Time files! I've now had my bike for 3 full months! I've gone from not knowing how to ride to riding almost every night and most weekends. All thanks to some incredible people who helped me with the bike purchase, who taught me important riding skills, who accompanied on every ride and who provided me with all the much needed encouragement! =) This has been my progress over the last 3 months...
AUGUST MONTH
First three weeks of August (perhaps the most testing time):: During this period, it was all about a couple of carpark sessions, trying to ride the little loop in my estate and testing my newly found skills on the main road. It was also trying to learn how to turn within my own lane (yes, I was a big danger to other road users - I'm better now), stopping at traffic lights and taking off without stalling.
Last week of August:: Continued riding on the main roads and in traffic with the unlucky few who volunteered (THANK YOU!!). Conducted my first night ride and being taught how to defend my lane and knowing where to position the bike. Learnt how to do uphill starts on the steepest hill.
SEPTMBER MONTH
Early September:: Did my first "big" ride to the National Park and clocked 154km. Started going on weeknight rides and also doing more and more weekend rides. Rode my bike to coffee for the first time.
Mid September:: Attempted another big ride only to find out I didn't know to change gears according to the situation and hence during uphills, my bike can't keep up. The next weekend, I attempted another big ride and it turned out slightly more successful. This was a 350km ride with a couple of hairpin turns!
End September:: Progressively doing more weeknight rides and more weekend rides through the national park. Rode on my own (return trip) in very heavy traffic due to road blocks, learnt to manage and shift my weight while at a standstill in a wind tunnel, rode on my own (return) for the first time to run an errand. Continued practising gear change.
OCTOBER MONTH
First half of October:: No riding as I was away on holidays.
Second half of October:: Discovered how to control the bike using friction point, throttle and rear brake. I FINALLY understand what people have been telling me. Continued with more weeknight and weekend rides. Started to do more riding on my own. Started practising cone weaving, emergency braking and U-turns.
SPECIAL THANKS!
In particular, a special thank you and lots of credit to Mr M2 who's accompanied me on almost every ride. He somehow managed to convince me to go out riding almost every weeknight which in turn allowed me to practice each newly found skill, who only ever encouraged me to keep riding, for keeping me positive despite all my negativeness and skepticism and who never pushed me beyond my limits! You are one very very patient man Mr M2! and did I tell you You're the Best too!! =)) THANKSS!!
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
31. Breakfast Torque
On Sunday, Mr M2 and myself went to check out Breakfast Torque on Loftus Oval.
We started the morning with a free sausage sizzle and some tea and coffee. After which, we walked around and checked out all the stalls. Mr M2 bought himself a Kawasaki iron on sticker which looked pretty cool. During our walks, I also (reluctantly) signed up and got to ride on a (well stationery) Harley Davidson. It was quite fun! And very very loud!!
As the day progressed, more and more bikes rocked up. There were some really funky and cool looking bikes... one with a massive rear wheel and some with the longest and highest handle bars I've ever seen. Oh! and one bike had a steel seat... Ouch! I have to admit I was thoroughly impressed seeing those guys maneuvering the bikes.
Another highlight was the re-enactment of an accident scene. They simulated a guy coming off his bike and explained what to do as a bystander e.g. who to call, what to do when emergency services arrive etc. I think it might actually be worth while doing a first aid course just in case.
We left Loftus around 11.30am and headed to Ikea to do some shopping. Mr M2 than escorted me to the Homebush Ps practice ground. I tried my hand at the cone weaving, manuveruring around cones and tennis balls, 90 degree left turns, emergency stops and U turns. I struggled during the cone weaving... it was a hit and miss exercise for me and I got quite frustrated doing it. The U turns were initially ok but got worst as I progressed through the day. I didn't find the remaining items too difficult. Looks like more practice is required.
Overall a productive day
We started the morning with a free sausage sizzle and some tea and coffee. After which, we walked around and checked out all the stalls. Mr M2 bought himself a Kawasaki iron on sticker which looked pretty cool. During our walks, I also (reluctantly) signed up and got to ride on a (well stationery) Harley Davidson. It was quite fun! And very very loud!!
As the day progressed, more and more bikes rocked up. There were some really funky and cool looking bikes... one with a massive rear wheel and some with the longest and highest handle bars I've ever seen. Oh! and one bike had a steel seat... Ouch! I have to admit I was thoroughly impressed seeing those guys maneuvering the bikes.
We left Loftus around 11.30am and headed to Ikea to do some shopping. Mr M2 than escorted me to the Homebush Ps practice ground. I tried my hand at the cone weaving, manuveruring around cones and tennis balls, 90 degree left turns, emergency stops and U turns. I struggled during the cone weaving... it was a hit and miss exercise for me and I got quite frustrated doing it. The U turns were initially ok but got worst as I progressed through the day. I didn't find the remaining items too difficult. Looks like more practice is required.
Overall a productive day
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
29. The Last Month
Just realised it's been a month since I last blogged. Of which, I was lazy the first two weeks and I was on holidays the last two weeks!! :p
Over the last month, I've been doing quite alot of weeknight rides and a few weekend rides. Here are some highlights (for me anyway) after my no. 10 milestone ride::
1) Riding in super heavy traffic and road blocks were a major challenge. Took me 1 hour instead of the usual 10 mins to get home from South Dowling road. I have since learnt to go (filter??) between cars in stationery traffic after nearly dying from heat exhaustion in leathers.
2) I didn't get blown off with the bike on Wentworth Ave - an uphill road that was also a wind tunnel!!!!! Being bashed around in the wind in stand still traffic on an uphill whilst trying to not get blown over was perhaps one of the scariest experience I've had so far. It took alot of effort to keep the bike upright in the wind but I managed so was feeling quite proud of myself. I'm sure I'll have plenty more scary wind (and other) experience!
3) Rode on my own for the first time from home to my local dive shop (total of 40kms) to collect my regulator and dive watch. This was a major achievement for me because sad to say, when I first started, I was actually frightened of the bike and it took alot of effort to force myself to learn to ride or to even get on the bike... but I like it heaps now and can't wait to go out on it every opportunity I get! =)
Over the last month, I've been doing quite alot of weeknight rides and a few weekend rides. Here are some highlights (for me anyway) after my no. 10 milestone ride::
1) Riding in super heavy traffic and road blocks were a major challenge. Took me 1 hour instead of the usual 10 mins to get home from South Dowling road. I have since learnt to go (filter??) between cars in stationery traffic after nearly dying from heat exhaustion in leathers.
2) I didn't get blown off with the bike on Wentworth Ave - an uphill road that was also a wind tunnel!!!!! Being bashed around in the wind in stand still traffic on an uphill whilst trying to not get blown over was perhaps one of the scariest experience I've had so far. It took alot of effort to keep the bike upright in the wind but I managed so was feeling quite proud of myself. I'm sure I'll have plenty more scary wind (and other) experience!
3) Rode on my own for the first time from home to my local dive shop (total of 40kms) to collect my regulator and dive watch. This was a major achievement for me because sad to say, when I first started, I was actually frightened of the bike and it took alot of effort to force myself to learn to ride or to even get on the bike... but I like it heaps now and can't wait to go out on it every opportunity I get! =)
Saturday, 17 September 2011
28.Ride No. 10 - My Milestone Ride!
The plan this morning was to meet Mr M2, drop in to dive shop to say hello to a few people and get dive computer and transmitter fixed, ride through Natio to Bald Hill, try to find our way to Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong and home. The goal was to clock in 200kms... instead my 10th ride ended up being an epic 320km milestone ride!!! =))) This was how it all panned out...
While Mr M2 and I were turtling our way through natio, a whole bunch of riders started overtaking us... and for some odd reason, every rider that passed started waving. I was thinking... hmmm, what a friendly bunch. It wasn't until we got to Bald Hill did I realise they were all part of SR. Lol.
Anyway, we all stopped to chat at Bald Hill. I found out the ride was for the gang to ride to KV. Neither Mr M2 and I were keen until Mr R asked if we'd like to come along. The ride plan has now change and they were heading to Mac Pass. We were both initially quite hesitant as this meant that someone had to slow down and wait for us... In the end, after a few people suggested that this would be a good opportunity, we both decided to sign up for it... well, Mr M2 got dragged into it really.
Here's the ride route we did... http://g.co/maps/2zb84
We went through Mac Pass where there were a couple of pretty sharp hairpin turns... it was a really good experience considering my limited skills!! Also went through a bridge which was under water!! That was fun!! =) We then rode to Bowral and into Mittagong for lunch.
It was nice meeting a few new people. We stopped by at Yerrinbool for ice cream and made our way through the hume highway to Appin, Engadine and finally to Kirrawee where we stopped for Maccas. This was where everyone split off and headed home.
Overall, great experience for me. I learnt heaps and managed to put a few things into practice.
PS Big thanks to Mr D for waiting, Mr V for leading part 1 of the ride and giving me tips and Mr R who hung back the whole time at turtle speed and keeping me safe! =)
Anyway, we all stopped to chat at Bald Hill. I found out the ride was for the gang to ride to KV. Neither Mr M2 and I were keen until Mr R asked if we'd like to come along. The ride plan has now change and they were heading to Mac Pass. We were both initially quite hesitant as this meant that someone had to slow down and wait for us... In the end, after a few people suggested that this would be a good opportunity, we both decided to sign up for it... well, Mr M2 got dragged into it really.
Here's the ride route we did... http://g.co/maps/2zb84
We went through Mac Pass where there were a couple of pretty sharp hairpin turns... it was a really good experience considering my limited skills!! Also went through a bridge which was under water!! That was fun!! =) We then rode to Bowral and into Mittagong for lunch.
Overall, great experience for me. I learnt heaps and managed to put a few things into practice.
PS Big thanks to Mr D for waiting, Mr V for leading part 1 of the ride and giving me tips and Mr R who hung back the whole time at turtle speed and keeping me safe! =)
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
27. A Nice Little Run to Watson's Bay
On Monday, Mr M2 and I went out for a ride along New South Head road to Watsons Bay. It is a fairly short run and always good for a weeknight after work! =) We also had dinner at Ichiban Boshi (Bondi Junction) and than doubled back up to to do another run to Watsons Bay! Fun night! =)
Sunday, 11 September 2011
26. Keeping Up and Frustration
This weekend was a rather interesting one for me... I learnt alot (which I thoroughly enjoyed) but at the same time, I went through periods of frustration of just not understanding. It felt like a reharsh of my learners and it wasn't a plesant feeling. I felt dreadful all day...
On Sunday, Tweet and Mr and Mrs V took me out in an attempt to do the Putty Loop. Unfortunately, because of my poor riding skills, we only ended up only making it to Colo. It was however one of the most valuable riding lessons I've had so a very big Thank You to Tweet and Mr and Mrs V.
I've learnt that as you're riding, you should always be in the correct gear. For the last whole month, I've been riding the bike like it is an automatic. Was I suppose to know better? Not sure.
Regardless, I wasn't able to keep up to speed because I ride in the same gear. For example, as you're riding up hill and the bike starts to not keep up, you're supposed to shift down a gear. And depending on what you're facing as you exit the hill, you change gear accordingly. Say as you exit a hill and its a dead flat straight road, you shift back up to 5th gear. But if it is a flat for a bit and a sharpish turn, you shift up gear as you exit the hill and shift down gear as you appoarch the turn to slow down. And the same thing, as you're going down hill and you feel like your bike is running away from you, you shift down gear and the concept applies.
At this stage, it appears like after I've had the lesson, I've been able to keep up and I'm changing gears more frequently. I'm still not good at judging when I should and shouldn't change and what the right gear is when, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm sure with a bit more practice, I'll do alright.
Despite the rather slow and interesting day, a couple of good things still did come out of it
1) I've learnt something new.
2) I clocked a total of about ~210kms. This included my trip to Bondi Junction and back.
3) I rode home from Bondi Junction on my own and not knowing my way home I got stuck in a long long stretch of uphill traffic. Very good practice for uphill starts and stops though! =D
4) I no longer have super sore hands... no more death grips... it has somehow gone away on its on.
On Sunday, Tweet and Mr and Mrs V took me out in an attempt to do the Putty Loop. Unfortunately, because of my poor riding skills, we only ended up only making it to Colo. It was however one of the most valuable riding lessons I've had so a very big Thank You to Tweet and Mr and Mrs V.
I've learnt that as you're riding, you should always be in the correct gear. For the last whole month, I've been riding the bike like it is an automatic. Was I suppose to know better? Not sure.
Regardless, I wasn't able to keep up to speed because I ride in the same gear. For example, as you're riding up hill and the bike starts to not keep up, you're supposed to shift down a gear. And depending on what you're facing as you exit the hill, you change gear accordingly. Say as you exit a hill and its a dead flat straight road, you shift back up to 5th gear. But if it is a flat for a bit and a sharpish turn, you shift up gear as you exit the hill and shift down gear as you appoarch the turn to slow down. And the same thing, as you're going down hill and you feel like your bike is running away from you, you shift down gear and the concept applies.
At this stage, it appears like after I've had the lesson, I've been able to keep up and I'm changing gears more frequently. I'm still not good at judging when I should and shouldn't change and what the right gear is when, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm sure with a bit more practice, I'll do alright.
Despite the rather slow and interesting day, a couple of good things still did come out of it
1) I've learnt something new.
2) I clocked a total of about ~210kms. This included my trip to Bondi Junction and back.
3) I rode home from Bondi Junction on my own and not knowing my way home I got stuck in a long long stretch of uphill traffic. Very good practice for uphill starts and stops though! =D
4) I no longer have super sore hands... no more death grips... it has somehow gone away on its on.
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