testastretta
New member
My pal kindly offered me a bike fix last night while mine returns from Jerez, so headed out from Helensburgh to the usual spots - Green Welly, then on towards Dalmaly, and Inverary, Rest and Be Thankful, then back to Helensburgh via the 'Washboard', ie Arrochar to Garelochhead.
I was on an R1 taking it easy - very few bikes out at that time (1700hrs onwards). On the Tyndrum to Dalmally section, I had just quietly overtaken a car when 2 traffic cops formed in the shadows, standing on opposite verge, hidden in the gloom of an outcrop of rock with sun setting behind it.
It was impossible to tell what bikes they had, helmets appeared to be off, but day-glo tunics still on. I had heard that following complaints from residents in this area, it was being policed more than before.
So watch out - this was a Thursday evening, approx 1800hrs and very little traffic. I could not tell what devices were being used to measure speed and decided to carry on rather than go back for a second look. I suspect if the bike had not been carrying the correct size number plate they may have come after me for a wee chat.
Other points :
The A82 just after the Tarbet hotel had a series of roadworks with stretches of temporary surface left with loose gravel, and not a lot of warning.
At the summit of the Rest & Be Thankful, two Traffic Division cars were controlling traffic flow, following what was very close to a head on collision with two cars.
On reaching bottom of 'The Rest..', another biker flashed to warn of more Police presence in Arrochar.
Conlcusion :
It was a valuable experience riding the R1, but too short to draw any real insights other than its obvious power, but utterly infuriating effect of making my fingers/feet lose feeling as a result of high frequency vibration - my pal is getting severe white finger with this every time he rides - anyone know any real cures for him (apart from buying a Duke !)- already injected bars with foam to no avail.
It all just served to re-inforce my focus of riding on track, rather than worrying every time I go out on roads about whether a brown envelope will be coming my way soon after.
It also helped remind me why I love my 749R - or maybe I've just become accustomed to it, but when I get off the 749, I don't have an ache or pain.
Watch out if you're out this weekend.
Cheers
Ronnie
I was on an R1 taking it easy - very few bikes out at that time (1700hrs onwards). On the Tyndrum to Dalmally section, I had just quietly overtaken a car when 2 traffic cops formed in the shadows, standing on opposite verge, hidden in the gloom of an outcrop of rock with sun setting behind it.
It was impossible to tell what bikes they had, helmets appeared to be off, but day-glo tunics still on. I had heard that following complaints from residents in this area, it was being policed more than before.
So watch out - this was a Thursday evening, approx 1800hrs and very little traffic. I could not tell what devices were being used to measure speed and decided to carry on rather than go back for a second look. I suspect if the bike had not been carrying the correct size number plate they may have come after me for a wee chat.
Other points :
The A82 just after the Tarbet hotel had a series of roadworks with stretches of temporary surface left with loose gravel, and not a lot of warning.
At the summit of the Rest & Be Thankful, two Traffic Division cars were controlling traffic flow, following what was very close to a head on collision with two cars.
On reaching bottom of 'The Rest..', another biker flashed to warn of more Police presence in Arrochar.
Conlcusion :
It was a valuable experience riding the R1, but too short to draw any real insights other than its obvious power, but utterly infuriating effect of making my fingers/feet lose feeling as a result of high frequency vibration - my pal is getting severe white finger with this every time he rides - anyone know any real cures for him (apart from buying a Duke !)- already injected bars with foam to no avail.
It all just served to re-inforce my focus of riding on track, rather than worrying every time I go out on roads about whether a brown envelope will be coming my way soon after.
It also helped remind me why I love my 749R - or maybe I've just become accustomed to it, but when I get off the 749, I don't have an ache or pain.
Watch out if you're out this weekend.
Cheers
Ronnie
