First Run of 2010

Helen and I took the opportunity of some decent conditions for a change and took out the bikes for a quick shakedown run over the moors today.

I was really rusty as first and struggled to turn the bike on our estate. But within a few miles I had got back into the swings of things. We just headed down the motorway to Milnrow and then over to Shaw. We then turned left and headed to Denshaw, half was up this road we found some snow and ice all across the road, it was also heavily potholed in places. At Denshaw we headed up and over Saddleworth Moor where the conditions were much better and we were able to enjoy it. It was bitterly cold but I was OK with my new Goretex textile bike gear, apart from my hands that is.

We then headed back down into Ripponden before taking the main road over Rishworth Moor and then back round on the loop again over Saddleworth and back to Ripponden again. Due to the other road being in a very poor we decided it was best to get back on the motorway at Rishworth and head back home.

It was good to get out on the bikes but it was obvious what damage the recent cold spell had done to the condition of the roads. We will certainly have to take it easy for a while until we are sure that all roads have been repaired and gravel and debris removed.

I did several brake tests on the ZX-9R while we were out and they have certainly improved. The front has gone from all or nothing braking to having a nice full progressive braking range. The rear has gone from completely useless to actually being a little but too good, as I managed to lock it slightly on one of the emergency brake tests. The brake lines are certainly an upgrade I would recommended doing, but only do it yourself if you are confident at bleeding brakes as these are a real pain to do.