OUT AND ABOUT 2024

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Little and often Ted. Little and often. You'll get bikefit then. 👍

Spooky that's exactly what I'm hoping - I've riden the 400 three times in the last week - I'm getting more confident with each ride.
Oddly enough the worst bit is turning right out of our drive as it's a slight downhill off the drive onto the road - I keep my legs out until I'm doing about 3-4 mph. I keep on catching the right foot rest so it ends upright with nowhere for my right foot to land! 
I suspect the spring is a tad on the weak side so it's easily done with my size eleven and a half riding boots.

Once I'm on the open road I'm quite relaxed at 50-60 mph  - tbh 70 mph seems very very fast!

[Johnwebley]

Little and often Ted. Little and often. You'll get bikefit then.

Spooky that's exactly what I'm hoping - I've riden the 400 three times in the last week - I'm getting more confident with each ride.
Oddly enough the worst bit is turning right out of our drive as it's a slight downhill off the drive onto the road - I keep my legs out until I'm doing about 3-4 mph. I keep on catching the right foot rest so it ends upright with nowhere for my right foot to land! 
I suspect the spring is a tad on the weak side so it's easily done with my size eleven and a half riding boots.

Once I'm on the open road I'm quite relaxed at 50-60 mph  - tbh 70 mph seems very very fast!

The more you ride, the more confident you will get,

How are you at slow speeds, and balance?

Can you find an area, empty car park, and practice left and right turning, even figures of eight,

Just build up gradually

The most important thing

Enjoy



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[davidcumbria]

Get that 500 0n the road - much more comfortable than the 400 if I recall ! when turning out of your drive make sure your head is turned to look down the road ( not straight ahead)  and try setting off slower and faster to see which gives you a better feeling of control.try to get your feet on pegs asap - it feels more in control.  Keep away from the front brake lever which is the cause of many a drop in these circumstances.Glad to hear you’re getting out but see my other post today 👍

[florence]

Practising off road is a great suggestion, see how slowly you can ride without putting foot down, even stopping.  Also, get used to only putting down the left foot when you come to a stop, your right foot covers the rear brake.  In my opinion, one should never be moving forward with both feet off the pegs, just the left one for an instant as it comes up onto the peg as you move off.  I learned this on my Star Rider course about 300 years ago.  When ready to move off, swap to right foot on floor, engage gear, swap back to left, release clutch.  Practise until it becomes second nature.  Then when you see inexperienced riders proceed for a few meters up the road with legs dangling you will wince. 

[Laverda Dave]

Get yourself on a IAM course Ted, absolutely brilliant thing to do and you will learn so much. Best bike course I ever did for sure👍

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Interesting comments/ advice very informative. I'm okay with my balance when stopping I tend to drop down the gears to second or third then put just my right foot down, select neutral then both feet down at say traffic lights. At roundabouts & junctions where I need to fully stop I select first gear but keep the clutch in then put my right foot out to wait for a suitable gap in the traffic. Not thought about what my head is doing other than getting a good view!

Probably not helped by the fact I've driven an automatic car for the last 35 years!

[Johnwebley]

Ted you are never too old mate

Totally agree

I am a little younger,

Still get aches,but worth it

Out tomorrow, Wednesday, at Miners Arms,Forest of Dean

All welcome

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Out at Minor Arms

A little damp, reasonable crowd

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[florence]

Looks like fun, I don't think I have ever seen so many bikes all in one place.  Who organises these things and why do I never hear about them?  I guess I live in a bubble.

[Johnwebley]

Looks like fun, I don't think I have ever seen so many bikes all in one place.  Who organises these things and why do I never hear about them?  I guess I live in a bubble.

What happens is,a couple of bikers chat,and one mentions they are going to the weekly charity bike night,
In this case Cotswolds Biker night,

Held every Wednesday during the summer at different pubs,

The past few weeks have visited

Bretforton
Stow on the Wold
Morton in the Marsh
Stroud
Forest of Dean

You can find the website,
It's all run by Stephanie Shaw,

And up to date the bikers have raised around £140,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance,
On a fine,warm evening, about 700 bikes attend

There is likely something like this in all areas

For me,last night was only 60mile round trip,other nights can be up to 130 round trip

Come out and enjoy

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[florence]

Wow, I had a look at the internet and there seem to be loads of bike gatherings and clubs of various kinds.  Very rarely this far west though.  Thanks will keep looking, might be fun to speak to other bikers.

[taysidedragon]

Wow, I had a look at the internet and there seem to be loads of bike gatherings and clubs of various kinds.  Very rarely this far west though.  Thanks will keep looking, might be fun to speak to other bikers.

If they still do it, look for the Plymouth Megaride. Last time I did it was 2001, there were 2000 bikes finishing up on Plymouth Hoe with stalls, live band, the works.

[Johnwebley]

Hey, young Mick. Great to see you out and about. Hope all is well with you.

Welcome back


Enjoy Italy,

I will be over there till middle of next month



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I hope Italy has prepared well for your ice cream consumption John

So do I


I might have to ration myself,

Must let others have some

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I am bravely attacking local cuisine



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[Nurse Julie]

Yep, looks like you're really forcing yourself to eat John 😂😂😂😂
Have a lovely time x

[Johnny4428]

Eh, it’s a tough life!😜

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Si Gelato. 🛵🛵🛵