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"Now don't you go riding in a group for the next little while..." Those were the last words my MRC instructor told me, a month ago today, shaking my hand and congratulating me for passing the test part with a near-perfect score. When Colleen posted that a ride would follow a Thanksgiving breakfast at Sonny's, I immediately thought "I'll be there." Monday comes around, a little colder than Saturday and Sunday were, but still sunny, with a bit of steady wind. I showed up at the official ott.motorcycles roadhouse a few minutes late since I wanted to gas up at a nearby station before the ride. After introductions, I met a nice bunch of people, who, I was under the impression, thought "Hey, Corbeau, you're a newbie. Welcome to the sport and don't worry, we've all started as beginners." Over eggs and coffee, I heard the magical number "511." I'd get to ride part of the Calabogie Boogie I've read so much about in this virtual community. Colleen asked me a few questions about my riding experience (a week on Brandywine, about 500 km of mixed riding), the speed I was comfortable at (90, 100 km/h before that ride, 110 km/h afterwards), where I wanted to be in the group (first half, thank you very much for asking.) Ziggy, our lead, and Steven picked a route which stayed away from Highways 417/416, for I'm limited by my M1 for another two weeks. Roger decided to sweep, and I placed myself in the fourth spot, behind Colleen, who assured me she was taking corners slow, unlike Ziggy's brother and Steven who, in the best sections of 511 and later Carp Rd, just took off and took the corners at speeds that are unfathomable. Colleen was generous in her hand signals, telling me to slow down in a few tricky corners. I have to mention the great first riding impression I made in Sonny's parking lot: While I was backing up, I nearly dropped Brandywine, my '98 Ninja 500R, which I had bought 11 days before. Honnestly, it was the first time I had to struggle like that. Blame it on the full tank of gas... ("yeah, right," think the readers.) The ride up to Perth, through Greenbank, Fallowfield, through the villages of Ashton and Blacks Corner and then on Tennyson Rd) was nice and smooth, and after a break at Timmy's we tackled the 511, which lived up to its reputation, I'm happy to report. What was above my expectations were the glorious colours of the foliage, which I noticed on the straight stretches of that nice road. In the curves, however, my mind was on David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling and his roll off the throttle, look into the curve, lean, roll on the throttle. And there was a bit of "Geez, did I delay that apex? I have no idea," and, thankfully, halfway through corners there was no "Holy crap, I came in too hot!" Stopping for a smoke break and gas break at Munford's -- corner of 511 and 508 -- we met Margo, riding a 500R as well and sporting a blonde ponytail. I got to ride behind her for a while and had the pleasure of having to see her right turn signal blinking for about 5 km. We came back through White Lake Road to Arnprior, for a lengthy break, then Galetta Side Road took us to Carp Road, and then onto March Road where we parted ways on the fly. Ziggy could have hopped on the highway but instead led me down Carling and the Parkway(s) until he gave me a last wave, turning onto yet another parkway, after a wonderful, and safe, 302 km ride. |