I finally rode today.
I figured I would share my thoughts on returning to the saddle after a longish time away. Due to injuries and a new knee I have had several long stints away from riding. 4 mos plus. I suppose it does not matter why really but time away for any of us will affect our competency to some degree. This is how I approach coming back.
This time it was 7-1/2 months and For sure not all healthy yet but I am ready to ride.
Just need to keep it controlled. <- This is a key.
I did PageMill to 36 to 84 to Pescadero for lunch at Duarte’s.
Of course I started the day at Bux.
I had offers from several friends to ride with me but I know that riding with others affects your choices and every decision when coming off a long layoff are important. I want to focus 100%.
The Me, myself and I approach has worked great and I think it gets my brain back in the game faster than riding with others. I appreciate friends offering and their concern too. Each seems to understand my decision
Hitting PageMill it took 1 mile from 280 to pass two cars so that was addressed early and as usual conservatively often today. Quickly I noted the shoulder hurting a little but the leg / hip felt fine.
Just an easy, smooth and comfortable pace. The goal always upon the return is no drama but enough pace to get the brain starting to download all the data being delivered and put the physical control in place to make good use of it.
In just a couple miles I thought to myself that I could hear the wax paper crinkling as portions of the brain that guides this stuff had the input needed to light up neurons that had been kicking it on the sidelines for a long time.
Just past Foothill Park I gassed it up a little and really started to enjoy leaning the bike. Constant messages to myself were included.
Eyes up look further out than normal and identify potential hazards (driveways, bicycles etc) early.
Light grip on the bars.
Precise counter steering
Use both brakes
Trail the front into corners
Cover the brake
I stood a few times which was actually pretty easy surprisingly.
When I hit Alice’s I noted a lot of riders hanging
but I strolled past and hit 84 in a great spot with zero traffic. Counter steering thru the twisties felt good. Nice to be back in the flow. Great section of road.
A left on Pescadero took me by the OH FUCK Deer. That has bit me a few times. Not any more.
A nice loop over to Pescasero. Bootie fine. Shoulder same.. bothered me. Brain solid. I had a few reminders to self to look up the road in tightish 180 turns.
Then lunch.
And a nod to the SFMC.
Departing out to 1 to catch some waves I was smiling. Nice to see and feel the coast. This is kind of of normal.
Back on 84 allowed a little higher speed sweepers and some good memories of riding my RD 350 and every other bike starting when there was no posted speed limit on 84.
Riding a familiar route helps with keeping the task at hand a little more mechanical than analytical for me. That will come.
Had a nice jaunt back down PageMill. Got a little physical giddy up buzz even though being careful and smooth. Good to be alive feels.
Felt tired getting home but once the gear came off I bounced back. Chatted about the day with the wife. She is genuinely interested in how I do when it comes to being a smart motorcyclist and wants me to be solid. She asks good questions. Probably looking for a mistake to correct
She gave me the go ahead to hit it again tomorrow because she knows that getting back to being a solid and safe rider takes a little work and riding multiple days in a row makes a difference.
Also she knows I am still looking at the rally the last weekend of May.
So done for the day with good juju at home.
Good day.
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