Another early start on Saturday as we went back to Adventure BMW to pick up the R Nine T. I followed Bill back home and we headed out. Because Bill had ridden on roads with 45 mph speed limits, he suggested I lead the ride today to prevent him from zooming off. So for the first time, I took point.
It was a cool 65 degrees as we headed out. I found myself shutting my helmet visor, needing to zip up my jacket fully, and wishing I had worn my neck tube. Taking point meant I needed to be even more aware of what traffic was doing as it affected both of us. But I also enjoyed the point as I selected the route and determined our slow speed practice.
Because the day was so cool, I was able to add back the slow speed drills of tight circles, S-turns, full lock drills, and straightening up and stopping drills. It felt good to get back into practice, and I found myself smiling a lot as some of the drills came easily and some challenged me. Before we headed out, Bill had checked the air in my tires which were low. As he told me, “You’ll notice your suspension is going to be stiff.” I particularly noticed this inside the gravel lot. As I led the turns, I felt my tires slipping under me repeatedly. But I wasn’t freaked out by the slips as I feel I can handle the Ducati and I understood why there was such an increase.
The cool air meant almost no butterflies. However, late into our ride, a darkish brown Juvenal’s Duskywing fluttered across my path. We did see a lot of small groups of geese as their migration continues. I did wonder why I haven’t seen any large birds of prey, but then I remembered I was on point and shouldn’t be watching the sky.
Since I did have point, I led us to the school field so I could ride the R Nine T some. I amazed myself with how well I was able to get the motorcycle moving. I had a blast just zooming around in S-turns, really enjoying how well the bike leaned into the little curves and how well it zipped around. I was having so much fun I almost forgot to practice stopping and resuming the ride so I could work the clutch. I had six successful starts with zero stalls, so I’m almost ready to say I have a feel for the dry clutch.
The beautiful ride came to an end with big grins on both of our faces. Autumn is definitely riding season.
Flutterby Biker 