ERC--Report

[UHGORDO]

Hello Everyone,

Coming off of winter and realizing that my skills were a little rusty on my last outing and having the West Coast Bash Ride in two weeks, I chose to enroll in the Experienced Rider Course. I really needed a refresher to get back the confidence that I lost over the winter.

A few things I learned or re-lit the light bulb, so to speak:

1) You gotta look where you want to go...Wow! does that really work. Turn your head and execute the turn...

What I was doing wrong: Looking at the lines on the road saying to myself "Don't go there, don't hit this, etc."

2) The Roadster is an AWESOME all-around bike!!! I looked like a PRO executing the drills...while all the Harley Guys kept scraping there footboards just trying to keep the bike upright! The stopping on this bike is superb...jamb on the front brake. The Telelever does its job!

3) Slow..Look...Press...Roll---I forgot the simple steps to executing a turn. When you remember to execute this, a safer ride is in store. I found myself hitting the brake, laying off the throttle prior to the course. I kept going in to hot...

Wife is yelling at me...time for Church!

Will post pics when I return...

Dave

[UHGORDO]

Okay, sorry it has been so long...church turned into brunch at Perkins and then it was a slightly non-windy day out and I had to go out and purchase a grass trimmer...my last one only lasted about 4 summers. I purchased a Stihl with a straight shaft. (Can't wait to hear comments on that...)

Well here are some pics of the ERC day...no actual riding ones, sorry!

But there was this awesome chopper there, if you are in to that sort of thing...the guy riding it sold his Indian bike for this one...

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957314-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957315-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957317-M.jpg


He said it was an 111 cubic inch/1819cc. Everytime he tried to stop quickly the front end would hop up and down because there is no weight on the front tire. He was lost all day trying to perform the U-turns in a box and even had a hard time swerving. Here is a close up of the engine:

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957319-M.jpg

Here is a picture of everyone checking out the chopper...they didn't know yet that the best bike there was in the front of the line...

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957312-M.jpg

My butt was feeling pretty comfy in the new Sargent Seat...

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/20957321-M.jpg

It was a relaxing day all in all...I learned a few things which helped me enjoy the ride in a safe manner! I have to say that I really like the Touring Shield! At first I did notice the wind grabbing the front end a little but I adjusted and the ride home was excellent. Can't wait for Torrey....

Dave