Missing it :(

[CoolGirl]

It hit me like a ton of bricks last week and over the weekend.

I know it's cold out, but I miss the morning kick of 'dealing with' the traffic, arriving at work wired from the thrill of getting there on 2 wheels. And then there's the promise of booting it off a roundabout and listening to it spit flames as it hits the rev limiter.

It's been great still being very much part of the gang, and, no disrespect to Mssrs Jelly and Moriarty, riding pillion's just not the same as being on the front end and feeling the bike respond to a bit of right hand.

Any ideas on how to get to grips with this one?

[jonboy]

Do you think you're still able to ride a bike safely? If so (forgetting about the public road), might a track bike be the answer with monthly outings? Just that if you can legally drive a car still then you'll probably be okay on a track, particularly if you take it easy.

Just a thought Debs...


.

[Iansv]

If you can still legally drive a car then what about a trike ?

[mattSV]

Just mind the filtering!

[CoolGirl]

might a track bike be the answer?

I did seriously think about it over the weekend, but....

1. I can't afford to run a bike that would only be used occasionally and then have the ****-ache of getting it trailered to the track and back

2. Being an occasional rider, it could take me a while to get into the groove and would, therefore, be a waste of half of the day.

3. If I went with a track day company that loan bikes, I'd have the added headache of getting to grips with an unfamiliar steed, and probably one that doesn't suit my size.

As for a trike, I'm not prepared to grow the beard or put the hours in the pub cultivating the beer gut :wink:

[K]

Do you know someone else who is thinking of doing track days? If so, what about the possibility of getting a bike together and 'timesharing' it?

If you get an SV then you should at least regain your familiarity quicker even if only with occasional use.

I don't know how viable this would be; but you could perhaps 'rent' it out (with suitable insurance cover provided by the rider) to others for track use too. There seem to be a fair few here who would like to try the track, but their bike is their only transport.

Just an idea.

[Jabba]

As for a trike, I'm not prepared to grow the beard.....

You mean are able to but don't want to? :shock:



:wink:

......... or put the hours in the pub cultivating the beer gut :wink:

Aye, but a bit of a gut would help keep the front down during the drag-race from the lights :D



Sorry - I don't have a sensible suggestion, I'm afraid :(

[rictus01]

Debs,
As my SV will be retiring in the summer, and I'll be doing a few trackdays on the Triumph, I've got no objecting to getting it trailered to the track (brother normally trailers his bike and it's a two bike trailer).

I know it's not like yours, but it goes ok for an old one (02).

on the understanding "you break it you pay to fix it"

but the offers there if you want it.

Cheers Mark.

[jonboy]

Do you know someone else who is thinking of doing track days? If so, what about the possibility of getting a bike together and 'timesharing' it?

If you get an SV then you should at least regain your familiarity quicker even if only with occasional use.

I don't know how viable this would be; but you could perhaps 'rent' it out (with suitable insurance cover provided by the rider) to others for track use too. There seem to be a fair few here who would like to try the track, but their bike is their only transport.

Just an idea.

Now that's quite a good idea. In fact you might well find there are several people on the forum that would be prepared to syndicate a track bike.


.

[CoolGirl]

Communal track bike - now there's a thought.

Funnily enough, this came up last summer when Pete Smith was selling his Gixered-up SV. I couldn't fund it at the time, but it seemed like a good idea. I'll think through the logistics and post something up.

Mark - your generosity is humbling. And very tempting with the knowledge that there's most of the components of an SV in spare parts in your bro's garage.

[Viney]

Debs, only one thing for it, buy my bike ;)

[Stig]

Your more than welcome to take Bucket on the track if you so wish. The good news about that, is that it would be seriously cheap to repair. Gaffa tape is not all that expensive, and that's what's holding it together now :) :) :) :) :)

[northwind]

I know it's no use in the long term for you, Debs, but lots of track days have hire bikes available...

Jimmy suggested ti me we get a communal track SV togther up here, but then it turned out he was planning to use my front end, engine and exhaust :)

[MrMessy]

Dear Debs,
Off roading may be an option, but your location may be a problem. Have you considered a mini-moto? Some of the lads up hear have bought them and either use a local car park or go to an indoor track that lets you race your own bikes. They reckon it is oads of fun and relativly cheap.

[CoolGirl]

Have you considered a mini-moto?

Well some people think I should have had one in the first place :wink: And ther's no denying that my 8-year old son would back the idea whole heartedly and with his life savings.

But, at the end of the day, having done the track, the Alps and dipped and swerved through the London rush hour, it just ain't as achingly cool (or loud) as the real thing.

As for taking Bucket out, I think if anyone else saw it coming they'd let me have the whole track to myself!

I like the idea of off-roading though, as I started off on a dirt bike. Where can I do that? And will the bikes be too tall?

[northwind]

If Nutty Tart can do it, then no, the bikes won't be too tall :)

[MrMessy]

Depends if you go to an organised event or buy your own? Yahama Serrows are ideal for shorter people and are excellent for green laneing.
Cannot advise on locations down your end, you could always move "upt
North". Cloggsy and me live in the Dales, loads of Green Lanes etc and a bikers paradise, especially if you work shifts and can go out to play when everybody else is at work. (That has just cheered me up on my night shift!)
All the best Debs.

[Rob S (Yella)]

You are addicted to the adrenaling rush. Like giving up any sort of habit that your body/brain is accustomed to a fix and now it's not getting it. So you miss it. It will get easier with time allthough really there is nothing I can think of that compares to the feeling I used to get from biking. (No there is something that compares. Black Ski runs and toboganing.)

We need a large hill and a snow machine for Debs.

[chutz]

**** mate. If there is anything i can do to ease your suffering then let me know. M<aybe we should get a few of us together for a beer soon mate and discuss it!!! Pm me if you fancy it.

[Viney]

(No there is something that compares. Black Ski runs and toboganing.)

We need a large hill and a snow machine for Debs.

Just like the Jamaican bob sleigh team....cool runnings :lol: 8)