First Long Ride

[Bluejeans]

Well folks, I've finally taken my first lengthy ride. I know it's nothing for some of you seasoned riders, but today, I rode 100 miles all by myself. It was wonderful! The most I've ridden in one day so far is 53 miles and I did that in three small trips. But today, I took off, and just rode till my butt hurt (which didn't take long on the Savage stock seat)

It was a real event for me. Up until now, I've still had a lot of insecurities about my riding that just weren't getting any better on little short trips. But a long, long ride with lots of time to reflect on my techniques and skills and no way to just quit and go home (since I was 50 miles from home), I learned a lot about myself and my bike and took our "relationship" to the next level.

Finally, on the way back home, I hit a real comfort level with my riding position on the road and my cornering habits. For the first time, I found that I went through a series of corners before I realized it, without that fretful "lecture" I typically give myself all the way through about looking and leaning and rolling the throttle. I just did it, and I did it well.

When I think about the 4 phases of riding mentioned in other threads, I wonder where I fit. Yes, I'm still a very cautious newbie (only 800 miles under my belt - and that in one month), but I have a stepson who lost a leg in a bad motorcycle accident, so I had my "wake up call" before I ever owned a bike.

In any case, today was a red letter day for me...

If you care where I rode today, you can click here: BlueJeans Ride.

The last seven pics (page 2) in the album are from my 100 mile ride today.

[Trapper]

Looks like you had a great day. I'm currently reading Proficient motorcycling too (little over half way), and I can see that you are practicing what you are reading. Great book , I can't wait to get the next one. The trees are awesome eh? Same as here in New Brunswick.

[Bluejeans]

Yeah, I'm about halfway through the book too. And the trees were simply beautiful! I think NB is about 3-4 days ahead of us in "peak" foliage. I'm in the central eastern section of Maine and we are just now hitting peak in most areas.

Today was absolutely perfect. I love Proficient Motorcycling. That book is great. I plan to get the second one for the long cycle-less winter months.

[Madura]

Ummmm don't look now, but you have a stow-away bunny or a giant dead rabbit or something on you.

Otherwise, looked like a great ride.

[Bluejeans]

Originally Posted by Madura

Ummmm don't look now, but you have a stow-away bunny or a giant dead rabbit or something on you.

Otherwise, looked like a great ride.

THAT picture is from the Toy Run. I was required to harbor stow-aways for that ride. Only the last 7 pics are from today's ride, which was wonderful too, by the way.

[GIXXER-Mike]

Good 4 U !

The farther you are away from your home area, which is your comfort zone, the more dependent you are of your bike meaning that you are more willing to do the necessary functions to get you back safe & sound, especially if you're riding solo. At least that's what I've found so far.

[themeatmanlandry]

Nice!! Sounds like you had some serious fun!

[Bluejeans]

Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, I had so much serious fun, I went and did it again yesterday. Today, it is raining so I skipped the ride...