Good learning ride this morning...

[Houseman]

Headed out on the Firestorm this morning in the sunshine. Howick-Maraetai-Clevedon-Whitford-Howick. Now Im not completely new to riding but still getting confidence up on the open road, especially cornering. Been pretty lucky to date with no near-misses in the first 3 months but this morning was a bit of an eye-opener.

First "incident" was along a nice long straight just out of Maratei. Started catching up to car mid-straight and was about to pull out to cruise past (around 120kmh) when I noticed them slowing up - no brake lights or indicators though. Sure enough at the point I would have been if I hadn't eased off to see what they were up to - complete right turn accross the other lane into driveway (still no indicator). Not a near miss, more a "oooh...that could have been very nasty".

Next one was completely my fault. On the way back I was pushing a bit harder. Not so much with speed, more later braking and tighter leaning. One left hander I was a bit fast going in (for my ability more so than for the corner) and ended up running wide. Didnt drft into the oncoming lane but was pretty much on the white line JUST as a car came round the other side. Came out OK but it was definitley close enough to hear myself shout "OH F*CK" without realising.

Anyway, I think a few close calls are good for you every now and then so thought I would share.

Getting skills up slowly but today taught me I still have a looong way to go...

[Gibbo89]

Headed out on the Firestorm this morning in the sunshine. Howick-Maraetai-Clevedon-Whitford-Howick. Now Im not completely new to riding but still getting confidence up on the open road, especially cornering. Been pretty lucky to date with no near-misses in the first 3 months but this morning was a bit of an eye-opener.

First "incident" was along a nice long straight just out of Maratei. Started catching up to car mid-straight and was about to pull out to cruise past (around 120kmh) when I noticed them slowing up - no brake lights or indicators though. Sure enough at the point I would have been if I hadn't eased off to see what they were up to - complete right turn accross the other lane into driveway (still no indicator). Not a near miss, more a "oooh...that could have been very nasty".

Next one was completely my fault. On the way back I was pushing a bit harder. Not so much with speed, more later braking and tighter leaning. One left hander I was a bit fast going in (for my ability more so than for the corner) and ended up running wide. Didnt drft into the oncoming lane but was pretty much on the white line JUST as a car came round the other side. Came out OK but it was definitley close enough to hear myself shout "OH F*CK" without realising.

Anyway, I think a few close calls are good for you every now and then so thought I would share.

Getting skills up slowly but today taught me I still have a looong way to go...

atleast you realise when you are in the wrong and know what you did wrong, that will hold you in good stead as you keep learning. in the first incident, bet the bloke had no idea you were there eh, let alone wanting to pass