[Ducati] Re: Advice for a new (old) rider?

[Dave Lewis]

Thanks guys for the input. I too am one of the older group just started
riding again after years of doing other things. Recently I was riding with
some friends and I wanted to turn back gaging my abilities and they
encouraged me to go on; however, I requested that we not drive home on I-8
with the sun in our eyes... well needless to say that is exactly what we did
and with the winds brisk on top of the mountains east of San Diego I was
quite uneasy since I am still adjusting to the bike. At times the sun was
blinding and I had to concentrate on the road as far in front of me that I
could see and sometimes this was not very far. Slowing was not too advisable
because of the force of the wind and I had to balance a safe speed against
maintain positive control of the bike. At first thought I was pissed that
our excursion had taken right where I did not want to go; however, in retro
spec I have seen the worst of this experience and should I get caught i this
situation again at least I have that experience under my belt. Facing these
conditions alone in the future I may choose to wait till the sun sets or
make sure I time the trip to avoid these conditions.

Dave
07 S2 1000

On Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 8:06 AM, Jim Calandro <capo at carolina.rr.com> wrote:

> I am an older rider too, will started getting Social Security payments
> this
> April for March!  No need to stop riding sports bikes as long as you do
> other things to keep physically fit.  I was swimming 10,000 yards a week
> and
> was on a competitive masters swim team.  I did not swim in college or high
> school just picked it up in later life when I could no longer run without
> pain.  I had to stop when I got sick but hope to be back at it late this
> summer.  I have done 350 mile days in the mountains on a 916 and was able
> to
> function the next day.
>
> What Darrin recommends is important take some rest stops and get your self
> back in condition for the rest of the ride.  Also do not push too hard so
> you are not so mentally worn out.
>
> Jim
>
> Jim Calandro
> il Capo
> US DESMO
> www.usdesmo.com
> 704-843-0429
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Darrin Burdine" <dkburdine at yahoo.com>
> To: <Ducati at Ducati.net>
> Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 10:15 AM
> Subject: [Ducati] Re: Advice for a new (old) rider?
>
>
> > For me, fatigue is one of the bigger issues. Having recentley entered
> the
> > (older) age group I can tell you that most problems have been from being
> > either mentaly, or physically exhausted. Staying fresh and alert on both
> > counts does wonders for having a good experience. Some of the things I
> do
> > is stop every 100miles (or sooner) whether I need to or not. Moving
> around
> > on the bike helps defeat the numbness that clip-ons and rearsets will do
> > to you. Also, when I stop I usually get a Gatoraide or something
> similar.
> > Coffee or soda will just dehydrate you and make you have to use the
> > restroom more often.Bottled water is good too. If it's a short break I
> > just close it up and put it in the tankbag for the next time. I hope
> this
> > helps. I'm sure many can attest that being alert is way safer.
> >                                                       Darrin
> >                                                     '01 748
>
>
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