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Hats off to Gruntygiggles and Strechie

OK, it was on an impromptu rideout with ol 4x4 wheels (Stretchie), Squirrel Hunter and err... a newbie to middleweights.... Gruntygiggels.

I'd read the odd bit on here about how she'd progressed since passing her DAS two weeks or so ago but I was really quite taken aback on the maturity of her riding.

Around the twisty welsh roads she's a natural, lines... check, pickup... check, braking... check, observations... check, cornering... check.

BUT... and I really mean BUT:

A two lane carriageway on the entrance to a dual, a sweeping constant radius 180 degree left hander I was following SH in the left lane, now although not racing we were not hanging about either, checking mirrors and a glance behind followed, GG was ready in the outside lane gaining quickly on SH and I, a very clean line and a very respectable lean, one at which I've seen very few riders these days make regardless of experience, SH and Strtchie and a few others excluded here, they are fruitloops. The bike looked perfectly steady with the rider in complete control, almost relaxed you might say. She made it look easy.

Now I did mention she was approaching quite quickly (deffo not racing) and could have clearly and cleanly passed us both with ease, she did not though. Why not?

Simples.

A constant radius left hander leaves little margin for error should anyone on a tight line riding in a spirited manner over cook it slightly. Other riders may have gone to the limit (or beyond) and overtaken, Grunty could have but showed the maturity and restaint of an experienced rider such that one of us 'might' have drifted wide and drifting into her line.

Having said all this though, the most restrained was Stretchie (don 't tell him as I'll never live it down), also one not known for hanging about, who had the best view of us all.

On the way back to Chepstow, Stretchie rode the best I've seen him ride (again don't tell him) on that lovely twisty Usk - Chepstow road, a real pleasure to follow, smooth, relaxed, spirited but safe.

Oh and Squirrel who was riding an odd handling Blackbird had fun with some quick blown breathed on Audi on the Bristolring... but thats another story....

In nut shell, I'm more than happy to have a blat on the welsh roads with Stetchie, Squirrel Hunter and....... a very experienced newbie.