Learner Rider

Today, some new gear and a new ride.

I tracked down a nearby supplier of some motorbike boots I’d noticed somewhere else. These “814 Roadster” boots were by Australian manufacturer Rossi who apparently made the boots worn by Mad Max in the eponymous film.  I liked the look of them as a basic boot, without the spaceboot style of some of the sports bike gear.  Also having caught my laces and watched the toe begin to wear out (already!) on another pair of favourite boots I’d been riding with, I decided to get some purpose gear to avoid further hassles.

So off I rode to Petersham, to buy my new boots.  This ride from the inner Sydney suburbs took me along the Pacific Highway - one of the worst roads in Sydney I’d say. Fast traffic, narrow lanes, loads of trucks and a crappy potholed road surface make for some nervy riding for my 5th day out!

I’m glad to say my indicator-cancelling is up to about 90% good, and low-gear change jerkiness is diminishing rapidly.  As I found out yesterday, there’s nothing like a hairy road ride to sharpen the skills.

As I found out, the same goes for comfort with new situations.  A little light rain on this trip was actually a nice thing as it turned out and I was totally glad to have made it out despite the rain threat. Under the helmet it was all cosy and fortunately the rain wasn’t heavy enough to soak my jeans and make things really uncomfortable.  The new boots on the way home also felt great, with no fumbling moves possible now - no laces and the toe patches proved these boots really were made for riding, and I certainly felt the extra surety they provided.   (oh and by the way, no i’m not being sponsored by Rossi, but I’d have to say it’s worth getting purpose-made boots - from any decent boot-maker).

Before I knew it I was home from another day of practice, and yet again feeling more into this mode of transport.  My appreciation not at all harmed by a few very nice slow, tight turns on the way home.  Doesn’t take high speed - just a good lean & that biking hook grabs hold a bit tighter!