Ralph Stover State Park, PA

[emoyer]

Yesterday the ninjette & I ventured to High Rocks in Ralph Stover State Park, which is a series of 80 to 100 foot cliffs overlooking a horseshoe bend in the Tohickon Creek, popular with climbers now (passed an REI van on the way in) but when i was a kid in the 70's it was mostly just a place where once in a while someone fell and died. There is one photo attached.

I have only been riding for 3 weeks. This trip was my first time on a dirt road, my first time on a 4-lane divided highway, and the fastest I have gone so far (60-65 mph.) Starting to feel a little more comfortable (that's probably dangerous, isn't it?) and liking my little bike more & more.

In the curves, especially the sharp ones on Dark Hollow Road, I was remembering the stuff I had been reading in Proficient Motorcycling about maximizing sight distance and not allowing stopping distance to exceed it. Also, in the gravel parking lot, I had to find a place to park where there was a flat rock to support the sidestand, so maybe from now on I will carry a little piece of plywood or something.

[Alex]

Nice report.

Originally Posted by emoyer

Also, in the gravel parking lot, I had to find a place to park where there was a flat rock to support the sidestand, so maybe from now on I will carry a little piece of plywood or something.

Does your bike still have the centerstand on it? Sometimes those can feel more stable in iffy surfaces where you're worried about a sidestand sinking in.

[emoyer]

Yes, I have the centerstand. I use it in the garage to save room. Never thought about using it yesterday. Thanks for the tip.

[Malicious Logic]

Why do you assume that being comfortable on your bike is probably dangerous? I think the danger you're referring to would be when you start getting over-confident and start riding outside of your comfort zone and outside of your skills.

[emoyer]

Yes, that's a better way to put it.

[Malicious Logic]

I think as long as you continue to ride within your limits, you should be fine....and it's good that you're recalling stuff from the books you've read and things you've learned.

As for the side stand, I remember one vlogger (I wish I remembered his name) saying that he went to Lowes and picked up some kinda metal bracket that was like $.50. Was small enough to easily carry around yet wide and stable enough for your stand to sit on and not sink into whatever surface you decide to park on.

[jstrain]

Eric, where are you located at? SE Pa is a bit vague

[emoyer]

I'm in Chalfont. That's kinda between Montgomeryville & Doylestown, if you're not familiar with it.

[jstrain]

Ah, gotcha. That's not too far from me. I'm just south of Philly in Media.

If you're feeling comfortable by next riding season (or those nice days over winter), there is a small group of us who try to get out and ride around the city, burbs, etc.

[emoyer]

Cool, thanks.