After my final this morning, i decided to make a quick trip up to nukes to have lunch. Considering that the weather is absolutely perfect today, it was a nice ride up the crest with low traffic and relatively clean conditions (Lower ACH is clean, Upper ACH from Switzers to Upper Big Tujunga is a little messy). Police presence was low for my trips up and down, but the word up at nukes is that they're all over the place this week.
Last weekend, 2 riders went down and suffered serious injuries. Rumors say that they both passed away (RIP), and they were both off duty policemen. CHP has responded by increasing its usual presence from 1 moto-cop and 2 cruisers to something along the lines of 2 and 3 respectively. ACH was chp free, though i did see a cruiser on AFH (from AFC, approaching the ranger station), and others said that there was a cruiser patrolling the near the UBT/Wilson area.
Details on one of the accidents is unknown, but the other is purported to be the result of the rider T-boning a cage (semi-pejorative rider's term for "car") about 2 miles down from newcomb's. The car made an illegal u-turn, right in front of the rider who, in my estimation was probably traveling at a reasonable speed, and that's all she wrote. It's a sobering reminder that in any situation where there's mixed traffic, including motorcycles who may or may not be flying through, that the worst-case scenario lingers just a split second away. It's these kinds of high-profile tragedies that always brings a host negative repercussions for all riders on the crest, whether it's increased CHP presence (which in itself is dangerous*), puts everyone on edge, and makes the Crest collectively anxious for weeks after the incident. I'd like to take this time to make a plea to fellow riders and car traffic on the Crest: Please keep it sane up there, and please be aware of other vehicles!
The bike was a little difficult to manage up the crest (keep in mind this is the first ride up the Crest with the new bike), since it's a totally different bike than my previous. I need to adjust my turn-in points, as well as get used to how easy it is to pitch this thing in. The F4i required alot more work, especially in quick transitions, meaning that i'd do alot of hanging off and working the bike. This bike will turn in on a whim, and barely requires a weight shift to get it leaned over. I found that after getting some food in me (which really helped), turning down the front rebound settings 30 degrees, and keeping my butt in the saddle made for a much better ride down. I found my rhythm quickly and maintained a good pace down the mountain. It also serves to remind me that riding is an activity that not only requires physical precision, but mental as well. Riding tired, hungry, needing to pee can be just enough to cause the one mistake that "smashes your whole shit up." So stay in shape, eat well, and keep the sticky side down!
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