M50 Virgin

I lost it. I lost my M50 virginity. To those of you who don't know, the M50 is the main "Motorway" around Dublin.

I went from Tallaght to Lucan in about 10 minutes, knocking about 15 minutes of the alternative journey time. It even has a reduced speed limit at the moment so when the roadworks are finished it will be a very short trip.

Strange smell coming from my exhaust though, so I think I will take the bike off the road tonight!

Bus lanes

There is a discussion over on Boards about bikers using the bus lane.

I rarely use the bus lane and there is one most of the way home. I don't use them because I don't want to be pulled over by the Gardai and given a lecture and pay a fine. Some wave you on, some stop you.

When it comes to the law it should be black or white. Make it legal for bikers to use the bus lanes. I see too many near misses with people in cars changing lane without looking or indicating. (I'm not saying bikers are better with their indicators).

So show a bit of common sense on open up the bus lanes!

Random breath tests

I picked up my bike from my sister's last night. I had left it there before going on my stag. I had stopped drinking at about 2.30am and had a run and my breakfast and dinner when I did the test at about 9pm last night.

There was no doubts or question but I was very nervous taking the test. It was zero of course!

Never drink and drive kids!

I'm a one bike kinda guy.

Now that I have sold my old Yamaha, I am left with only one bike. So tonight along with my new bike gear from Aldi, I took her out on the mean streets of Dublin.

The boots I got today are so much better for changing gears although I was heavy coming from 3rd to second and went into first. I will have to sort the lead foot out.

I cut out once at lights. Still getting used to brake and clutch but it's a lot smoother. I think I will be bringing her to work next week.

Out on the bike

I took the bike out this afternoon, i was wary after my last venture out and the shambles that turned into.

I was much better with clutch control and only cut out once and that was mid U-Turn, I got scared of the kerb so eased off the throttle and didn't use the clutch. I should have used the brake and clutch a bit better.

I didn't venture far as the weather is pretty poor and I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Riding the bike

I set out last night to ride the bike over to my mothers about 10 miles away. There are lots of lights and roundabouts on the way so it should be good practice.

Unfortunately I didn't get that far.

I got to the end of the road and cut out. Then when joining the main road i cut out a few times and then at the second roundabout I cut out again.

I decided to call it a night and head home and got home without any problems.

I will try and take it out again over the next few days and hopefully not cut out as much.

Riding my new bike

I was out tonight on my new bike. I've never ridden a bike with gears before so it is all a bit new for me.

I cut out a few times starting her up, but i have got the hang of that now. I was the same when i started learning to drive a car.

So I have driven up and down the road. It takes a lot more room to turn than it did on my moped and of course my left hand is the clutch not the brake so they are the things I have to get used to.

I will go out again tomorrow and hope to get a bit better.

wish me luck!