It may seem obvious to you all but not to me since I'm always at the front and have no visuals to compare myself to others... but... I like to go fast. Too fast most of the time.
I've been on a safety kick lately - hence the meeting I want to have. I've also been wanting to chance my riding style. Up until this past Sunday this is how I've taken corners - whether I know them or not -
A)Set up as far outside as I can, usually no more than 1ft from the shoulder.
B)Roll off the throttle just enough to judge the corner and find the apex. Downshift as needed.
C)Trail brake (with the front brake) all the way to the apex cause I usually enter the corner too hot, but at the same time, maintain a steady throttle.
D)Stand the bike back up and get on the throttle.
While that's worked for me all this time, I'm starting to realize that trail braking isn't the safest thing to do on the street so on Sunday I was trying to do this instead.
A)Set up as far outside as I can, usually no more than 1ft from the shoulder.
B)Roll off the throttle and at the same time apply ever increasing pressure on the front brake. Downshift as needed.
C)Maintain a steady throttle.
D)Stand the bike up and apply throttle earlier a la Alan.
Let me tell you... trying to change your riding style isn't easy. In fact, it's damn hard.
All of that went out the window as soon as we got onto 154 for the first time. I was too busy riding to look down at my speedo or tach but Alan and Pat tell me we were riding between 95 and 100+ the whole time.
Alan and I came so close to crashing on a downhill righthander due to gravel that I still can't believe I saved it. It really must be all those years of riding/racing bicycles...
Anyhow, What did I learn about myself? While I may have good ride leader skills (or so I'm told), I'm not the safest rider and my judgement about certain roads and corner speed should not be followed and that everyone needs to ride at their own pace and not over their head and or skill level. AGAIN - I'm not the best person to follow as I'm still sorting my riding out. As I said above, since I'm always at the front I have nothing to judge the way I'm riding (technique, body position), and I certainly don't know my limits as a rider and I don't know the limits of the bike/tires. Suffice it to say, when we're riding fast, the most I've probably ever pushed myself was about 70%. On a typical ride I'm right around 50%. There have been 2 occasions where I've pushed myself higher than 70% - once on the magic loop where Alan almost crashed, and this Sunday on 154. Both of those times I was probably hovering around 90% but still comfortably within my comfort zone but probably at the tire's limits.
Maybe it would help if you guys critiqued me more, maybe not. Regardless, don't be like me. Ride smarter :)
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4 comments:
Hmmm... a little harsh on yourself and your skill there, GC... Great that you're being reflective and honest in your self-assessment, but I disagree about not following.
I don't know why, but riders tend to ride faster in a group than solo. If nothing else, from the back I can usually "feel" the rhythm and vibe of the ride. Aside from my crash in April, I've never felt it was sucking people along at a "too fast" pace.
I've been of the opinion that what makes this crew unique is the ability to challenge each other without getting into compromising situations. If people can keep a pace, they do. If they don't - they catch up where they can.
You've been saying things are too fast for a while - maybe we finally focus on a US track day to get the ya-ya's out, and make the Sunday rides more about the joy of riding, not the challenge?
Just throwing it out there -
"Captain Slow-ish"
Well...what's to say that you haven't already said really? You are aware of your problems, ie. trail braking & not hanging off as much as maybe you should, so I'm not too sure what more I can say. I think that we're at a stage in our skill level that in order to progress any further we'll need a qualified person's opinion via a track day I think. I'm not too thrilled with the cost aspect, but am definitely interested to have some instruction on my technique.
As far as the street goes I think we're riding fast & probably too fast to be considered "safe." However, I think that we're all aware of our skills & that we're not riding fast just to keep up, but to have fun in our own comfort level. I know that I don't ride at a certain pace just because you or someone else is & I wouldn't condone it.
Regarding the downhill right-hander. That honestly would have snuck up on us regardless how fast we were going. In that stage of 154 we were going far slower than the earlier part, so I don't think that instance was about speed. I think it was about our line & of the gravel being nearly impossible to see.
So, what say you other US'? FWIW, my bro-in-law sent me pics today of his track-day yesterday at Willow Springs with him dragging knees on his Monster. >:( LOL
I plan on doing at least one track day in south jersey before the end of the season. incentive to get the bike rolling again....anyone wanna get down?
Eric.. I think it's great that you're being so hyper-aware to improve you're riding and the safety of others. I think that could be contagious and a good thing for the group as a whole. Some proper instruction would be great too.
That being said... After last Sunday's good times I'm thinking we really need to take it to the track. Beattie made a good point [to me] that $150-$300 for the time of your life is nothin'. Lets make it happen! Everyone has time to hike up their mini-skirts for $5 hand jobs, collect cans, or smoke one less pack of cigs to save for sept/oct. It really would be fun. Especially if we all do it together.
Ahem.. guess who just bought a trailer.. and it fits 3 bikes. damn sons... now you can't say no.
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