I kinda like young Fitzy. He's manned up over what happened, is asking loads of questions and appears genuinely interested in learning. More power to ya mate and I started from where you are now too. We all did. Much like you too, I had a big mouth and a big ego. But, I was also at the same time, very well aware of my lack of experience and ability. So, I generally shut the fuck up and listened to anyone and everyone to work out how it was done sorta like the fast guys. I say sorta like them, as they are to me, what I most likely would be to you if we rode together. A disappearing bike in front of you!!
But, the most beneficial experiences were riding with a group of fast, competent, steady and knowledgeable guys and girls. ( This will wreck your ego more, one of those girls currently has a GSXR1000, is 4 foot nothing tall, has the arse of the bike jacked up high so it will steer and is bloody hard to catch and next to impossible to pass. She would weigh 45kgs if she was lucky, can't put both feet on the ground when stopped and runs rings around most road riders)
I learnt more getting out every Sunday for a 300-600klm jaunt, rain, hail or shine. Even snow! Yep, each winter we had a snow ride. The rangers at the gate always thought we were mad and we probably were. But, we would ride up into the snowfields each winter. Go tabogoning and then slide our ways back down the slippery mountain. But all this I learnt from. I followed people who were just a little faster than me. Pretty soon I was comfortable there and then tagged onto the next fastest. It always started off the same way, kept them in sight for a few corners, then they were gone. Then the next ride it was a few more corners before they lost me, until I was on there tail. Then, shortly after, I would be passing them and going after the next fastest rider. This slow progression, step by step was in my mind a relatively safe method. You just have to ride to your limits and not the rider in front's limits. Otherwise, you might hit another stick!!
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me" Hunter S. Thompson.
There are really only two questions in life. 1.Which way do i go? 2.What is the lap record?
....faaark he was quick Ol Greg.
