My first trip outta town (Reubix)

[Reubix]

So I've been swooning over my old brand new Yamaha Scorpio that I purchased a week ago as my first (proper) roadbike. I've taken a couple of jaunts into town but nothing over 20KM at one time. On Friday I had the bike serviced at Freedom Suzuki and went and bought (then later installed) some reflective tape so the bike stands out a bit more. Come Saturday arvo I chucked on a thermal top, T shirt, jacket, motorcycle jacket, and a rain jacket then I was off... Man..

The winds were gusting up to 65KM/H and the rain was damn near torrential. The road was one I had never been on before and sharp corners were something new. On top of that the feckin' hood from my rain jacket acted as a parachute and was pulling my rain jacket against my neck. Lesson learned - I fixed it up after a quick break in Eketahuna then I was off for the rest of the journey (Palmerston North to Masterton). During this time I took it easy on the bike as I knew for a fact I didn't have the toolbox of skills that other riders have... Not yet at least. That and the weather was working against me so taking it nice and easy was definitely the smart move. I got to Masterton and caught up with my mate, from there I made the decision to stay the night as the weather was going to be nicer the next day.

The following morning I chucked on my gear and... It was still wet. Another lesson learned - hot water cupboards don't cut it over 16 hours! So on with the freezing cold gear and off I went... I only got 15 minutes out of town before I couldn't take the pain in my hands anymore. As the gloves were still wet my hands got bloody cold real quick and I wasn't able to operate the controls effectively. So I pulled over and warmed my hands up on the exhaust until I got some feeling back. Stopped in Eketahuna again on the return trip for some much needed breakfast then mustered back over to Palmy. The road was a bit more forgiving this time as it wasn't as wet and cornering came a bit more naturally so my skillset is definitely improving in small steps.

Well it was barking mad weather but it was hellishly fun. I've picked up on where my gear needs to improve (pretty much everything) and also gained a bit of time on the open road. Hopefully next time the Manawatu area plays the game and gives me good weather!

[ellipsis]

...good onya..great to read a post from a new rider who is just doing it...good luck with your new found freedom...sounds like you know where you are at and will sort the obstacles...

[Maha]

Your first trip out of Tauranga.....and you went back?

Reads like you learned quite a bit in a very short while...being that cold on a bike in wet gear, can turn nasty real quick.

[Reubix]

Cheers for the comments so far. Just to clarify it was only a short (seemed long to me) trip from Palmy to Masterton.

What I'm looking for now is a riding buddy that can sorta mentor me into some good riding habits. Maarten if you're reading this flick me a PM as my home phone is kaput.

[duckonin]

When buying gear buy the best you can afford, you will be paid back by the comfort it offers. Good on you for giving it a go. Stay safe and enjoy !

[sootie]

Its good to learn early on that you need good gear or motorcycling can become a miserable experience quite suddenly. It is only going to be better for you from now on - enjoy!

[Reubix]

Well I got myself some decent gears and did a tiki tour up to Tauranga for the weekend. Having the right kit makes all the difference! Especially at 10:30pm in the middle of the desert road!