06
Ural Pilot Getting All Growed Up
Filed Under (Training, Trip Journals) by Anthony StClair on 06-03-2008
Ready to Hit the Town?
This week’s rides have been pretty similar and marked by a common theme: I’m feeling ready to start taking my Ural Patrol around town.
- Did have an interesting evening with finding neutral. I’d been riding around for about an hour, and suddenly I just could not find neutral. Kept slipping into second, and stalling whenever I thought I had neutral. Went home, tried a few more times, and gave it up for the next day. Began to wonder what I would do if something was wrong with the clutch…
- Next day, no worries. I spent some time just practicing neutral, and had no problems. I just hadn’t been feeling it out right. See “The Key to Finding Neutral on a Ural” for more.
- Down to 40 lbs. of ballast in the sidecar tub, and have had no problems. If anything, it’s been more fun to remember to shift my body weight a bit more.
- Found an area where a housing development is going to go. Streets are paved, but no houses yet — perfect area to practice some techniques. There are some good but slight curves, plus a long straight stretch perfect for accelerating, shifting and braking exercises. There’s also a turn-in that’s handy for working on steering in reverse.
- Some of the stop signs are on some short but pretty steeply angled slopes. The streets have all been residential, with virtually no traffic. They’ve given a great low-pressure environment to come to a smooth stop, shift into neutral, and then work on shifting into first, releasing the front brake and working on that sweet-spot combo of rear brake, clutch and first gear, for a smooth transition from full stop to pulling into traffic while on a slope.
The Patrol Loop
I haven’t been back up to 55mph on the Northwest Expressway yet, but will be soon. I’d like one more day of practice in clear weather and light traffic before getting out there more “for real”. However, I have been getting in more kms at higher speeds, 35-45 mph, and that’s been a big help to work on smoother shifting, handlebar grip and body position.
I’ve also been doing a big loop for more experience at different speeds, stoplights (and finding neutral at them) and riding in traffic:
- Neighborhood streets at 25mph, in second gear mostly, to work the engine and warm up the bike, then
- River Road at 40-45mph, leveraging third and getting some quality time in fourth), plus stoplights, changing lanes, checking mirrors, looking over my shoulder but keeping the rig in a straight line, etc., then
- Maxwell Road at 35-40 mph, nice straight stretch when I can lay the throttle on healthy, then
- Back to the neighborhood and soon home to whip up some grub
This wee “Patrol Loop” has been a big confidence booster. It’s real-world driving, at rush hour, on some of the area’s busier roads. Stack it all up, and I’m feeling more and more all growed up, and ready to start taking the bike around town.
Anthony, sounds like you are taking things at a good speed. When I first learned to ride motorcycles (the 2-wheel variety) I took my time, and even though I wanted to, I didn’t rush things. Very similar to what you are doing.
I can’t wait to get on my AGU (Arctic GearUp!) and see just how drastic the differences are between a 2-wheel moto and one with a hack.
Ride safe…
Andy
The pacing’s been everything for me, glad to hear I’m not the only one taking it slow! I figured I knew when I’d feel ready to bump things up, and that’s been working out really well so far. Definitely feeling more ready for just “day to day” riding, and soon jaunting around for more proper trips out of town, hikes and what-not.
What’s the latest on when your’s should be in Salem? The anticipation’s gotta be starting to gnaw at you!
Jim should know more on Monday. Shot you an email about the specific dates I have set up to be in Salem. Now I only hope that those dates agree with Jim and the AGU, since I already made the reservations for the ferry!
Got my fingers crossed for you, mate. It’ll all work out!
Hey Guys…I was droppin off a check for my 2007 Gear-up around March 29th and saw a couple of the AGU. I bet one was yours. I’ve got less than 60K on my Desert cammo (the orange,yellow,green). This sidecar ride is all new to me also and I’m takin it slow. Good luck with your new baby. “be true”
Yes, the key is taking it slow. Are you running with ballast? That was a big help. I’m not running with ballast anymore, but it was a great way to start. That, and slow casual runs around the neighborhood. Take your time, and it’ll pay off in years of fun, safe riding.
How’s your riding going so far? I’ve been having the best time on my Patrol. Looking forward to a ride up to Salem this week too - should be a fun trip, and a first big road trip for me.
Hey…I’ve got a couple sand bags but I’ve only used them once. I’ve got my permit now and will be getting my lic. on Monday. I’m taking it slow and not much drive time until i’m legal. Are you going to raceway services this week? I’m going to Adventure Sidecar for the S/TEP course in July. I’m hopin to take the URAL (aka lil bean) when I go. That’s if I’m ready to do the highway thing by then. Have you done the S/TEP course? Good-luck on your Salem trip. “be true”
Dena - congrats, I hope all goes well getting your endorsement! If you’re feeling fine running without ballast, go for it - it’s all a matter of comfort level. I’ve been ballast-free for a couple of weeks now, and have been doing fine.
Re Raceway, yes - actually Andy Grow and I both are heading up there. I’ll email you.
Definitely take the Adventure Sidecar course. I took it in July 2007, and it was actually the make-it-or-break-it for my decision to go sidecar. Vernon runs a great class - you’ll learn a lot, and have just as much fun.
Let us know when you get your license!
Anthony,
I emailed you but it came back. I’m taking a one day Team Oregon class Sat. then I will get my lic. Monday. Having to jump silly rope with Oregon MC lic. It will be over soon. I’m thinking about taking my sidecar to Adventure but not sure about the hour and a half trip. That would be from Hillsboro to Hood River. I’ve never been there. I would like to take the course with my bike.
Yeah, just follow the comfort zone. Since it’s a while yet before the classes start up, you fortunately have some time to work on your riding chops. By the time summer rolls around, you might feel better about taking that longer trip, and there’d be some great back roads you could use, naturally, so you wouldn’t have to ride interstate.
Thanks for the note about email - I’ll check that out.
How long has Andy G had his rig?
Can you tell me any more about the Adventure Sidecar Course? I’m going up July 18th and thinkin I’m going to ride my Gear-Up. Have never been to Hood River and found a way on Google that I can take to avoid the Highway. Not sure how hilly it’s going to be. Haven’t been doing much riding because I’m at 563KM and I don’t see the gang at Raceway Services until the 24th and don’t want to show up with over 1000Km on my rig. She is already weeping in a couple of places.
Andy got his Ural on Apr. 7, so he’s hardly had it a month. He did a lot of riding here in Oregon though, so that’s how he and I wound up being ready for 500km service the first time.
The Adventure Sidecar course is great. If you do want to do the course with your GU, be sure to email Vernon (contact info is on the AS site) and let him know. He’ll need you to bring some documentation with you re insurance and such.
When Jodie and I went, we took the car (since I didn’t have the Patrol yet), so I can’t advise on the roads. We just used the interstates.
But, I can tell you, be sure to sort out your accommodation early. Like, now. There’s a lot of great camping around Hood River, and lots of good hotels, but that time of year things can fill up pretty quick.