Longest ride so far

[Slyer]

Good work! I'm doing my first long distance trip this weekend.

[TOTO]

Way to go falks. The longer the first rides the better I reacon. You get used to your bike and speed faster

[davebullet]

I find speed brings a false sense of security. The increased gyroscopic action improves stability. I went home on the motorway last week in gale force winds, just to see what it was like. Geez I had to hang onto the grips tight, centre of my lane just to be ready for cross winds. Up the gorge was fun. The ol' VTR was chugging along nicely though. I was quite impressed.

I still need heaps more practice at the slow stuff. I think the measure of skill lies here.

David.

[varminter]

I usually pop into one of the local car parks at the weekend and practice slow turns, getting better. Today I saw some guy on a trail bike just amble through the car park, he just idly turned on a sixpence, may even have been one handed, I beat him to death

[davebullet]

I'm doing the same. Every weekend, just spending 30 mins or so puttering around a carpark (local schools) - that is after I scare off the kids playing basketball first.

Managed to do a 1080 in full lock without a foot down at slow speed (feathering the clutch and humping the back break).

Doing some figure 8's in a half basketball court. slowly getting better... might go out now while the sun is out and have another go.

Cheers,
David.

[varminter]

I know it's in my head but I seem to be able to do reasonable turns in a car park but show me a curb on the other side and I'll head straight for it, target fixation?

[Blackbird]

congrats !! When you are really getn the hang of it, go toward taupo, then to murupara, then down to te teko. Its a nice clear road with nothing and no one on it. Just miles and miles of clear space. Watch out for cows crossing this time of year.

Theres always a stopover point down our way too, and couple of other learner riders here.

Steve - Edgecumbe

+1. That's the way I used to ride from Tokoroa to Whakatane when I lived down that way. Beautiful bike roads with minimal traffic. Stopping at the Matahina Dam is well worthwhile.

[Rosie]

I know it's in my head but I seem to be able to do reasonable turns in a car park but show me a curb on the other side and I'll head straight for it, target fixation?

Always look where you want to go. If you look straight at the curb, it will send out it's force field/tractor beam and you'll be sucked towards it

Mid u-turn it does seem like you are heading straight for the curb and won't make it, but, keep looking where you want to go, and you'll get there.

Good on you for practising your slow speed handling.