![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
|
|
My first big ride!
Hey guys,
Well, 6 weeks after getting my Learner Permit and doing as much riding practice as possible on the roads by my home, I'm going to do my first Big Trip. On Sunday, I'm going to do a 300km round-trip ride from Port Melbourne to beautiful Phillip Island (home of Aussie's MotoGP and V8 actually!).
I'm going to do it for charity (UNICEF) and have got my workmates to sponsor me, so there's no chickening out! It'll be a big challenge, as it's three times the longest ride I've done so far and will also be my first time on much faster roads. (I've not yet been on any freeways or ridden the bike at anything more than about 70kph).
I've recce-d the route by car, so I know what I'm in for - nonetheless, I'm getting quite nervous. I'm sure I'll be fine once I get going.
Anyone got any advice/tips for preparing myself - and my beloved Suzuki Marauder! - for this long trip? The weather looks fine and sunny for that day, so that's one thing I won't have to worry about...!!
Jeanie
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Aug 2010
|
![T.REX63's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar35305_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
|
|
Hey Jeanie, that's fantastic ![Clap](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/clap.gif) ! I'm sure you're going to love every minute of it. As for advise, if you can, maybe plan your ride around cities at times when there is no rush hour. Take your time, don't rush. Give yourself plenty of breaks.
Your choice of bike looks nice and comfortable. I think you're all set. Just turn the key and have a ball
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun" ![Innocent](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/innocent.gif)
Last edited by T.REX63; 27 Aug 2010 at 18:18.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
|
|
Thanks T.REX63 for your encouragement!
I'm sure seasoned riders would eat 300kms for breakfast (!), but for me it represents a major milestone in my riding... I'm nervous and excited at the same time, and really up for the challenge. I'm sure I'll be fine once I get underway - and I totally trust my Suzuki Marauder to get me there and back. I never thought that after 6 weeks of riding I might be doing something like this...very exciting, and just a taste of bigger adventures to come, I suspect!
Jeanie
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Yorkshire,U.K.
Posts: 51
|
|
Enjoy yourself and take it easy. You'll probably be tired out for the last 50 kilometres but grinning from ear to ear for the last 50 metres. Have fun.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Aug 2010
|
![T.REX63's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar35305_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanied1
Thanks T.REX63 for your encouragement!
...
|
You know, every seasoned rider started with the first few meters... ![Wink3](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/wink3.gif) . I just love to hear stories and read posts of "newbies" taking their firs riding steps. It brings back fond memories. Too often, seasoned riders (especially yours truly) get on their bikes and don't think twice about it anymore ![Sad](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/sad.gif) .
I'm convinced your Suzuki is a fine machine, which will not let you down. There are not really any bad bikes out there anymore, no matter what some folks claim to know ![Biggrin3](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/biggrin3.gif) . Just take it one adventure at a time. I am excited for you ![Clap](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/clap.gif) .
This is way cool. Please keep posting up dates on how you are doing
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun" ![Innocent](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/innocent.gif)
Last edited by T.REX63; 28 Aug 2010 at 11:46.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
|
|
Prepping the bike...
Thanks guys, I'm really galvanized by your support!
Today - Saturday morning - I'm giving the bike some tlc before the big ride tomorrow. Basic things really - pumping up the tyres, checking the oil, making sure the brakes are ok etc. Everything seems in order - though I've no idea how the Marauder will be out on the open road, as I've not been on any fast roads (100kph) yet! Hopefully the bike will hold up - not to mention the rider!
I've got butterflies today, but am also very excited because this is what I've been dreaming about - motorcycling out on the open road! I'll take it steady of course, but I can't wait for the feeling Starbeck mentioned - that last 50 metres back to my garage, knowing that I've done it!
Jeanie
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Aug 2010
|
![chucky55's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar121.jpg) |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 65
|
|
Enjoy the highway
Hi Jeanied1,
The weather looks great for Sunday ![Beach](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beach.gif) . I'd like to join you on the ride but I'm rebuilding at the moment. Just take it easy and don't be afraid to have a break for a cuppa if your starting to feel tired.
Have a great ride.
Chucky55
__________________
I'm not getting older; I'm just progressing through LIFE!! Harleys do not have a throttle- they have VOLUME control!!!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
|
|
Bring it on!
Thanks Chucky55!
Definitely intending to have a few coffee stops along the way! The weather's looking great as you say, and I'm heading off early to make the most of the day, so all good.
Just want to get out and do it now...the build-up's making me nervous!!
Jeanie
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Aug 2010
|
![Dodger's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar16196_3.gif) |
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
|
|
Best of luck Jeanie !
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
|
|
I've bloody done it!
Hey guys,
I'm writing this with a mixture of elation and exhaustion. Today, 6 weeks after getting my L-plates, I motorcycled 315kms from my home to Phillip Island and back.
It was a pretty tough ride, and I tackled a lot of "firsts" head on - riding in the dark (left before sunrise), riding in rain (weather forecast said it would be fine with no hint of drizzle, they lied!), riding on pot-holed roads, right-hand turns at multi-lane roundabouts...well you get the idea!
I also "celebrated" by getting to Phillip Island and promptly dropping the bike while turning round in a cul de sac! ![Oops2](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/oops.gif) And the only motorist who came past, DROVE ROUND ME and didn't stop. Had to pick the bike up on my own - sheer brute force and adrenalin helped a lot.
Can't quite believe I've done it. Felt like giving up a couple of times as I was aching loads from being tense on the bike and concentrating so hard. But I kept going and now I feel on top of the world!!
Thanks so much for all your support and advice guys, it really galvanized me to do this!
Jeanie
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanied1
I also "celebrated" by getting to Phillip Island and ...
|
Congratulations Jeanie - Good onya! ..
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanied1
.. promptly dropping the bike while turning round in a cul de sac! ![Oops2](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/oops.gif)
|
Welcome to the club!
.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Aug 2010
|
![T.REX63's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar35305_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanied1
...
But I kept going and now I feel on top of the world!!
...
|
Congratulations ![Clap](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/clap.gif) . This is what its all about
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun" ![Innocent](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/innocent.gif)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Aug 2010
|
![Scrabblebiker's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar010.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
|
|
Congrats Jeanie!!
You now know that you can do all these things, including picking up your own bike.
way to go!
...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Aug 2010
|
![Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar24086_4.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanied1
Felt like giving up a couple of times as I was aching loads from being tense on the bike and concentrating so hard.
|
Well done Jeanie,
If you are feeling tense and achy, get off and have a walk about and a bit of a stretch.
Here's a hint (prepare to look silly though) While riding along and holding on with both hands, try to flap your elbows like doing a chicken impression. If you can't, you're holding on too tight.
Also move about on the bike a bit; backwards and forwards on the seat, upright, hunched, etc. Changing possition every so often can make a big difference to how long you can ride before you're tired.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
30 Aug 2010
|
![chucky55's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar121.jpg) |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 65
|
|
Congrats moto rider
Jeanie,
Some sound advise by BYT above, great to hear you made it with one drop and no damage. ![Very Happy](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/biggrin2.gif)
Their are 2 types of motorcycle riders; those who have fallen and those who will fall. I qualify for both.
The weather gods shone on you yesterday.
Cheers from Oz
Chucky55
__________________
I'm not getting older; I'm just progressing through LIFE!! Harleys do not have a throttle- they have VOLUME control!!!
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|