First Ride

28/08/2011

I need to put 1000 km’s on the bike as soon as possible so I can get the initial service out of the way.  I’m planning to head over to Norseman (WA) in mid October and I don’t want to have to stop during my trip to have the bike serviced, so it’s time to hit the road and run the bike in.

My first ride was a short 270k run, from BP Blacksoil, along the Warrego Highway to Toowoomba, then south returning down the Range via Ma Ma Creek and Gatton.

The ride was very interesting to say the least.  The road down the range from the Darling Downs Zoo to Ma Ma Creek has seen some serious damage due to the floods earlier this year.  Major land slips have occurred and areas that were once lush forest are now stripped bare.  Riding a bike heavier and more powerful than I am used to almost caught me out several times as I was negotiating the twisties.

One thing the ride did highlight was just how hard new bike seats are.  After less than 100km my bum was starting to feel sore and I needed to get off and stretch my legs.  On my old bike, I could ride for 6-8 hours with nothing more than slight numbness, but with the new bike, 8 hours in the saddle is not going to be possible for a long time.

Thankfully, the ride was only 270km, so I was able to finish the ride and still walk afterwards, although my bum, hips and knees were not in the best shape.

Time to get on the net and check out options for making the seat more comfortable…..