Burger
04-02-2006, 01:11 PM
Had my third observed ride today as a group of us rode to Cheltenham Race Course for the UK national launch of Bike Safe 2006. In case anyone hasn't read my previous reports, this is because I am practicing for my IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists) test here in the UK.
It was an interesting ride on some technical winding roads made all the more interesting because it was raining for most of the ride. When it wasn't raining the roads were still wet from the previous downpour. I was a little nervous when I left home because it's some 18 years since I last rode in the rain, but I very soon felt stable and secure on the bike. This was in no small way due to a lot of the good advice I've read here and others have been kind enough to give me. Relax being the key word I think and to be honest I felt no less secure than I would have on dry roads being able to easily stick to the speed limits where appropriate. By the time I got to the meeting point with my observer I was beginning to wonder what I'd been so concerned about.
I'd told my observer previously about my concern to ride on wet roads after such a long break, but on both the first and second debrief it was commented on that they wouldn't have known I was concerned and that I was very smooth. In fact the best bit for me was another observers comments on what a pleasure it was to follow me.
My observer thinks I need one more observed ride and then I'll be ready for my test and others on the ride agreed with him. Gulp. I have to say I am surprised at this progress because I know some people take many more observed rides to be ready for their tests. I think a little of this is to do with my previous experience of biking and perhaps my determination to be good at this. Never the less, I also know I have much to learn yet, so perhaps all my studying and practicing is paying off. I really don't mean any of this to sound big headed, I am just telling it like it is for any that are interested.
Once we were all at the destination, we agreed to split up, do our own things and make our own way home. I chose to come home a different way to the way we'd gone, and quite frankly it was a big mistake. We'd gone there on winding country roads, but I chose to come home on main dual carriageways. I knew obviously that as well as raining it was also windy in this part of the country today, but absolutely nothing had prepared me for the ferociousness of the cross winds at times. Where the road was in open country, the wind was so strong at times that I was genuinely concerned for my safety. I guess I am talking 40 to 50mph gusts, sideways onto the bike... in driving rain with plenty of other vehicles around. Not nice.
Anyhow, I'm obviously pleased with my IAM progress and my learning and practicing of The System and I can feel what a genuine difference it is making to the smoothness, safety and accuracy of my riding... I'm only sorry my showroom condition ST is now filthy... still, it gives me something to do :D
Regards,
It was an interesting ride on some technical winding roads made all the more interesting because it was raining for most of the ride. When it wasn't raining the roads were still wet from the previous downpour. I was a little nervous when I left home because it's some 18 years since I last rode in the rain, but I very soon felt stable and secure on the bike. This was in no small way due to a lot of the good advice I've read here and others have been kind enough to give me. Relax being the key word I think and to be honest I felt no less secure than I would have on dry roads being able to easily stick to the speed limits where appropriate. By the time I got to the meeting point with my observer I was beginning to wonder what I'd been so concerned about.
I'd told my observer previously about my concern to ride on wet roads after such a long break, but on both the first and second debrief it was commented on that they wouldn't have known I was concerned and that I was very smooth. In fact the best bit for me was another observers comments on what a pleasure it was to follow me.
My observer thinks I need one more observed ride and then I'll be ready for my test and others on the ride agreed with him. Gulp. I have to say I am surprised at this progress because I know some people take many more observed rides to be ready for their tests. I think a little of this is to do with my previous experience of biking and perhaps my determination to be good at this. Never the less, I also know I have much to learn yet, so perhaps all my studying and practicing is paying off. I really don't mean any of this to sound big headed, I am just telling it like it is for any that are interested.
Once we were all at the destination, we agreed to split up, do our own things and make our own way home. I chose to come home a different way to the way we'd gone, and quite frankly it was a big mistake. We'd gone there on winding country roads, but I chose to come home on main dual carriageways. I knew obviously that as well as raining it was also windy in this part of the country today, but absolutely nothing had prepared me for the ferociousness of the cross winds at times. Where the road was in open country, the wind was so strong at times that I was genuinely concerned for my safety. I guess I am talking 40 to 50mph gusts, sideways onto the bike... in driving rain with plenty of other vehicles around. Not nice.
Anyhow, I'm obviously pleased with my IAM progress and my learning and practicing of The System and I can feel what a genuine difference it is making to the smoothness, safety and accuracy of my riding... I'm only sorry my showroom condition ST is now filthy... still, it gives me something to do :D
Regards,