Ontario riders???

[greennewbie]

I should be there at 7 as well, see you all then!

[08ninja250]

I don't think ill be there, still unemployed and streetbikeless

[SSR]

Originally Posted by 08ninja250

I don't think ill be there, still unemployed and streetbikeless

Bring your cage? At least you could say hi!

Anybody got a preference for a route? I'm familiar with south Ottawa, so my thinking was:

Right onto Riverside then ramp to Bronson North.
Ramp onto Queen Elizabeth Dr, follow that to the end to Lauirer Dr. -> Elgin -> Colonel By to Prince of Wales South to Hunt Club.

At that point we could continue down River Road to Mitch Owens and then back up (long) or we could go east on Hunt Club and hit the 416 and do some ramps.

Or if any one knows the Gat's area well, that would be cool as well.

[tos]

i'll be there, unfortunately i don't know any good routes so i'll just be following!

[greennewbie]

hey guys just want to appolagize if i cut any one off or anything! first time riding in a group and the wind was killing me!! had a great time, sucks that i had to duck off early but thats the price of these damn m1 rules. good to meet everyone and hope the rest of the ride went great!

[tos]

thanks for waiting for me guys, i forgot to secure my helmet

good route, the wind was brutal though at times i thought i'm going off the road! any suggestions how to counter that? i followed Owen and hugged the tank but can't do that on the 417 so what do you do for that?

[dnovosel]

That was a blast. Thanks guys! The wind was crazy heading up towards Manotick. I've never done a group ride before (hell I only started riding 2 weeks ago), so hopefully I didn't do anything super noobish, haha.

Thanks again! Hope to go for another ride soon!

[Alex46]

I'm just a beginner, maybe Owen Colin SSR can elaborate but from what I learned, COUNTERSTEERING

If the wind pushes you from left to right, go left so push on left handlebar

If the wind pushes you from right to left, go right so push on right handlebar

[Alex46]

nice special edition greennewbie. sorry i think i cut you off also near the end. just felt like ripping it

[SSR]

Great ride guys. When I want just a quick rip, I frequently do the Queen Elizabeth -> Colonel By route. Usually always get a pretty decent pace with no stops!

I do apologize at the end when I gunned it past that 18-wheeler and left you guys. I really wanted to hit that ramp!

Originally Posted by dnovosel

I've never done a group ride before (hell I only started riding 2 weeks ago), so hopefully I didn't do anything super noobish, haha

I remember my first group ride. You learn really quickly. By your third group ride, you'll be a pro.

Here's just a few general tips I've picked up over the few summers I've been in group rides:

1) Ride staggered
|
....|
|
....|
|

This is mostly to give yourself and others a little bit of extra space. Also, if the rider in front goes down or makes an emergency stop, you have that little extra space.

2) Ride at your pace. It's not too bad since we all drive the same bike, but I remember my first group ride, it was me then a 750 then a Liter bike then a 'Busa. Yeah, I was playing catch-up a lot. You can always catch up at the next light, or if the group gets too far ahead, they'll stop/pull over to the side and wait. If you're driving out of your comfort zone, then you're driving unsafe. That's no good.

3) When going around curves/ramps, move into a single file


Tos: It was windy. When you're upright, your body acts like a giant sale so you want to minimize your body area. Slide your butt back and lean forward just like what Own did. If you're not comfortable doing that on the 416, practice doing it at 50. When you get comfortable at that speed, do it at 80. That, and I know this SOUNDS so cliche, but just get to know your bike. The more you ride it, the more you'll get to know how it handles. After a while you'll just "know" how your bike reacts. Also, you can "lean" into the wind. If the wind is blowing you to the right, lean to your left, like you're leaning into a left bend curve. That'll help.

If anybody knows of a favorite route they like, let's hear it. If you're not comfortable leading, just say-so and someone else will pick it up.

See you guys next week!

[greennewbie]

had a great time guys, and Alex i dont remember you doing any thing but if you had room to go then do it!!! awesome!

[opc]

Hi Guys,

It was a great ride indeed! We had a very good showing of people, and everyone did really well in terms of riding in a group. It's not easy keeping 6 riders together for a 50k ride, but we managed to not lose anyone which was great.

As for the crosswind, I find the single biggest thing for me is learning a good tuck position, and being comfortable in it. You'll need to be more aware of your surroundings, but once you get used to it, it's much more comfortable on the highway, and as an added bonus you'll get 30% more out of a tank if you're properly tucked down and going over 100km/h.

The downside is that you're less visible to other motorists, and if you hit a large bump with your chest resting on your tank, it can throw you off a little. Like SSR said... practice at lower speeds until you get used to it, then work your way up.

Steering into the wind should be done very lightly, since you never know when the gust of wind will end. If you steer into it too much (overcompensate), and the wind stops, you don't want to go flying into the other lane or off onto the shoulder. Steer in a little bit, but also position yourself on the road so that you have room to drift to the left and right a little. You don't need to stay straight as an arrow when it's that windy, so let the wind push you a little, and give yourself room for when it does.

Otherwise, the Ninja 250 does have a full fairing, so it really does catch the crosswinds pretty badly. It's also a reasonably light bike, and tos, you look like a pretty light rider which also makes it a little worse.

I'll be out of town all next week. but I'll be looking to ride the week after when I'm back. It was great to meet everyone (and meet some people a second time) and I hope you guys have a good ride next week!

Cheers,
Owen

[SSR]

Not this Saturday (too much rain forecast), but maybe next Saturday you guys up for a group ride during the day, around 2 hours (124 km)? I'm familiar with the south, so I'm thinking a trip down to Kemptville -> Burrit's Rapids and then back to Ottawa. It's an easy ride, speed limit is never faster than 80, not much traffic as the 417 takes most, very scenic as we drive along the river and you'll see a ton of bikes as it's a common route. A few places to stop and walk around a bit. We can also all take turns leading (if you want to) as it's not a challenging road at all.

You guys up for that? If so, I'm thinking maybe we plan for June 11? Leave at 10:00 or so and be back in Ottawa by 12:30ish/1ish or so?

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=45.39953538691435~-75.68119186162948&lvl=13&dir=0&sty=r&rtp=pos.45.39065602761102_-75.6792554825765_near%20566%20Avenue%20Riverdale%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1S___ a_~v.45.21080762530418_-75.6490828035915_RR-19%20%2F%20River%20Rd~v.45.121197528365954_-75.62009113302434_RR-19%20%2F%20River%20Rd~v.45.05259908366052_-75.64910190572941_CR-19%20%2F%20Rideau%20River%20Rd~pos.45.02976977285868_-75.63686605564406_near%20Major%20Road%2C%20ON%2C%20K0G___a_~pos.44.9811484437743 94_-75.7904264330864_near%20591%20CR-23%2C%20ON%2C%20K0G___a_~pos.45.13164815143655_-75.71606240608706_near%202325%20Roger%20Stevens%20Dr%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K0 A___a_~pos.45.33426702477804_-75.70083435092833_near%20W%20Hunt%20Club%20Rd%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K2E___a_~ pos.45.368497366820534_-75.70103849883807_near%20Chemin%20Hog's%20Back%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K2C___a_ ~pos.45.410502875420924_-75.6820930838582_near%20Colonel%20By%20Dr%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1S___a_~pos. 45.424744960614625_-75.69172160595465_near%20Avenue%20Daly%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1N___a_&mode=D& rtop=0~0~0~&form=LMLTCC

[greennewbie]

i might be in a golf tournement that day but its up in the air right now, if im not golfing i am definately down! i know the kemptville area as well and think that would be a fun ride!

[greennewbie]

hey ssr, only 1mm in forecast for this sat so if your up for a tour at all let me know.

[SSR]

Let me know how that date works for everybody. I just threw it out there, so we can for sure change it. We could even do a Sunday afternoon ride (next Sunday, going to the Ottawa Fat Cats ball game this Sunday), say 2:30 - 5? I want to try and make sure we can include everybody.

Originally Posted by greennewbie

hey ssr, only 1mm in forecast for this sat so if your up for a tour at all let me know.

I'm busy in the morning at 10:00, but yeah, I'd totally be up for something around 12:30 or so. Little jaunt (or big one) around Ottawa.

[dnovosel]

FYI, I'm in town until next Friday (June 10th), but then I'm gone for a few weeks, so you probably won't hear from me. Hopefully we can get a ride in before then, otherwise I'll hopefully see all you guys later in the month.

Cheers,

Dave

[tos]

Thanks for the info guys, I was trying to counter steer but i guess i'll get better at it with riding

[SSR]

Originally Posted by tos

Thanks for the info guys, I was trying to counter steer but i guess i'll get better at it with riding

Just get out and ride. You'll pick it up.

Some youtube vids on counter steering

Link to original page on YouTube.

Link to original page on YouTube.

[08ninja250]

If anyone is looking at doing any mods or needs tires or replacement parts I'd recommend 613 Motorsports. They are a small local company that supply aftermarket accessories for sportbikes. They have experience working on Ninja 250's and own one themselves. You can add them on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/The613Motorsports or visit their website at http://www.613motorsports.com.

[Alex46]

Originally Posted by SSR

If anybody knows of a favorite route they like, let's hear it. If you're not comfortable leading, just say-so and someone else will pick it up.

See you guys next week!

Hey SSR,

Next week if you guys want we could hit Gatineau Park.

40 km of curves, wide lanes as well so not too extreme. There and back would be about 60 km. Very popular route for motorcycles.

I don't mind leading the way in Gatineau Park as I am familiar. If anybody wants to pass me go ahead.

Easy directions, take Portage Bridge then left after bridge. Continue then turn right in Gatineau Park. Continue 15 km or so then turn left to go to Belvedere Champlain. Stop then come back!

I also know another route with more extreme curves that we could do another week (to Chelsea). However not as nice as Gatineau Park.

Just went today, lots of bicycles but shouldn't be too bad at all weeknight

[Alex46]

SSR, As for going Ottawa South sounds cool. A little busy on weekends but will do my best to come.

[Boom King]

I'm in the GTA but next time I head up to the capital, I'm bringing the Ninja . I'll be sure to read the ride report. Be safe guys.

[SSR]

Alex, sounds great.

Let's do this. This Wednesday night we'll meet up at the usual spot (Timmy's) and then you can lead for a tour of the Gats. With it being evening I imagine (hope) most of the bicyclists are at home. And everybody should no how to get home from Gat park.

This weekend, we could do the Ottawa South trip (down to Kemptville), and the next group ride we'll do Chelsea (say, plan for a two hour trip?). I know weekends are busy for everybody, but it's really the only day time all of us have. What time works for everybody? My thinking is if we did Saturday morning at 9:00 (10:00?) and have all the group rides around 2 hours, we'd be back in time for lunch.

It would be really cool to have a small (50/60km) group ride around the Ottawa region every Wednesday night led by a different person, then a big (2 hour) group ride once a month or so.

Can anybody here represent Ottawa East and West?

@Boom King. Yeah man! Hope to see you up!

[greennewbie]

hey guys, i'm down for a ride on saturday for sure! dont think ill make wed though,

[dnovosel]

Sweet idea for a ride in the Gats. I haven't been up there yet on the bike. Same bat time, same bat channel? (or Tims tomorrow at 7).

Cheers,

Dave

[tos]

Ride to Gat park sounds good, i went there once with friend on the bike but he was leading and it was awesome! i don't remember the exact location but we went in the park a few kms and took a left which went up about 10kms.. it was end of april and sort of cold and very few bicycles and i think we only saw two bikers there.. may be because it was middle of the week and mid-day.

anyways i look forward to it tomorrow.. see you all there

[08ninja250]

Ill be up riding at Calabogie with Turn 2 on Thursday and Friday

[Alex46]

Originally Posted by tos

Ride to Gat park sounds good, i went there once with friend on the bike but he was leading and it was awesome! i don't remember the exact location but we went in the park a few kms and took a left which went up about 10kms.. it was end of april and sort of cold and very few bicycles and i think we only saw two bikers there.. may be because it was middle of the week and mid-day.

anyways i look forward to it tomorrow.. see you all there

Nice, yea that's exactly where I was gonna go.

[Alex46]

Originally Posted by 08ninja250

Ill be up riding at Calabogie with Turn 2 on Thursday and Friday

Nice, doing ARC 1 (or ARC 2) course? Thinking of doing it end of summer.

[tos]

chances of severe thunderstorm .. strong winds already.. are you guys still going?

[dnovosel]

Radar shows the storm coming through right now, should be clear by 5:30 - 6:00. I say play it by ear, if at 6:30 it's cleared up, I'm game.

Cheers,

Dave

[SSR]

who's up for getting experience driving in the rain?

If it's stopped raining by 6:45, I'll be there. If not, I'll be kicking back to watch the game.

That being said, I brought my motorcycle to work today, so I could be getting wet in 8 minutes...

[dnovosel]

Rain experience is always good!

Haha, I'm in the same boat with the bike at work (it was so nice this morning). I think I might stay later and see if I can wait it out.

Good luck on the ride home.

[greennewbie]

i just drove home on the edge of the storm, and let me say the wind is terrible! changes directions every few seconds!i'll be staying in tonight, working outside in the heat all day im wiped! have fun guys.

[tos]

so did you guys go to Gat park?

[SSR]

Originally Posted by tos

so did you guys go to Gat park?

We did indeed. Small group, just myself, Dave and Jackson (ZZR 250).

Dave knew how to get us there, so we just followed him (by the way, great job leading!). Got there, came to a T-junction and said "let's go straight". Ended up at Champlain look-out (there were like ZERO cars on the road except the slow moving van that braked at every turn right in front of us). Turned around at the lookout then went down to Meech lake, all the way to that private property, where the cul-de-sac is. Then just went straight out and hit highway 5.

Weather was beautiful. Not a single rain drop, temperature was good, no cars (except that van. grrrr) and all the bikers were going the opposite direction.

Excellent ride.

[Alex46]

Hey sorry guys, I saw the thunderstorm and rain and didn't think it was going to clear up. Oh well, glad you had fun though. I'll be at the next one.

[greennewbie]

so is there a plan for saturday morning in place yet?

[SSR]

Apologies for the lateness.

Meet up at the standard meeting place at 10:00. We'll leave at 10:15.

We'll take River road down to Kemptville -> Burrit's Rapids and then back to Ottawa. It's an easy ride, speed limit is never faster than 80, not much traffic as the 417 takes most, very scenic as we drive along the river and you'll see a ton of bikes as it's a common route. A few places to stop and walk around a bit. We can also all take turns leading (if you want to) as it's not a challenging road at all. Round trip should be 2 hours, or about 125 km. We'll have multiple stops along the way (about 2 or 3)

Please fuel up before the trip. Although this is a short trip with gas stations, it's a good habit to get into. As your trip distance increases (for example, out to Calabogie), fueling stations become more rare.

Here's the route.


http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=45.39953538691435~-75.68119186162948&lvl=13&dir=0&sty=r&rtp=pos.45.39065602761102_-75.6792554825765_near%20566%20Avenue%20Riverdale%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1S___ a_~v.45.21080762530418_-75.6490828035915_RR-19%20%2F%20River%20Rd~v.45.121197528365954_-75.62009113302434_RR-19%20%2F%20River%20Rd~v.45.05259908366052_-75.64910190572941_CR-19%20%2F%20Rideau%20River%20Rd~pos.45.02976977285868_-75.63686605564406_near%20Major%20Road%2C%20ON%2C%20K0G___a_~pos.44.9811484437743 94_-75.7904264330864_near%20591%20CR-23%2C%20ON%2C%20K0G___a_~pos.45.13164815143655_-75.71606240608706_near%202325%20Roger%20Stevens%20Dr%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K0 A___a_~pos.45.33426702477804_-75.70083435092833_near%20W%20Hunt%20Club%20Rd%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K2E___a_~ pos.45.368497366820534_-75.70103849883807_near%20Chemin%20Hog's%20Back%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K2C___a_ ~pos.45.410502875420924_-75.6820930838582_near%20Colonel%20By%20Dr%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1S___a_~pos. 45.424744960614625_-75.69172160595465_near%20Avenue%20Daly%2C%20Ottawa%2C%20ON%2C%20K1N___a_&mode=D& rtop=0~0~0~&form=LMLTCC