My first week on a bike

[Hughesy]

After months of looking, thinking and changes of mind, I finally bought my GS 500F.
Reflecting back over my first week of riding, life is getting better and better.
The first day was quite eventful really. I started tentatively, going through the gears in the car park at work. I then ventured onto the backstreets around Eltham (Vic), progressing over Fitzimmons Lane for a much needed shot of caffeine in Templestowe. Decided to ride to dinner that night in Doncaster. While eating, the wind became a gale and the heavens opened. The radar showed nothing but orange and green. There would be no sitting this one out. I was surprised how well the bike rode in the wet. I went slowly but the bike felt as it did in the dry. However, I was very pleased to get home.
Each day the confidence grew. The gear changes are smoother and the handling more sure.
The only worry was  woman at the lights didn't realize she was in reverse and inadvertently reversed towards me! Sheesh!
This weekend I have ridden down the Peninsula (again at night) and found the wind buffeting challenging. I know the subtleties of my body leaning are steering the bike, but it feels like the bike does it itself, it's amazing.
Once down here the riding has been superb! Mount Martha to Dromana was great! its such a wonderful region to ride around.
I am loving the riding and getting the bike was one of the best decisions I have made. I have so much to learn but this first week has been sensational.
I'm loving being part of the tribe!

[von der Neeth]

Nice work!
When I got back on a bike again last year after about fifteen away, I was really wobbly. Really wobbly. The first thing I did was go for a few quiet Sunday morning rides where people weren't, to get a feel for the bike and to learn what to do again. That really helped with the confidence (which I feel is a big part of riding well - as long as it's not over-confidence, of course!)
Another thing that has been golden is riding with a friend. Particularly one who doesn't think a day without scraped pegs is one wasted. To share the views and a caffeine shot or two, and perhaps the odd bend, is worth the price of admission alone.

There's a reason people get fanatical about bikes.

[codajastal]

 

[mister]

Awesome!

When the wind is strong, grip the tank with your legs, make your arms loosey goosey instead of trying to strong arm muscle the steering. The ride will be more pleasant.

Michael

[Hughesy]

Thanks for that guys.
Good tip with the legs, Michael. I'll try that.
I'll just progress it slow and steady.
The thing I forgot to mention is the bike....with every ride, I am more convinced about what a great bike it is. I love it! It feels so good and I think it is a bike that fits many riders' experience levels. I'm so pleased I chose the GS.