2nd trip to the Dragon. Would love pointers!

ally99 · November 9th, 2009, 05:41 PM

Hey guys. I posted some pics on the "Ladies on bikes rock" thread, but I wanted to post some here for a different purpose. I'd like some pointers. I'm including one of the shots from my first trip to the Dragon (the one in the blue jacket). I posted several photos after that first trip (which can still be seen on pg 17 of that thread), and many of you gave me some awesome advice on shifting my weight to save more traction in reserve around hard corners. That was back in September. My hubby and I went to the Dragon, the Cherohala, and the Blue Ridge Pkwy this past weekend, plus we've been up to the N. Ga mts several times, so I've been practicing many of the things I've learned from your posts, my reading, plus other research I've done. I've only been riding 7 months total, so I am definitely still a noob and could use some 'before' and 'now' pointers. What am I doing better? What still looks a bit off? Obviously, I want to get the maximum performance out of myself as a rider and out of my Lil Ninj. On the other hand, I am well aware that maximum performance is reserved for a track, not the streets.

I'd just like to know what I'm doing that looks "right" and what looks like it still needs work. Thanks in advance! Sorry I've been a stranger for a couple of months. I teach elementary school, and this is the most difficult year of my career. It's keeping me WAY busier than I want to be! :-( Thanks all! Ally

Verus Cidere · November 9th, 2009, 09:10 PM

Try getting your weight lower. In the 5th picture, it looks like you have your weight well proportioned, but it also looks a bit too high on the bike. Try hanging down toward the ground a bit more, like this:

You seem to be doing very well, and I'm no expert, so that's all I'd suggest. I'm sure you'll get some great advice from these guys though.

HKr1 · November 9th, 2009, 09:18 PM

You want her to be like Marco......

I think she's looking pretty good for only riding 7 months. The pics in the black jacket look nicer than the light blue. Looks like progress, just keep that up

Nice pics!

CZroe · November 9th, 2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verus Cidere

Try getting your weight lower. In the 5th picture, it looks like you have your weight well proportioned, but it also looks a bit too high on the bike. Try hanging down toward the ground a bit more, like this:

You seem to be doing very well, and I'm no expert, so that's all I'd suggest. I'm sure you'll get some great advice from these guys though.

That would require exceeding the speed limit.

ally99 · November 10th, 2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

That would require exceeding the speed limit.

And of course, I'd NEVER do that (sly smile).

Never "occifer"! Thanks all! I'm excited about my progress, but there's still so much to learn.

Ally

CC Cowboy · November 10th, 2009, 08:41 AM

Time for a trackday with an instructor (Jennings or Roebling).

CZroe · November 10th, 2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally99

And of course, I'd NEVER do that (sly smile).

Never "occifer"! Thanks all! I'm excited about my progress, but there's still so much to learn.

Ally

You jest, but you might want to use a little retraint... considering the area.

Quote:

LEO [Law Enforcement Officer] COUNT
7 THP [Tennessee Highway Patrol officers]
4 BLOUNT COUNTY [officers]
1 LEO PER MILE

Link to original page on YouTube.

kkim · November 10th, 2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Time for a trackday with an instructor (Jennings or Roebling).

rockNroll · November 10th, 2009, 11:45 AM

knee sliders on a girl are soooo sexsay!!!!!!

You should get into some track days

You body looks good, you don't want to be lower like that other picture... that rider is doing things that you aren't trying to do. In the earlier pics your body wasn't trying to help the bike like it is in the newer ones. Just don't position yourself further off the bike than what your corner speed warrants. Lookin good!

Greg_E · November 10th, 2009, 12:14 PM

Why would anyone want to ride there if this is the norm?

ally99 · November 10th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_E

Why would anyone want to ride there if this is the norm?

What do you mean? I'm intrigued by your comment.

Ally

ally99 · November 10th, 2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

You jest, but you might want to use a little retraint... considering the area.

You are right, I know. Really, though, I took one corner too hot on the Dragon (the bad, dipped one close to the NC line), and yes, I paid the price. Lesson learned. Let's just say the rest of the weekend while riding the Cherohala, the Blue Ridge Pwky, Hwy 28, etc, I DID show that restraint. I'm not typically one who lets adrenaline get to me. As a black belt in Taekwondo, you have to learn to control adrenaline and focus on good strategy. I can easily see how the Dragon houses so many accidents, however, because it is EASY to let yourself get too pumped up around those corners. Riding the Dragon is most definitely an act of self-control. That's the moral of my story. lol!
Thank you all for the hints and pointers. A track day is in our future this coming spring. I can't wait! For those of you who have been to a beginner track day, how does it work? How big is the group being instructed, on average? Do you get to ride a few laps, talk with your "coach", and ride more laps? Is there "classroom time" or is it just riding? Sorry to sound naive. I have no idea what to expect. Thanks! Ally

marsha · November 10th, 2009, 03:38 PM

Ally, check out Jennings website, they are located at the GA/FL border. They offer track school, I'd be interested in this myself down the line. The website is http://jenningsgp.com

ally99 · November 10th, 2009, 05:11 PM

Thanks Marsha. I LOVE your pink gear! I had a hard time finding it, so I finally had to go all black. lol! However, hubby painted one of my helmets with the same yellow he painted my new Ninja 650, so that's pretty cool. A bright yellow helmet to match my bright yellow bike. Yeah!!

Anyway, you look great! Allyson

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsha

Ally, check out Jennings website, they are located at the GA/FL border. They offer track school, I'd be interested in this myself down the line. The website is http://jenningsgp.com

Greg_E · November 10th, 2009, 08:05 PM

If there is a cop on every corner, there would be no fun at all.

Verus Cidere · November 10th, 2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally99

Obviously, I want to get the maximum performance out of myself as a rider and out of my Lil Ninj. On the other hand, I am well aware that maximum performance is reserved for a track, not the streets.

That's why I said what I said. Also, like I said, I'm no expert. She asked to hear what we saw as far as maximum performance so I told her. Why so harsh?

Midnightrider · November 11th, 2009, 03:26 AM

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon_howtoride.html

CC Cowboy · November 11th, 2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally99

Obviously, I want to get the maximum performance out of myself as a rider and out of my Lil Ninj. On the other hand, I am well aware that maximum performance is reserved for a track, not the streets.

Thanks all! Ally

Ally, maximum performance is for each and every ride (straights and especially corners). There is a difference between maximum performance and maximum speed. Maximum speed is for the track. Maximum performance will keep you from crashing (everytime you ride).

ally99 · November 11th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Who's being harsh? I appreciate your advice...all of the advice I get from everyone.

I sure didn't mean to sound "harsh".
Thank you all! And Cowboy, great point...Maximum performance is good on the streets...max SPEED is definitely for the track.

Ally

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verus Cidere

That's why I said what I said. Also, like I said, I'm no expert. She asked to hear what we saw as far as maximum performance so I told her. Why so harsh?

Verus Cidere · November 12th, 2009, 04:05 PM

I didn't mean you.

November 9th, 2009, 09:10 PM	#2
Verus Cidere ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Michael Location: Southern NM Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '91 Honda CBR600 F2 Posts: A lot.	Try getting your weight lower. In the 5th picture, it looks like you have your weight well proportioned, but it also looks a bit too high on the bike. Try hanging down toward the ground a bit more, like this: You seem to be doing very well, and I'm no expert, so that's all I'd suggest. I'm sure you'll get some great advice from these guys though. __________________________________________________ 1991 Honda CBR600 F2, White/Gray, D&D slip-on exhaust, tail integrator, gel grips, Custom undertail.

November 10th, 2009, 08:41 AM	#6
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Time for a trackday with an instructor (Jennings or Roebling). __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

November 12th, 2009, 04:05 PM	#20
Verus Cidere ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Michael Location: Southern NM Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '91 Honda CBR600 F2 Posts: A lot.	I didn't mean you. __________________________________________________ 1991 Honda CBR600 F2, White/Gray, D&D slip-on exhaust, tail integrator, gel grips, Custom undertail.

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November 9th, 2009, 09:18 PM	#3
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	You want her to be like Marco...... I think she's looking pretty good for only riding 7 months. The pics in the black jacket look nicer than the light blue. Looks like progress, just keep that up Nice pics!

November 10th, 2009, 11:45 AM	#9
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	knee sliders on a girl are soooo sexsay!!!!!! You should get into some track days You body looks good, you don't want to be lower like that other picture... that rider is doing things that you aren't trying to do. In the earlier pics your body wasn't trying to help the bike like it is in the newer ones. Just don't position yourself further off the bike than what your corner speed warrants. Lookin good!

November 10th, 2009, 12:14 PM	#10
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Why would anyone want to ride there if this is the norm?

November 10th, 2009, 03:38 PM	#13
marsha ninjette.org member Name: Marsha Location: tampa Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 76	Ally, check out Jennings website, they are located at the GA/FL border. They offer track school, I'd be interested in this myself down the line. The website is http://jenningsgp.com

November 10th, 2009, 08:05 PM	#15
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	If there is a cop on every corner, there would be no fun at all.

November 11th, 2009, 03:26 AM	#17
Midnightrider ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Winston Salem, NC Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 09 Ninja 250 Posts: 20	http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon_howtoride.html