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Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:41 am
by waynemorgan
Hi everybody,

Just got back from my second ride. We have a fairly quiet set of streets around here and no carparks unless I use a main road. My goal was learning to stop so I practised this a number of times and am amazed at how quick a bike can stop (admittedly only from around 30-40kph). I've also done a few "U" turns in culdesacs (spelling??) but this is something I really want to practice along with slow speed control.

I'm guessing it's "riding fitness" as I find my hands hurting around the webbing between thumb and forfinger. My wrists are fine and I'm gripping the tank with my legs so will try a few things this afternoon when I go out again.

Bought a small RJays tank bag last week - great for the wallet, mobile, V2 sponge etc. For $29 I'm happy.

Have a great sunday!

Wayne :D

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:52 pm
by Six Addict
good stuff wayne!!! and great too see you're practicing all the little skills!!!

your hands are probably hurting because your holding on for dear life to the bars.... your arms may not be tight but i every now and then catch myself strangling the hand grips...

cheers

Owen

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:33 pm
by Slow and wobbly
Congratulations on the best way to practice new skills. I applaud anyone that takes the time to go to an out of the way place to concentrate on bike control, new to biking or not this is a major way of making improvements.
Personally I have several areas around industrial estates in Melb that afford this environment that I used to attend regularly and to take others to practice and hone skills. Very beneficial keep it up!

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:59 am
by ZXR750
waynemorgan wrote:Hi everybody,

Just got back from my second ride. We have a fairly quiet set of streets around here and no carparks unless I use a main road. My goal was learning to stop so I practised this a number of times and am amazed at how quick a bike can stop (admittedly only from around 30-40kph). I've also done a few "U" turns in culdesacs (spelling??) but this is something I really want to practice along with slow speed control.

I'm guessing it's "riding fitness" as I find my hands hurting around the webbing between thumb and forfinger. My wrists are fine and I'm gripping the tank with my legs so will try a few things this afternoon when I go out again.

Bought a small RJays tank bag last week - great for the wallet, mobile, V2 sponge etc. For $29 I'm happy.

Have a great sunday!

Wayne :D


Hi Wayne.

There are some good little rides around Penrith for when you are bored. I used to go up Old Bathurst Rd and back down the highway until Blaxland Macca's. Turn left and follow that down to the end of the old highway in Emu Plains. There is also Castlereagh rd to Yarramundi. Then up to springwood and then back down the highway. The last one takes about 45 minutes from Penrith were as the first is less than half an hour.
The twisty roads going into Glenmore Park from the Northern Rd are also fun.
Good luck with the learning and most importantly have fun.

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:45 am
by cookeetree
Pretend you're holding a wet sponge in each hand and you don't want to squeeze any water out.

That's how tight you need to hold the bars. :D

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:29 am
by Six Addict
good piece of advice mr tree!!!

very succinct way of making the point

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:39 am
by waynemorgan
Hi everybody,

Thanks for the advice on gripping the handlebars - it may be that I'm gripping them a little to hard :lol:

Glenmore Park to Northern Rd - I drive that every morning in the car. Will have to try it on the bike (once I stop strangling the bars!) Once I'm a bit more confident I'll look at the longer runs around Penrith.

Have a great day!

Wayne

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:09 pm
by gpxpunk
Hi ya wayne,

Have you done your Most test, and if so how did you go.

My 3months are up next month and cant wait.

Also if you want a place to practice, i found that on saturday and sunday go down mulgoa to the regatta center, just before you get there you come to a caltex on your right after the set of lights. NOT THE ONE NEAR BUNNINGS, the one after it, now turn down that road go to the end and turn right. its the road where domain and target have there off site warehouse. especially on sunday its desserted. i go there often and practice my weaving and braking. Its nice and close.

But yeh ive been through glenmore park a couple of times and thats fun......

Dave

Re: Second ride - things learned

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:46 pm
by waynemorgan
Hi Dave,

I've posted this viewtopic.php?f=48&t=21363&p=329758#p329758

Will take a look at that location you mentioned and give it a run on Sunday afternoon - thanks for that!

Cheers,
Wayne