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Newbie Ride: Napa, Sunday 6/14

FoolishMortal

FoolishMortal

Gary J: Ride in Peace
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Benicia
Moto(s)
Tuono 1000r, F800s
Name
Atticus
If there's enough interest, I'm going to host a Newbie Ride on some of my favorite roads in Napa. We'll meet at the Cordelia Starbucks - more details below.

If you want to learn to ride (and enjoy) twisty, challenging roads in a way that isn't overwhelming, and you're able to control your motorcycle (see below) and yourself, this ride is for you! At the least, you might learn some new-to-you roads, meet some other riders and see some great scenery. :cool

As a Newbie attending the ride, you should be able to:
  • Shift smoothly, up and down
  • Accelerate and brake smoothly
  • Hold steady throttle through a turn
  • Avoid (unintentionally) crossing the center-line
  • Take constructive feedback

To show up, you need to have the following:
  • A good night's sleep and a good attitude
  • A safe motorcycle (tire tread/pressure, brakes, suspension)
  • A full tank of gas
  • Full gear (DOT helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, boots, hopefully a back protector)

The route is about 150 miles of twisties. We'll talk about a section, ride it, stop to review it, then prep for the next section. Emphasis will be on smoothness over speed. The idea is for you to understand and work on the techniques that will allow you to ride smoothly on just about any road, and smoothness leads to (easy) speed. If 150 is too much riding for one day for you, or you need to attend to other things, there will be a few exit points along the way.

To keep things safe and constructive, I need to limit the number of Newbies, but with some help, I can let in more people. If it's just me, I'll take four (4) Newbies along; for every Experienced Rider willing to help, I can take four (4) more.

As an Experienced Rider, you should be able to:
  • Put the needs of the Newbies first
  • Explain riding fundamentals in a calm and kind way
  • Help as a Lead, Mid, or Sweep rider

The first rule of this ride is "safety first" - the safer we are, the longer we get to ride, on this day and every other. If a Newbie is riding dangerously, there will be a One-Chance Chat. A second violation will send that Newbie home. If an Experienced Rider is riding dangerously, there will be no One-Chance Chat. By showing up for this ride, you acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for you. That's an ethos that I encourage you to carry forward.

Everyone should bring:
  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks, just in case
  • Tools for the bike you're riding
  • A tire patch/pump kit if you have one

Meet: 9am June 14th @ Starbucks, 4490 Central Way #100, Fairfield, CA 94534
Pre-Ride Brief: 9:15am (if you miss this, you miss the ride)
Kick Stands Up: 9:30am
Lunch: Middletown, CA 95461
Finish: about 3pm or so @ Starbucks
The Route: *$ > Wooden Valley > 121> 128 > Sage Canyon > Silverado > Springs Mountain Road > Calistoga Road > 29 > Middletown (lunch) > Butts Canyon > Pope Canyon > Berryessa Knoxville > 128 > 121> Wooden Valley > *$

Newbie_Ride_Map-June-2020.jpg
 
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In! But not a newbie. I can pretend.
 
This seems to be turning into more "Hoon Fest" than "Newbie Ride", but that's cool. Either way, there will be a ride!
 
I’m in. I’ll be slabbing it there with Ich from the south bay.
 
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Me & Charro smurf bike would like to join. Slabbin' from the Peninsula with Ich's posse.
 
Ahhh, Spring Mtn road , up on top will soon be my new residence.
Take it easy on that one due to lack of site line and road condition (especially on the Sonoma Co. side).
A good place to practice how to deal with tight blind corners. :)
I should be at Thunder Hill that day so have fun and be safe!
DT
 
^^^then we'll have to meet up for lunch at Gott's sometime
 
dtrides said:
Ahhh, Spring Mtn road , up on top will soon be my new residence.
Take it easy on that one due to lack of site line and road condition (especially on the Sonoma Co. side).
A good place to practice how to deal with tight blind corners. :)
Click to expand...

That's why I chose it. :D

At the right pace - in this case, slow and considered - riding such roads can be great skill-building exercises.

Enjoy the new digs!
 
What's the lunch 🍴 plan? Lake County seems to be in Stage 3 😷 whatever that means.

All I need to know is, should I pack a sandwich? buy one there and dine outside? or ... ? 🥪
 
ichabodnt650 said:
What's the lunch 🍴 plan? Lake County seems to be in Stage 3 😷 whatever that means.

All I need to know is, should I pack a sandwich? buy one there and dine outside? or ... ? 🥪
Click to expand...

I have had a quick (take-out) burger at Jolly Kone the last two weekends, and I have seen bikes at Perry’s. There will be take-out options, but feel free to pack a sammy. :thumbup
 
Had lunch at Perry's last Saturday. No problems. Plenty of seating on the patio. They don't wear masks in Lake County either.
 
@Newbies: If you're seeing this thread and worrying about the number of experienced riders who say they will show up, please don't. If even one newbie shows up, this will still be a Newbie Ride. I'll make sure that the newbies are handled and the experienced riders can help or not, as is their wont.

If you're a newbie and plan to show up, please post so I have a sense of how many there will be.

That's said, if there are no newbies, I guess this will be a romp.
 
If your talking about the airport in Middletown, it’s been closed for a few years
 
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