This was my third time on my Spyder (Charlotte), and it was fun. I mean, it was still scary at times, but I didn't feel that I was going to lose control, and I had a good time.
I talked to Dudley while at work, and he gave me some pointers. Thank you to a wonderful guy (and his beautiful wife).
My history so far --
First time out was Saturday evening (right after getting Charlotte) and rode up to the mailbox and back (.5 miles). My husband tried her out too - and fell for her too.
Second time was Sunday, where I drove up the hill, up to the deadend and went back home. Nice turns, only one spot where the road went tight and I felt like I was going to lose control. Later in the afternoon, I went back out and went down the hill (instead of up). Almost lost control a couple of times going down the very steep hill. Bucking, trying to go when I was braking, and then having the throttle get away from me once I began to acclerate out of the bottom curve put a huge damper on the riding. Got home without incident.
Didn't ride on Monday, was too tired by the time I got all the chores done. Made a pact that I would ride every day once I got home.
Today I did a complete loop (about 10-12 miles total). I was able to use the throttle more, instead of the brake and so was able to keep the byke in 2nd gear, instead of dropping into 1st do often. I actually moved into 3rd a couple of times, along the drive, but I think I'll keep it to 2nd and just let the rpm go up some (it didn't go higher than 4,000 when I did this). At the end of the first road, I stopped and made a left turn (wasn't as scary as I thought) onto Park Road 37. The speed limit there was 50, but most of it was 30 or so because of the twists. I only had one car come up behind me, and he was nice to give me room. I got up to 45 towards the end, so not bad. PR 37 emptied in Highway 16 (the way home). I waited until no traffic (cross traffic is running at 65-70 if they aren't speeding) and crossed to the middle part - where a biker went around me, flashing a smile. I made a left turn onto the right side and was able to quickly gear her up to 4th. That was fun! The road narrows to two lanes (one for each side), and since I was still running at 45, I pulled over and let everyone go on (did this 3x). When the lanes spread out again, I just stayed on the right and got up to 5th gear (do you ever get used to the wind?). The only real scary part to that was moving to the left lane, to make the left hand turn onto the side road. I had to stop, in the 'fast lane,' while getting into position to make the left turn. After that, piece of cake all the way home. The road is 20mph because it turns and then goes straight up (that was fun). The trip was a test, I think, and I think I'll do it every day, until I get comfortable going faster on the highway, and the twisties.
More later. I do love this Spyder!!!
:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:
I talked to Dudley while at work, and he gave me some pointers. Thank you to a wonderful guy (and his beautiful wife).
My history so far --
First time out was Saturday evening (right after getting Charlotte) and rode up to the mailbox and back (.5 miles). My husband tried her out too - and fell for her too.
Second time was Sunday, where I drove up the hill, up to the deadend and went back home. Nice turns, only one spot where the road went tight and I felt like I was going to lose control. Later in the afternoon, I went back out and went down the hill (instead of up). Almost lost control a couple of times going down the very steep hill. Bucking, trying to go when I was braking, and then having the throttle get away from me once I began to acclerate out of the bottom curve put a huge damper on the riding. Got home without incident.
Didn't ride on Monday, was too tired by the time I got all the chores done. Made a pact that I would ride every day once I got home.
Today I did a complete loop (about 10-12 miles total). I was able to use the throttle more, instead of the brake and so was able to keep the byke in 2nd gear, instead of dropping into 1st do often. I actually moved into 3rd a couple of times, along the drive, but I think I'll keep it to 2nd and just let the rpm go up some (it didn't go higher than 4,000 when I did this). At the end of the first road, I stopped and made a left turn (wasn't as scary as I thought) onto Park Road 37. The speed limit there was 50, but most of it was 30 or so because of the twists. I only had one car come up behind me, and he was nice to give me room. I got up to 45 towards the end, so not bad. PR 37 emptied in Highway 16 (the way home). I waited until no traffic (cross traffic is running at 65-70 if they aren't speeding) and crossed to the middle part - where a biker went around me, flashing a smile. I made a left turn onto the right side and was able to quickly gear her up to 4th. That was fun! The road narrows to two lanes (one for each side), and since I was still running at 45, I pulled over and let everyone go on (did this 3x). When the lanes spread out again, I just stayed on the right and got up to 5th gear (do you ever get used to the wind?). The only real scary part to that was moving to the left lane, to make the left hand turn onto the side road. I had to stop, in the 'fast lane,' while getting into position to make the left turn. After that, piece of cake all the way home. The road is 20mph because it turns and then goes straight up (that was fun). The trip was a test, I think, and I think I'll do it every day, until I get comfortable going faster on the highway, and the twisties.
More later. I do love this Spyder!!!
:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:
Last edited:
, so it's the back seat for me:2thumbs:.
