Laxed out rides

[Brooke]

I have seen allot of new riders on 250's and other riders who aren't so keen on racing or trying to keep up with the super sports looking for some organised rides around hamilton.

I am on a zx6rr but i am looking to enjoy a relaxed ride rather than race anything.

Was thinking of getting a group started for a ride or 2 a week when people are keen.

Without sounding like a stick in the mud I am posting koz's first comment for this thread. Being one of the 250 riders just starting out, this thread really appealed to me seeing as it was "laxed out". I hate the thought of holding people up and people getting sick of waiting. Just wanted to throw my two cents it for what it's worth.

All I can say is that the rides I have been on I have thoroughly enjoyed as there is such a great bunch of people (hey I even enjoy spending time with all of you when we aren't on bikes!!! ) I really want to keep developing my riding while riding WITH a group of others.

[mister.koz]

Mr Prez. Showed my almost 2yo son a picture of the gargoyle and all he could do was grin make engine sounds and drool. Must be coz its GREEN!

Wicked thats the best response hehe. Thank you, you made my night

Koz, crazy Dave says hes found turbos for your bikes...

dear lord my bike is already about 5 times what i can handle!!! and he told me on sunday he's never rolled the throttle on totally on his 10 anyways lol i will stick to the "more horsepower than in need"

[mister.koz]

Without sounding like a stick in the mud I am posting koz's first comment for this thread. Being one of the 250 riders just starting out, this thread really appealed to me seeing as it was "laxed out". I hate the thought of holding people up and people getting sick of waiting. Just wanted to throw my two cents it for what it's worth.

All I can say is that the rides I have been on I have thoroughly enjoyed as there is such a great bunch of people (hey I even enjoy spending time with all of you when we aren't on bikes!!! ) I really want to keep developing my riding while riding WITH a group of others.

To be honest the biggest component of the "high speed ride" on sunday was that we were missing murray at the back and me in the middle.

The guys at the front have always been quite quick. Normally i am fairly subdued but last sunday i thought i would push the bike a bit because i am getting more confident and i trusted the seal allot more than our run to port waikato.

It still laxed out rides, no one's being held up, and at the same time we have a really good range of people here to learn from at different speeds, just remember to ride inside of your ability.

Remember i am learning too, don't let the green gargoyle, the racing suit and the goofy smile fool you, i am still quite a novice and i love it.

So what we need is a solid front (got that) middle (normally got that) and back (usually have that) so the learners (me included) are happy.

gravy?

[ckai]

To be honest the biggest component of the "high speed ride" on sunday was that we were missing murray at the back and me in the middle.

The guys at the front have always been quite quick. Normally i am fairly subdued but last sunday i thought i would push the bike a bit because i am getting more confident and i trusted the seal allot more than our run to port waikato.

It still laxed out rides, no one's being held up, and at the same time we have a really good range of people here to learn from at different speeds, just remember to ride inside of your ability.

Remember i am learning too, don't let the green gargoyle, the racing suit and the goofy smile fool you, i am still quite a novice and i love it.

So what we need is a solid front (got that) middle (normally got that) and back (usually have that) so the learners (me included) are happy.

gravy?

Mate, you were up late last night! I do agree with you. We always split into our chosen speed groups and ride within them. It's never going to be one big 10+ bike group.

All that happened in the weekend was the middle and back groups picked up the pace.

I do see where Brooke is coming from though. In all fairness, she probably was a bit nervous when I came home and told her the pace was a little quicker than usual.

Like I've mentioned, as long as no one ends up riding alone and they get to ride at their own pace, then I think the Laxed Rides are what they're meant to be.

Group rides are just that, no one rides alone.

[wysper]

Group rides are just that, no one rides alone.

Thats the cool thing about group rides. I like riding in a group. It is good fun. Especially when we all get back together and trade stories on the ride so far.

I will ring cock and bull today and post the results.

7pm, Dec 6th for approx 20. Won't matter if there are a few more or a few less.

cheers Social Secretary wysper (temporary) Temporary cos I am an antisocial bastard at the best of times

[Mr. Rock]

put me down for 2 on the 6th tooooooo

[Mr. Rock]

well the other good thing about group rides is that when we all know where we are going to end up really you cant hold anyone up.. everyone gets there etc.

i always enjoy parking on the side of the road and seeing everyone catch up

[TerminalAddict]

if the learner .. or more appropriately .. developing riders are wanting advice / help / etc .. the best bet is to pluck up some courage, and go and ask a more experienced rider for assistance.

I've run a bunch of learner rides, and the group theory NEVER works on the road.
group teaching is fine on the track, but on the road is simply does not work.

one-on-one is the only way to go, if it is advice or education you're after.

if one of the developing riders asked me to guide or comment then I would hang back with the other rider, and not worry about where the group is riding.

If it is development you want, then the route taken is of very little consequence.
Previously, when I have run one-on-one days I have decided on a time and destination at the end of the day (like at the pub ) then the pair (one learner, one teacher) split off, and do there own learning without the pressure of other bikes around them.
Then everyone can meet at the end of the day, and swap stories.

Sunday for me was just a blat around south waikato roads .. it was not organised as a learning environment at all, so I didn't treat it as such .. and of course this was the first time meeting most of you, so you probably pegged me as some kinda paedophile sporting a wierdo moustache .. fear not .. the moustache is coming off at the end of the month :P

I've taught a few people to ride, and at least one those riders is now a better rider than me, it just takes commitment from the person wanting to learn.

If you actually want some one to comment on skills / techniques / etc then ask around. Most experienced riders love talking about what they know, and what they can do.
Just remember to take advice with "a pinch of salt" .. just because I say something doesn't mean it is gospel .. I talk shyte too y'know

[WhatThe???]

Thanks to Brooke for starting that, just reading your comments has made me feel better about venturing out with the group. Which I hope to do soon Im just still a bit nervvy and havent been in the traffic yet :P and like she said I dont really like the idea of holding anyone up. But I like how the group has stops so really you're not being held up - like someone else said. Personally my issue is learning gears! lol, its not that bad though

[ckai]

if the learner .. or more appropriately .. developing riders are wanting advice / help / etc .. the best bet is to pluck up some courage, and go and ask a more experienced rider for assistance.

I've run a bunch of learner rides, and the group theory NEVER works on the road.
group teaching is fine on the track, but on the road is simply does not work.

one-on-one is the only way to go, if it is advice or education you're after.

if one of the developing riders asked me to guide or comment then I would hang back with the other rider, and not worry about where the group is riding.

If it is development you want, then the route taken is of very little consequence.
Previously, when I have run one-on-one days I have decided on a time and destination at the end of the day (like at the pub ) then the pair (one learner, one teacher) split off, and do there own learning without the pressure of other bikes around them.
Then everyone can meet at the end of the day, and swap stories.

Sunday for me was just a blat around south waikato roads .. it was not organised as a learning environment at all, so I didn't treat it as such .. and of course this was the first time meeting most of you, so you probably pegged me as some kinda paedophile sporting a wierdo moustache .. fear not .. the moustache is coming off at the end of the month :P

I've taught a few people to ride, and at least one those riders is now a better rider than me, it just takes commitment from the person wanting to learn.

If you actually want some one to comment on skills / techniques / etc then ask around. Most experienced riders love talking about what they know, and what they can do.
Just remember to take advice with "a pinch of salt" .. just because I say something doesn't mean it is gospel .. I talk shyte too y'know

I like that, "developing" riders Makes you feel less of a muppet. Also a good point about splitting off, doing some technical work, then meeting back with the group. Quite a good idea.

I know we're carrying on about the Sunday ride a bit (i.e it's pace) but from my personal point of view, I knew what I was working on for the ride (it sounds like Koz was as well) so we just went the pace we wanted for it.

If any really new people are reading this and thinking the pace will be too much on one of these ride after the weekend, it won't be.

I think I was telling a few people on Sunday that I wouldn't mind getting a BIG open car park some where, some of you experienced boys for pointers, and us developing riders to work on few things. They do it up in Dorkland and it seems to be really beneficial. Things like counter steering, real emergency braking, decent corning practice, in controlled environment.

Someone has mentioned that you should only ride as fast as you can stop. I certainly haven't put that to the test. It would also be good riding around some cones leaning the bike over to see what it can do.

Yes there is courses you can do but I personally would learn a lot more from someone I know around people I know.

And I'm done

[Mr. Rock]

i would be down for some pointers..

[WhatThe???]

I think I was telling a few people on Sunday that I wouldn't mind getting a BIG open car park some where, some of you experienced boys for pointers, and us developing riders to work on few things. They do it up in Dorkland and it seems to be really beneficial. Things like counter steering, real emergency braking, decent corning practice, in controlled environment.

Murray has been telling me to use the Kingsgate car park for practice on the weekends, just a thought

yea I like the idea of the 'learner rides' they do up there might be a good idea for us?? But then theres nothing wrong with the sunday rides

[bane]

my first time joining in, and to be fair, I had no idea what the pace would be. In the end Paddy set one i was generally comfortable with.

However at times he knew the road and disappeared into the distance. But I just kept to the pace I felt comfortable, knowing he would be waiting when we hit the next intersection.


Key as always, ride within your comfort level. Finish the ride exhilarated, not "puckering up".

Tyres discussion - im on my second set of Strada's - more than happy. I dont quite get the mileage out of them that some people claim, but satisfied with ~8-9000km per set so far.

[wysper]

OK

Just rang cock and bull. Booked it under my name for twenty odd at 7pm on the 6th. My wife and I will be there from about 6.30 with our younguns (5 and 18mts), so any other family type want to come a bit earlier and bring their small ones, we will be there.

I was asked about tables and food and unfortunately I couldnt answer. LOL
So Paul (the Manager) just said he would look after us!

So when you come in, if you don't see us, just tell someone you are with Greg's party! (I better watch out.. I don't want Koz's presidency)

I look forward to seeing you all there!

[ckai]

Key as always, ride within your comfort level. Finish the ride exhilarated, not "puckering up".

Good point that. To learn I think you want to push yourself just that little bit every now and then but only by a small margin at a time. Never so you shit yourself

This will relate to a few posts...Brooke and I are out for a few weeks, baby sitting this weekend and racing next, so we're out for the charity ride this Sunday and also for the drinkies and ride on the 6th/7th.

It'll also mean, if anyone wants to have a developer session before then, they'll have to organise something otherwise I'll try and start something up. It may mean nothing until after Christmas but we'll see how it goes.

I'll try and start general discussion thread about it trying to see how numbers look for something. May even look at some car park riding then even a short group ride for practice. I dunno. I'll try and put something up in the next few weeks. If any experienced fella's wanna put there hands up for tips, let me know and also what sort of thing will suit you e.g. weekend for x time or weeknight for x time.

Might have to talk to Murray about the car park as well and see what he thinks.