Know thy limits

[westie]

And some of us just turn up and GIVE EVERYONE THE LEARN, cos we're fuckin' awesome.

Hmmm

Planning on making a long awaited appearance?

[jrandom]

Planning on making a long awaited appearance?

If Jody'll give me the gas money.

[DarkLord]

The first step is admitting that you have a long way to go, which should not be something to be ashamed of. Well done.

One of my mates called me a turtle the other day, just in jest of course, so my immediate response was "I'd rather accept that I am still a turtle for now, than try to be a hare and wind up dead!"

Ride safe dude.

[dpex]

Nah bro, you just need to do a trackday or two.


Agreed. So where and when can a bloke get a track day?

[sinfull]

today in taupo damn it lol !!! Next one is a sat i be thinking www.motott.co.nz
Edit :nope its friday the 31 oct

[raftn]

I recently went away for the weekend, leaving late on friday night. I have done plenty of riding of late, but it was the first time in ages i had ridden at night for a long period and on back roads. You have no choice but to slow down,. as visiability certainly is limited, and any cars coming towards you temporily blind you. I din't enjoy the experince, but it was still good to do. As the saying goes ride to the conditions and your ability...

[CookMySock]

I realised my night-vision eyesight and lack of properly developed riding competence, collectively, weren't up to keeping up with riders way better than me. Going wide (over the yellow lines) on a tight left-hander finally put my ego in my pocket.

Sounds to me like too fast on unfamiliar road in worsening visibility.

[...] my lack of trust in what my bike can and cannot do [....] I believed I was going too fast (for me) [...] In the micro-seconds during which I thought I'd blown it, I [..] wrapped on the throttle, pulled on the right bar instead of pushing the left in counter-steer and, bugger me, my bike dug in and actually cut the corner deep.

My first time was similar to yours, but a result of inattention - way too quick, but shoulders out and firm bar push, and it did it! Yes, I held my breath too.

But tonight I got a great lesson as regards my current limits, and I was pretty bloody pleased with myself for kicking my ridiculous ego into touch. Good, eh?

Yes. But alarm bells should have been going off earlier I think - that is a deadly combination before you even lit it up - experienced riders, unfamiliar road, failing light.

I wonder why the hurry to learn all this, dpex? I have had to remind myself that one day it must all end - I'll have to slow down and stop learning and advancing more, or die or go to jail.. Why pack it all into only two years? If you relax a bit and take your time, the fun will last longer.


Steve

[Chrislost]

My first time was similar to yours, but a result of inattention - way too quick, but shoulders out and firm bar push, and it did it! Yes, I held my breath too.

My first time was similar...
I had had the bike for about a month, and having finally gotten it to a point where it would let me ride it, i rode it too hard too soon.

Luckily the moss bank under the landing zone was soft and the bike recovered enough to take me home.

[Qkchk:Me]

And some of us just turn up and GIVE EVERYONE THE LEARN, cos we're fuckin' awesome.

*Cough cough* I think I just choked on my biscuit.

[mstriumph]

well said, dpex ----- first stage of learning is admitting what you don't know

.......... also, it's refreshing to hear a BLOKE being as open about their riding as this

i have no trouble critiqueing my own performance but i've noticed it's a thing not many blokes do, even when their riding stinks ......

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Good on ya dpex for vocalising what many people have experienced.

Riding at night is a totally different experience. Its often reassuring to follow someone who knows the road (or has better lights!) but you need to have confidence in your bikes ability and know your own limitations.

Take time to bend an ear or two on tips and tricks to improve you riding and theres no better substitute than pilling on the K's in all conditions. Come back to the ATNR and sound someone out, explain where your at and ask if you can follow there lines etc. Not everyone that goes is there to 'race' each other, stay towards the back and let the heroes blast of in front and ride your own ride. You would be more than welcome to follow a lardy old GSX 1400 to Albany.

[Gassit Girl]

ride your own ride

Definitely. No one wants to look like a noob and it's tempting to try to stick on the back of other more experienced riders. Their 'duty' is to keep their bikes upright and yours is to keep yours upright and then park safely at home afterwards with a smile on your face! As others have said here, thinking independently is vital on these rides.