out of the parking lot

Koala · September 16th, 2018, 08:34 AM

Since I got back from my 2 day instruction, I have been on the streets 3 times. Just riding up to the mall and practicing there. Doing laps around it, using the Rubber City Harley range.

Today I went to Hudson

I went to the mall to warm up first (a few laps, weaving to loosen myself up, stops, turns, etc), but then got gas and started the real ride. I was attempting to go to Hudson High where I'll be doing the Returning Rider course at the end of the month, but I missed a turn I didn't know I was supposed to take and just kept going lol. I pulled into an industrial park and looked at my gps to see I had overshot the turn by a mile or so. Not a big deal, after today, I know I can make it there. 28 miles round trip, not a problem now.

things I need to work on:

1. steady stops, 75% of the time I'm putting my foot down too quick.
2. those damn right hand turns from a stop. I either go wide, or like when I'm in the parking lot and I try to do it sharper, I stall. I'm not feeling the confidence there.

Otherwise, I'm feeling great

I'm relaxing more. I found that the more I grip the tank, the more loose I am on the bars. My hands didn't cramp up once today. I felt fine dealing with traffic and traffic lights. I really enjoy getting up to 50 mph lol (the highest speed limit on my journey was 45). Patiently waiting for the class so I can finally get my endorsement and ride on the interstate for the first time

all in all, I may have only put 40 miles on Takara this morning, but it felt awesome! I also got my first biker wave on the way back

I couldn't help but be excited when the dude on the Harley waved. I didn't feel comfy taking my hand off the bar or I would have been all Forrest Gump

Link to original page on YouTube.

Triple Jim · September 16th, 2018, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koala

2. those damn right hand turns from a stop. I either go wide, or like when I'm in the parking lot and I try to do it sharper, I stall. I'm not feeling the confidence there.

Try looking through the turn. Rather than right in front of you, look at the road where you're going to be finishing the turn. See if that helps.

Koala · September 16th, 2018, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Try looking through the turn. Rather than right in front of you, look at the road where you're going to be finishing the turn. See if that helps.

I was trying that this morning when I was still at the mall. I've got the bars turned to the right and looking through to where I want to go. The only thing I'm not doing that Chris had originally recommended is starting with my right foot down and leaning the bike that way. We found that I'm left foot dominant. way more comfortable with that foot down. I was able to do the turns that way at Mid O. I know I did have to take a couple steps with my left foot to get going on the first try of that right hand u-turn I've got video of.

I might just have to try and find a good spot to practice it. the right hand turns from the stop signs at the mall are littered with pot holes to avoid. it can also be hard on the Rubber City range because of where the sun is in the morning. I was doing ok with them when I first got back. Maybe it's just because last weekend it rained for 3 days straight so I didn't ride and I need all the practice I can get when it comes to things that cause me trouble.

AwDang · September 16th, 2018, 10:51 AM

Time, patience, and practice are your friends.

Congrats on the first big ride!

Koala · September 16th, 2018, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwDang

Time, patience, and practice are your friends.

Congrats on the first big ride!

thanks, I'm over the moon about this morning. It just felt so good to get out and ride. Since that went so well, I'm thinking another way to get ride time in is days that have a short/easy schedule at work I'll ride to work. It's not far at all, just a few miles. The more I get used to heavier and heavier traffic, the more I'll go out.

csmith12 · September 16th, 2018, 05:12 PM

snot · September 18th, 2018, 02:54 AM

Keep up the good work.

Koala · September 18th, 2018, 04:28 PM

thanks

I hope I'm not boring everyone with updates.

I'm happy to be making forward progress after the BRS debacle. I was pretty shocked when the coordinator for the Hudson site where I went to it suggested I take the RR class. I was just hoping to get into a class when he was coaching. After watching his class for a half hour or so, I really dug his style. Reminded me of Chris with all the positive feedback and having fun with it. I let him know the cliff notes version of what happened and that's when he told me he was the coordinator for the site. After talking to him, he didn't care that I technically didn't meet the mileage/time requirement for the RR class. He said it wouldn't make sense for me to take the BRS again after what I did at Mid O. Plus it's less group ride time, only 5 hours instead of 12. He is also letting me ride Takara in the class.

After watching the beginning of the class, I don't feel bad about being a newbie. I noticed several of the riders walking the bikes to a stop, as well as practically stopping on top of each other.

I wish I had more time to ride aside from Sundays at the moment, but I know as my comfort level rises that will happen. The class will help, along with getting out more in general. I know I'll soon be the type that says to myself "hmmm....i need to grab something from the store. it'll fit in my backpack, I'll take the long way

"

CaliGrrl · September 18th, 2018, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koala

I know I'll soon be the type that says to myself "hmmm....i need to grab something from the store. it'll fit in my backpack, I'll take the long way

"

Long way to the store... and to lunch... and to work... and home....

MikeCL · December 17th, 2022, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Try looking through the turn. Rather than right in front of you, look at the road where you're going to be finishing the turn. See if that helps.

Yeah this helps I started off with a scooter by after 15 trips It's easy to look ahead and miss potholes and all.. I only clipped one because I already went really wide but not enough. I too have to wait for my endorsement.

September 16th, 2018, 08:34 AM	#1
Koala ninjette.org sage Name: Koala Location: Ohio Join Date: May 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2017 Ninja 300 Winter Test Edition Posts: 589 MOTM - May '18	out of the parking lot Since I got back from my 2 day instruction, I have been on the streets 3 times. Just riding up to the mall and practicing there. Doing laps around it, using the Rubber City Harley range. Today I went to Hudson I went to the mall to warm up first (a few laps, weaving to loosen myself up, stops, turns, etc), but then got gas and started the real ride. I was attempting to go to Hudson High where I'll be doing the Returning Rider course at the end of the month, but I missed a turn I didn't know I was supposed to take and just kept going lol. I pulled into an industrial park and looked at my gps to see I had overshot the turn by a mile or so. Not a big deal, after today, I know I can make it there. 28 miles round trip, not a problem now. things I need to work on: 1. steady stops, 75% of the time I'm putting my foot down too quick. 2. those damn right hand turns from a stop. I either go wide, or like when I'm in the parking lot and I try to do it sharper, I stall. I'm not feeling the confidence there. Otherwise, I'm feeling great I'm relaxing more. I found that the more I grip the tank, the more loose I am on the bars. My hands didn't cramp up once today. I felt fine dealing with traffic and traffic lights. I really enjoy getting up to 50 mph lol (the highest speed limit on my journey was 45). Patiently waiting for the class so I can finally get my endorsement and ride on the interstate for the first time all in all, I may have only put 40 miles on Takara this morning, but it felt awesome! I also got my first biker wave on the way back I couldn't help but be excited when the dude on the Harley waved. I didn't feel comfy taking my hand off the bar or I would have been all Forrest Gump Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ Unregistered now go away or I shall taunt you a second time! "To ensure you're giving your very best, blind yourself of all negativity, relax your mind, put inhibition to rest and drive hard toward your goals like it's the last thing on earth." - csmith12

September 16th, 2018, 05:12 PM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 18th, 2018, 02:54 AM	#7
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Keep up the good work. __________________________________________________ https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx

September 18th, 2018, 04:28 PM	#8
Koala ninjette.org sage Name: Koala Location: Ohio Join Date: May 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2017 Ninja 300 Winter Test Edition Posts: 589 MOTM - May '18	thanks I hope I'm not boring everyone with updates. I'm happy to be making forward progress after the BRS debacle. I was pretty shocked when the coordinator for the Hudson site where I went to it suggested I take the RR class. I was just hoping to get into a class when he was coaching. After watching his class for a half hour or so, I really dug his style. Reminded me of Chris with all the positive feedback and having fun with it. I let him know the cliff notes version of what happened and that's when he told me he was the coordinator for the site. After talking to him, he didn't care that I technically didn't meet the mileage/time requirement for the RR class. He said it wouldn't make sense for me to take the BRS again after what I did at Mid O. Plus it's less group ride time, only 5 hours instead of 12. He is also letting me ride Takara in the class. After watching the beginning of the class, I don't feel bad about being a newbie. I noticed several of the riders walking the bikes to a stop, as well as practically stopping on top of each other. I wish I had more time to ride aside from Sundays at the moment, but I know as my comfort level rises that will happen. The class will help, along with getting out more in general. I know I'll soon be the type that says to myself "hmmm....i need to grab something from the store. it'll fit in my backpack, I'll take the long way " __________________________________________________ Unregistered now go away or I shall taunt you a second time! "To ensure you're giving your very best, blind yourself of all negativity, relax your mind, put inhibition to rest and drive hard toward your goals like it's the last thing on earth." - csmith12
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
parking lot practice	Koala	Riding Skills	32	June 6th, 2018 06:04 PM
Parking lot Scam!	rockNroll	Off-Topic	31	August 4th, 2012 02:05 PM
parking lot test!	heatherintegra	Riding Skills	17	May 26th, 2010 07:58 PM
Parking Lot Accident	travis5018	General Motorcycling Discussion	14	February 22nd, 2010 12:39 PM

September 16th, 2018, 10:51 AM	#4
AwDang ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: SW VA Join Date: Feb 2015 Motorcycle(s): 286, 296, 599, 799 Posts: 436	Time, patience, and practice are your friends. Congrats on the first big ride!