South Auckland Street Skills

[eldog]

I think it's a good idea to get used to gravel, I've been down quite a few gravel roads on my bike... done a bit of mountain biking in the past so I don't know if that helps.

But basically gravel on the roads doesn't matter, just be smoother on the controls.... it's the same as wet roads. We can complain all we want, but it's a common hazard and so you've got to get used to it. If you can ride down a metal road, then a little gravel dusting is nothing.

I totally agree with you on all your points (yes I need some more gravel training on a road bike-it will be later in the year I hope).

Wet roads - I just went and brought brand new tyres to cope with this as it was something I could do (didnt need new tyres, but winter coming).

But I think you are missing what I am saying. It would be nice if peoples whose driveways becomes the loose gravel on the road side could keep it tidy it would be nice.

AND it would be nice too if the road contractors did their job properly as well, got to wonder who signs the jobs off as completed. just saying it could be better.
see NZSPOKES reply earlier about who to report road conditions to, I think I will take the opportunity to give this a go and see what happens (no money, cant happen, not a priority, its someone elses problem, next budget - sorry is am a pessimist). It is funny how safety conscience roading contractors are and yet some of their jobs are failures from a road user - motorcyclist, cycle user POV really are.

[eldog]

looking forward to some carpark practise - did some slow circles etc today, improved lean confidence in corners - need more looking forward to Tuesday no COFFEE

[Tigadee]

Essential info for the newbies to SASS:
South Auckland Street Skills or SASS

WHAT: Learning and improving Riding Skills
WHEN: Tuesday Nights
WHERE: Meet at Z (ex-Shell) Service Station, Cnr Great South Road and Taka St, TAKANINI (the one with a Burger King)
WHO: Riders new and old, and anyone getting back into Motorcycling (must be legal & hold a motorcycle license).
Weather and venue permitting - Heavy Rain may mean that we are watching DVDs. Showers are OK, look on the thread for more up-to-date information.
Depending on the number of riders and their experience levels, a short ride may be included to practice further skills. If there are enough riders, some nights can be split into two different groups.

Some nights may include:
Practicing essential skills and techniques in a quiet carpark
On-the-road practice which may see you doing up to a 1hr - 1 1/2hr ride.

WHY:
- Practice essential skills for staying alive on the road.
- Practical help with your riding.
- Fun times with fellow riders, with great stories and discussions.
- Build friendships, solicit advice and pick-up riding tips.

MEET at Z station Takanini -----------> before 6.55pm

START ride -----------------------------> 7pm

FINISH ride at ex-Manukau City Council car park for slow-speed safety exercises -----> usually 8pm-8.15pm
(next to the new Manukau train station & opp. police station)

SOCIAL time @ BRONCOS after car park exercises -----------> 8.45pm-ish

Cost: Nil, nada, zip, zero, nothing... Just your time and attention.

Details of what will be happening each week will be posted on this thread. So kick the tires and light the fires... Let's ride, aSASSins!

Disclaimer:
The SASS activity is intended to give any riders advice on their riding and to practice their skills in a safe and relaxed environment. The organisers of SASS are NOT responsible for any rider, their machines and/or any persons involved. All people attending SASS do so at their own risk.

[Tigadee]

Hey aSASSins, will see you tomorrow night.

Won't be there next week.

[xXGIBBOXx]

I'm trying for tomorrow , bike needs a run to the hills and back , all this work and back

[f2dz]

I'll be there unless disaster strikes at work.

This morning was way too chilly for me. I'll hopefully remember to swap in my liner tomorrow as well as a lighter helmet visor.

[nzspokes]

Im having fork seal problems which I hope to have sorted tonight. If not I wont be there tomorrow but if I have I will be.

I will have a copy of Twist of the wrist with me to give to Eldog so somebody remind me. Getting old and forgetful.

[xXGIBBOXx]

I will find my flash drive and bring my copy if you want ?

[bawked]

What is this twist of the wrist? Looks like an old as motorbike vid?

[nzspokes]

What is this twist of the wrist? Looks like an old as motorbike vid?

You have much to learn young grasshopper.

But really, its a motorcycle training vid. Horrid acting but good message.

[nzspokes]

I will find my flash drive and bring my copy if you want ?

Jezz, im not that old. Im bring it on a flash drive.

[xXGIBBOXx]

Jezz, im not that old. Im bring it on a flash drive.

but the acting is so good .lol fully of chesse like a day time soap opera

[Tigadee]

but the acting is so good .lol fully of chesse like a day time soap opera

Didn't the Americans invent soap operas, after all?

[aws]

if the visor mists up open front visor slightly, C3 does have a constant flow of air around the chin - which takes some getting use to but nice on the hot days. I always leave it with the visor up and the sun visor down, if the sunvisor gets wet just leave it down, it will be ok in a day or two - dont rub it. Use a moist microcloth and place over the main visor and leave overnight to soak off bugs etc.

Interesting - I've found the C3 to have a better seal around my chin than any other helmet I've worn. But I have left the extra chin seal in all summer. The fresh air vents do a pretty good job of keeping air flow across the visor. I hate having to clean my sunvisor, and it is really hard to get out, so I only really use it on it's own at low speed. Always use the main visor to keep bugs, water and dust off the sun-visor.

[aws]

What is this twist of the wrist? Looks like an old as motorbike vid?

I think the vid they are thinking of is "Twist of the Wrist 2" which is not quite as old. I remember my brother had the original "Twist of the Wrist" book back when we were young whipper-snappers riding our bikes around the countryside far too fast. They are books/vids by Keith Code who is the guru of motorcycle racing training and founder of the California Superbike School. It says on Keith Code's Wikipedia page that Twist of the Wrist was published in 1997, but I know for a fact is was much earlier than that. It was certainly around by 1990/91. It's more of a how to ride fast on the track kind of book. The TotW2 vid has a bit more roady stuff in there, and some general technique, but is still focussed on riding fast - rather than defensively. Still it's an awesome watch.