houltmac

I'm from Cheltenham, so not too far away. I'd be up for ride outs at weekends. Always looking for an excuse to do some miles.

I'd be up for that for sure. Be nice to ride in with someone, especially if I haven't figured out my GPS by then.

Yeah, it doesn't matter if you are even in gear when you stop as long as you do it safely with your front wheel in the box. I did it in second gear though - worked well for most of us I think. Oh, and don't forget those shoulder checks.

Bugger, that went quick! I thought he'd only posted the other day!

Thanks for the recommendation. I still want to get one, but I want to make sure it's recommended.

Cheltenham weather according to the BBC: Sat - Heavy rain Sun - Heavy snow Mon - Broken cloud (ie. no idea) - Picking up my new bike then Tuesday - Light rain

I've done a fair amount of research with bar end mirrors as I was after some myself. It seems that they tend to have really cheap glass, so it's not very clear in most models. Also, their fittings are often poor and either fall off, or simply wobble about so much you can't see anything in the mirror anyway. The ones I found that looked to solve these issues (and that of filtering) are the CRG Hindsight LS mirrors. They also fold in like car wing mirrors, and snap back into place when you need them again. They look great, but aren't cheap. I contacted CRG and was told the only UK distributor was FasterByDesign. Sadly, they haven't returned my calls or emails for weeks, and my package still hasn't arrived. It's a shame really because I really wanted the mirrors, and some shorty levers too.

A change of plan for me. My mate can't make it March 6 (wife's birthday - wooops!) so we are doing Southampton on Friday March 26 instead if anyone is interested.

Very good advice. I often sit checking my mirror at lights and then stamp the brake in time with the music when cars appear - they always notice me then (and often laugh at the guy bopping around on the bike at the lights)

Some pretty good advise. I've not hit really bad fog like that as yet, but it wasn't pleasant in light fog. Glad you made it home safe.

Well done mate, congrats!

I had a chat with Mike a while back in email and he was really friendly and helpful. He sent me a copy of the DVD for free and I have to say it was really good. The techniques are simple to understand and well demonstrated. It's easy stuff, you just need to be mindful of it. I'd also say its worth checking out his YouTube channel: advancedrider I also watched the above discussed videos and I'll be ordering the DVD.

It looks like a decent video to show people how the experience goes. The scary thing is the not knowing 100% what to expect.

Links all seem broken. Just search Charley Bootman on Ticketmaster

I know some people don't like him, but I always have. Charley and Simon Pavey are doing a live tour telling stories and answering questions. More info here: http://www.charleyboormanlive.com/ Anyone fancy Birmingham on Sat March 6?

The test should be teaching you to: 1. Off throttle 2. Apply rear brake 3. Apply front brake 4. Assertively increase pressure At no stage should you grab a handful of front brake, and don't lean on the rear, just apply it and squeeze them slowly but firmly. As mentioned before, it's not an emergency stop, just a controlled stop. You don't even have to do it in a set distance, just from a set speed. Example: I did my Mod1 and stopped way before the instructor without locking a wheel or anything. Fine. Just over the set speed (32mph or whatever it is). I stayed around a while and watched the guy after me (the army sent him through his training). He gunned it, and went way faster than he had to. The examiner even took a step backward to not get hit (he probably would have got away with not moving... just) but the guy stopped in a short distance for the speed, and was controlled. Also a pass.

I'm in Cheltenham, but could easily make the ride to Swindon or Cirencester just about any weekend after March 1.

I bought them direct from dragginjeans.net. Shipping was over what I would have paid at the dealers, but it was quicker and less hassle. The camos are a great fit. I usually wear either 32 or 34 waist, 34 leg. I got these in a 34 based on the way my denim ones fitted. I would need a belt if I were walking around town for a while, but they fit fine for walking to and from the bike. The legs are extra long too, so they are still plenty long enough when all folded up on the bike. At the bike show before Christmas, I tried on the denims in a 32 and couldn't get them on. I later found out they were a skinny fit, but still... damn. I went for the 34 there in the end and while not as loose as the camo's (I like loose fit better) they are fine for riding.

Yeah, the Draggin' Jeans are really comfy, and the demos they show always seem pretty convincing. I feel safe in them. I have a pair of the plain blue denim ones, and I like them a lot. I got the camos because they are a looser cut and also because they have the utility pockets. The jacket is super comfy, and looks the dogs. I haven't rode in it yet, but hope to make up for that as soon as the new bike arrives. The Shoei was a tough call. I like my Arai so much, but decided if I was going to get a new lid, it should be something different. It fits like a glove, but it certainly less plush and padded than the Arai. Still very comfy (again, won't go riding in it until the March 1), but certainly more raw feeling. I think it possibly fits a little better even. I also like that it comes with the chin thing and the new extra large Pinlocks.

And today I picked up my new Shoei! All these goodies! http://files.droplr.com/files/845601/rxMcj.Shoei.jpg

Thanks. I had a bit of trouble finding it, it's current but not many retailers keep it in stock in the UK. I got the best guess size, which may not be quite as tight as it should be, but as a first leather jacket it's tight enough for me (I don't like tight fitting stuff at the best of times). I may well end up getting another and using this as a winter jacket once I get used to the fit.

In preparation for my new bike, I ordered a few things for me as well as her. I have a new lid on order (Shoei XR-1100) but today the rest arrived. I have an Alpinsestars SP-1 non-perforated jacket (black): http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4371083240_2a86860173_o.jpg and a pair of Draggin' Jeans Camo's (Jungle): http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4370341691_04b8ecb3e8_o.jpg I'm a very happy chappy, but still can't wait for the bike. Roll on March!

I booked an intensive DAS course, but I didn't book my Mod 2 until I finished my mod 1. It went like this: Day 1: CBT Day 2: More 125 Day 3: Up to a 500 Day 4: Mod 1 passed + booked Mod 2 for exactly 2 weeks time Day 5: Mod 2 (failed through stupidity - indicator) + re-booked Mod 2 for exactly 2 weeks time Day 6 : Mod 2 passed So it took 6 days (usually from 9:30AM to 2/3PM ish). I could have passed as planned but made a stupid mistake because I was nervous. Also, could have made Day 5 the day after Day 4, but didn't want to throw the money away if I failed Mod 1. It's definitely do-able, but I'd stick with not booking Mod 2 until you have passed Mod 1 for sure.

He'll have noticed, but as long as you pass he'll be happy. Congrats mate! Good luck on the Mod 2.

Shame I can't join you. Next time you head out to the Cotswolds, give me a shout. Enjoy the ride!