‘How’ to do it is one thing… ‘why’ is completely another. Thrills? Adrenalin rush? A test of your skills? Finding your bike’s limits? Or simply finding out when you should have spare underwear handy?
Lots of excellent advice and input above on HOW to do it and survive. But, how many of us first ask WHY we need to do it and, further, are we truly up to it? And, most importantly, is our bike ready for it?
I do understand the ‘need for speed’, the sense of ‘accomplishment’ that comes from successful fast rides on roller-coaster-like roads. Adrenaline surges can be addictive. I grew up with sports cars, and did the practice routines night after night until I got pretty damned good; I could drive many roads well beyond posted limits. I later learned to do it somewhat on two-wheelers, as well. I look back now and shudder at how stupidly foolish a lot of it was. Often, I simply relied on my car or bike to be capable and ready, totally neglecting that the professionals I was trying to emulate have properly prepared, specially tuned machines, equipped for racing and stress; mine wasn’t. Those drivers had experience; I was learning by trial and error. I expected the familiar roads to be in the same condition, the same traffic load every time; they weren’t. And they weren't controlled race tracks or circuits. I left a lot of things to chance. Mostly, I got off lucky… extremely so in one or two instances. Are both you and your bike in proper shape? I hope so; and I also hope you will be as fortunate, and without problems.
Yes, fast riding can be exhilarating. And practicing to become a better rider has many benefits. How far do you need to push it? Why? Think about those answers before you try. You’ll be better prepared for the consequences, whatever they turn out to be. I’m not saying don’t do it. Just remember there are more things involved in riding the twisties well than simply looking through the curve and leaning to the inside. Road conditions change since the last time you were there and issues can spring up when least expected. Loose gravel; weather too. Fog patches, blown tires, mechanical issues, etc… Can you handle those while concentrating on the Apex? **** happens, and you’d better be prepared to deal with it if you are continually going to challenge yourself and your bike. Other family members also have to deal with the consequences of your decisions.
Two scenarios from my life: spare underwear lesson #1... the night I was doing my regular practice run in my MGB through local twisties. Thought I could handle that damn road pretty well. Decided to up my entry speed another couple of notches at a crucial corner. Downhill sharp right turn; down-shifting, brake-tapping, wheel-tugging all required in quick coordination. Didn’t hit it quite as well as I should have. Got into a long 4-wheel drift which took me diagonally across the oncoming lane. Fortunately, no traffic. I drifted far enough that I was chewing up gravel on the far shoulder, left rear wheel momentarily in mid-air. And, I was just far enough down the road that I was fast approaching three large elm trees on that shoulder, 2’-3’ in diameter. Hadn’t even thought about them. My side-slide corrected just before potential impact. I was lucky. I was also stupid for trying to be a rally racer when I was literally just (at that moment) a wet-assed kid.
I was a slow learner. Five years later, I absolutely totalled a Porsche 911 one night, doing twisties, though not really trying to push it. Just happened to be on an unfamiliar, curvy road with very inaccurate road signs. Also had been driving through a shallow valley when we came to a slight rise with a marked, checker-board warning showing “Danger” and a 90 degree left turn. At that very moment, we climbed into a hitherto unseen low-lying fog bank. Totally lost sight of the curve, the pavement; nothing but grey mist everywhere. And, the big tight curve turned out to be a far more gentle 20-30 degree sweeper. Front right tire hit the shoulder; I corrected sharply, anticipating 90 degree left turn. Felt the left front tire cross the oncoming shoulder. Corrected again, but we were by then in a broad, shallow ditch. Could have gone for miles without a problem, and likely come to a safe stop. But after about 40’, and still doing 50 mph, we hit a mound of dirt. Shouldn't have been there, but was. Result: Porsche did 3 somersaults. I wasn’t wearing my seat belt. Came out through the windshield head first, flew through the air barely conscious and landed in 8” of mud. Car followed along behind, hit a wood telephone pole about 10’ up and dropped to the ground, on its wheels, motor racing wide open, gas tank ruptured. Also right on top of me; only my head sticking out under passenger side rocker panel. I was completely pinned in the mud, unconscious at first, but slowly came around. I was alive only because the car did a half-turn in mid-air, before it dropped. After they lifted the Porsche off me and dragged me from the mud, I walked to the ambulance that took me to hospital and found I had a fractured skull. Lots of bruises, some pain. Kinda messed up for a few days. I lived, but have friends who question whether I have ever been ‘totally right’ since.
To say I was extremely lucky is a gross understatement. A small part of me still looks at twisties and says: “I wonder how fast….? But then, something else says: “you’ve spent a lifetime rushing around this world; maybe we should relax and enjoy the scenery a bit more deeply and slowly.” I like that second voice, today.
Me, the wife and our Spyder love the twisties, including noticing the leaves on the trees, the birds and chipmunks. We go a little slower now, and take it all in.
Apologies for the ramble.
