Wairarapa gravel riding - AM Sunday 12 August

[Aslan]

I see Zukin did a solo HB ride too while I've been staying indoors. Glad you had some fun mate.

Yes I wondered whether I might have your company Merv - sorry to see you've been fighting a bug - hope you're feeling better soon.

[Aslan]

thanks for the comments Pablo & Ian S.

Pablo - KSilder suggested I call you yesterday on your cell phone - which I did - went through to a fax machine - enjoy time with your sister and travel to Argentna.

Ian S - great to hear from you pal - Lookin forward to riding with you again on your return

Cheers S

PS - All - by acknowledging all your individual posts I'm not trying to drive up my post count - really

[Aslan]

Hi ahebron - thanks for your comments - I really need the confidence a TKC80 on the front wheel gvies me in the deep gravel. I was standing on the pegs through that deep stuff attempting to keep the front light.

I was thinking as I rode that a maxim it's taking a lot of time to learn and apply is "in gravel ride like you mean it - there's no room to be tentative" - this not the same saying we should go hard out everywhere - rather that in gravel you have be somewhat aggresive.

Hope to meet you and your partner some time.

Cheers Aslan

[Shiner]

Think I spotted you on your way back as I headed out up the hill. I am on a little red 650F. I too thought it still looked a bit iffy at 7am.
I decided to do something so headed out over the hill and towards Lake Ferry, with the plan to go to Cape Palliser. Got caught in a shower of rain along that stretch of road and had the rear wheel let go in a corner. Luckily and I do not know how, managed to keep the bike on the road despite the tank slapping front end. After a few four lettered words in my helmet, dropped the speed and took it easy to Lake Ferry and back. A little more excitement than I need out riding alone.
Have decided to ditch the TKC 80s as even though they are fantastic in the gravel and give me more confidence, this slip certainly has left me not so confident with them on the seal. Maybe I just change the rear tyre?

[Aslan]

cheers Shiner - yes I recall seeing you on your red Funduro - glad to hear you stayed upright when the rear broke loose. I'm a huge fan of TKC80's as are most beemer riders who like to get their GS's dirty. I'm really only using the Tourance cos I had it and want to conserve a near new TKC80. That said - on wet shiny seal on TKC80's I have had the back end move disconcertingly.

Whilst solo riding can be good for the soul, if you get into difficulties its good to have someone to help :-)

Was reflecting on an earlier comment I made in this thread about 'attacking' when in gravel - I think I'd want to modify my maxim to 'when in gravel, ride intentionally rather than tentatively' Cheers Aslan