Long day yesterday..But worth it..

[1BigDog]

Got up at 5 am to meet up with some GWRRA members about 30 miles from the house. It was 35 when I hit the road. Had some coffee at the meeting place and the sun was finally coming up. Another 40 mile ride to the MSF experienced rider course where we spent the next 4.5 hours finding out just how much we really do suck at riding. I actually was impressed with myself. I did improve my u-turns however my tight s-turns need to be worked on, but I managed to muddle through it. 12 wings and one RSV did the course. Instructor pulled me aside after several courses and said he wants me in 2nd gear, which he did state at the time of the first course. Told him this aint a wing. At the speeds you want us to do the RSV will bog down. I tried it and was lugging the engine so I stopped. I did manage second when speed was sufficient to warrant it. The Experienced Rider Course is a must for anyone looking to re-evaluate their riding skills. Cant believe how many bad habits I had picked up over the years.

My chapter of the GWRRA, FL1-J, had a lunch ride planned right after. We ended up riding another hour southwest to the town of Hawthorne where we ate at the Yearling Restaurant. Pretty good food but a bit pricey and good company. 100 miles trip back home in 70 degree weather made for a nice day. I was pooped but glad I did it. All in all about 200+ miles.

[Sleeperhawk]

Yeah, I had the same issue with the course. The instructor wanting me in second, told him the same thing, engine will bog down in 2nd at that slow of speed. He insisted, then promptly dropped the bike on a figure 8 going that slow in 2nd. Then I had him try in 2nd, after the first tight curve, he stopped and said keep it in 1st.

[Squidley]

Thats something that I would like to do also, I can't imagine all the bad habits I have acquired over the 30+ years I have been riding.

[OB-1]

I normally ride 2-up as my wife is my best friend and constant companion. We took the Experienced Riders Course last summer, 2-up. It’s a great course and something we should all do regularly.

 

My wife was an excellent passenger. She even waited for an exercise to end before poking me in the ribs for dragging the floorboards.