Never hitting that “first ride” feeling ever again.

[rn00175]

Title is a lie. I did hit the same rush today riding Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd around the Nicasio Reservoir.

I did full day rides 2 weeks back to back, last Sunday, and today. Clocked 176 miles last Sunday; Santa Clara -> CA-9 South -> Santa Cruz -> CA-1 North-> SF -> I-280 South -> back to Santa Clara.

216 miles today; Santa Clara -> CA-9 South -> CA-35 North -> CA-92 West -> Halfmoon Bay -> CA-1 North -> Point Reyes Station -> Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd -> 101 South -> I-580 East -> Hayward -> Mission Blvd South -> CA-84 East -> Calaveras Rd -> back to Santa Clara.

200 is definitely my limit right now (mixed highways and twisty roads). Wrists aren't shot so at least I know I'm riding somewhat correctly, but definitely going to get better tank grips. Bum was reeeeeally sore by the time I got home. So is my lower back. I'm gonna look into getting better seats. But maybe the real answer is getting a more upright 2nd bike

I also dropped my bike for the first time ever today. The catch (how ironic) is that I was not moving when it happened, because I forgot to check my kickstand before leaning it! On the other hand, I now know I have the lifting technique down because I was able to get it back up without assistance. It also happened again at home in the garage... for the same reason...

Now I have hours of Insta360 footage to sort through. Maybe I'll post some when I get around to editing them.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Title is a lie. I did hit the same rush today riding Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd around the Nicasio Reservoir.

I did full day rides 2 weeks back to back, last Sunday, and today. Clocked 176 miles last Sunday; Santa Clara -> CA-9 South -> Santa Cruz -> CA-1 North-> SF -> I-280 South -> back to Santa Clara.

216 miles today; Santa Clara -> CA-9 South -> CA-35 North -> CA-92 West -> Halfmoon Bay -> CA-1 North -> Point Reyes Station -> Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd -> 101 South -> I-580 East -> Hayward -> Mission Blvd South -> CA-84 East -> Calaveras Rd -> back to Santa Clara.

200 is definitely my limit right now (mixed highways and twisty roads). Wrists aren't shot so at least I know I'm riding somewhat correctly, but definitely going to get better tank grips. Bum was reeeeeally sore by the time I got home. So is my lower back. I'm gonna look into getting better seats. But maybe the real answer is getting a more upright 2nd bike

I also dropped my bike for the first time ever today. The catch (how ironic) is that I was not moving when it happened, because I forgot to check my kickstand before leaning it! On the other hand, I now know I have the lifting technique down because I was able to get it back up without assistance. It also happened again at home in the garage... for the same reason...

Now I have hours of Insta360 footage to sort through. Maybe I'll post some when I get around to editing them.

I told you so!

Glad you’re still having fun.

 

[ST Guy]

You're on a sport bike, meaning: your front brake is primary and handles the majority of your stopping power. Learn how to use it effectively and confidently as soon as you can. Reading about your rear brake adventures worries me....and we need you here, in good shape, for the progress stories! The technique for good front braking is not snatching at the lever, but adding pressure progressively and using your legs and core to help keep your bodyweight off your palms (as much as possible).

Keep at it!

Good advice. But the front brake is extremely important on all types of bikes, not just sport bikes.