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06-06-07, 07:33 PM

So, on Sunday I went out for my first ever group ride. Initially it was just to be myself and my only biker mate (at least till I meet you lovely people), but she invited a couple of her mates, so there was four of us and a pillion - not a large group.

We went up to North Yorkshire, stopped for ice cream at Pateley Bridge, and drinks at Sun Inn. It was a really gorgeous day.

I loved having the company of fellow riders. I've been riding on my own since I passed my test, so being with like minded people was really great. The route was fantastic. All those lovely twisty lane were great ( though I struggled to keep up) and the views were panoramic. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone. I've not been one to weave between traffic but I felt confident enough to do so, despite stalling twice.

HOWEVER,

When I compared myself to the others (and I know I shouldn't), I realised I still have a way to go. MY left turns are dissmal, and I slow down far too much when turning, that I nearly lose control of the bike.

AND, one of the others notice that my brakes were making an odd sound through out the ride (I didn't notice it). On investigating, it seems I may have been riding my bike incorrectly all along!!
At the end of the ride the disc thingy on my back brake was red hot when everybody elses wasn't. So apparently I probably need new callipers( no idea what thats about).
This I'm told is caused by excessive use of the back brake!! I always use my back brake. My instructor taught me that I need to use less of the front and more of the back. I was also taught that I should only use the front to take the edge off my speed and then use both to come to a stop. I've also always used the back brake to control the bike at slow speeds as I was taught.
So do I now need to unlearn all this??

THEN,

My mate noticed that my chain was as dry as a bone, and I have been riding it all along blissfully unaware. So the ride was a bittersweet experience. AS much as I enjoyed the ride and company, I've started beating myself up about things. If I can't even diagnose a dry chain, what else could be fatally wrong with my bike that I am unaware of??

At the end of the day, my knowledge on bikes is ZERO, my riding is RUBBISH, my confidence is PLUMMETING and I'm feeling very sorry for myself.

And thats my moan for the day.

Melancholy Melody

PS I hate my job.

06-06-07, 07:33 PM	#1
melody Guest Posts: n/a	Moaning So, on Sunday I went out for my first ever group ride. Initially it was just to be myself and my only biker mate (at least till I meet you lovely people), but she invited a couple of her mates, so there was four of us and a pillion - not a large group. We went up to North Yorkshire, stopped for ice cream at Pateley Bridge, and drinks at Sun Inn. It was a really gorgeous day. I loved having the company of fellow riders. I've been riding on my own since I passed my test, so being with like minded people was really great. The route was fantastic. All those lovely twisty lane were great ( though I struggled to keep up) and the views were panoramic. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone. I've not been one to weave between traffic but I felt confident enough to do so, despite stalling twice. HOWEVER, When I compared myself to the others (and I know I shouldn't), I realised I still have a way to go. MY left turns are dissmal, and I slow down far too much when turning, that I nearly lose control of the bike. AND, one of the others notice that my brakes were making an odd sound through out the ride (I didn't notice it). On investigating, it seems I may have been riding my bike incorrectly all along!! At the end of the ride the disc thingy on my back brake was red hot when everybody elses wasn't. So apparently I probably need new callipers( no idea what thats about). This I'm told is caused by excessive use of the back brake!! I always use my back brake. My instructor taught me that I need to use less of the front and more of the back. I was also taught that I should only use the front to take the edge off my speed and then use both to come to a stop. I've also always used the back brake to control the bike at slow speeds as I was taught. So do I now need to unlearn all this?? THEN, My mate noticed that my chain was as dry as a bone, and I have been riding it all along blissfully unaware. So the ride was a bittersweet experience. AS much as I enjoyed the ride and company, I've started beating myself up about things. If I can't even diagnose a dry chain, what else could be fatally wrong with my bike that I am unaware of?? At the end of the day, my knowledge on bikes is ZERO, my riding is RUBBISH, my confidence is PLUMMETING and I'm feeling very sorry for myself. And thats my moan for the day. Melancholy Melody PS I hate my job.