Cornering: On some days I'm too anxious to corner smoothly and slow down too much before approaching instead of just leaning. On some corners I attack myself with object fixation and I have to gear down mid corner and turn upright. Other days I'm trail braking like a pro, and easing off the throttle to flick the bike like an even 'pro-er' pro. But I've had more good days than bad. I plan to practise more on the tight corner roads.

Braking, Throttle control, and the Manual transmission: I (thank God) haven't had any serious sudden braking situations. Most times I'm looking far enough ahead to have time to react. Other times, muscle memory kicks in and I can swirl to avoid instead of panic braking. I think the brakes and I have a good thing going. As do I and the throttle, best pals.

I still fight the gears lol. I know which to use for different situations, roads, corners and hills. But sometimes, my brain and ankle have a little disagreement and I don't shift intentionally enough so nothing happens. (lol oops)

Tires and Tire Pressure: Wow I didn't / couldn't predict that these were so important. I don't care how dumb that sounds. I have had an entire panic attack on the bike on a corner, slowing down traffic trying to figure out why I feel so disconnected from the machine, why I'm not going where I expect, wondering why I suddenly can't corner. Too much tire pressure that's why! What a learning experience!

I'm always saying that the bike is an extension of our body, because our brains literally assimilate tools we use to make them easier to use. But I didn't realise how had it would be to interpret the feedback until that week of tire overinflation (below the max but too much for our rough roads). I'm learning now, slowly, how to figure out which tire pressure combination works for me and these treacherous roads.

Rain and Night Riding: Riding in the rain so far hasn't been terrible. I think I lose traction more on dry gravel roads than wet roads. So I feel safe enough so far. Getting my pants and boots wet isn't fun though so I still avoid rain commuting.

Riding in the night is annoying, maybe as annoying as driving. That's it. Everything beyond the high beam is completely dark, and being temporarily blinded by people who won't lower or dim their lights sucks. Otherwise, it's nice being able to tell a corner is clear from the lack of light; and that one night I rode home in a blackout was a magical experience I would like to repeat.

I think that's all for now. Anyone who knows me knows I can ramble on all day, especially about motorcycling.

I'd love sponsorship for new gear. (Just leaving that there).

Wednesday 18th August, 2021 2:16 pm