Hi all,
Firstly, a "BIG THANKYOU" Will for putting on an excellent training day at Neerim South. Never a dull moment at this place (& never a dull moment of Will's rides), with it's changing terrain depending if it's wet or dry..and oh
those slippery slide hills...what cracker!
. Also huge thanks to Mat, Franky, Pat & Garry for all giving us all heaps of advice on the craft. Believe me, I really do try & take on board any advice given to me (just sometimes need a reminder occasionly).
Key points learnt on the day for me were:
1) Look ahead like your driving a car, don't look down. (What you can't see can't hurt you
)
2) Keep elbows up at all times, whether sitting, standing or stacking
Gives you heaps better control when your out of control.
3) Full throttle going up a greasy hill in 1st or 2nd & control speed & stalling with clutch. If all else fails, stick out a damsel in distress call & you WILL get help.
4) Possibly need to own a variety of bikes, at least 2. One fast,furious & grunty for the mountains (like for Pete's Eildon rides) & one lighter & lower for greasy, hilly, techno stuff like Neerim ie CRF230...You could always have a third for the Vinduro old fart rides too
5) Give the bike some spurts of "Need For Speed" in the "You Know you want to" places "And the know you can do without stacking" places... Exhilerating. (I tried to drag tailman Mat & Frogman off on the home straight...(fat chance of that ever happening)
6)Don't be afraid of coming off. Turns you into a comedian & keeps everyone else entertained. I guess that means don't be afraid of being laughed at either
7)If riding through a clay slippery bit, as long as you don't touch the brakes you won't come off (yeh right
)
And most importantly, never give up...it get's easier.....eventually....
Also, a very big thankyou to our Paparatzi duo, Dan the Man, Darren & Freddo Frogman for their films & photo's. Helps us all re-live the experience. Top Jobby!
What a great day to challenge yourself & get that adrenillin pumping & can't help but go on the next one in a few weeks...I'm going to make it up those hills this time (anyone got a spare WRF?
). Good to hear Peter R & Serge are coming as trainers as well!! Pics from the day will follow shortly.
Cheers...Marls