your mirrors. Imagine if the lady pulled in front of you because you left your indicator on.

On winding inner city roads, adjust your speed to the surrounding conditions.....ie: parked cars, width of road etc....A truck will take up more road to negotiate a turn.

Good heads up on different senarios.

Thanks Uncle B

About the indicators, I like T-bones steaks but not enough to die for out there on the road.

The truck, and going up and around the bend, your point from the other week was well put into practise.

Cheers for the feedback.
Buck
26 July 2006

As At 26 July
Elapsed Time: 7days
Distance Travelled 363km
Total Distance 3274km [since 12 May]

Riding days completed since last update: 3 days

The weekend saw two rides over to Martinborough and on Monday a run into Wellington and around Shelley Bay - Seatoun - Rongotai - city and home.

Thanks to the KB'ers on Sunday morning at Caltex Upper Hutt who came up and introduced themselves, it is good to put names[handles] to faces, and thank you for your supportive comments about this forum thread of my actual 'newbie rider training'.

As Sunday was not an organised group ride it was good to be able to front up and say hello, no pressure or expectation to head out in a group. My goal is to wait until springtime as I have said in earlier posts before I join in grouop ride. In the interim I continue to concentrate on my riding skills and have my mentor's reviews through winter.

As everybody headed off up the Rimutaka Hill, I was quite content to go at my own pace. Thanks to Ian on his 800 Intruder for keeping tabs on me on the way up and over to Martinborough.

Having done the Rimutaka Hill several times now, my focus has been to establish smooth lines going down hill where I can see through the turns and also to be mindful of those 'blind' bends. Similarly coming up the hill attention is being paid to the engine and smooth gear shifting - while riding around the suburbs you certainly don't have full throttle on, however climbing up the RH hill you find the throttle is way out there and when it comes to gear shifting up or down the engine may rev quite markedly. So practice there found a happy medium to smooth gear shifting.

Riding into town once again meant the motorway from Petone to the gorge, I choose to do that run outside of main traffic peek time. Once in the city the slow bike control practice I have undertake at the local parking near home comes into play, particularly down the Quay into Cable Street and around to Wellington Motor Cycles, stopped to buy and oil filter for the upcoming bike maintenance course. Then onward through the Victoria tunnel and a wonderful quiet ride right around the inner harbour and down to the entrance and around the airport runway. Stopped near Shelley Bay at a bench seat, soaked up the sun and enjoyed a banana and mandarin. I usually take some fruit with me when I go for a ride.

So this week past has been generally taking on two extremes the Rural and the city. The 30-40-30 practise strategy I have adopted the last 2000km [see earlier posts] has been very good and presents a good platform for gradually working on and improving your riding skills.




30 July 2006

Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 4days
Riding days completed since last update: 2 days
Distance Travelled 211km
Total Distance 3485km [since 12 May]

Saturday: Took a run from Stokes Vegas into town out to Karori then back up to Porirua [not on motorway] up the inlet and back across Haywards Hill.
I have the bike maintenance course at Linden on Tuesday and Thursday coming, and wanted to do that part of the around the inlet and Porirua.

Main focus was on traffic conditions and protecting my own safety zone, also as and when in motorway conditions [into town and from Porirua to Paremata] being mindful of blindspots especially avoiding riding in blindspots of other vehicles.

Spent a good 20-30 minutes in Stokes Valley before venturing out reviewing slow bike control and head checks particularly when turning off main road into side streets as well as frequent mirror checks.

Sunday: A good casual ride today. Through Whitemans Valley region and across to coast over Haywards and back.

Focus: being gear shifting up and down particularly around 6000rpm.

Things To Improve Upon: How many times did I forget to cancel out my indicators today - twice. So as mentor has said, not only your mirror checks but also your instrument check.


31 July 2006

Here's a little circuit here in Stokes Valley that I have found useful for slow bike control:
Come off Stokes Valley road just up past the shopping centre - left into Milton then T-intersection Milton/Montgomery right crossing Kennedy. You will find that Montgomery ends in cul-de-sac both ends and Kennedy is a cul-de-sac: this I found to be a good little area to practice slow turns and intersection stops and also uphill starts toward end of Kennedy.

When you have 'warmed up there for 20minutes then pop over to George Street and go up Logie and across the top of Holborn Drive back down to George and Stokes Valley Road. There are some good bends so treat them with respect and go easy building up your counter steering technique.

Finally, down near the Caltex garage coming into the valley first left passed the bus stop into Manor Drive then left and go up Kingsley, across Robson and down Lord, here there are some steep gradients and will help you with you gear shifting.

When you get you bike Dodger, you will be surprised how many kilometers you will be able to put on the clock just in Stokes Valley with your practice.

I will be going out with my Mentor in a couple of weeks too. It is very good to get feedback and to focus on the skills enhancement.

It takes time, be patient and I am sure you will have a big smile on your face, bigger
than the day your bike arrives.

Heads Up and Enjoy


4 August 2006

As At 4 August
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 5days
Riding days completed since last update: 3 days
Distance Travelled 222km
Total Distance 3707km [since 12 May]

Bike Maintenance Course: [Conducted by Roadsafe Motorcycle Riding Techniques Limited]

Here is a bit of a overview: [Note the course does have a good schedule of course content and a lot of ground is covered over the two nights]

Rear Brake adjusted – got foot pedal slightly beneath footrest, it was way too high. In setting the rear brake, I had to take out the battery and tool kit box in order to get to the electrical adjuster, having set the pedal at the right height and slackened off the adjusting nut/spring at the back wheel, I could then set the electrical brake lamp.
[Thursday slightly adjusted travel in pedal]

Clutch Grip – measured off 10mm slack in trigger [which I thought was way way too loose, my perception, but actually it was fine and road home without batting an eyelid about it.]

Rear Shocks – set them to maximum, from 3 to 5 notch, the ride home seemed quite good, and I set them to notch 4 now for the ride back to the course on Thursday - will monitor these settings over the next few weeks over different riding conditions.

Brake Fluid Reservoir – [Tuesday] undone and checked - a bit dirty in colour and a bit of sediment in between cover plate and inner rubber seal. Thursday - Changed brake fluid.

[Tuesday] Chain - checked setting and shown how to create an easy measuring template device. I recall from the forums the topic of cleaning the front cog - I took off the front cog cover and was surprised at the amount of grease build up, so washed it off with kero and wiped out the cover. This will be a regular task when cleaning and lubing the chain from here on.

[Thursday - my bike] Oil change, oil filter change, spark plug change, air filter clean.

Checked and cleaned out carberetta bowl.

Headlight alignment. Undone headlight for bulb replacement procedure.
Right over bike checking and tightening nuts/bolts.

Also, with another bike we looked at:
Chain adjustment, interesting procedure for accuracy.
Wheel alignment, similarly interesting procedure for checking alignment of rear and front wheel.

There was quite a lot of ground covered in the total six hours of the course, and I have not listed everything here in this post - however for those interested in the course I hope this has given an insight.

On the course were two other riders [Hysosung 250R, and GN125]

For myself personally, I found it rewarding and will enjoy doing some of the elementary maintenance, particularly the oil, oil filter, spark plug, and air filter cleaning. During the course there were numerous tips and insights that were very interesting and useful.

Travel This Week:
The round trip from Stokes Valley to Linden was 50 km going over the Haywards Hill and back. Note the return journey was at 9-10pm. To do the loop Stokes Valley over the Haywards Hll to Linden then returning through Tawa/Johnsonville down the gorge and back up the motorway was 68km.

I had gone out for a night ride a week or so prior to the course, however on the night before the course I ventured out around 8pm and went over the Haywards Hill around the inlet and out to Paremata and returned.

I was not comfortable on the winding road around the inlet particularly on the way back, with oncoming traffic and bale out off the road onto rocks and or into the water.

It was a simple case of weighing up the safety factors and eliminating the most predominant dangers. Hence I elected to return home the long route on both the Tuesday and Thursday nights, and I enjoyed the ride very much indeed.

Today, Friday, I spent 75miutes in Stokes Valley covering every street on the eastern side of the main road, would you believe this totalled 20km. [I think Stokes Valley is a bit of a hidden secret for Wellington newbies, I find it very good to practice here and have done since I started this thread in May.]

Final Safety Note:
I purchased a Day/Night fluorescent vest that comfortably goes over my riding jacket - it is fluoro-orange with reflective strips. [Tip: When it is not needed during the day it could be warn under the jacket or is compact enough to fit in a tank bag when touring.]

Heads Up and Enjoy

4 August 2006
Heya BuckBuck,
Doing your own maintenance is a great way to learn about how your bike works.
Things like brakes, chain, tyres etc are all just as important as wearing good riding gear and should be part of your safety/survival check list.
When I clean my bike and make it all purdy, I'm also checking things as i go on always looking out for anything that's not right.

Sounds like your going to be a regular when the TCWNR rides start up again.

Well done and heads up.

12 August 2006

As At 12 August
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 8days
Riding days completed since last update: 4 days
Distance Travelled 328km
Total Distance 4035km [since 12 May]

Well this is the update that perhaps had to come one day - the parting of the the ways between myself and my Golf November Two Five Zero - I will provide a brief at the end of this update

I have come to enjoy and find that the run from Karori [or from the city up through Wadestown] back along the ridge through Khandallah, Johnsonville and Porirua, followed by the inlet and over the Haywards a good route. On the way into town I join the motorway from Petone roundabout and get off at the gorge then along into town up through Tinakori Road to commence my return journey.

To up the anti a little, I did a run into the city and back through to Kelson to rubber neck at the slip, the roads were closed off but never mind, then went up through Belmont to the Reserve, and then along Sweetacres Road [don't you just love that name] all the way back to Korokoro and back along the ridge again. [I would encourage caution on this route and to run with a mentor on your ride.] Then across the river to Harcourt Werry Drive carpark.
Finally today, a run over the Wainui Hill out to the coast then back to the Hutt Valley and Korokoro to Belmont and over Kennedy Good Bridge and back to Stokes Valley, just as the rain started.

All these runs in the Wellington region have been very good with a good mix of riding conditions. And whereas I try and find a balance between good selected rides and learning awareness self feedback and recognising the things done well and the things that can be improved upon - there nevertheless comes a time when we are blind sided by our own enthusiasm and .......

THE 'OFF'

Last Thursday after the Kelson and Belmont run I went to Harcourt Werry Drive carpark and had a good session practising counter steering. There were a dozen half cut tennis balls laying on the bitumen in the carpark and possibly another rider may have been using them to practise. I layed out the ball halves in a line and got into a good rhythm counter steering. Then I placed six down a line and the other six parrallel about metre apart in the two lines of six - this I used for emergency braking and was quite pleased I was able to move up the gears at each gear practise the braking, finally getting to 3rd and sometimes 4th around progressing upto 50+ kph [threabouts] and braking. I was very pleased and then introduced emergency braking followed by emergency acceleration [sceanario you look in the rear view mirror and you know the vehicle, truck, bus whatever is not paying attention as you see the nose of the vehicle dive down and perhaps the sound of screeching tyres and may squash you like a bug.]

Things were going very well I was very pleased with my progress in the practice session and 'Wait stop, think about it, how well was I going, did I stop to plan out this session before I left home, well sort of, did I think it was going to go as well as it had, well sort of and to be frank a bit surprised with the progress.'

There in is a lesson: A beacon light strobing in the pitch black, you can't see it directly just the lome of the light over the horizon, warning of danger rocks, reef, mother earth.

What Happened:

In a nut shell the emergency acceleration turned into a 'wheelie' the bike kept climbing the wrist rolled back, the horizon disappeared as the eyes travelled skyward and in that split second, the lack of experience and the poor planning and preparation resulted in a parting of BuckBuckNo1 and Golf November Two Five Zero. I let go of the bars slied backwards off the seat, banging and bruising my left calf into the pillion peg, outstretch arms and bruised thumb, Golf November Two Five Zero, was like a uni-cycle as it said 'see ya later' I cringed as I saw it too meet mother earth.

Exhaust sky side was my first thought and not mother side, I looked for the better side of what I knew was going to be a potentially ugly scene....

It was a separation and I am pleased to say not an irretrieveable breakdown, we are back together figuratively and literally she is a bit sore but looking better each day. My pride is damaged, but my more importantly I have seen the 'things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom - to know the difference.'

I was in a moment - a zone - where I blind sided myself into moving into an area of bike control that if things went wrong I may not have been able to have changed the course of inevitable events.

Now with the courage to look at the time, place and frame of mind, I was in, I was wrong to have attempted a more rigorous emergency acceleration.

Wisdom from my perspective I maintained a reasonably structured approach these past few months - Know where I was going, knew where I was at when I arrived, and knew where I'd been when I returned. The whole concept of learning new skills requires discipline and dedication and not a blaise approach. Else you are aimless, lost and haven't a clue where you want to end up, and how you want to get there.

My mentor has contacted me and we will go over the 'off' at the end of the month. In the meantime, Golf November Two Five Zero is looking purdier than before the 'off' - I got the wide bars to replace the chopper style bars and the after-market mirror. I am impressed the makeover has been good in that respect.

Since Thursday the transformation has been quite good, and as I cleaned the chain and for'd sprocket and housing, as well as a good polish, I am amazed that not one scratch of paint appeared on the fuel tank or side covers. I mean to say if you got a scuffed throttle lever, munted peg and bent armature munted handle bars and a scratch along the pillion hold bar at the back and a scratch on the retaining head of the seat strap as well as a waisted indicator light and damaged rear-light housing, yet not a scuff on the vinyl seat or paint work, I polished that bike with all the TLC saying sorry.

So in my ramblings above I hope that you newbie and wannabe riders see a message or two, and for the old and bolds out there, I now know what it means to have your first 'off', and yes some pretty strong personal lessons were learnt.

Oh and by the way just to recap - it was in a carpark, at leat I got that right.

Go To this KB link for some pics. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...327#post715327

Heads Up and Enjoy


18 August 2006

As At 18August
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 6ays
Riding days completed since last update: 3days
Distance Travelled 437
Total Distance 4472km [since 12 May]

This week saw three days of riding:

Up and over the Rimutaka Hill last Sunday, down to the twin bridges and back, was very enjoyable - the focus of this ride was very much on finding smooth lines and throttle control. Unlike, say 4 weeks ago when I would be bouncing the throttle up and down so to speak and trying to find a 'smooth' roll on roll off, as well as braking a lot before bends this time I looked at things a little differently. Perhaps we look for a 'buzz' by going a little quicker, yet we have all the time in the world to enjoy the ride and practise and improve our new found thrill of motorcycle riding. This was the case over the last few trips up and down the Rimutaka Hill, particularly going down the Featherston side I have found a good rhythm and I could sense the feedback with the bike and keeping the suspension pretty even but going for a little 40/60 front/rear mix with the suspension.

A Crack At A Little Longer Ride
[I planned on a 4-5hr riding day, stopping off in Martinborough, Masterton, and Featherston]
Wednesday: I was keen to go over to Martinborough and then explore the option of taking the back roads to and from Masterton. Thanks to the lady at the local BP garage in Martinborough she gave me "Escape Planner 2006 - Wairarapa New Zealand's Capital Country" and pointed out on the map two routes: 1) Take the road out of Martinborough to Hinakura, and then take the turn off to left to Longbush and carry on up to Masterton. 2)On the way back return along the same route but then take turn off to Gladstone and Ponatahi and return through Martinborough to Featherston and back over the Rimutaka Hill. From Stokes Valley it was a good 220km return ride. My speed was kept constantly around the 70km and never exceed 80km at any time. I maintained a completely relaxed attitude and had quite a few opportunities reviewing riding elements as they presented themselves eg. throttle control and suspension approaching bends and safety margins, road damage from flooding, washout repairs, roaming stock including sheep down the road. All in all a successful day, and the timing was right to venture out further a field.

Friday
An afternoon ride in review: I went back up through Whitemans Valley and back the same route, then down to the harbour and out to Eastbourne. Though the wind picked up a bit this afternoon, I was nevertheless very pleased to have covered some of my 'extended training grounds [routes]' and similarly like the write up just above about being smoother and taking my time, that is exactly what I discovered yet again out on this journey this afternoon. Generally speaking I feel that the bike is maintaining an 'even keel' without too much pitching forward and back, and gear shifting is smoother, while 3rd gear has been very useful for rolling on and off the throttle, it has a good range and I have found this very useful.

[Post "Off" Update: The rear tail light cover is replaced as is the lefthand handlebar grip. This week I purchased the chrome housing cover for the speedometer and will fit this weekend.]

Golf November Zero Two Five Zero is a good learner bike and it is three months today since I took the bike out for its first ride. Approaching 4,500km and riding purely for recreation has been a pleasure.

Heads Up and Enjoy

25 August 2006

Buck's Update 25th August

As At 25 August
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7ays
Riding days completed since last update: 5 days
Distance Travelled 382km
Total Distance 4854km [since 12 May]

Riding Focus:
This week I looked at two items from Keith Codes book 'A Twist Of The Wrist II"

Two-Step Vision:
To paraphrase -
1. Identify your turn-point well before you get there, perhaps even before you brake.
2. Just before arriving at our turn-point look into the turn to see where the bike should go.

In a nutshell - (1) WHERE TO TURN and (2) WHERE TO GO AFTER and here is the most important point BEFORE YOU HAVE DONE THEM.

The second thing was about Steering - in particular 'Pivot Steering' here using the outside peg as my pivot point while I apply pressure to the bars. There is good discussion about reducing weight on the seat, gyro effect, and weight closer to centre of mass....

Both the Two Step Vision and Pivot Steering are items I will raise with my mentor when we are out again shortly for a review.

Meanwhile this past week saw rides to:
1. Rimutakas
2. Makara and up to Paekakariki back over the hill then across Haywards to Stokes Valley
3. Whitemans Valley
4. Wainuiomata and Eastbourne
5. Normandale, Korokoro and Petone

I found the two step vision technique to be quite good and to trust my peripheral vision, just before arriving at my turn point I turn my head toward the turn and proceed trusting that I will turn shortly afterwards. In short looking to where I want to go and then counter steering to head in that direction. It sounds logical and in practice I found it very good. Heads Up find a nice quiet stretch of road with a few sweeping curves.

Meanwhile the pivot steering seems a little strange at first but I did find a degree of comfort and confidence eg sweeping left curve - pivot on right peg and sweeping right curve, pivot on left peg. Bear in mind I am riding a GN and not a sports bike, and with the sports bike I believe this technique is quite effective, though I did feel comfortable with this pivot practice.

The highlight ride this week was the Makara run from Karori back to Johnsonville, a good run with winding roads that are blind in places so be careful and take it easy. From Mana up SH1 then back over the Paekakariki Hill was sheer delight, a blue dome day in the region and views clear across Cooks Strait.

Heads Up and Enjoy