I think I'll have to check into a couple of those books. My attempted ride didn't go very well yesterday.  So until I can get a lot smoother on the the take off I think i'm stuck tooling around my parking lot.

I dont know about the book idea, reading a book is completely different than riding the bike.  Try to remember some key points, but mainly bike time is the most valuable time. 
When i started out, i did the parking lot thing.  Slalom between the ends of parking spaces, doing everyother.  Remember to hold that clutch.  The clutch on a motorcycle is durable, much different of that of a cars.  You can ride a motorcycle clutch all day long.   Dont worry about taking off so much.  Just keep practing a quick start stop process.  HOLD THAT CLUTCH.  Dont be afraid to rev it up before letting out on the clutch slowly, its pretty hard to throw the front wheel up on the GS, although simple once learned.   
Once you have the basics down, and you dont really think about it when riding.. The most valuable information I can give you is "WATCH FOR THE OTHER DRIVER!!" People just dont see motorcycles, that and they dont care.  We are a "menace" on the road.  Too many people have almost "got" me, but scanning the road has "saved" me every time.  I thank the lord. honestly.  Please be a smart rider.   

Lookin to ride soon in the Wayne/Washtenaw/Oakland county area.  If interested let me know!  Huron River here I come!

P.S.  I do a Canada ride as well if any interested.  www.pd13.com

I live in Dearborn (pretty obvious I guess) so I know a few good rides in the area.  A fun ride is to take Michigan Avenue west off US-23 to the Irish Hills.  My buddy and I do that a few times a year.  Mildly twisty with some good restaurants along the way.  Avoid the MIS weekends, though -- traffic is bad.

My wife bought me a great book -- Motorcyling in Michigan.  It's full of scenic 1-2 day rides. I intend to take a few this season.  You can find it at Borders. 

Good to see all the GS500'ers in the area.  I've got 7400 miles on my '04.  It's been a fantastic bike.  I will look for all of you, although with my schedule I ride mostly weekend mornings.  Went out to Huron River Drive and came back North Territorial this AM.  A bit chilly, but otherwise nice.

Just want to say hi!

I live in Clio (about 15 minutes north of Flint).  The roads here are pretty much flat and broken up into 1 mile squares - not too much fun, but there are some twisties here and there.  I did a great trip out west two years ago to the Black Hills and Colorado.  There's nothing like 15mph "S" curve switch backs, now that's fun!

Keep me posted on any upcoming rides - see you on the road!

I really need to try venturing into traffic one of these days. Still been practicing in my parking lot. If it's nice tomorrow I might try going around my little block area. I did pick up a book today, Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch, so I need to start reading that to see what kind of tips I can pick up. I wish that it would get a little bit warmer tho, that would make me way happy.

I agree with ya about the temperature....that should be a good book to read.  I too want it to warm up can't wait to go for my first long ride! 

Quote from: jonny5neal on March 29, 2006, 10:07:55 PM
I dont know about the book idea, reading a book is completely different than riding the bike.  Try to remember some key points, but mainly bike time is the most valuable time.  ...

Bike time is the most valuable -- no question.  However, do not underestimate the power of being reminded of riding techniques, situations, etc., that are not otherwise obvious or advertised.  This is the power of the written word -- to store information for future reference.

It predated the hard drive by a millennia or so. 

hey just a thought....anyone else have a Myspace account?  Is anyone (other than myself) willing to post their address or maybe just PMing eachother with them?  Just a thought....one more way we could communicate.

I'm on myspace...and I have address 

Did you want to start at MI GS group or something? I would if I knew how.

Sure why not?  I'll look into it for the next few minutes then bed time!

It's created!!  Let me know if this link works for you all!  Since I created it I am the "moderator" but that's not a big deal I'm online each night so I'll be checking it nightly.  For all those (including sarah) interested in joining go to the link below and I'll make sure to approve you for the group.  I did limit it for ONLY Michigan residents AND GS 500 owners to make it quite exclusive.

If "significant others" would like to be part of it as well I have no problem with that.    to everyone!

here's the link:   http://groups.myspace.com/migsog

I just realized something...in order to keep this "exclusive" only I can invite people, would anyone rather I change this (keeping in mind that if I do than ANY body can join). With that said "if" I should leave it the way it is you can email your screenname and I'll add you to the group?  or you can PM me via GSTwin.com either way.  Give me some suggestions please!

I joined the group, seems to be set up just fine to me. I tried to get things going a bit on there but idk how well it will work. 

I just joined the group too.  I think this is a great idea!  Now lets go ride!!

Woohoo there's 4 ppl on there 

It won't seem to let me join.  It says there is an error in when I sign up, but it doesn't say what it is.  I don't currently belong to myspace -- I must be missing something.  Either that or I am too old...

I'm pretty sure you have to have a myspace account to join the group.

im up for a ride tomarrow (may 20th)  if anyone is interested.. I live in howell here. Sounds like evryone is in the same genral area.

for those of you who don't know...abronco1 mentioned about a demo ride and a triumph dealership out in roseville that is on the 20th.  I'm thinking about taking a ride down there possibly meeting up with him on the way.  it starts at 10am and goes till 2 or 4pm...forgot the exact time.  and not really sure when i'll be going down.  I just love this last minute planning.  In howell here so i'd prolly be taking 96 to 696 down there and meeting up on 75 prolly in the madison heights area.

hey sarah...im in howell...if ya need some help or instruction on how to ride id be glad to be of service.  I'm still very new at it myself but drove my bike home the first day i got it.  But being a semi-noob myself i might be able to help you in what helped me.