course on 18 March and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it for both newbie and experienced riders.
The ride out to Whenaupai was the first time on the motorway for me - not as scary as I thought. I had my big sister with me - Fay on her XJR1300 - keeping the cages away and being on hand should I need help.
The day is divided between classroom and practical - informal but informative, no quizzes, just a sharing of knowledge - look, the theory and mechanics of engines, centrifugal force, gyroscopes etc is beyond me but still interesting to listen to and one does learn something nonetheless. And get that - oh so that's what happens when I do that lightbulb flash!
And what was discussed in the classroom you get to practice on the runway.
Because I am such a newbie and hadn't done much riding I didn't think I shaped that great but it's not competitive and everyone rides to their ability. There were three L-Platers there - all women (guys don't admit to being learners, hmm?) but then again we were the only 250s. There were about 10 bikes, 2 with pillions. I think is great that riders take their pillions on the course.
The best thing for me was that it was a controlled, low speed environment. I could feel how my handling improved throughout the day. The course is not aimed to teach you everything there is to know - that would could never happen - but gives us things to build upon. I have being doing this on my early morning rides, practising figures of 8s, circles and braking - found O'Hagans/Highland Park Cinema's carpark great for this as it has lighting and lamp posts to turn circles around. Even had a motorcycle cop come round to have a look at what I was doing. Didn't stop me - must have seen the pink helmet and L-Plate and figured I wasn't a hoon so not worth bothering about!
The $50 that you spend on this course is worth every cent and even if you consider yourself to be an experienced, knowledgeable rider I bet you would finish the day having learnt something.
A BIG thank you to Finn, Derek, Noel and Chris. You are amazing - you gave up your Sunday to stand out in all weathers (rain and wind on 18/3), didn't lose your patience and remained helpful and friendly. A well-run and organised day, with rider safety being paramount.
I will be going again and am looking forward to seeing how I have improved since March.
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Originally Posted by Imanoobie2
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