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Dedicated to the memory of our Mentor, Uncle B.

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog
Practised today... One handed riding, at speed for once; smoother cornering lines and throttle control; and being "tail end charlie", man, the responsibility nearly made me act like an adult for a while!!

Originally Posted by gijoe1313
The night riding was excellent....Only hairy moment was when I hit a tar-snake and my front end "squiggled" for a few seconds, I put my trust in the bike and let it ride it out and I was back on track as if nothing had happened.

Having learnt from previous trip up from Wellywood in the night, I was dressed for bear - balaclava, neck warmer, thermal long sleeve shirt and of course, a flouro-vest ("Watch out for Motorbikes!" one even) - the flouro had an interesting effect on oncoming traffic, they all slowed down thinking I was a Popo!


Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog
As per Buckbuck's request, I have chosen Donor's post for my pick to go into the newbie training thread/folder.
Reason I chose this post, because Donor seems to have his head firmly on his shoulders, is taking his learning at a good and safe pace and listens to his 'missus', good boy!! Keep up the good work mate, no hurry, steady as she goes, keep safe!!

Originally Posted by Donor
Today was a milestone, for several reasons.

1) I went on my LONGEST solo ride ever! (Pukekohe... it was scarey for me, OK?)
2) Hit and maintained 100km/h along SH22
3) Practiced my cornering using all the tips and lessons I have learned through KB and the 250 rides.

What a blast, I decided to shoot out to Puke from Takanini, as my brother was cage racing out there today. I seriously considered driving, but figured that as I was already pootling about on Daisy, that I might as well confront my fear of open roads and corners, and try to have fun.

I was a bit worried about the 100k section, so came across a working solution. Parked up on the GSR before the Drury overbridge and waited... waited... finally I saw in my mirror what I was waiting for... a car towing a trailer with a boat on, he was a good guy, sat on 80km/h all the way to Puke... MINT!

Hung out with my brother for a couple of hours, and finally decided to jet back. Bouyed by my low speed trot out, I set out for Papakura. I had been cornering well on the way TO Pukekohe, and decided to take it up a notch.

So, after a few moments of reflection, I set off, determined to ride like a "grown up". Using all the skills that I have picked up from various KB peeps and mentors, not only did I manage to maintain open road speed with safety and confidence, but my cornering didn't scare me once!

Not being afraid to lean the bike left or right, and even going so far as to deliberately exaggerate turning my head to look at the end of the corners, made it almost second nature after 10 minutes of riding, and I eventually found myself doing it without thinking.

I got home with a shitefaced grin, and were it not for the missus having that "do your chores or die ASSHOLE" look on her face, I'd have been off to the servo to gas up, and headed for parts unknown!

So big ups to the KB family, those who have given me wisdom, and helped me become a better rider. You guy rock.


And From gijoe1313:
This is my choice [Chisanga]! Hope its the sort of thing you were looking for!

Originally Posted by Chisanga
I went out around Howick and Cockle Bay for the first proper ride of my bike. Felt my confidence increasingly rapidly as I managed to get the gears to change sort of like they should. Still the occasional over-rev etc. but I can definately feel good progress happening.

Practised a few emergency stops... this needs much more practise I feel as I need to stop revving as I am braking hard.

All round though had a good time... stalled only once - at the main intersection at Botany Downs - may have just been trying too hard 'cause of all the cars around but I made a quick recovery and away.

Took the bike through some Baby Twisties (Point View Drive for those that know East Auckland) and was happy again with leaning into the corners.

Trying to do everything smoothly as the bike is new and i'm still scrubbing in the tyres. Experimenting with the right rev ranges for gear change - again trying to take it easy as still running in the engine.

What else - finally found a semi-decent spot for the L-Plate (With McJim's advice) and the help of some sticky tape and pulled into my garage with 99kms on my new bike and myself dripping sweat under the riding suit.

Must practice emergency stops and hill starts and gear changes and everything else but a very successful day... might go out again later if the weather stays nice.

Safe riding all.

New Years Eve

Originally Posted by Lucy

Good on you Lissa for riding with friends and listening to their comments, and not being scared to admit getting told off!

It's such a quick learning curve on the bike I reckon that it's good to be reminded of things, overconfidence can happen so quickly.

Cheers
Lucy

Originally Posted by Lissa
Saturday: Went for ride with elle and Ronin to the Gladstone pub. On the way I successfully figured out how to stop my handle bars shaking (Not from Fear!) by cripping the tank hard with my knees... yay. Practiced my cornering at speeds. After a couple of diet cokes we headed out to the hill climb the back way to Masterton. On the way again practiced my cornering a little faster... helped alot to have someone ahead of me and behind. Awesome ride!

Accomplishments: No shaking handle bars. And learning to read the corners and not to slow down too much.

Told off for: Following a car to closely with one hand off handle bars, overtaking a car on the left in town, and crossing the centre line on a corner (could see no cars coming). (thanks Ronin... honestly I need a slap on the hand sometimes!)

Sunday: Headed out to the Gladstone for a coffee with elle. On the way decided that it was freaken cold, and should have worn liner in my jacket. Also learnt that my helmet is WAY too big, and moves around too much.

What I have learnt in the last Six Weeks since getting my bike:
1. Can ride comfortably at 100kph without freaking out.
2. Ear plugs are a must.
3. Wind doesnt bother me nearly as much.
4. Corners are my friend and are quite enjoyable.
5. Helmet sucks.
6. I love my bike and riding with friends.