Regularly I get email enquiries about the Club from new people who I sometimes feel could be better answered by people closer to their reality than myself. After-all, it is a long time since I was riding a 250, and it is over 20 years ago that I went on my first ride. (Mind you, I still remember it! 33 bikes, 1 head-on crash). Sure, I can give a new rider all the information and opinions based on experience and I will be close to the mark. But will they believe me? On this occasion I forwarded a response to first timer Brendan with a copy to Kate. She promptly mailed Brendan, offering some insights into our Club rides from a first time rider’s perspective. I think it is a fantastic response spoken from the heart and I thank Kate for providing it. …Ed.
Hi Brendan,
I joined the Club while riding a Babyblade and still on my Ls! as did another guy called Matt at about the same time. He now rides a GSXR750. I must say the pace of the rides are pretty fast, and can be quite intimidating. However, you are not compelled to go faster than you want to, that’s if you can control your ego and natural urge to chase others. I wouldn’t recommend riding with the Club if you are a nervous or timid rider, but if you can handle being passed by others a lot, and can ride within your own ability and don’t mind being on your own a lot, then you should enjoy the Club rides.
I had over 12 months of fun while riding on my Babyblade. I now ride a CBR600f4i. Most members of the Club have litre bikes such as Blades, TLRs, GSXR1000s, and several have the bigger sport tourers like Blackbirds and Hayabusas. Some even ride dual road/trail type bikes like the BMW R1150GS.
The majority of the riders are between 30 and 50 years old and have been riding for 10, 15, 20 or more years. They sometimes seem crazy and fearless but the regulars all seem to ride well within their limits and very few ever have any problems.
Newer members seem to crash more often as they push harder than they are capable of riding, safely. I'm not telling you this to put you off, rather I'm giving you my general impression of the Club. It’s a great social riding club and I always have a lot of fun riding and spending time with the members. I hope to see you along on some of the rides.
Have you checked out the CBR250 forum at http://www.cbr250.com
They’re a group of riders who meet regularly in Melb that you might find more to your liking. I don’t know how old you are but the cbr250 forum people tend to be a younger crowd ranging from newly licenced 18 year olds to early 30s, but most of them are in their 20s. I started out riding with people from that forum although most of us have since moved onto bigger bikes. Several of them are still active members. I tend to prefer the regularity and style of rides that the MSTCV offers. I love covering the many and varied areas and roads of the Victorian countryside.
I hope I've helped you. Good luck and safe riding, Kate Stewart. (TC on the 250 forum)
Hi Kate,
Thanks very much for your quick reply. Your Club sounds like a lot of fun! I’m only 22 years old but, as I said in my last letter, I only have 3 months (which feels like forever) left on my 250 and then I’ll get a Fireblade or R1. I would like to come along to a ride and see how I go. If all I see is the other guys/girls disappearing over the horizon, well, I wont be too up set at all. I’ll just wait until I get off my P’s. :) And come back and try again.
I love to ride and I use my bike every day to get to work and I normally ride it every day off as well. I’ve had a few crashes but I wouldn’t be a liability at all to the other riders. If I can’t keep up I’ll just back off and look at the country side. If anything, it would be good just to come and chat with some other bikers and check their bikes out. As much fun as riding is, I’m getting a little bored doing it solo. If it’s not a problem, I’ll do my best to make it to Yarra Glen for the ride to Alexandra on the 31st. Thanks again. Brenden Clark
Hi Brenden,
Beware of upgrading from a 250 to an R1 or any litre bike for that matter. The blade is a user friendly bike but still a huge leap in power from the Babyblade. Bigger is not always best when choosing a suitable bike to progress to. I think I've attended or heard of more crashes involving R1s than any other big bike so far. Consider the advantages of a progressive step up. Talk to loads of more experienced riders for their opinions as many people have had a lot of different bikes throughout their riding history and will be able to give you some valuable insight. Also try as many different bikes as you can before making your decision. I'm sure your aim is to enjoy your riding and be around for along time rather than buying a bike for its pose value.
The roads up around Alexandra are some of my favorites so I'm sure you will enjoy that ride. I doubt I'll be available that ride but look forward to catching up on another one in the future.
Kate.