Motorcycle Training Forum

[Lady P]

Went down to Macc this morning and passed - am over the moon!

[Ichy]

Well done, always a good feeling.

[ValHarri]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay well done Mandy im so pleased for you wtg

[rjh_786Bn]

Well done Lady P

[retro]

WELL DONE

[Lady P]

Thanks everyone.

The following day I went on a off-road experience - it was fantastic!
(tried to attach a piccie, but it won't let me )

Got up to all sorts of stuff

[ValHarri]

what sort of stuff? are you keeping the cg for a while Mandy or looking for another bike?

[Lady P]

Well we started off on a 'small' circuit. The course is basically in an unused field, long grass, loose soil, rutted and a mud-bath in places, with some serious drops and hills (apparently it's used for motocross competitions but gets the full makeover first). First we got used to sitting in the correct position (appears much further forward than a road bike, but you can see where you should be by the shape of the seat etc) which ensures you are central between the wheels and means the bike pivots left/right underneath you as it goes over stuff or temporarily loses traction etc. We moved on to relaxing the upper body so that you are not 'fighting' the movement of the bike, then learned cornering techniques (different from road) and riding standing up on the pegs (on the straights!!). Then we tried downhill / uphill. I was the least experienced rider in the group, but managed to do this circuit straight off, three times in succession. I think it's because I used to horseride and the upper body positions required going up and down are quite similar. On the big course, after one of my 'offs' (4 in total, probably one of the lowest 'scores'), I even did a hill start up a massive incline - the guys were impressed! (angle slightly more elevated than that hill into Macclesfield town centre, Rob will know the one, except this was loose ground). In some places the ground is at a sideways angle beneath you, like riding on a bank - good job I'd been paying attention in the morning about the cornering / traction etc! They also did jumps at the end, but I was feeling tired so sat it out (wouldn't have ridden my road bike feeling that level of fatigue) and just listened to the instructions for future reference. The training and instructors were absolutely amazing..........and yes, I will be going on that course (and others) again!!

Can't wait to get back on my 125 - the road is going to seem very tame in comparison! Learned so much on Saturday that, whilst I hope never to encounter road conditions like that, I think I would be less likely to panic now if I did.

As regards swapping bikes, Triumph are bringing out a 'baby' Bonneville SE next year - it's got a shortened wheelbase, is slightly lighter than a normal Bonnie, and best of all has a lower seat height (somewhere around 750mm!). Our dealer has confirmed it can be restricted - it's a dream bike for me and I would plan to keep it for as long as it lasted. Not sure whether I should find something cheaper in the interim, but seat height is a real consideration................

Oh yeah, and I've just enrolled on a 30hr motorcycle maintenance course which should be fun!!!

[yorkie 1200]

Belated congratulations on passing your test lady p have only just got back from my hols
well done

regarding the new triumph bikes next year
i Am looking forward to seeing the new thunderbird in the flesh looks a tasty machine
1600cc twin

[Caz]

Well done Mandy, it's a great feeling isn't it!!!

I've just spent the last couple of days looking for a bigger bike for the more vertically challenged lady! - which is causing a few titters from the sales blokes!

Congratulations again Mandy, I feel a ride out coming on with our other halves??

Hope to see you soon,

Caroline