Every time I go for a ride I have a few goals on the day. They vary with what I am riding, who I am riding with, but some basics apply to each ride. Today was a motard ride alone. No planned hook up with friends, so this was the outline for the day.
Goals:
Make it home safe would be number one.
Have a good ride that includes a good polish on the skill set.
Enjoy the application of the skill set.
Enjoy the scenery and just being on two in the wind.
Enjoy some time with me and myself
Meeting other enthusiast or seeing something unique.. whatever is just gravy on top of the above happening.
So here is a take on being in the “Polishing your skill set” mode and being passed and letting your “own” ride be the master of the situation.
This is written as if I was you and so you get to join me inside my helmet for a day of fun and play and the decision of whether to pick it up and really play (done before:blush) or ride your “own” ride and stay with the plan. Here we go:
Any summer day when the sun is shining, life is good in the Santa Cruz Mountains on two wheels. You woke up early.. finished the yard work and slung a leg over your tard at 9AM.. ready to roll for a solo day on some bitchen roads.. you and your moto.. no one else, but your mind.. your machine.. your throttle hand and your plan for a great day….. sweet!!!
Fully geared.. you roll up Page Mill to find that there is a lot of road work going on in the eastbound lane. You keep noting conditions in the opposite direction while crossing thru these construction areas for the return to home turf. You note that there is a lot of bicycles on the road too.. a couple of chase mini vans appear. That gives you the clue that this will likely be a busy morning on some of those goat roads you plan to ride..
Noted and additional safety factor implemented.
After a nice warm up ride up Page Mill you hit Skyline you pause a moment to think about the ride up and how you rode. Then…your goals and what is awaiting upon your return from the days ride on this particular piece of asphalt.
Then the family piece hit your thoughts. The wife wants to hit a movie or go to dinner so the plan is to be home by mid afternoon so you can catch the MotoGP race, catch a shower and be good to go by 5pm.
Rolling over the ridge you drop onto Alpine Road the good stuff is at hand.. warm up done. This is not GAME ON (Ref:*1)…this is game on (Ref*2).
****
(Ref *1: "GAME ON" (def): All out assault on the pavement in front of you. Riding to the 90% or more of your limit or pretending you are at the Isle of Mann. Also reference: SQUIDS.
(Ref*2: Game On (def): Where an individual drops into a focus and rides a pace that challenges them, but leaves room for the unknown and is applied with known conditions. Further aspects / applications in a motorcycle reference applying to this definition are:
1. Familiarity with the route
2. Conditions of the road that are well known (in your case today: dry, hot day after lots of good weather)
3. Conditions of the road that are unknown (in your case today: you had not been up on this road for 1 Month and the road is known to have sand or a little gravel in different areas)
4. Traffic conditions: You had noted many bicycles on the front side and likely given the heat most had gotten an early start and more are to be anticipated.
5. Gear: All good.. Helimot goodies, Shark Helmet, A-Star boots, etc… full power ranger power in affect.
6. Must get home to your other life..and live it well and then ride again next weekend:ride
****
With that imprinted on your brain you embarked into a place that really a very small percentage of society gets to experience. You flow along the roads literally flying on the ground. You are one with your machine and work together in a partnership that makes the roads engineers applaud. The pace is comfortable and transitions smooth and you suck up the bumps with a grin. When they get bigger you stand to flow over them and sit into the turns using your body to guide the team through. The polishing is in affect.
You use your “Vision” (Vanishing Point: Ref *3) to clear all paths and ensure you have time to react to “almost” (Ref *4) any surprise you may find along the way. You are surrounded by beauty both in nature and in motion as you roll down into the valley that defies belief in the fact, that you are only one half hour away from Silicon Valley.
****
{Ref *3:User DataDan/thread: Vanishing Point/1Rider Forum/good idea to read it}
{Ref *4: “Almost” (def): Means it ain’t 100% fool.. pay f*cking attention}
*****
A quick review of the anticipated road conditions leads to a jaunt over to Pescadero. You had not found an abundance of bicyclists on Alpine, but Pescadero Road west had provided a little smoother and cleaner asphalt and more sweeping turns as well so that means more bicyclists were anticipated and the increase in speed meant a nice flow of motion and more smiles. The road offers a lot of beauty and a chance to see more distant views of some of California best, but that was for a different day and things felt good. The site lines were a little better as well and that makes the higher speeds comfortable.
As you hit the slow zone at the ½ way point you think to yourself… Man… this is cool.
You apply your level of “GOOD SPEED” (Ref:*5) and avoid the few areas where debris is on the road. The bike feels nimble and with good vision and control it is easy to avoid the minimal “got ya’s” that the road is throwing at you. Once in you roll into Pescadero you slow and enjoy the views and aroma of the farms and the quaint downtown. Next up a quick run to San Gregorio on Stage Road..you decide that would take precedence over food.
****
{Ref *5:User DataDan/thread: Good Speed Bad Speed/1Rider Forum/f*cking read it}
****
The road has been fun and everything is flowing inside the helmet… but immediately as you leave town on Stage you notice there are a lot of bicycles on the road.. a lot. :wtf
You pass the whole “WebCor” (Ref: *6) team on the roll out past the mortuary.. and then you hit a couple of pick up trucks before the the hard left at the farm that say.. “Welcome” (Ref *7). The ride is fun and you enjoy flicking the bike both ways.. test a little back breaking into a couple of turns..and smile a lot.
****
{Ref *6: “WebCor” a Construction Company /A lot of bicyclist in green and white uniforms all pedaling like mofo’s have a kick ass time too}
{Ref *7: “Welcome” A quick reference to real life when riding a motorcycle that gives you a chill, because you feel vulnerable}
****
Pretty much the bikes were just at the beginning and you pull in behind a couple of sportbiles as you drop into San Gregorio after a fun jaunt. You hit the store. Dismount.. smile… smoke…say sup to a couple of other guys on bikes…smoke…. Think… smile…. 14.5 minutes… ready to ride..! (OK only I smoke my bad)
Rolling out you notice 4 guys.. all in full gear on some nice sprotbiles.. and one looks familiar and you stop next to them.. a quick nod says yup.. seen this guy before. The conversation goes something like this:
1K GSXR dude: “Remember me from Alpine …I’m NAME HERE…”
You: “Yeah!..sup! (You quickly think: Damn this dude rocked that gixxer on that road.. this man can ride!)
1K GSXR dude: “ What a great day.. watch out for the gravel on the first part of Stage…”
Other Dude: “ After the big sweeper it is all good”
You: “ Yeah will do ..there is a lot of bicycles out today too”
Etc…for another 30 Sec’s…..
You then leave back on Stage to Pescadero… and you have a feeling that 1K GSXR dude and his buds are not far behind…
You had noticed that the grass along the road had grown a lot and sight lines are definitely not that great for smaller vehicles and bikes… and you know Team Webcor was approaching.. Only a mile in 1K GSXR dude goes by you.. right at the big sweeper..and damn..he leaned over in an awesome line.. it makes you smile. You feel the urge to pick up the pace… and you did.. a bit…thinking the others coming and this could be fun.
Then…. a quick realization that Team Webcor could send a car wide on a turn forcing you really wide and you hold “The Pace” (Ref: *8)…. you stayed on plan. Two more pass by.. and once again.. the inner man says go Baby..!
****
{Ref: *8: “The Pace” /If you are a serious sportbike rider on the street/and you have not read this/do a search and get with the program}
****
Again… you think quickly about the plan to get home safe that says.. ride your pace .
You do.. you smile..still flowing and going. After a while the last of 4 riders moves by with a wave from you.. damn you’re a thoughtful guy.. :teeth
You worry a bit knowing that Team Webcor could be around the corner and his line is right at what would be the DY if there was one. As you follow around in a tight lefty, you felt angst until he clears the corner. You again took that outside line that promises to deliver you to your goal, realize if he gets hit you could be screwed.
You follow a bit and enjoy it.. and then roll it back to smell the roses wishing all the guys good health and good luck.. You then pass the 4 at the farm and a smile and a wave sends you forward..glad that all four were there. Not that they did anything "crazy" {Ref: *9) .. you just knew that for your comfort zone and goal on the day they were outside that…
****
{Ref: *9): “Crazy” An easily misinterpreted understanding of ones decisions while riding a motorcycle because of what could be their skill limit and experiences and then balancing that with the knowledge that all “Normal” People think all of us riders are crazy
****
They rode well and so did you and you maintained the plan. You continue your route.. back over the hills to Alpine and then finally to Page Mill. Noting the construction was on the other side you ride back with confidence. You roll up to you home and smile, victorious, satisfied and safe.
If the Budman was watching .. he would give you a :thumbup
END
Check out these and other threads in the 1Rider forum.
They can help you meet your goals as well.
:smoking
Goals:
Make it home safe would be number one.
Have a good ride that includes a good polish on the skill set.
Enjoy the application of the skill set.
Enjoy the scenery and just being on two in the wind.
Enjoy some time with me and myself
Meeting other enthusiast or seeing something unique.. whatever is just gravy on top of the above happening.
So here is a take on being in the “Polishing your skill set” mode and being passed and letting your “own” ride be the master of the situation.
This is written as if I was you and so you get to join me inside my helmet for a day of fun and play and the decision of whether to pick it up and really play (done before:blush) or ride your “own” ride and stay with the plan. Here we go:
Any summer day when the sun is shining, life is good in the Santa Cruz Mountains on two wheels. You woke up early.. finished the yard work and slung a leg over your tard at 9AM.. ready to roll for a solo day on some bitchen roads.. you and your moto.. no one else, but your mind.. your machine.. your throttle hand and your plan for a great day….. sweet!!!
Fully geared.. you roll up Page Mill to find that there is a lot of road work going on in the eastbound lane. You keep noting conditions in the opposite direction while crossing thru these construction areas for the return to home turf. You note that there is a lot of bicycles on the road too.. a couple of chase mini vans appear. That gives you the clue that this will likely be a busy morning on some of those goat roads you plan to ride..
Noted and additional safety factor implemented.
After a nice warm up ride up Page Mill you hit Skyline you pause a moment to think about the ride up and how you rode. Then…your goals and what is awaiting upon your return from the days ride on this particular piece of asphalt.
Then the family piece hit your thoughts. The wife wants to hit a movie or go to dinner so the plan is to be home by mid afternoon so you can catch the MotoGP race, catch a shower and be good to go by 5pm.
Rolling over the ridge you drop onto Alpine Road the good stuff is at hand.. warm up done. This is not GAME ON (Ref:*1)…this is game on (Ref*2).
****
(Ref *1: "GAME ON" (def): All out assault on the pavement in front of you. Riding to the 90% or more of your limit or pretending you are at the Isle of Mann. Also reference: SQUIDS.
(Ref*2: Game On (def): Where an individual drops into a focus and rides a pace that challenges them, but leaves room for the unknown and is applied with known conditions. Further aspects / applications in a motorcycle reference applying to this definition are:
1. Familiarity with the route
2. Conditions of the road that are well known (in your case today: dry, hot day after lots of good weather)
3. Conditions of the road that are unknown (in your case today: you had not been up on this road for 1 Month and the road is known to have sand or a little gravel in different areas)
4. Traffic conditions: You had noted many bicycles on the front side and likely given the heat most had gotten an early start and more are to be anticipated.
5. Gear: All good.. Helimot goodies, Shark Helmet, A-Star boots, etc… full power ranger power in affect.
6. Must get home to your other life..and live it well and then ride again next weekend:ride
****
With that imprinted on your brain you embarked into a place that really a very small percentage of society gets to experience. You flow along the roads literally flying on the ground. You are one with your machine and work together in a partnership that makes the roads engineers applaud. The pace is comfortable and transitions smooth and you suck up the bumps with a grin. When they get bigger you stand to flow over them and sit into the turns using your body to guide the team through. The polishing is in affect.
You use your “Vision” (Vanishing Point: Ref *3) to clear all paths and ensure you have time to react to “almost” (Ref *4) any surprise you may find along the way. You are surrounded by beauty both in nature and in motion as you roll down into the valley that defies belief in the fact, that you are only one half hour away from Silicon Valley.
****
{Ref *3:User DataDan/thread: Vanishing Point/1Rider Forum/good idea to read it}
{Ref *4: “Almost” (def): Means it ain’t 100% fool.. pay f*cking attention}
*****
A quick review of the anticipated road conditions leads to a jaunt over to Pescadero. You had not found an abundance of bicyclists on Alpine, but Pescadero Road west had provided a little smoother and cleaner asphalt and more sweeping turns as well so that means more bicyclists were anticipated and the increase in speed meant a nice flow of motion and more smiles. The road offers a lot of beauty and a chance to see more distant views of some of California best, but that was for a different day and things felt good. The site lines were a little better as well and that makes the higher speeds comfortable.
As you hit the slow zone at the ½ way point you think to yourself… Man… this is cool.
You apply your level of “GOOD SPEED” (Ref:*5) and avoid the few areas where debris is on the road. The bike feels nimble and with good vision and control it is easy to avoid the minimal “got ya’s” that the road is throwing at you. Once in you roll into Pescadero you slow and enjoy the views and aroma of the farms and the quaint downtown. Next up a quick run to San Gregorio on Stage Road..you decide that would take precedence over food.
****
{Ref *5:User DataDan/thread: Good Speed Bad Speed/1Rider Forum/f*cking read it}
****
The road has been fun and everything is flowing inside the helmet… but immediately as you leave town on Stage you notice there are a lot of bicycles on the road.. a lot. :wtf
You pass the whole “WebCor” (Ref: *6) team on the roll out past the mortuary.. and then you hit a couple of pick up trucks before the the hard left at the farm that say.. “Welcome” (Ref *7). The ride is fun and you enjoy flicking the bike both ways.. test a little back breaking into a couple of turns..and smile a lot.
****
{Ref *6: “WebCor” a Construction Company /A lot of bicyclist in green and white uniforms all pedaling like mofo’s have a kick ass time too}
{Ref *7: “Welcome” A quick reference to real life when riding a motorcycle that gives you a chill, because you feel vulnerable}
****
Pretty much the bikes were just at the beginning and you pull in behind a couple of sportbiles as you drop into San Gregorio after a fun jaunt. You hit the store. Dismount.. smile… smoke…say sup to a couple of other guys on bikes…smoke…. Think… smile…. 14.5 minutes… ready to ride..! (OK only I smoke my bad
)Rolling out you notice 4 guys.. all in full gear on some nice sprotbiles.. and one looks familiar and you stop next to them.. a quick nod says yup.. seen this guy before. The conversation goes something like this:
1K GSXR dude: “Remember me from Alpine …I’m NAME HERE…”
You: “Yeah!..sup! (You quickly think: Damn this dude rocked that gixxer on that road.. this man can ride!)
1K GSXR dude: “ What a great day.. watch out for the gravel on the first part of Stage…”
Other Dude: “ After the big sweeper it is all good”
You: “ Yeah will do ..there is a lot of bicycles out today too”
Etc…for another 30 Sec’s…..
You then leave back on Stage to Pescadero… and you have a feeling that 1K GSXR dude and his buds are not far behind…
You had noticed that the grass along the road had grown a lot and sight lines are definitely not that great for smaller vehicles and bikes… and you know Team Webcor was approaching.. Only a mile in 1K GSXR dude goes by you.. right at the big sweeper..and damn..he leaned over in an awesome line.. it makes you smile. You feel the urge to pick up the pace… and you did.. a bit…thinking the others coming and this could be fun.
Then…. a quick realization that Team Webcor could send a car wide on a turn forcing you really wide and you hold “The Pace” (Ref: *8)…. you stayed on plan. Two more pass by.. and once again.. the inner man says go Baby..!
****
{Ref: *8: “The Pace” /If you are a serious sportbike rider on the street/and you have not read this/do a search and get with the program}
****
Again… you think quickly about the plan to get home safe that says.. ride your pace .
You do.. you smile..still flowing and going. After a while the last of 4 riders moves by with a wave from you.. damn you’re a thoughtful guy.. :teeth
You worry a bit knowing that Team Webcor could be around the corner and his line is right at what would be the DY if there was one. As you follow around in a tight lefty, you felt angst until he clears the corner. You again took that outside line that promises to deliver you to your goal, realize if he gets hit you could be screwed.
You follow a bit and enjoy it.. and then roll it back to smell the roses wishing all the guys good health and good luck.. You then pass the 4 at the farm and a smile and a wave sends you forward..glad that all four were there. Not that they did anything "crazy" {Ref: *9) .. you just knew that for your comfort zone and goal on the day they were outside that…
****
{Ref: *9): “Crazy” An easily misinterpreted understanding of ones decisions while riding a motorcycle because of what could be their skill limit and experiences and then balancing that with the knowledge that all “Normal” People think all of us riders are crazy
****
They rode well and so did you and you maintained the plan. You continue your route.. back over the hills to Alpine and then finally to Page Mill. Noting the construction was on the other side you ride back with confidence. You roll up to you home and smile, victorious, satisfied and safe.
If the Budman was watching .. he would give you a :thumbup
END
Check out these and other threads in the 1Rider forum.
They can help you meet your goals as well.
:smoking
