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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Sloppy Seconds or "Rob doesn't really have a topic this week."

It's been one of those weeks where nothing got accomplished.  I got buried at work, the weather did not cooperate and the lovely Susan and I didn't manage to get our stuff together to start trying to ride 2-up.    We did make sure she was able to climb onto the back of the bike without difficultly but we haven't taken it out yet.

In fact, I've not ridden much at all in the last few days.  When I have however I've noticed something about myself and my riding technique.  I've become sloppy.  Not really coming to a full stop when making a right turn at a stop sign.   Looking down a bit when making a turn and not keeping my eye on what's ahead.  Racing through yellow lights.   

In other words, stupid.

I am not sure where or how I've picked up these bad habits.  What I do know is that I need to break them.  If something goes wrong when I'm riding solo that's one thing.  I am responsible for my own actions, my own life.  I've accepted that responsibility.  Riding with a passenger means that I am now responsible for their life as well.   With the additional weight of a passenger the bike will react differently.  Act differently.  It's simple basic physics.  I need to break those bad habits now.

The second thing we need to do it get the lovely Susan some gear of her own.  I have a secondary "back up" helmet which she can wear on our low speed trial runs around the neighborhood, but once we start heading out on the roads I feel a full face helmet for her is in order.  It's probably the safest option as well.  We have not talked about jackets yet but I would hope she go for some Hi-Vis.  

I would like to get this all accomplished before our second cruise on Celebration Cruise lines (and third cruise overall) to the Bahama's (which we have never visited).  Last year a local scooter group traveled to the islands and  zipped around the whole island on rented scooters.  Susan and I have done similar things on our other cruises, enjoying Cozumel for example in a rented jeep, but this is the first time I will be renting a scooter.  You can see a video of last year's ride here.

When the same group offered a great rate to go this year we jumped at the chance.  We are looking forward to exploring the islands.  My only concern however is other people.  The group we are riding with are all experienced riders, I'm sure the natives are familiar with their machines.  These are not the people that concern me.  I have watched enough You Tube video's of idiots on scooters to be concerned about people that don't know better being out on the streets of Nassau.

Finally I just want to remind everyone that the National Ride to Work Day will be here soon.


4 comments:

Dar said...

It was one of those weeks for me too. Spent the last 2 days spinning my proverbial wheels. I just didn't have the oomph to do anything, I think the stress of the previous week just caught up with me & I needed a relaxing weekend. I did get out for a ride today, which was lovely. Susan should check out motorcycle superstore they hand an Olympia Airglide jacket on sale for $160 - heck of a good deal.. Full face is the only option to my way of thinking. Hope she finds awesome gear.

Trobairitz said...

I too hope Susan finds some gear that she likes that fits. I know from experience that it isn't always easy. I have a hard time finding jackets with sleeves long enough and pants with legs long enough. Depending on her sizing mens might work well too. I ended up buying mens Rev'it pants because they fit better.

Scootering and cruising sounds interesting. With all the cruise line issues going around I don't think I could pay Troubadour to ever step foot on a cruise ship, ever.

Martha said...

Love the cartoon.

I always shake my head in disbelief when I see some guy without a helmet and his girlfriend/wife on the back with a helmet. If she had any sense she would refuse the ride. But he probably would be delighted to go without her anyway.

Good for you noticing your "sloppy" habits. I understand that and am guilty, too.

Deb said...

Yea, when I am tired, I get "sloppy" and so I have not been riding much during the week after work. I've always felt that it takes only "one" little moment to create disaster.

Hi viz is the way to go! I like the stuff from "Missing Link" and Olympia for that too.

Your trip sounds like it will be FUN!