This is so important, I'll say it twice -- always...always ride within your own comfort level -- not someone else's.
You don't mention whether you've had any formal training. If not, I'd strongly recommend a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course to build the basic skills and knowledge you need for open road riding. It's the surest and quickest way to acquire good riding habits, as opposed to discovering (maybe too late) that you've developed some self-taught bad ones. Your practice sessions need to take place off-road in a controlled environment until then. >From your description, you were "lugging" the engine on the uphills and should've downshifted to keep the engine within its power range. So, technically, you and your bike were out of control at that point. And group riding presents its own set of challenges, not the least of which is "keeping up" with the pace that has been set by someone else. Unless your group leader and the members of the group are experienced, organized and trustworthy (!) in this type riding, it can be a recipe for disaster. So, I would not ride in a group, either, until you've completed some formal basic training. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
