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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Terrible ride yesterday /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1273151172 Message started by babyhog on 05/06/10 at 06:06:12 |
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Title: Terrible ride yesterday Post by babyhog on 05/06/10 at 06:06:12 I had an awful ride yesterday and need some words of wisdom/encouragement. I figure you never know when someone will say just the right thing, so here's the deal. My hubby came to ride with me after work. We went a different route that I think I've only ridden once. Curvy road, 55mph speed limit. Not sure I could drive that road at 55 in my car! But the pavement was messing with my eyes. I was having contact lens trouble and couldn't get it to clear, and couldn't find a spot to pull over to put in some drops. Rode about 20 miles before finding a good road to turn off to stop. I was also having trouble with patches in the pavement and dips and places where the road had previously sunken, and had been repatched several times. Hard to explain, I hope you know what I mean. There weren't many potholes, luckily. He said I was slowing too much for the curves, and wasn't even leaning into them very much. I was scared. I don't know if it was just the unfamiliar road, my contacts bothering me, cars piling up behind us, or what. I tell you, it was just miserable. We finally got around to familiar territory, and the last road was good, and I settled down. But it wasn't a very fun ride. Several weeks ago, we took a ride on a curvy road that I had never ridden before, and I did great. I don't know why yesterday was so bad. Any thoughts or comments are welcome.... |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Routy on 05/06/10 at 06:17:54 I have had days where I just wasn't into riding,....so cut the ride short, and had a much better day the next day. But I think I'm lucky, I seldom have anyone behind me on these lonely mountain roads in these back hills. Except for the Deer, (sometimes standing in the middle of the road when I round a curve) I seldom see a living creature when I ride ;) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by bill67 on 05/06/10 at 06:22:03 I think you just were nervous,And things just keep getting worst as you think,I have that happen to me at times since I've got older.A drink would straighten that right up. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Reelthing on 05/06/10 at 06:40:20 Ditch the contacts - they really have no place in a harsh environment - op for 2 pair clear and dark bi-focals - no matter what helmet your wearing or not dirt, grit, wind, and such is blowing every which way or goggles but even then eyes dryout around the contacts. More time on bike and never let anyone push you faster than you feel comfie going |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by RidgeRunner13 on 05/06/10 at 06:47:20 Contacts? I don't wear them but I've worn glasses 45 years now. I've been offered the choice of contacts but prefer glasses for the eye protection. If something is off affecting your vision it effects your depth perception. Just try closing one eye & riding & you'll see what I mean. Try it again when your vision is clear & you'll be fine. :) I would get a close fitting pair of glasses & try them for riding. On another note, I just got a Scorpion EXO 100 half helmet yesterday & have to say it has the best design features of any helmet I've ever seen. The coolest part is a visor that is recessed into the helmet & drops down wheen you release it. The liner is removable & made of "quick-wick" material. Got to make an 80 mile run this am so I'll have a chance to see how it is 'in the wind'. 8-) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by prechermike on 05/06/10 at 07:12:23 Babyhog, I have had some weird rides like that as well. I seemed really tense or scared or something at every little twist and turn. It was not much fun. Sometimes today just ain't your day. When that happens, just go to plan b. Go home, get the car, do something different, whatever. I would not let it worry me too much. Just look forward to the next time. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by babyhog on 05/06/10 at 07:31:56 Thanks for the comments so far. I will consider a new pair of glasses. Have been comfortable with contacts for over 25 years. Only had maybe 3 pairs of glasses in that time. Just don't keep them up to date. Current pair is a bit of an old prescription. Last time I went to the eye doc, just a couple months ago, he told me that my next prescription will be bi-focals, so I might as well get used to the idea. I always heard that getting old was he11, I guess I'm getting to know it personally. haha I think peripheral vision for riding is better with contacts, but there are good and bad both ways, I guess. On a side note, my mother fell one winter, slipped on a piece of ice in her yard, fell into a bush that had been cut down for the winter. She was wearing her glasses instead of her contacts. The glasses broke and went into her eye, caused all kinds of damage. Several surgeries later, she is fine, but if she had been wearing her contacts, she would have just had a bump on her forehead, most likely. Otherwise, I'm not ready to give up riding. I guess I just wanted some stroking that everyone has those kinds of days/rides. But I'm still looking for the secret to entering curves on unfamiliar roads.......... |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Reelthing on 05/06/10 at 07:56:11 on the glasses business - go for shatter proof wrap around - we're looking for protection in a harsh environment - very different application than the for looks designer stuff - not saying you don't need those just not on a bike,running an off shore boat, walking around with a weedeater and such |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by bill67 on 05/06/10 at 08:01:57 I have been wearing prescription sunglass for about 15 years,The only thing I don't like about them,It looks like your sitting about 2 inches higher than you really are,I've had 4 different glasses and they all did the same thing ,When I'm on my bicycle its the same thing like 2-3 inches higher than if I take them off. If you like contacts I wouldn't change. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/06/10 at 08:22:51 6E6560603A3B0C0 wrote:
Unless youd rather not have a weak spot built into your life. Seeing is too important to not go about it in the way that is most likely to succeed. Contacts aint the solution. People like shorts, tee shirts & flip flops, but they arent the smart way to ride. Contacts arent the smart answer either. & If the foam inside the helmet touches the temple pieces, it will induce "World Shake". I had to mod my helmet. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Routy on 05/06/10 at 08:25:29 353E3B3B6160570 wrote:
Is that before or after the drink ? ;D |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by bill67 on 05/06/10 at 08:27:30 Either way,I corner much better if I don't have the glasses on. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Routy on 05/06/10 at 08:29:59 Babyhog Quote: But I'm still looking for the secret to entering curves on unfamiliar roads.......... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very simple,.... "SLOWLY" |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Starlifter on 05/06/10 at 08:33:06 I don't know when you got a bad feeling about the ride, but there are some days when some inner thing just says don't ride today...I usually listen to that self-advice. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Charon on 05/06/10 at 08:36:04 There is no "secret" to entering curves, on either familiar or unfamiliar roads. It is easy. All you do is go slow enough so you can stop within the distance you can see. If you run faster than your sight distance, you are at the mercy of potholes, oil spills (some people deliberately oil the road for the benefit of motorcyclists), wet leaves, gravel, large vehicles, wildlife, and the list goes on. True, the "go slow" technique isn't very exciting. But you neither need nor want the excitement of a spill or a collision. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by LostArtist on 05/06/10 at 08:53:46 Babyhog, you did the right thing, it woulda been nice to pull over earlier but you couldn't, sometimes it's hard to deal with discomfort when you ride. and it will throw you off your normal game. no worries, you made it back without wrecking so just keep riding! |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by verslagen1 on 05/06/10 at 08:59:19 6F6C6D606278010 wrote:
You won't feel comfortable on unfamiliar roads if you can't see them. And you know better than I about contacts (glasses... forever) but I've always heard they move around and can impare your vision when they do. However, as you noted, better perifial vision. Your choice, but you do have do the maitenance when needed. Have the "I gotta pull over" signal agreed upon ahead of time. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Phelonius on 05/06/10 at 09:21:44 So, is that what they call a bad eye day? Phelonius ;) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by babyhog on 05/06/10 at 09:44:02 The good thing was that hubby was riding behind me, and we have the Scala Rider communications, so he knew all the way that I was having trouble. He's good at trying to calm me down... until I yell at myself and it comes off as yelling at him. lol I think I'll take a little ride this evening with my glasses on, and see how that goes. But I appreciate all the comments. I feel better now. :) 8-) Oh, one other thing reared its ugly head a little while ago that may be the root of my un-steadiness... let's just say you "men" don't have to deal with it... except indirectly... Might have gotten me off kilter a bit. I'll have to mark this on the calendar and see if it affects me in future months... (I apologize if this is TMI, but maybe some women have some input on that part...) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by jef.savage on 05/06/10 at 09:47:55 I always ride in glasses. If I'm not wearing a helmet with a face mask I have some large wrap around sunglasses that go right over my glasses. They're very dark so if it's not bright enough for those then I wear these. https://www.gethdwraparounds.com/ I bought these mostly to get the bonus night vision glasses which are great after dark. Plus I just wanted to buy something "as seen on TV"!! |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Charon on 05/06/10 at 10:00:13 I didn't even think of the periodic difficulties women have, since the difficulty quit afflicting my wife some years ago. And, as you say, we men do not directly experience them. I wonder whether the hormonal changes could actually affect your eyes, perhaps making your contact lenses fit less well (fluid retention happens all over the body). Might be worth thinking about (I heroically refrained from saying "watching for"). If your lenses fit less well your vision could change. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Kenny on 05/06/10 at 11:00:36 Have a few beers before the ride. It helps. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by jsarsfield on 05/06/10 at 11:39:25 5F4A4747525C434A48404E592B0 wrote:
Great tip :-? |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by JohnBoy on 05/06/10 at 15:13:18 5F686861796564636A0D0 wrote:
Good advice here! You wouldn't ride with your eyes closed would you? |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by marine5317 on 05/06/10 at 15:16:41 Sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable with that strange road. You done right to respect the curves that you were not familiar with. Seasoned truck drivers know that you can come down a mountain 100 times to slow, but you can only come down 1 time to fast! Ride Safe Marine5317 |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Charon on 05/06/10 at 15:20:39 Since no one else seems willing to say it - I sure hope the people recommending a drink, or a few beers before the ride, are joking. Because if they aren't, they are giving you some REALLY BAD ADVICE. If you are foolish enough to drink and drive, at least do it with a vehicle that doesn't fall down as the result of a mistake. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Ed L. on 05/06/10 at 15:53:53 Drop down one or two gears so you get the engine in the power range. If you riding slow into a turn in a high gear you don't have any engine braking and the bike handling can feel wierd. Don't focus on the turn, focus on the exit of the turn. And the best advice is that if you don't feel right on the bike pull over and take a break. Turn around and go home if you must, it just isn''t worth getting in to deep. Glad you are OK, keep your chin up kiddo ;) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by nhgader on 05/06/10 at 17:08:35 Hi Babyhog. Don't know how long you have been riding but curves/leaning were definitely a hang-up for me. It was only after lots of riding and experience, that I got comfortable. Just take your time and don't worry about going fast. You'll get comfortable little by little as your body and brain create good muscle memory through repeated proprioceptive input. Stick with it and one day you'll forget to even worry about it. Kim |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by SmilinLDR on 05/06/10 at 19:02:28 Not going into the eye or other issues, what you experienced is not all that unusual. Even pro athletes have off days or days they perform well beyond their "normal" abilities. When I have times like this, stopping for 10-15 minutes, get adjusted, have some water and start over. If it is still not working go home. Studies of plane crashes show that it is rarely one issue that causes the crash but a series of small "inconveniences" that lead to a catastrophe. Stop, get the issue(s) and your mind back on track then enjoy the ride. If it doesn't work, go home have a beer and be able to enjoy the next opportunity. Beer before the ride doesn't make issues go away, it just makes your perception of the issues go away ;D |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by PhilM on 05/07/10 at 03:55:20 I occasionally get the same feeling. It's as if I don't know or don't trust the bikes capabilities any more, thinking it'll slide if I lean over further, when I know deep down that I can lean her right over until the pegs scrape. Try and relax and "feel" the bike more is what I do, so on the next straight I'll just weave a little, until I feel reconnected :) I don't ride much and I think that's partly what causes it to happen to me. Also happens when I'm thinking about other things rather than concentrating properly, and feeling and enjoying the bike. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by 2005 Suzi on 05/07/10 at 04:53:24 Baby Hog, since I'm a new rider, here's what I do: I let hubby get about 15-20 feet ahead of me (he knows when I'm uncomfortable) and I try to concentrate on him, you still "see" the road in front of you, but aren't fixiated on it. The cars behind you will "get over it"! |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by babyhog on 05/07/10 at 05:31:18 Wow, I didn't really expect to get so many comments, but I'm really glad! We talk about bike issues, etc, but don't often mention actual riding difficulties, so this is good! Everyone is different and rides a little differently. But there have been some great comments, so I will keep everything in mind. I've been riding for a little over a year, well except for the 4 winter months of no riding! haha Put about 2000 miles on my bike is all. I think I just had a bad day. But I made it home safely, and that's the important part. And I had a beer when I got home! (Charon, don't worry, I'm not a drinker and driver. Would not have more than one beer, and only with dinner, if I were riding!) Suzi - I have always been more comfortable riding in front of hubby instead of behind, because I think he can adjust to what I do better than I can adjust to what he does. If I slow down, he adjusts easily. And I may not be able to go as fast as he can go, so it has seemed better for me to set the pace. He can also watch me better from behind, and make suggestions. In the Safety course, they also mentioned that new riders should ride near the front, when riding with a group. But now that I have more time under my belt, it might be a good time to try a different position. I can always yell at him through the headset. Thanks everyone for your concern, comments, and suggestions! :-* |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/07/10 at 12:36:36 When I used to ride w/ my girl I put her in front |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Oldfeller on 05/07/10 at 13:17:13 Try re-riding the same road in the daytime a couple of times, see that it isn't really all that scary and try to get some of your confidence back. ================= Fear is fear -- I always get real tentative & gitchy after a near wreck episode and it takes some intentional effort on my part to get over it. Weeks, sometimes. After my bike got smacked in the butt and damaged I lost confidence in it for a while until I got it fixed up again and finally got over my collywobbles. Fear is fear, don't expect it to be rational or to go away instantly because it won't. Fear is a response that is designed to keep you alive -- it just is what it is. Name it, acknowledge it, understand it and work through it. yep, I get skeered too -- be foolish not to. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by bill67 on 05/07/10 at 13:42:56 My wife rode 45,000 miles with me, always behind me.That way it was up to me to determent the curves,She could always slow down if is wanted and didn't have to worry about me running in to her. That way I was closer to the on coming traffic. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Tiefighterpilot on 05/07/10 at 14:01:45 I have to agree. I ride everyday to work (and even after work for fun). It is somewhat strange that on some days I get on the road, and I feel great. Relaxed, comfortable, focused, and being a bike feels very natural. Other days, I feel very uneasy, and unfocused. Not really sure why that is, cause I don't see any clear variable in what make these two types of days different. Also, was your husband riding in front? Was he pushing you beyond your comfort zone? Sometimes riding with others can get me uneasy... trying hard to stay in group and at the same time not go outside my comfort zone. I just learned to not ride as much on days where I feel "off" and take it easy. Hope you have a better ride this weekend. 7E594C5F41444B59485F2D0 wrote:
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by cornfuzed on 05/07/10 at 14:17:13 8-) if you rode more than a mile... i consider that a good ride if you made it home safely.. keep your chin up it will be well with you... and check into some riding glasses that can help and check out this awesome helmet.. .drop down sun visor and bluetooth ready... http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydirect/product.asp/ImageName/HJC10-ISMAX-BT-SILVER.jpg/Brand/HJC/Class2/Helmets/Class3/Flip-Up%20Helmets/Class1/ |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by John_D FSO on 05/08/10 at 23:00:11 445B5D5A4740714171495B571C2E0 wrote:
I also always heard that you put the inexperienced riders in front. That way they're not trying to keep up with more experienced riders who may not realize just how fast they're going. I always take it easy on unfamiliar roads, and even familiar ones if you have blind corners, or haven't been over the road in a while. Conditions can change. Case in point, one of my favorite back roads with some nice little twisties. Last summer they decided to do some quick and cheap patch jobs on the road, as in: throw down some tar, throw some loose rock on top, let gravity finish the job. :P Take those corners fast, you'll be kissin' a tree! And ditto on the not drinking. Alcohol affect balance, and you need all of that you can get on a bike! :o |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by kimchris1 on 05/09/10 at 05:58:17 Piglet, nice to hear you made it home safe. Remember that just because the sign says the speed limit is 55, does not mean you have to go that fast. Especially on unfamilar roads. Your going to be just fine. You received some great advice here. I would suggest riding the road over and over again so your familar with it, Another suggestion is never ride a road you aren't familiar with the way you do a road you know very well... |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by M38A1 on 05/09/10 at 07:23:32 Transitional pavement is un-nerving for most folks, me included if it's one after the other that just seems to go on. The unknown traction differences really toys with your ability to just ride since you have to evaluate each area differently. The slower speeds are appropriate. And glasses are the way to go. Way too much dust, grit, grass etc. floating around that gets sucked into the helmet and somehow always finds it's way to your eyes. . |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/09/10 at 08:11:05 M38A1 said Transitional pavement is un-nerving for most folks, Ive seen the transitional pavement that was "transitioning" to the shoulder as I went in a ditch.. That was unnerving.. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Phelonius on 05/09/10 at 09:45:02 405F595E43447545754D5F53182A0 wrote:
So how do think the ditch felt about it? And all the little animals there in? Phelonius |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by mikelhsr1982 on 05/09/10 at 21:09:30 Ive been riding for a while now, and still have my "off" days. I tried the sport bike deal a while back and that toyed with my nerves every time I rode it. I didn't really feel any control over it. Keep you head up and keep on cruise'n. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/10/10 at 05:01:09 4F777A737071766A6C1F0 wrote:
So how do think the ditch felt about it? And all the little animals there in? Phelonius [/quote] I appologized to all involved & promised to never so rudely invade their space again. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Routy on 05/10/10 at 07:44:44 Fear ? Its strange, but its ok. When I was 21, I nailed a Cadillac in the RF wheel/fender that made a sudden left turn in front of me w/o any signal. Ever since, and even today yet, 40+ yrs later, I don't really ride in fear, but every time I meet a car thats going slowly, standing still, or w/ a left signal on, I find myself off the throttle, and never being more ready on both brakes ! :o |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by wingsout on 05/10/10 at 09:29:47 I've noticed over the years that what I eat affects how I feel; that's why some days are better than others. Next time you go on a ride; try eating some pasta or a turkey sandwich about a half hour before you leave. might work. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by bill67 on 05/10/10 at 09:51:43 The reason you feel different on different days is because of your biological rhythm cycle.My wife used to keep a monthly chart on hers. |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Rogue_Cheddar on 05/12/10 at 10:17:04 Everyday finds a different comfort zone. You were obviously out of yours on that unfamiliar road coupled with vision problems, was a recipe for disaster. You were right to slow down. Not every day is a riding day. Heed that inner voice. That said, sometimes just visiting a parking lot to practice some hard stops and figure eights can help you find your groove before you get back out there amidst the cagers. More seat time will help. We all have those days, and no, drinking won't make it better, no matter who says otherwise. Good luck! :D |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by earlytimz on 05/14/10 at 12:57:21 1F3E0516745A0 wrote:
Never have truer words been spoken! This always helped me more than anything. In other words... Don't focus on where you're at, focus on where you wanna be. You don't look at your feet when you walk... Right?? Now get back on that horse! |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by babyhog on 05/14/10 at 18:48:20 Thanks everyone. I've ridden a couple times since with no problems, so I'd say all is well. Now if the sh!tty weather would improve! ;) |
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Title: Re: Terrible ride yesterday Post by Trippah on 05/14/10 at 19:55:52 You should not overextend your comfort zone on an unknown road..chances of straying into oncoming lane too great..and headon's on Bikes just don't get my vote. The fear thing can come out of nowhere but usually it's something your mind catches below your consious level..and if your eyes are having trouble..well if you can't see clearly where your going (and this especially includes coners and uneven pavement) you'll go where you shouldn't. As you have nnoted, it got better on subsequent rides..so carry on and have some fun. As for the mechanics of turns, focus on the exit is great advice. You should, on left handers for example, get to the right breaking as needed, drop or tilt to your left, accellerate out of the turn. Or as my dear departed teacher told me, Break in, run out. :D As you make your line through the curve, clipping the apex, and accelerating out -you will be in more control and less likely be in the wrong part of the road. |
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