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1 September 2006

As At Friday 1 September
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7ays
Riding days completed since last update: 5 days
Distance Travelled 419km
Total Distance 5273km [since 12 May]

Riding Focus:
As for previous week - Pivot Steering and Two Step Vision procedures.
This week Golf November Two Five Zero explored places for the first time the Akatarawa.

Before I start have you degreased and lubed your chain recently?
And, how far can you go on a tank before you have to flick the reserve on.?

Well I ran out the tank to 256km with 8litres and 2litres held in reserve. Classic, a whopping 32km to the litre before going to reserve.
So this answers the question too about the chain lube - before the 3rd tank fill I clean the chain, therefore running approximately 500km between cleans.

Here's a quick rundown of the past week:

Sunday - Degreased & Lubed the Chain. Then Whitemans Valley a good test starting from the Silverstream end there are a few kilometres of uphill slow winding road. Went across this three times down to the Valley flat and back.

Monday - Upper Hutt to Waikanae down SH1 and back around Pauatahanui Inlet [Note Paekakariki Hill Road will be closed for a while.] The ride through the Akatarawa is a cautious one, and newbies give it quite a few months before you take this on and make sure you have another rider with you. It is quite narrow and winding.

Wednesday - Wainuiomata Hill and out to Wainuiomata Coast, back over hill and around to Eastbourne and back to Stokes Valley This is an excellent ride for practising your two step vision and pivot steering. Be careful as you near the coast there may be a bit of gravel here and there. And, cover the brake when you are approaching curves and crests - you may have an early milkshake and woolly jumper with stock straying over the road.

Thursday - A good loop circuit Silverstream - Whitemans Valley - Mangaroa Hill [instead of going right through to Te Marua, take the Mangaroa Hill this brings you back to SH2 traffic lights just before Caltex Upper Hutt] back through Wallaceville up over into Whitemans Valley - Silverstream - Stokes Valley.

Friday - As for Thursday but included a run to the top of Rimutaka Hill.
Degreased & Lubed the Chain - as I will be doing the Martinborough run tomorrow.

Heads Up and Enjoy

Cleaning The Chain

I use kerosene in a squirt bottle, and hold a sheet of cardboard behind the chain so as not to splatter the wheel. Also use a toothbrush [get a packet of 5 brushes from the $2 shop in Lower Hutt]. Wipe off the chain as you proceed with old clean cloth.

Here's a tip: Use a black marker pen to put a blop on a chain link, use this as a guide as you progressively clean the chain - just wait for the blop mark to return to your starting point.

One more tip: Use a pair of rubber gloves - recommend 'Nitrile Disposable Gloves' a box of 100 for approx $12.50 [get these from the Safety shop in Ngauranga Gorge near LV Martins. Generally whenever working on your bike always wear gloves, not only for chain work.

Another tip: don the riding gloves and helmet after degreasing the chain and take the bike for a half kilometre ride to flush out the chain.

When you get back from the half kilometer ride put the bike back up on the stand and commence your lube, once again put down a marker point on the chain link.

Oh Yes Another Tip:
Every second time you degrease and lube your chain - remove the front sprocket housing and get in there and give it a good clean out too. Surprising how much gundge builds up in there.

Heads Up and Enjoy


8 September 2006

As At Friday 8 September
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7days
Riding days completed since last update: 6 days
Distance Travelled 364km
Total Distance 5637km [since 12 May]

Focus:
Slow Bike Control and Safety Strategies.

This week saw rides each day, including Whitemans Valley, Mangaroa and Maymorn, Rimutaka Hill, and Akatarawa Road out to Staglands.

First up there was a wee off - totally unexpected and out of the blue, slow u-turn and clipped the curb. At the time I was waving with my hand to Uncle B not to turn into this street [dead end], so will blame myself for being distracted and Uncle B for just being there - and he is my mentor! Talk about one hell of an embarassment. Ah well these things happen and Cycleworks at Taita straightened out a slightly bent brake lever and even gave it a touch up of paint - thanks Cycleworks.

I have really enjoyed my afternoon trips out to Whitemans Valley and this week also ventured out to Staglands along the Akatarawa Road. Though this is on the way to Waikanae, Staglands is only 17km from the turn off just up from Caltex SH2 just up from Upper Hutt. The road in is quite good and scenic in parts, and the last 8km to Staglands does narrow and wind a bit so requires slower pace. Safety strategies come into play - being prepared for the unexpected, covering the brake and hugging blind left and staying wide on right corners. Taken at a good leisurely pace, it was a good run and a delightful place to journey to. I have posted this location in the Events Forum for Sunday rides from Silverstream.

Finally today was spent in the carpark revising - and though I was keen to go and practise, it was one of those days when I didn't feel at one with the bike, so cut it short after 15-20minutes and returned home. A case of listening to yourself and in my case perhaps it was a full week of riding, and though not too far overall, it was time to cut it short and go home. I hope there is a message there.

Hopefully Sunday will not be too bad weather wise.

Heads Up and Enjoy


8 September 2006
Don't worry about it BuckBuck.

Concentration is just as important as riding skills. The penalties of not paying attention while riding can be severe. A motorcyclist's ability to concentrate is his most important tool.
Keep all of your attention on what you are doing. This gives you a reserve of "what if" ability to deal with the unexpected such as another vehicle coming into your lane.

Good skills for listening to yourself.



20 September 2006

As At Wednesday 20 September
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 12days
Riding days completed since last update: 6 days
Distance Travelled 548km
Total Distance 6185km [since 12 May]

This is the Closing Update to this thread:

Golf November Two Five Zero received its 6,000km service this week and this included two new tyres.

There have been comments about the front tyre that comes with the new GN250, and I must say I wasn't altogether too comfortable with the tread pattern on the tyre to start with andparticularly in the wet the tyre did not instill any confidence. The rear tyre had probably less than a 1000km left to run before it would have needed replacing, and so I decided to have both the front [which I must say still had plenty of tread] and rear tyres replaced - I have Bridgestones on now. Yesterday when I collected the bike, Wellington was howling a gale and so by close of riding today I have given the tyres a good scrub. Today I headed up to Te Marua through Whitemans Valley, then back down the Hutt Valley over the Wainuiomata Hill and out to the coast and back home to Stokes Valley. Be it mind over matter or otherwise, I do feel these new Bridgestones are better than the tyres that came with the bike.

In just over 4 months I am surprised at the ground I have covered and I only said 'hello' to Mother Earth twice, practising in the car park and the other time doing a slow u-turn [hit the kerb].

As this is the last update in brief I would like to say thank you all and in particular to my Mentor - Uncle B:

To all you newbie and wannabe riders out there - seek out a mentor sooner rather than later, and take it out of the family, though you may have siblings or parents that may be capable riders, seek out a respected rider that can observe your riding
skills and progress. Accept constructive points raised by your mentor, and above all listen, listen, and listen some more, then watch and take in the new techniques 'new' because you are learning. Above all practise, be patient, and listen to that voice inside you, and sense that pit feeling in your stomach - you'll know what I mean - it occurs when the unexpected is upon you.

I of course am in the 'older demographic' for a newbie ah hum after all 1952 was in the last century, I have been fortunate enough to commit the time and practise into my new found interest of motorcycle riding. Along the way these past four months I have had the opportunity to meet and observe numerous riders be them significantly younger than myself some not so young, also people my age and older - and here is an observation:

We are never too old or too young to learn continuously, learning never stops and the most intrinsic thing is 'being at one with your motorcycle'.

There will be days when you know deep inside after only being on the bike a very brief while that day, that now is not the time to ride - something may be distracting you, you know you may not be concentrating the way you know you can and should. That decision is yours and yours alone - be mindful of the choices you make for your choice will affect many.

Listen to yourself, and when riding with others listen to yourself, and when your day is good and you are at one with the bike - don't stop listening to yourself, get the feedback from the riding situation you are in and always be vigilant.

Thanks to all that have responded to this thread your comments and tips are very much appreciated.

For now I am going to spend the next few months until my restricted building on my skills. I have listened to my mentor, Uncle B and listened to Golf November Two Five Zero as we cross the miles of enjoyment motorcycle riding has brought to me.

I will keep you posted on my progress periodically - the restriced, the full, and the next motorcycle in 2007 [whisper can't let Golf November Two Five Zero hear that.]

Heads Up and Enjoy Your Riding
Be Safe & Best Regards
Buck

15 November 2006

Got The Restricted Licence Today

BuckBuckNo1's Newbie Training Update is open.

Passed the restricted today and will give thought to my initial progress to the next level and keep the Newbie Training Update running periodically.

First thoughts being 'Don't get ahead of my/yourself', being disciplined and focus on strategies/vigilance and new reaction requirements.

Heads Up and Enjoy [watch this space]

15 November 2006
Well done Buck Buck.
You'll be able to enjoy summer that bit further (and faster)

Mentor Uncle B thanks for your role leading up to the Restricted. Listen up every newbie, make sure you seek out a mentor during your early months of riding. Uncle B and that goes for me too, just because I have moved up to Restricted doesn't mean I should not continue to take time out with my mentor - will touch base to set a time for a mentor review ride before xmas.

17 November 2006
Sure thing BuckBuck.
Name a time/place and we'll go from there.

15 November 2006

Training Update - Restricted Licence

As At Wednesday 15 November
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 8weeks
Riding days completed since last update: [Average 4 days a week approx]
Distance Travelled 2,146km
Total Distance 8331km [since 12 May]

Training Strategy:
DEE-FAP Discipline - Focus - Attention - Personal

Just because I have passed my Restricted Licence today, this does not give me a personal licence to ramp it up to the 100kph immediately, I got to earn my personal skill level progressively and gradually too - and my mentor [Uncle B] said 'take your time in pushing the envelope a bit further'.

DEE-FAP is your personal approach to your riding development I have selected the keys as:

Discipline - You will know when you get that pit gut feeling when something goes awry - Expect the Unexpected. Discipline yourself to not let that moment pass and if you have the time then immediately pull over and stop.

Ask yourself 'what happened? What did I do wrong? or What didn't I do?

And don't get angry because some cage may have cut you off or pulled out in front of you at an intersection or from a parked space. Think about it you can't control the other road user, but you can control your approach to riding strategically.

Focus - Have one or two things as key review points each time you get on your bike. Think ahead where and when you want to focus your attention on those keys. It does not have to be immediately, you may have a pre-arranged location in mind [eg slalom - cone weaving - countersteering technique] you may have a good quiet road [without the cones] or that empty carpark with the cones.

Attention - Develop a habit of cycling through your safety strategy for me as an example [check mirrors, heads up horizon, glance at gauges and speedo, heads up horizon peripheral sensitivity - here exercise your visual awareness your peripheral vision can be 'shut down' because though you are looking ahead your mind may be wondering and your peripheral vision may not be alert [day dreaming] and back to checking mirrors and repeat the cycle. When coming back into increased traffic flows this Attention drill takes on greater meaning.

Personal - How you approach your DEE-FAP Discipline Focus Attention Personal strategies will be evolving as your riding skills develop. Above all be true to yourself when you next go for a ride and think again about where you're riding and how you're riding. Remember you do not have to be overly tense and completely locked into your training program remember to relax.

There will come a time when you get on your bike and very shortly maybe a kilometer or two or three and you know that you are not completely 'at one' with the bike, recognise it for what it is and if necessary don't venture out on that recreational ride, stop go [home] back inside and have another cup of tea/coffee. Revisit that feeling in your mind's eye and when you feel ready then perhaps go for that ride and definitely have one or two keys things to Focus your Attention on. You may have had the initial not 'at one' feeling with the bike because you just got on the bike and headed off without a DEE-FAP

Heads Up and Enjoy


21 November 2006

As At Tuesday 21 November
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 6 days
Riding days completed since last update: 2
Distance Travelled 196km
Total Distance 8527km [since 12 May]

Moving From Learner To Restricted

Now that I have the Restricted Licence, I have deliberately chosen my time and place to get out there to the 100km limit.

Monday [midday] a ride out through Whitemans Valley, Mangaroa Hill, Upper Hutt and onto Staglands for coffee then across to Waikanae. Bit of a forced decision, new tar seal and chip was being laid on a section of the Akatarawa Road between Upper Hutt and Staglands - did not fancy going back over it.

As I had done this winding road and I do mean winding road, down to walking pace around some blind left bends between Staglands to Waikanae [16km is not that far but allow plenty of time], the ride is enjoyable and brings into focus numerous skills and good hazard stategy [quite common - stones across road and small slips].

I only did the trip out to Waikanae once before and I was concerned about the SH1 run back down to Paraparaumu previously. However, there is quite a lengthy 80km section. Turn off out to Paraparaumu Beach and down to Raumati Beach and Raumati South rejoining SH1 to Paekakariki then up over the Paekakariki Hill, SH58 over the Haywards and back to Stokes Valley.

Tuesday [Evening 7.30pm to 8.45pm]
Deliberately chose the quieter period out there to get on the motorway first stage
heading Kennedy Goode Bridge to Petone, back to Lower Hutt for McD's coffee, then Kennedy Goode Bridge to Silverstream, back into Stokes Valley. Down to the 50km limit and reviewed some slow bike control procedures and concentrated on leaning and countersteering over the Holborn Drive. Also mindful of balance and u-turn technique.

Summary - [See Dee-FAP discussed 15 November] So I wanted to have some initial variety on Monday approx 160km and Tuesday 36km in a quieter traffic environment. Getting the bike upto a sustained higher speed and holding it there was one objective. The next was following speed checking either with a car in front or light poles count off 'one thousand and one / one thousand and two' get an appreciation of the distance and in my case allowing out to one thousand and four. Coming up to traffic lights that are already red and slowing down, next a green and anticipating an amber, these are 'newer experiences' because you are coming down from a higher speed than you have been used too/familiar with.

One thing that is in the back of my mind and that is to keep a smooth suspension transition when applying the front brake - I don't want to have the nose dive down and nor do I want to have the rear wheel lock up. So gradual front brake pressure and gearing down and dabbing the throttle. This is up there on the list of things to go over with my mentor Uncle B when we have a review ride before xmas.

I welcome your feedback on this last paragraph.

Heads Up and Enjoy

29 November 2006

Buck's Update - 29 November

As At Wednesday 29th November
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 5
Distance Travelled 515km
Total Distance 9043km [since 12 May]

Refer Back To 15 November Training Update

DEE-FAP
Over the past week the following DEE-FAP is discussed

Discipline - You will know when you get that pit gut feeling when something goes awry - Expect the Unexpected.

Riding on winding roads with sweeping and blind bends: There were numerous occasions when I met oncoming traffic, cars, SUV's and heavy haulage trailers this past week and two things standout:
1. Avoided target fixation, and
2. Countersteering strategy kicked in and hands were already in position covering front brake and clutch well before the bend/s.

Feedback to myself - Expected [repeat] Expected - the Unexpected

Focus - Have one or two things as key review points each time you get on your bike.

Having moved from Learners to Restricted this month my focus has been at several levels:
1. Reducing speed from 100kph. Without immediately going into full on Emergency
braking procedure from 100kph I have practised speed reduction on an open quiet dead-end stretch of road moving up in 5-10kph levels from 70kph without trying to stop in the shortest possible distance but rather focusing on the bike's suspension initial brake pressure then increasing pressure. Also before coming to complete stop stepping straight down through the gears [click to 4th,click to 3rd, click to 2nd click to 1st gear] and getting left foot down then right foot down. This is a topic I want to cover with my mentor on our review ride in December.

2. Countersteering - Now that I am getting out beyond 70kph I am notice more so now the influence of slight knee pressure against the fuel tank and this has been good when moving through open view bends - good feeling of balance and minimal steering effort with the quite good feed back of the 'slight push on the grip'.

Similarly on a good stretch of winding road [Blue Mountains Road leading up to Whitemans Valley] with slow to moderate bike control I have found balance, knee, lean, and gradual winding throttle on very rewarding both going up the hill and back down.

Attention - Develop a habit of cycling through your safety strategy.

Okay hands up how many times have we looked in the mirror and said to ourselves 'where did he/she come from' when you discover a vehicle right behind you.....Two things here:

1. Just because I [and you perhaps] have just got a Restricted licence I don't think we wear the mantle 'King of the Road'. This past week there have been several instances when I have purposefully found a safe spot to let that one or more vehicles pass: an evening ride coming back down the Rimutaka Hill and also down Blue Mountains Road were instances. I have seen the traffic coming and my priority is focusing on my riding technique - so I let the traffic get by and return to my practice. [If I know a vehicle is behind me coming down a hill I want to be constantly aware of how close or far back the vehicle is......you get around the next bend and there is a real time emergency braking situation on your hands.......] Key: I want to control my riding environment as best as I possibly can.

2. Okay I got my hand up and have said to myself 'WTF where did that cage come from?' [Paint a scenario say you came around a bend and there is a real time emergency braking situation on your hands - you flash check the mirrors....'WTF the cage behind is way way too close'.....Potentially you lost control of your riding environment 30seconds, a minute, two minutes ago....] How frequently do you check your mirrors? This is a constant alert reminder to myself 'Buck you're not paying attention.'

As an aside I had the pleasure of joining in the White Ribbon Day ride last weekend with about 100 bikes going around the city and coastline - Head Checks and Mirror Checks were a constant constant.

Personal - How you approach your DEE-FAP Discipline Focus Attention Personal strategies will be evolving as your riding skills develop. Above all be true to yourself when you next go for a ride and think again about where you're riding and how you're riding. Remember you do not have to be overly tense and completely locked into your training program remember to relax.
When thinking about 'where you're riding and how you're riding' can be very rewarding - I continue to ride over parts of Stokes Valley where I did my first 1000km and I conduct an litmus test frequently [if not constantly] and the feedback is immediately rewarding: I recall cul de sacs where I would be hesistant when doing a u-turn where rear brake and clutch combined was still an overly conscious effort. Similarly, I can now look at winding roads eg: over the Holborn Drive and notice how my vision has extended way out and through the bends while at the same time counter steering, balance, lean, throttle are running altogether very smoothly.

Finally, this past week there were a few times when though I had nothing to stop me from going down to the garage and getting my gear on to ride, I just wasn't ready, in fact I even went out onto the front drive way and weeded for quarter of an hour and during this time I was thinking about where will I ride to, and, what will I review today.

Heads Up and Enjoy


3 December 2006

In Memory Of Uncle B

Here ends the lesson.

Time out for me for a while.

God Bless You
My Mentor
Uncle B


RIP


9 December 2006

I would like to propose that we have a weekly perpetuity thread:

1. Sunday [Date] - Where Did You Ride And What Did You Practise?

and

2. Weekly Training Update

Each week two posts are selected from (1) and copied into (2). The two people whose posts have been selected choose one post each the following week and the moderator copies these to the Weekly Training Update then the cycle continues.

Though I had kept BuckBuckNo1's Newbie Training Update running through this year, I would like to hand it over to the Kiwibiker Community for it now to be a somewhat symbolic reminder of what we have been taught, and what we have learnt ourselves in our riding experiences. The title of the thread will just be 'Weekly Training Update'.

The Weekly Training Update - I would recommend can only be posted to at moderator level, and the thread only reflects two posts each week. [A moderator would have to view the weekly member's choice and post it to the Weekly Training Update Thread.]

As you are all aware who read my thread, Uncle B was my mentor, I would like, if I may, have a perpetuity thread that we all participate in to be a worthwhile legacy to the Kiwibiker community.

Head and Up Enjoy


10 December 2006

Revised Newbie Training Update

As At Sunday 10 December
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 11 days
Riding days completed since last update: 7
Distance Travelled 638km
Total Distance 9681km [since 12 May]

As a legacy in memory of my Mentor, Uncle B, I am setting up a regular Sunday [Date] Where Did You Ride and What Did You Practice each Sunday and from the posts that are entered to that thread I will select and extract two and post them here as the main feature to this Newbie Training Update thread.

I will then PM and invite the two authors, to each select an entry each in the next Sunday Where Did You Ride and What Did You Practice thread. These in turn will be copied to this Newbie Training Update thread.

The ball will thus be passed on to the next two authors. Where the ball may be dropped [that is an author does not select an entry the following week] I will step in an make a selection to maintain the flow.

Today I practised smooth lines and throttle control up and down steep winding roads, coming right down to second gear and crawling around blind narrow bends [Moonshine Road - Upper Hutt to Judgeford, and Blue Mountains Road - Whitemans Valley]. Prepared for the unexpected and met oncoming traffic on several occasions avoided target fixation.

Here are the selections from today Sunday 10 December
At web pp 13

At web pp14
18 December 2007

As At Monday 18th December
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 8 days
Riding days completed since last update: 6
Distance Travelled 386km
Total Distance 10067km [since 12 May]

The main rides this week included a wonderful sunset over Wellington last Monday with a ride through the Seatoun tunnel and back around the bays then , 'The Cruisie Wednesday Night Ride' to Raumati, and Saturday a return to Raumati and the Waterfront Cafe and Bar for morning coffee. This morning was a ride up the Wainuiomata Hill and then across the Maungaraki-Normandale Belmont Ridge.

My focus this week remains to be a concerted effort to retain smooth transitions, be it braking, accelerating, shifting up or shifting down. This is matched with keeping 'quiet smooth lines' and a vigilant attention span: horizon, instruments, mirrors - and the essential head checking.

26 December 2006
BuckBuck's Update 26th December

As At Tuesday 26th December
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 8 days
Riding days completed since last update: 6
Distance Travelled 273km
Total Distance 10340km [since 12 May]

Question: Going On A Group Ride?
Answer: Ah BuckBuck thats When Things Get 'Busy'

This weeks update was highlighted by a very good Christmas Eve group ride into Wellington around the harbour and the bays a look out at Cooks Strait then back up over the Brooklyn Hill and down to Cuba Mall in the city.

'I don't like riding in a group ride?' he said

'Why is that?' I asked. I was talking to a guy who has plenty of riding experience under his belt and he surprised me.

'BuckBuck, you know there are times out there when things can get busy, at times too busy and in a group ride that can occur. Stop and think about it......'

During my Basic Handling Skills course, I got on my bike for a training component, and when I finished the instructor pointed out to me that I failed to do up my helmet chin strap. Back then I was really enjoying the course and was keen to get on to the next component so off I went merrily doing the riding, but without the chin strap done up.

On the Christmas Eve ride four of us had met at the end of the valley we spent 15 minutes talking and looking at each others bikes, as you do, and then it was time to leave and head to the first meeting point. Well I was quite excited, I posted the thread suggesting the Christmas Eve group ride and the feedback was all positive that we could expect a good turn out. I was keen to get down to the local 'duckpond' meeting point and yes you guessed I didn't get very far when I realised the slapping of my chin strap. I pulled over as did the other three riders, I was disappointed in myself for such a safety oversight a serious one that could have had serious consequences.

Arriving at the duckpond I remarked about my error and several riders remarked 'BuckBuck, I've done that too, I am sure many of us have, and you won't be the last. BuckBuck now though you may and hopefully will be more alert to your personal safety check when next you ride.'
The next thing that surprised me out there on the group ride, there were 18 bikes in the group, and I noticed this on several occasions by a few riders - Not Cancelling Out the Indicator Light. I stick my hand up straight away, because there were several instances when I noticed I had not checked my instrument display and when I did, I saw the blinking indicator....'

There in is a message: I was caught up in the moment of going on the group ride, and also while on the group ride I did not practise my 'Attention' strategy that includes a cyclical review of my instrument gauges. Things were just 'too busy'.

Another item of course when in a group in staggered formation is the reforming back to single file when approaching bends, here the head check is important too and then reforming into staggered formation after the bend when the road straightens. I was quite mindful of this on the group ride.

So the message to myself this week was to be more vigilant whether I am out there by myself or in a group ride and to ensure I not only check my instruments but keep my head up view out ahead, be mindful of my peripheral vision check, mirrors and head checks.

2 January 2007

As At Tuesday 2 January
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 3
Distance Travelled 207km
Total Distance 10547km [since 12 May]

Expect the Unexpected

A group ride on New Years Eve around the harbour and bays was rather windy in places. Remained relaxed and did not stiff arm the handlebars.
Last night and tonight were very much general review rides for myself. I noticed from the group ride particularly going down the motorway, Golf November Two Five Zero can get tapped out, full throttle, and into the wind well I think seagulls could pass me. So last night and tonight when the motorway was quiet I travelled 5km or so with wind last night and a bit tonight.

Tonight I headed out with the plan in mind to count the number of 'expect the unexpected':

1. Suburban street van backing out of drive way onto street.
2. Anticipating oncoming traffic on blind right bend [car appeared]
3. Mirror check, car behind not too close, mirror check car not there - head check car in blind spot, passing.
4. Anticipating oncoming traffic on blind right bend [bus appeared]
5. Several stones on road moved to avoid however rear caught one and felt sudden shift.

The ride around to Eastbourne was very good a little breezie but no rain. Spied the Lifeboat Tavern and Restaurant, hmmmm I sense another destination ride.

9 January 2007

As At Tuesday 9 January
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 5
Distance Travelled 431km
Total Distance 10978km [since 12 May]

Being At One With Your Bike

Through this past week I have experienced the harmony that can come with the motor bike. On several occasions I found myself moving my body/legs ever so slightly while looking through curves across to the next bend and using my peripheral vision as I comfortably went from side to side counter steering and being mindful to maintain a sedate pace - using a steady throttle control.

When on your journey and you are confronted with bends maintain your normal riding line: recall the two step vision procedure - identifying the points ahead where you will start to look through the bend and the second where the bike will start its move through the bend, you recognise the turn point, apex and exit point and the bike flows with good steady throttle control and counter steering.

Any bike/s that are behind you that may want to pass will have the responsibility for their line/s and overtaking manoeuvres - maintain your own lines on your ride and stay relaxed.

With any traffic behind you, and you feel uncomfortable do not hesitate to identify a safe 'pull over' point. Using your indicators move off the road to the eg. Rest Area or scenic lookout spot and let the traffic past. Ride within your own safety bubble - the bubble is yours and you own it. When you find your riding environment (bubble) is diminishing take a few minutes off the road. Do not feel 'pressured' to up the pace if you are uncomfortable.

Endeavour to find some good books to read or re-read now that you are getting a few miles/kilometres under your belt.




16 January 2007

As At Tuesday 16 January
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 3
Distance Travelled 288km
Total Distance 11266km [since 12 May]

Looking For Hazards

This week there has been mention of diesel spills in the suburbs, and also effect of the hot weather conditions on road seal over the Rimutaka Hill.
I would like to add one other, being caught out in a sudden downpour when it has be hot sticky and humid. Be mindful of the road conditions particularly when it hasn't rained for a while. A good suggestions is, take an early coffee break and get off the road for half an hour or so and let the grime wash off, as best it can. [A good reference read is Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough - ISBN 1-889540-53-6]

My brother and I were caught out last Saturday returning from the Rimutaka Hill in a very heavy downpour from Te Marua to Upper Hutt., it was heavy - the heaviest I have been caught out in - and watch those white painted surfaces in the wet they are like ice.
Personal Discipline

Last night was a good night for a ride into town and around the bays and a bite to eat at McDonalds Newtown. I suggested on the return to the Hutt Valley we try the new motorway by-pass. However I also added that we should then take the first exit off the motorway [Tinakori Road]. My logic is that unless I have to put myself out there I will avoid unnecessary hazards and there are several on ramps and winding motorway conditions that I do not need to confront at this level of riding experience.

By all means I will travel the motorway where there is no choice ie SH2 Ngauranga to the Hutt Valley, and depending up traffic conditions, 9pm, will proceed further up the valley. Riding now for 8 months, I have a reasonable level of confidence in most traffic conditions, though lane splitting is not on the menu for me - because I choose not to put myself in that position. Being a recreational rider, not a commuter, I have the luxury of gradually building up my riding experience. This leads me onto the next topic.

Advanced Refresher Course And Defensive Driving Course

Advance Refresher
Having clocked up 11,000km and taken the approach to my new found riding pleasure, I will undertake the Advanced Refresher course on 3 February with Andrew Templeton at
www.roadsafe.co.nz

The Defensive Driving Course
Though it does give me a time reduction towards sitting my Full licence, this is not the primary reason for doing the course. I have been driving a car for 37 years and since taking up motorcycle riding I openly admit and confess how much I was not aware of - or just too lackadaisical about in my own cage driving mentality. So I am happy to go back into the classroom and be prepared to listen and learn.

The course I will attend is on 20 February [Tuesday and Thursday nights for two weeks. The course is conducted by:
Triple 'A' Driving School
www.drivertrainer.co.nz/


Your Mentor

I am more than sure that my Mentor, our late Uncle B, would have encouraged me to do these courses irrespective of whatever personal assessment he may have had about my riding technique be it; good, bad, or indifferent.

To all those new to riding or returning to riding after a long break, do seek out a mentor and also commit yourself to undertaking professional training courses.

Professional Training
Price is not a factor, period. The cost of not doing the course/s is too much.

Heads Up and Enjoy

23 January 2007
As At Tuesday 23 January
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 3
Distance Travelled 140km
Total Distance 11406km [since 12 May]

Hero Bobs

Had an interesting conversation this weekend:

“I got to the roundabout and the whole intersection was clear and I deliberately did the two step vision as I rounded the intersection to the right. The bike was at a good steady pace and throttle control was just right and the pace was such that a wee push on the inside bar brought the bike over and around sweetly. Then I noticed oh so gently a small scrape of the foot peg just as throttle was about to wind on a little. Must say I surprised myself and had a smile in the helmet.” I was rather pleased with myself.

“You found the Hero Bobs then” he said.

“The What?” I looked quizzically at him.

“The footpegs. I try not to scrape them.”

We continued to chat and I was saying to myself ‘Buck you’re riding a smaller bike [GN250] than that Z750 there. Listen to what he is saying there may be a message in it, now listen.’

I put this event, both the incident of scraping the pegs and the subsequent conversation into the category of ‘expect the unexpected’. One was of my own doing, and the other, was of quiet introspection. Of course there are upsides and downsides.

The upside, I think for myself, was that 7 months ago just getting on a bike, that sort of turning would have been a long way down the track, a case of building up confidence, skill and technique. The smile came from the perspective of ‘it scraped you weren’t even trying to do that, you had the bike at the lean and did not feel threatened or scared.’ This has happened on numerous occasions, going up the Blue Mountains Road at a good sedate pace and the lean angle and speed are smooth and in harmony. This is certainly a subject I will take with me to the Advanced Rider Refresher course in February and get feedback on.

The downside, well I looked again at the Z750 and the word respect came immediately to mind. It is very, very, very, early days and irrespective of age and riding ability, never get to cock-sure about your own ability. As a new rider I do not want to be a Hero Bob worshipper. I never want to see the downside...but I know it is there and have kissed Mother Earth a couple of times albeit while training in the carpark and later doing a slow U-turn.

Shifting Your Position on the Seat
The other subject that came up while talking about Hero Bobs was take time out to notice the effect of how a subtle change of body position can have on the bike.

In looking at the Z750 it was emphasised to me that a slight change in body position can have a good positive effect during your ride. This got me reflecting on some early practice sessions: I recall when getting ready to enter I would ‘twist’ my upper body slightly so that the centre of my chest was aiming in the direction I wanted to go. Of course this is in addition to ‘looking to where you want to go.’

Looking back I did not pay too much attention to shifting my weight/body position on the seat on, and to a certain extent I do not think about it now. A bit of observation feedback however following my weekend [Wellington Anniversary Day] ride out along Makara road had picked up on this subject – something for me to focus on and review on the riding course.

30 January 2007

As At Tuesday 30 January
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 5
Distance Travelled 361km
Total Distance 11767km [since 12 May]

This weekend's ride focused on shifting my body position slightly on the seat setting up before the curve. No doubt about Golf November Two Five Zero, I felt cool, calm and collected, taking my time and giving a slight counter steering push on the inside grip, keeping a bit of pressure on the outside peg, identifying my two vision points before the turn, looking through curve, head level with the horizon, and then initiating the whole manouevre. Though the weight shift felt 'exaggerated' because I was conscious of it and moving at a steady non-threatening pace, I did feel a better technique developing. [A subject for the Advanced Refresher course next week.]

The other important item this week was braking practice. Following on from last Wednesday night, I spent an hour or so on Sunday practising emergency braking. An interesting bit of feedback: approaching the marker cones [without doing a braking run] and counting off 1000 and 1, 1000 and 2, at 50km then progressively upto 70km. The actual 'separation distance' when I stopped and went and looked back was quite surprising. My personal feedback was that I found that I was able to 'get off' the throttle quite well, previously when practising I still had a fair bit of throttle open when coming to stop.

The other thing I focused on was ensuring I was getting the shifter down to first gear by the time I stopped, in anticipation of an emergency acceleration. [Though I did practise the emergency stop and acceleration, a small part I left out, I think was important, that is during the practice - to actually look in the rear view mirror simulating the fact that I see the hazard approaching.]

A key focus next weekend on the course will be escape strategies I suspect.

Two rides this weekend, up to Sels1 [for the bbq - 'Bravo Zulu' Selwyn and Claire well done and thanks it was great to catch up with the KB'ers there] on the Kapiti Coast over the Paekakariki Hill and back. And Sunday up through Whitemans Valley, just enjoy that Blue Mountains Road ascent.

8 February 200&
As At Thursday 8th February
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 9 days
Riding days completed since last update: 6
Distance Travelled 445km
Total Distance 12212km [since 12 May]
Golf November Two Five Zero is in the shop for the 12,000km service.
Personally I found the Advance Refresher course as a Restricted licence holder to be very good and encouraging leading up to my Full licence test. There was a good cross section of riders and it was pleasing to see the ‘older’ riders returning to riding after a long time away from bikes and that they wanted to do this course.

For me, I learnt two important things:
(1) I thought covering the brake was mandatory, however with the over all riding strategy of ‘Observe – Anticipate – Respond / See – Think – Do’ as well as ‘Information – Position – Speed – Gear’, I now understand that to have a full grip on the throttle [ie not covering brake] is a perhaps a better riding technique. It gives you the split decision moment, swerve/accelerate or emergency brake.

(2) the braking sequence is now ingrained: Set up - Off Throttle - Brake – Clutch – Rear – Gear [gear down to first by time come to stop and left foot down, right foot covering rear brake.]

Full Licence Test Preparation
As a followup to the Advanced course on Saturday, I arranged to spend some additional time with Andrew on Monday afternoon. The key focus was ‘hazard detection’ I got a very good insight to the overall Testing Officer’s marking procedure.

Here is the relevant fact sheet: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/59.html

While it may appear daunting to try and remember the hazards and actions taken, one good tip I got was: ‘don’t just say the vehicle indicating to turn right at the intersection was moving forward’ better to say ‘the green commodore male or female driver indicating to turn right at the intersection was moving forward.’
So through the next 4 weeks I will be exercising my observation skills and taking 10 minute intervals practising hazard detection, and this will be useful to report this to an accompanying rider who may or may not see the same hazards.

Heads Up and Enjoy

14 February 2007
As At Wednesday 14th February
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 6 days
Riding days completed since last update: 3
Distance Travelled 305km
Total Distance 12517km [since 12 May]

Expect The Unexpected – Your Own Complacency

On Sunday three of us did a ride up the Paekakariki Hill, then returning to the Hutt Valley and up the Rimutaka Hill.

Two complacency factors jumped out and woke me up:
1. Pull over at bottom of Haywards and didn’t notice gravel on side of the road, wheel lock – immediately released the front brake.
2. Departing Rimutaka Hill returning to Hutt Valley, left carpark with side stand down.

I put both these incidents in my ‘Wake Up File’ the first was one of those pit in the stomach moments but kept my head and eyes up [reinforcement from last weeks Advanced Riding Refresher kicked in] and released the brakes immediate, once again course reinforcement. The side stand fits into the not doing your helmet strap up category too, and the message for me ‘Buck focus the moment you grab and pull in the right grip and get on the bike’. I spoke about being ‘too busy’ in an earlier update, remember your attention can wonder when you are out there because you are too busy enjoying yourself at that moment. Focus Focus Focus.

Upsizing from 250cc
Those of you that have read this Newbie Training Update and some of my other posts may recall I raised the topic – moving up to my next bike. Well the decision was made this week and my Honda VLX 600 Shadow arrived this evening courtesy of ‘nzcruzer’.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...9&d=1170583474

As a bit of an insight to my buying decisions:

Style of bike was certainly a factor. Either a cruiser or street bike, I have had spinal surgery and hence ergonomics an important factor.

Transition well there were quite a few capacities from GSR600 through to Hornet 900 and in between Kawasaki and Suzuki 650’s and 800cc cruisers, also the Suzuki V-Strom and Kawasaki VerSys were in the frame too.

I was seriously considering a 2004 800VS Suzuki cruiser this last fortnight however going second hand at $7,500 to $8,000 was virtually pointing me to a new bike and I was not convinced I should go that route this early on. A larger bike [greater than the 600cc Shadow] though, must say, I was tempted these past few months

Now here is a reflection leading up to the buying decision:
Attending the recent Advance Refresher course at Johnsonville, I arrived early and was parked up near McDonalds when I see this red Honda Shadow arrive. The bike certainly caught my attention as it was very smart and obviously has been looked after.

I entered McD’s and in walks ‘nzcruzer’ asked him if he was attending the course – he was. We chatted over coffee and he tells me he was keen on moving up to the 750 Shadow.

Four hours later, early afternoon we’re doing practical training in the carpark in Petone and nzcruzer asks if I am upsizing soon and would I like to have a ride on the 600 Shadow. Initially I said no I will wait until I get my full – ah hum two more laps of the carpark I told him it would be madness not to take the opportunity here in the carpark now…..

The following week we had the bike at the Honda dealership for a pre-purchase inspection report.

I also obtained online, at cost of $25, a VIR – Vehicle Inspection Report.

Well I looked at the history of the bike in particular number of owners period of ownership and average annual and weekly distances during ownership. Well the bike is 12 years old had 4 owners [1st owner 3.3yrs avg 1100km per yr, 2nd owner 3.3yrs avg 9400km per yr, 3rd owner 4yrs 1500km per yr, and finally 4th owner 7mths putting on 3000km] In the last 5 yrs the bike has done only 9000km.

Nzcruzer is an automobile mechanic and has just returned to motorbike riding after an absence of 20 years or so, he bought the bike last July and was pleased with it and riding in general. He was able to give the bike a good clean and dressed the bike up to a very good standard, with saddle bags and Givi screen. The previous owner to nzcruzer had just put new tyres on as well.

Immediate factors: ergonomics, engine size, some internet research and reading reviews, dealership inspection report, VIR report [no encumberances/registered security] and price.

A Sale and Purchase Agreement was typed up and signed by myself and nzcruzer and each has a signed copy. Funds have been paid and bike received.

Golf November Two Five Zero and Victor Lima Xray Six Zero Zero are currently stable mates in the garage. Insurance was obtained today prior to delivery and change of ownership papers completed this evening.

Personal comfort factor – I am pleased to have a transition from 250cc to 600cc and in the cruiser style. I see this as a good progression to a third bike down the track.

Meanwhile nzcruzer has purchased a Honda 750 Shadow and takes delivery next week.

Around the Harbour and Bays
I am posting a Wellington Harbour and Bays ride for this Sunday 18th February meeting at Kaiwharawhara at 2.15pm for 2.30pm departure.

21 February 2007
As At Wednesday 21st February
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 7 days
Riding days completed since last update: 6
Distance Travelled 401km
Total Distance 12918km [since 12 May]
Qualities of A Safe Rider
Do You Think You Are A Safe Rider

I am attending the Defensive Driving course this week and next and as a part of the course I had to gather information by interviews from Experienced and Inexperienced riders covering the first two items listed above.

Thank you to the Kiwibikers that responded to my Personal Messages and were happy for their replies to be promulgated here. I have kept the identities anonymous. [Comments below have been directly copied from their PM’s and hence any type errors etc I have not corrected.]

What are the qualities of a safe rider?
Experienced Rider:

A safe rider has an awareness of the limitations of both himself and his motorcycle.
A safe rider keeps his motorcycle maintained to an appropriate standard.
A safe rider always looks to improve his riding skills.
A safe rider is always prepared to listen to another's advice on riding techniques; that doesn't mean he has to follow it though.
A safe rider rides at the appropriate speed for the conditions (not necessarily the speed limit)

A safe rider is constantly aware of changing road conditions and always looks for escape routes in moving traffic should the worst happen.
A safe rider is constantly aware of himself, the environment around him and other road users.
Concentration is king.
A safe rider knows the limits of their own ability, and that of his machine.
A safe rider has an 'escape route' planned before an incident happens.
Safe riding is an attitude. You choose to either take risks or avoid them.

Inexperienced Rider:
A safe rider is always aware of hazards around him and should be thinking ahead, searching out possible dangers along the road, Obeying the Law
To the best of his abilities and knowing his limits.

Checks his/her bike before every ride.
Wears all the gear, all the time.
Is aware of his/her surroundings on the road.
Can predict possible hazards as they approach and has the ability to lessen risk to ones self by slowing or moving to safer road position.
Allows room for error from other road users.
Has total respect for safety of him/herself and other road users.

A rider who checks their motorcycle before each ride.
A motorcycle that is safe for the road, ie current WoF etc.
A rider who follows the road rules.
A rider who wears protective clothing, ie approved Helmet, jacket, pants,boots, gloves.
The bonus point would go to the rider who dresses to be seen / is Visible ie bright colour clothing.
Need to be visible when Riding, ie ride so you are not in some cars blind spot.
Like to close and to far left when approaching a intersection etc.
A debatable point. Loud pipes save lives , Heard from afar…
A confident rider in all conditions

I feel that simply it's someone who is confident in their riding ability (also knows their limits) and is aware of their surroundings at all times.



Do you think that you are a safe rider, Why or Why not?

Experienced Rider:
For the most part yes.
Sometimes, however, I choose to take risks. I can't help it! It is part of my personality!

Sometime I am, sometimes I am not. I am aware of my limitations and sometimes I choose not to listen to them. I am but human. I do try to be though.

Inexperienced Rider

As i have little expierence and training i am probably not a very safe rider however i try to best of my ability at my current stage in riding to be as safe as possible e.g waiting extra time at intersections to make sure that i do not have to make a risky maneuver.

i would consider myself to be learning to be a safe rider still. I am still learning how to predict and respond to certain hazards that are facing me on the road. I do wear all the gear all the time, and am very conscious of traffic etc when riding to ensure my own safety and the risk to others. I think with more experience i will develop the skills required to assist me to be a safer and better rider over the years to come. Am i a safe rider? getting there... am i a dangerous rider? not at all and do not ever intend on being so.

I think I could be safer, but over all I think I’m a safe rider.
I think I’m a safe rider because I try to follow my above rules [within previous heading], however I could wear brighter clothing. I feel I’m confident riding around the suburbs and well known areas to me.
A little less confident with unknown riding areas and in wet weather conditions.

Sometimes... I'm a much safer rider than when I first set out. In the beginning I had to remember how the clutch/gears/breaks etc worked on the bike as well as keep an eye out on the other nuts on the road. Now the actual physical riding of the bike has become second nature, thus allowing me to devote a greater amount of time on hazard awareness.

I feel my biggest issue is the daily commute in and out of Wellington, lane splitting is probably not the safest means of getting into town, but at the same time it does get me to where I'm going faster and I've had more people try and kill me when sitting in my own lane and not splitting.

My Observations
Qualities of a Safe Rider

Whereas there is a common emphasis on the external physical aspects of safety and also the internal aspects in knowing their own limitations, the Experienced Rider recognises that there is an inherent need to keep an open mind. The Experienced Rider remains constantly aware not only of hazards etc but also the need to maintain a constant need for learning and improvement in riding skill. There is no end point to learning when riding, it is constant.

Do You Think You Are A Safe Rider
I found this interesting: whereas the Inexperienced Rider has the perception that they are safe riders within the limits of their experience, the Experienced Rider however, goes beyond mere perception. The Experienced Rider is more prepared to ‘push the envelope’.The Experienced Rider will take risks at times knowingly that it is outside his/her limits.

Conclusion

“Do as I say, not as I do” comes to mind, and this most certainly can be the line taken when we see an experienced rider finding him/herself in a potentially dangerous situation created by him/her.

Whereas we may ride within our own limits, the element of risk and risk taking will be the benchmark of all safe riding. This is very much an internal factor for every individual.

I often ask myself Where/How/Why
“BuckBuck:
Where Are You Riding?
How Are You Riding?
Why Are You Riding The Way You Are - Right Now!”


Closing Remarks
I hope you found this week’s update interesting.

I think these two topics may be deserving of a place within the weekly thread ‘Ride and Practise’:

Qualities of A Safe Rider, and
Do You Think You Are A Safe Rider? Why or Why Not.

Next week, commencing 28th February, I will incorporate these topics.


2 March 2007
BuckBuck's Update - Friday 2 March 2007

As At Wednesday 2nd March
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 9 days
Riding days completed since last update: 8
Distance Travelled 396km

Carpark Slow Bike Control Routines

Here is a tip – go to the $2 Shop and pick up some tennis balls, cut them in half and use them as markers in the carpark. I use around 12 halves.


1. Counter steering [pushing on the inside grip]
I paced these out to 12metres apart with 9 markers.

2. Slow bike control u-turn [head position over shoulder, weight outside footpeg, clutch, throttle, footbrake.]
Here I make a box 15metres x 15 metres

3. Straight line slow bike control.
A narrow corridor just under a metre wide, 18 metres long space your markers down each side. From standing start move down the corridor no quicker than 10 seconds and see how long you can string it out to without putting a foot down and remaining in the corridorr

4. Braking procedure [off throttle, frontbrake, clutch, rear brake, gear down to first, left foot down, rear brake covered.]
Here I have markers each side about 4 metres wide and 10metres apart down the line with 3 down each side.

This is not a full on emergency braking procedure, just take your time and come down from 2nd gear then, 3rd gear., stopping in your own time the shute is just a guide area.
Do this several runs then ride through without braking taking a note the speed you were doing eg 25kph. This is will be your own comfortable starting point for braking practice.

5. Brake and Stop and Accelerate.
From standing start move off up to second gear, brake coming to a stop and without putting your foot down immediately accelerate again.

6. Head Up.
In all the above keep your head up, and enjoy your practice.


Bring Back The Shine – 2000 & 1500 Grit Wet and Dry Paper

Recently I commenced spending some time with Victor Lima Xray [My Honda VLX 600 Shadow] and began that labour of love rubbing down some of the metal. On the bars I tackled the front brake fluid reservoir cutting back the dull finish. This has come back to chrome finish and is sparkling. Also down around the crankcase a slow and tedious job but slowly showing results.

Using wet and dry paper with tiny amounts of CT 18 Wash, or CRC, I cut short strips of the wet and dry paper fold into small squares and work in a very small area. It takes time to cut back to the original finish but believe me it is very satisfying.

I was able to get the Wet and Dry Paper from SuperCheap Auto.


Closing Remarks
I finished the classroom component of the Defensive Driving course with Triple A Driving, this week. Next week I will complete the practical riding session with Andrew Templeton from Roadsafe, and this completes the Defensive Driving course. I will provide more feedback on the course in the next update.

For the moment, my whole riding focus is: review and practise. Whereas I am confident in my riding skill level, the Defensive Driving course takes this to another level. There is a greater emphasis on ‘attitude’ out there on the road and our hazard awareness and strategies.

Around The Harbour and Bays – I am planning two more rides this month, either Tuesday evenings or Saturday/Sunday afternoons. Please feel free to PM me if you have a preference over these four weeks.


Heads Up and Enjoy
9 March 2007

As At Friday 9th March
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 9 days
Riding days completed since last update: 8
Distance Travelled 448km
Total Distance 13762km [since 12th May 2006]

To all the newbies out there talk to your fellow riders and the more experienced riders and above all listen. Riders generally will share their views and experiences and will be well intentioned when they speak. Listen and be patient, stay within your limits and have a mentor conduct a review and then extend the envelope out a little further.

Each week in the Ride and Practise thread– come up with a question if there is something you want to perhaps get feedback on. [Recall I mentioned ‘Slippage’ have you let bad habits creep in, when on a ride? If so perhaps you are not alone and if you raise it as a topic it raises awareness.]

Remember we are trying to bring to the forefront those qualities of a safe rider and and through putting forward a topic this should provide some useful and constructive feed back. The links recorded in the posts were excellent reading too. Once again thanks for your posts.

Oh by the way where did I ride this past week? Not telling you but watch this space next week when all will be revealed.

Where are you riding Buck?
How are you riding Buck?
And why are you riding like that Buck!

Heads Up and Enjoy

14 March 2007

As At Wednesday 14th March
Elapsed Time Since Last Update: 5 days
Riding days completed since last update: 5
Distance Travelled 170km
GN250 Total Distance 13932km [since 12th May 2006]
VLX600 Total Distance 130km [since 13th March 2007]



My Full Motorcycle Licence – 13th March 2007

Thank you all for your congratulatory comments.
I am honoured to have had Uncle B as my mentor.

As a lot of you will recall my last conversation with Bruce, he commented about extending myself outside my comfort zone that is ‘pushing the envelope’. And, most recently you will have noticed the topic from the Defensive Driving Course I have raised discussing ‘qualities of a safe rider’.

For those of you who have read my profile, you will see that I am retired and therefore all my riding is purely recreational. Hence going from a complete novice rider to passing through the graduated licence system, has had one major advantage, and that is ‘time’. Time to practise, to talk, to evaluate, read, practise, attend professionally conducted riding classes, and to listen to my mentor.

I would like to share with you 'Upgrading and learning to ride the new bike' and that is one word, “Respect”. Coming from a military background it may be asked what comes first “discipline” or “respect”. Now shift that question across to motorcycling environment.

If you do not discipline yourself when learning a new skill, being patient, being focused, and learning where your boundaries are, then how will you ever maintain the respect of your peers and fellow riders, other road users and the law?

If you respect all the fundamental principles of a graduated licensing system, you will by default be disciplined.

Uncle B left me with the wisdom of a pair of binoculars so that I may look way ahead to find where I was going. I could not see my boundaries, yet I could sense the boundaries, but not touch them. In time I knew where the boundaries were – they were within.

Over the months since his death, Uncle B placed envelopes in front of me, one was the Advanced Rider Refresher course [through Roadsafe] and the other the Defensive Driving/Riding course [through Triple A Driving]. During the Roadsafe course, a third envelope, I had the opportunity of riding a VLX 600cc Honda Shadow. Immediately I knew that this would be a perfect ‘transition bike’ from the GN250. The VLX is within my personal boundaries and those boundaries have been pushed out over the last three months thanks to Uncle B.

He remained with me and 'Upgrading and learning to ride the new bike' was his objective for me to do so safely, with discipline and respect.

Yesterday after gaining my Full licence I arrived home parked up Golf November and took Victor Lima Xray over the Holborn ridge and out of Stokes Valley up over the Wallaceville Hill out to Te Marua and up to Kaitoke back and over Mangaroa Hill through Maymorn, Whitemans Valley, down Blue Mountains Road to Silverstream and home. This morning knowing a storm was brewing, I put myself in downtown Wellington city traffic early, and welcomed some adverse wind and rain on the way back home well before midday.

Learning to ride the new bike is something that was achieved through deliberate and disciplined preparation well before I got on it and was accomplished with the utmost respect for and guidance from Uncle B, professional instructors, and well meaningful and thoughtful members of the kiwibiker community.

Finally a thank you to my brother-in-law ‘stevedee’, without whom, a bbq and beer each Sunday and walking around his bike talking a whole lot about something I never understood back then, now makes sense. It’s not the destination that is important but the joy of how you get there.


To All Of You
Heads Up and Enjoy
BuckBuckNo1