What are your pre-riding season rituals in regards to training, and/or rig prep?
I was out yesterday for the first ride on two wheels in a couple of years, and quickly realized that my skills had severely perished. Which got me thinking about the sidecar. The first two seasons of being a "sidecarist", I roped my buddy into helping me do avoidance training exercises. We had a blast. He about split a gut laughing at me wrestling the Screaming Yellow Zonker into submission. Then we went to lunch, and about had the whole restaurant laughing at our exploits.
With all the excitement of starting a new build, I totally forgot to follow the pre-season ritual of a thorough rig inspection, and driver practice. Need to make that a priority. Bright yellow only goes so far to ward off the evil crash spirits.
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Rookie
Yes Sir! I'm just glad to be part of the "club of significant peoples."
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Season?
Don't need no season!
Next you'll want a reason!
Oh that's right you get snow and stuff! )
Scott, for a serious answer, rather than calling you a rookie, which I know you are not....the pre-season prep for the bike and sidecar is really a matter of proper season ending work, to prepare them for a long winter's sleep.
If done correctly, then as @sidewise said, you unplug the Battery Tender, and go riding, or sidecar driving, as it were.
The individual personal physical preparation before taking that first ride of the season is up to each of us individually, as age, diet, home habitat, etc all play into the differences of how we prep the body, mind, and soul.
For me.....I just unplug the Battery Tender, and go.
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
Yesterday I was out for a ride on Speedy (Triumph Speed 400). No traffic through the mountain road, which had some great 20mph and 30mph speed recommendations for beautiful corners, along with long straights with speed limits up to 60mph. Perfect opportunity to practice mid-turn emergency maneuvers, emergency high speed maneuvering on rough roads, etc.. Wow! can that bike ever maneuver quickly, and brake even faster. Also took the opportunity to practice averted vision, scanning and "safety circle" awareness. Was a lot of fun, and very educational.
I enjoy those type exercises as it dramatically increases awareness and confidence. Seems a lot of people either have a wealth of experience and so they stay sharp without the need for practice, or just don't suffer perishing skills. I'm not a natural at anything. So I have to work very hard to remain competent at everything. Recognizing this and doing consistent drills during the riding season, helps me stay sharp throughout the whole year. With the added benefit of providing some great comedic episodes to anyone who may be watching. 🤣
Looking forward to taking advantage of having the bike, by getting some professional coaching, and may do a few "track days" this season as well. That will be a whole lot of fun. 😎
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