Friday 19 July 2013

A riders' guide

Here it is.

1 – Think before you ride.
Every single morning before the commute, and for that matter any weekend blat too, I employ a process of getting myself and the bike ready. 

It is the same ritual every time and it centres me – I engage with what I am about to do.

This is a common training technique which shifts focus and consciousness to the task at hand.




2 – Take command
You are riding a motorcycle – you are exposed, you are at risk. Be proactive and choose your risk as much as possible. 

Don't be complacent and let the risk choose you.



3 – Have “brain space”
If you set off and identify that you are not riding well, not seeing things play out like usual or think there is something “not right with the bike”......chances are something is not right with you.

The bike is very likely to be behaving exactly the same as yesterday – but if it feels different today then something is different – that something is more than likely you.

Learn to identify these “yips” and counter them accordingly. This may mean stopping.


NB** baring mental "yips" check the basics like tyre pressure, chain tension, throttle and clutch lines/cables. 


4- Radar and intuition
To be proficient you need to be able NOT to think about what the bike is doing and how you are controlling it.

The bike should be controlled via telepathy. You think, the bike does.

Believe me after years of MTB and Road race cycling – the bike is an extension of the body.

Control leads to having ample capacity to scan the environment for cagers, pedestrians, cyclists and other riders alike. 

Being in control of your bike is relatively easy.

Contemplating the actions of others and reacting appropriately is a skill unto its' own.



5 – Don't
Don't be timid.

Don't allow yourself to hesitate – indecision takes time, when you need to make a choice time is not always on your side.

Most of all – don't be a victim.






6 – Everything else
Filtering, splitting, cagers and traffic.

Weekend blats, touring, overnighters and tomfoolery.

Everything else is the reason to ride all the time – do it safely.

Be engaged in the process and enjoy.



Footnote:
If you are not a target – you will less likely become a victim.
This does not mean be aggressive – it means be in control – as much as possible.

\BitSar
--getting on with it and "riding" it out

Wednesday 17 July 2013

RST - new leather

For the last couple of years I've been meaning to get a leather riding jacket.........I've constantly put it off.

About 6 weeks ago I came across an RST Pro-Series leather jacket with some very good features.....the price was right too - bugger it......I took the plunge.




I've been riding with the jacket everyday since....commuting, longer weekend stints.....VERY cold conditions. The leather is supple and took no time to break in.....the helmet hump on the back took a little getting used to - now I don't even notice it.

With the versatile configuration and the different layering options, the jacket has proven itself to be very comfortable, very warm......


The thermal liner (pulled back in the photo) is keeping my core warm in these 2C mornings.....

You can also see the high level of protection on offer - the CE back protector came with the jacket - it fits so well you can't even feel it......doesn't restrict movement or mobility on or off the bike....





Another great "bonus" feature is this wind stopper vest.



This comes as a free genuine RST accessory and can be used under any jacket.....you could even use it for other outdoor activities like cycling or hiking...



I've been using this, along with the thermal liner for the cold morning commute....the jacket is an all season setup with perforated leather for summer conditions......without this wind stopper layer underneath my core temperature would plummet rather quickly.



As you can see - it is a sport cut which can be zipped to leather pants at the waist.


Although you can't see in this photo - along the length of both arms and around the chest and back is a light reflective strip making me very visible at night....

I must say - I don't know why it took me so bloody long to get a leather jacket.......now I've ridden with one, the comfort, the way it holds your body position on the bike, the added safety....I don't think I could ride in a textile jacket again....unless of course it's raining.....then back to the trusty old RST Touring gear......





\BitSar

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Slack........again

Life has been busy of late......

Other than commuting and weekend errands I've had no time for real weekend blats......it is getting to me.

I do have a post about the Kriega gear in the pipes.....I've had a tailbag for over 4 years and it's still going strong. 

I need to get out for a decent ride soon.......I can tell..........I'm riding everywhere like my head is on fire....

\BitSar
--needs release........