Getting Into The Groove

[Zapf]

Well if it helps the quest for Grooves!

My Groove is best after lunch.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Why does it happen? - God knows
What do I do about it? - Just accept it's one of those days and stop trying to push the envelope, slow down, enjoy the scenery. There'll plenty more days to go for it.

What this man said. That way you stay alive for another day in the groove.

[Holy Roller]

There's a lot more to bikes than going fast.

Thats why I have a slowish bike and don't ride all that fast. Helps to ride alone that way one stays at their pace and enjoys the ride even if it is slower than others go. Get in a group and one trys to keep up and rides outside their normal groove even though it has been said that one can ride at their own pace.

[Posh Tourer :P]

Like most of us, I guess slowing down and getting back to basics helps me.

If I´m really out of it, I´ll slow down, and concenrate on those late apexes. Tipping in late, and being able to get on the power without worrying about running wide etc I find really helps. As I push faster (if I do) I tend towards a more "correct" apex and line.

[notme]

Playing gigs in a band, sometimes there are nights when the groove just isn't there either (not good for the drummer!).

Personal life distractions, work deadlines looming, whatever's on your mind...sometimes it's just not your day

BUT, as others have pointed out, you can turn the situation around and enjoy the scenery or go somewhere new or let the bass player have the moment....(well.....nah maybe not that last one....)

[Pillick]

I discovered the dangers of getting in the groove yesterday... Was really getting into the corners on the open road, finally leaning and counter-steering and taking them as fast as in my car (Im new at this, ok?). That was fine on the road, felt really good. But then I got cocky and came in a little hot into the gravel driveway.....

Injured pride, ripped jacket, bent gear lever, ... worst of all scratches down the side of my poor bike To top it off, had a walk of shame down the driveway past a party next door.

[James Deuce]

.......let the bass player have the moment....(well.....nah maybe not that last one....)

Only if you're shagging his/her girlfriend on the side.

Pillick - it happens to us all. Don't sweat it, and at least the only thing injured is that fundamentally worthless pride thing.

[notme]

Only if you're shagging his/her girlfriend on the side.
..............

Isn't that basically the drummer's job description???

Oh and loving the thought of "his/her girlfriend" cheers Jim!

[notme]

Pillick:

.........Injured pride,

Will heal real quick mate

ripped jacket,

fixable!

bent gear lever, ...

will bend back!

worst of all scratches down the side of my poor bike

"Experience scars"

To top it off, had a walk of shame down the driveway past a party next door.

Hey, they sure as hell noticed you didn't they???

Better to learn this lesson the way you did, than on the motorway in front of an 18 wheeler......but it sounds like you've taken the spill in your stride, and will now be a better rider for realizing your fallibility.

[Zed]

I discovered the dangers of getting in the groove yesterday...

...But then I got cocky and came in a little hot into the gravel driveway...

I'm not sure it was being in the groove that was dangerous in your case, you admit getting cocky so maybe you actually stepped out of your groove to perform said cocky maneuver! You have my sympathies Pillick.

[inlinefour]

I've found that crashing is generally a good way to lose your groove.

I've also found that having one of my bikes stolen can affect my abilities to get into riding on one of my remaining bikes.

[Rashika]

hmmm I can relate...
To me being in the groove is getting everything right first go, no minute adjustments. Feeling the sway of the bike and your hips as you move into a corner, just looking and doing, not having to mentally THINK about whats coming up....feeling the sun on your back, throttle responding smoothly to a slight twist, and the roar of the vtwin motor as it boots you outa the corner.
Doesn't seem to matter what bike you are on....I had the same feelings on the Virago as the Buell, altho i think the Buell has been easier to adapt too, and seems to give me more of a buzz at times. Still there is a 15 year tech gap between the 2 not to mention the obvious other difs.

Somedays it is there and other days not...I cant seem to pick when or where so just have to try it to see. Tried the other day and had an absolute failure, damn migraine came along and spoiled it.....fk trying to ride when you cant see the road cos your brain is playing tricks with your eyes.
Next day tried again and had a damn good ride, with a Duc Monsta sticking on my tail as we wound our way down from the hilltop, passing cars/vans you name it, even a trailer full of sheep (dont they look at you oddly??) ... and yet each manouvre was safe, smooth and effortless... which is saying a lot from ME! (the effortless part I mean)
It was just the groove was there....

Kinda like dancing for me; somedays you merely go through the motions, do the movements, other days you ARE the music, it flows THROUGH you and makes YOU their instrument showing the world what it is trying to say, timing, emotions, flow is perfect ...its magical :spudflip:

damn I'm waffling....must the birthday groove

[Zed]

To me being in the groove is...
damn I'm waffling....must the birthday groove

A well articulated explanation of the groove there Rashika!

A most hearty happy birthday to you too!!

[imdying]

Sometimes a beer and a plate of chips combined with some trash talking with the mates at the first pub does the trick Other days some prayer or meditation (depending on your perspective) does wonders. Other days it's just not your day. Kinda nice how the mind/body/soul lets you know when to slow down.

[Blackbird]

Surely we all have those days when we get on the bike and our riding is just *crap*, we are out of our riding groove, we have all of a sudden lost our good standard of riding, our lines into corners are out, our concentration in general is lacking. Why? I'm interested in your thoughts. What do you do to remedy the situation?

Hi Matt - excellent post! I find that I drop into my "Zen groove" more easily when I start off a ride at a relatively slow pace and then find a natural rhythm. I'm crap if I push from the start. Don't know whether you saw it a month or so ago but I posted an article on "why I ride" and touched on the same thing as part of it. Have re-attached it in case you didn't see it.

Safe riding.

Geoff