Friday, January 11, 2019

2019 updates with xiaohong

Happy new year everyone!


Thank you to those who commented, your encouraging words, those that are riding and those that are taking their 2B courses now.

Yes, I'm currently still riding (~3 to 4 times weekly) and I do have plans to take 2A but I just haven't got the time to.

How's my experience so far on SG roads? I would say a good 75% and the rest bad.

Thankfully I haven't met with any accidents (I hope not, ever!)
But I have met a few incidents where I had to use my horn & high beam multiple times.

Examples:
- Riding on AYE second lane. First lane was doing some road works and some bitch driver was speeding on first lane, suddenly saw the works and warning lights ahead... He immediately swerved into to my lane. He didn't care whether there's a bike but yes, he just turned to my lane and luckily I was alert enough to do a quick check on my left and move away

- Taxi drivers (actually this happened many times). Maybe they just assume we riders will always lane split and go fast. For me if there's no jam I most likely won't lane split I'll just take a lane myself behind a car. They'll high beam me.. And 1 case this taxi driver high beamed me, I moved away and let him go infront, he followed me, from lane 1 to 2 then 3 then drove damn near me wtf. Many times I just blacklisted taxi drivers (told myself to never support comfort delgro) and if I see them coming up fast behind me I'll just change lane first.

- Of coz the classic case of drivers not knowing there's a signal stick in their cars *rolls eye* Just change lane without checking blindspots.



Riding has really honed my reaction time skills hahahaha. I'm more aware, I check blindspots and mirrors frequently.

How expensive is it to own your own bike?
I would say mine is minimal. My petrol takes around $8-$10 weekly. I visit my workshop probably 2-3 times a year and hasn't spent much. I don't really "bling" my bike up so I guess that doesn't take up much $$.

Season parking, the concessionary parking is affordable, insurance, road tax just settle 1 time a year. Doesn't take up much time to do renewal.

So I would say maintenance of my vespa is good so far!


Nothing much to update about except my bike has really been very good for bringing me from gym to gym to teach my classes so I wouldn't have to take the public transport hahahaha.

If not..
Happy riding you guys! & be safe!

For those who're still taking your 2B, just enjoy the process! & don't think too much on ace-ing it. Thinking and reading back on my posts made me reminisce so much on those 5 months spent.

Have a fantastic year ahead and see you on the roads!

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Paint job for little red.

Where is my little red now?

So recently I brought her for a spray paint job over at spray workstation (SWS, Pioneer point building)! Because of some scratched paint/rusting left by the previous owner and I couldn't bear to see those "incomplete" parts...

HAHAHA I'm beginning to devote my life and MONEY to this little red of mine.

I thought I was quite fussy about the choosing of colour already.. I took 1 hour because I was so overwhelmed by the amount of colours they have!! But the owner told me a guy took 2 hours to decide on the colour of his bike last week hahahha.

Just vaguely told the him, "I want red, a little brighter than the current one, but with some glitter (lol girls....)". Never knew red can come in so many different shades hahahaha. 

Can't wait to see the end results of her!



-

UPDATE, 11 JAN 2019:

This is a BAD workshop. It closed down already apparently.
They did a terrible paint job, though cheap, it didn't get the results he promised.

Owner even tried to hit on me when he has a wife.

Because of this shitty paint job I had to spend another good $950 on another workshop for my paint job.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

My very own (and first!) motorcycle

Hi everyone,

Today's the day!! The day I'm doing the transfer of vehicle. The day I've been waiting for since I was 18 years old, eyeing other bikers but I was allowed to take class 3 only.. Since I took my license when I was 24 years old. And now.. I'm almost 26 (lol I think I'm not shy to reveal my age here)..

I'm living my dream! 
WOOOOT!!!

Mummy and my sister insisted on coming along because afterall.. I haven't ride at all for 2 years! And of course they're really worried for me. So they wanted to see I could handle the machine.

My 2 worried family members. hehehe..

So LTA is located at Sin Ming Ave, rather ulu near industrial area.

Visit the LTA counter and the nice staff will be there to serve you even though its a weekend LOL. They close at 12pm though, so I think just try to reach earlier if you're going on a weekend.
 

I got my queue number and had to wait about 30 mins plus.

So for transfer of vehicles from seller to seller you have to have these 4 stuff:

1) A completed transfer of vehicle registration form between you and the seller (which can be found here!!)
2) NRIC
3) Insurance policy form (YOU MUST MUST MUST BUY YOUR INSURANCE BEFORE DOING THE TRANSFER!!)
4) Transfer fees of $11 (either by card or cash is fine)

The whole process was really quick! About 5-8 mins? After that congrats,

YOU ARE RIDING YOUR NEW GIRLFRIEND HOME TODAY!

That was how happy I looked. I finally own a vehicle! Although not a car (not yet hopefully in the future? ;))

My very supportive mummy and my ever so worried sister... hahahaha.

My friend (who's a biker too!) stays across the road from me came all the way down to Sin Ming so we could ride home together, and so I can be safe, and also mummy and sissy will be more at ease. Plus I might feel kinda apprehensive about riding the expressway alone. I drive, and I also know how reckless drivers can be, lorry, trucks, cars, etc..

So he helped refresh my memory about whatever I've learnt since 2 years back wahahaha. Where to stop at traffic light junctions, lane changing, blindspots, uturns, slopes and more.

He even made this video for me titled "Joyce's first vespa ride!"


Thank you WH for spending your late morning helping me out!!! Thank youuuuu!!

Still have lots to settle, stuffs to figure out.. Like season parking, bike servicing, respraying my bike, buying of raincoats, safety riding gear, and many more to name.. Hopefully in time to come I'll get everything right!

Dear 小红, we are gonna create memorable fantastic memories starting today! And singapore roads, be nice to me and my little girlfriend. :)

Hope to see you guys on the roads too!

Friday, February 10, 2017

New bike?

Hi!!

I'm so surprised after so long, there are still people (*gasp!*) reading this little diary of mine. I'm sorry I haven't been active these years hahahah!

It has been a hectic (almost) 2 years at my workplace, which I'm loving and looking forward to going to work daily... And busy with my gym stuff.

So much so the thought of owning a motorcycle hasn't crossed my mind in awhile. Although I still eye bikers and their bikes and go "omg so chioooo" on the roads.

-

So recently my friend has gotten his 2A license a few days back and was looking to upgrade to a bigger bike! He asked me if I would like to buy his bike.

The passion and love for riding got reignited. 

And.......

I THINK I'M GONNA DO IT.

Ride leisurely.. Not as a main form of daily transport to and fro work since my workplace is only 1.2-1.8km away from home.. Like 15-18 mins walk hahaa.

Probably a weekend ride... 

Plus! My height (and my short legs hahaha) is suitable for a scooter?




-

Can't wait to get things finalized.

I'll update this lil space soon!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Updates!

Hello hellooooooooo!!

It's been 5 months since my last post, and my 2B licence is 6 months old.
Unfortunately this isn't a blog post about "my new motorcycle", (yes I'm pretty bummed too..)

Yes, I'm still not riding.. (yet!) In April, I was about to settle for a MSX125 when I got shortlisted for an interview for a full time position I've applied for later that month.

And since then, I've been working full-time from May until now! Reason why I didn't get my own transport is because my workplace takes only 10-15 minutes to walk from home, about 1.5km-1.8km. If I were to ride to work, it'll take me 5 mins or less?! Plus have to take into consideration season parking also, that wouldn't be feasible lah. I'll probably save up more money to buy a bike to ride leisurely in a few months' time? Or maybe my work will keep me busy and make me continuously procrastinate the idea to start riding on public roads.. So much until I lose interest how?! Hahahaha I hope not... :(

Anyway, I'm really glad to be able to talk to some of you guys regarding your 2B learning journey course! Either through my blog post comments section, via emails and facebook chat!!

I'll still be contactable at:

☞ Ask.fm
☞ Facebook
☞ Email me @ dearjoys@gmail.com

Enjoy your 2B course you guys!!


xx,
Joyce

Sunday, March 22, 2015

1 month & 5 days old

HI EVERYONE!

Its been 1 month plus since I passed my 2B TP.

Am I riding yet? No.
Am I still interested in riding in the future? Definitely! 

So why am I not riding yet?

Because of my PRIORITIES! I decided to wait until I get a full-time job before buying a motorcycle. Having graduated since this year late jan, I'm still job-hunting. Even though I still do have my savings and am currently working part-time, my income isn't fixed so I feel that motorcycle expenses like; servicing, road tax, insurance, bike gears etc, will take a toll on my bank account eventually so yeah....

I find myself staring at motorcyclists and their gorgeous motorcycles on the road all the time and I'm always admiring motorcycles at my house's multistorey carpark, like the duke 390, r15 and ducati monster etc hahaha. As much as it pains me, I feel getting a full-time job will make more sense.

The bikes I'm currently looking at are the FZ16 and MSX125.. I know the latter cost alot more! Plus I'm vertically challenged la so I feel the grom will make me feel safer (So I can touch the ground haha). I tried the pulsar 200ns before and had to constantly tiptoe so I feel it's quite unsafe for me. Personal preference lah I guess! I rather have firm footing on the ground.




Looking at both the fz16 and msx125 makes my heart eager to start riding!! Maybe this will give me motivation to settle down in the full-time working world as soon as possible!

I really really REALLLLLLY miss my 2b learning days, riding the CB125E at BBDC, doing narrow plank, figure 8 "S" course.. But I don't miss the ebrake station ahahahah, that station always makes me nervous.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Class 2B Traffic Police (TP) test

Today is finally the day, I tried my best to sleep at 1030pm the night before (LOL) so I can get ample rest for my Class 2B Traffic Police test on this very day. I woke up at 2am and 4am, prolly cos I was so nervous and then at 5:45am. At this point my heart was beating so fast, the feeling was so much more nerve-wrecking than taking my university exams hahaha. Prepared and got changed quickly, very thankful my mommy agreed to send me to BBDC so I don't need to wait for the bus and all.

Reached BBDC at 7:15am, scanned my IC at the kiosk and got my slip of paper. Went to the motorcycle office, checked this long list of attendance for my number tag, which was 29.

Incase you don't know during TP, the number tags are arranged from number 1 all the way to the last number by the order of: Foreigners, Singaporeans aged the oldest all the way to the youngest. Today there were 46 of us taking our TP test!

We were given this clear plastic holder to put our IC/passport + PDL, which had to be given to the TP testers after.

Then we went for our warmup session, which was about 30-40 mins? I couldn't rmb cos I wasn't wearing a watch. My warmup session was terrible!! Went for narrow plank and pylon slalom course first, and you know what... I dropped off the plank hahaha that's an immediate failure lah! I've made some horrible mistakes, such as dropping of right foot, ebrake exceeded red line and such.. Not only me, I saw some of my fellow testee right footed, drop plank etc. Nerves got to most of us I guess hahaha. Went back to park our bikes and took a short 5 mins break. Then at 0900, we had a briefing by the instructor on what to look out for, when to start our courses and the circuit and public test route.

At around 0930, we went out and gathered accordingly to our row numbers, where the TP personnels will check our IC and ask us to recite our IC number hahahha idk why but the scene was damn funny.

Since I was number 29, I had some time to kill. Occasionally I'll glance out the window and see the earlier number tags from 1 to 20 going for their courses or coming down the slope etc. At this point I wasn't as nervous already! Maybe cause I told myself, "leave it to fate".

Then my row was gathered outside, took our bikes and we got ready at the starting point. Only 1 bike will be at the starting point, then the second bike will be behind the cones (around 1 car length away from the first bike). So only 3 bikes can wait before the first bike at the starting line! Whenever the bike at the starting line moves off, the second bike will move forward etc. The tester will normally signal for the bike to move off around 2-2.5 minutes interval to avoid having to wait at circuit courses.

The very first tester was sitting on a high chair on my left, I looked at him and he gave me the sign to move off. But there was an oncoming vehicle on my right so I waited.. After that I moved off. I was damn unlucky lah.. Cause we had to lane change to the right after the very first bend and there were 2 bloody cars, one on the left and one on the right, moving at the same speed SIDE BY SIDE WTF. I couldn't overtake and shit... So I remained in gear 2/3 all the way on the left lane.. Upon reaching the bend, suddenly the car infront of me on the left lane went to hazard light, (OMFG YOU KIDDING ME)?!?! The car on the right went much slower before the bend... I was so freaking afraid of not being able to lane change in time to the right. Then the left lane car went faster and I lane changed after the bloody slow car on the right lane *PHEW*there were alot of colourful words in my head already that time hahahah.

Turned right in, lane changed to the left and turned left to head to the slope. When moving up the slope after releasing my clutch and brake, I think I wobbled cos ganchiong or what damnnnnn.. Engine brake down the slope, braked and clutched in. Turned left and headed straight for my Figure 8 "S" and crank courses. The TP tester gave me the sign to go and I went! Did my "S" course, stopped and then proceeded to the crank course. Upon exiting the crank course, the traffic light was green so I immediately rev my throttle, junction check and here comes the right turn.

No cars in sight, great! Moved out, lane changed to the left and went into the bus bay. Here comes the narrow plank and pylon slalom course. TP tester signalled for me to go, blindspot and up my bike went onto the plank! Tried my very best to kiap my fuel tank really tightly, looked super far ahead and clutch+rear brake when I felt I was going too fast. Before I went onto the narrow plank, all that was in my head was.. "DON'T FALL OFF THE PLANK!!!". Pylon slalom next, thank goodness I didn't strike any cones haha. Ebrake course was last...

Rev throttle from gear 1, kicked up gear to 2, then 3.. Maintained at 30-31km/hr then ebraked! Luckily I didn't pass the red line like what I did during my warmup session harharhar.... Moved out of the ebrake station and went straight, signalled left to go out to the public test route... Silly me had forgotten to check my left blindspot before my left turn to head out to BBDC SIGHHHH. When I realized that, I was like 1/4 into my left turn then I checked my blindspot. So silly... In my head I knew confirm 4 points gone already :(

Very unlucky, there were 2 cars infront of me heading out to BBDC as well. My low speed control is not excellent, so I have a higher chance of wobble and all. Stopped at stop line, saw another TP tester RIGHT INFRONT OF ME!! Tried my very best to not look at him...

Reached the left filter lane, thank goodness the oncoming traffic on the right stopped cos it just turned red light, quickly moved out of the filter lane, accidentally saw another TP tester sitting at the filter lane area and tried my best to not look at him. Lane changed to the right, reached traffic light junction, signalled right and went for uturn. There wasn't any bike so I stopped at the stop line, accidentally turned my handlebar way too early so my bike's position was in quite a "sharp turning" position. Lotsa oncoming vehicles, waited for awhile and at the same time, took lotsa deep breaths... Because to me uturning is the scariest out of everything! Traffic was clear, and I did my uturn in such a way I was damn proud of myself HAHAH, so smooth, no wobble no wide turning oh my gosh!! After my uturn, I felt so stress-free and even smiled to myself LOL crazy, I hope the tester didn't see my smiley face hahaha.

Right turned at the traffic light junction, went straight and rode passed the hometeam ns golf ranch and there were pedestrians crossing at the zebra-crossing so I stopped, saw another TP tester sitting near the hometeam ns bus stop. Wanted to turn left after passing hometeam, but there was a lorry infront of me LOL. Thankfully I rmbed to stop behind the stop line incase I cannot make the left turn in time, but luckily the lorry went off fast while green light and I turned left.

Rode back to BBDC happily knowing my TP test is coming to an end, turned left into BBDC, turned left again and after the mechanics shop, turned left into the end point, switched my bike's engine off and pushed the bike through the circuit to park it. The whole test took me about 25 mins or so! Since the results will only be out at 1130am, I went for a short break with 2 of my friends. Headed to level 3, classroom 3 for results.

At 1145am, a bike instructor walked into the classroom, holding some papers and shut the door behind him. Suddenly the classroom was so silent. He told us that whoever's number tags that were being called to go to another classroom.

If your number is being called, means you failed!!!

My heart was beating like crazy at this point. Furthermore, he said the numbers that were being called will be jumbled up, added more stress! Everytime he said "twenty..." I got damn ganchiong lah since I was tag number 29. There were lotsa females' tags being called consecutively at one point, gosh.. After this girl was called, the instructor waited for her to shut the door and he said, "Those who are still in this classroom, you have passed your TP" hahahah!!! I WAS OVER THE MOON! People started cheering, giving each other high fives, handshakes etc.

There were 46 people taking TP today, of which 27 people passed (4 females, including me, made it. YAY!!) Its a rough estimation lah, I counted how many people passed cause the Expressway Familiarization Ride (EFR) course had limited slots so I counted to see if there are enough slots anot hahahah.

Watched a video on road accidents for riders, how to safeguard our motorcycles etc. We took a Riders' Pledge as well. I couldn't remember the entire pledge but the last paragraph goes something like this..

"We pledge as riders to ride safely and to stay alive."

Took our results back and I BARELY MADE IT THROUGH!! I got 18 demerit points hahahah. Half of my 18 points came from wobble lah... The rest was abrupt lane changing and blindspot. Anyway I was so excited. This is very first attempt for my Class 2B TP and I DID IT!!!!  
I FREAKING DID IT!!!




After 1230 (that's when the EFR course is open), went to the computer terminal at level 1 to book our compulsory (& FOC!) Expressway Familiarization Ride (EFR) course at 1320 before I can officially be a qualified rider!

Izhardi and Vincent took our group of 6 people out for ERF! We rode to KJE, discovery centre, SAFTI, Qian Hu area and some other places I don't remember. The feeling of riding on the expressway was so exhilarating!! I loved every minute of it really. Best day ever!!



After my EFR at about 3pm, I went to the TP office to get another row added to my license!! The wait was terribly long lah... Waited for 1 hour 30 mins until it was my turn hahahha. Since I already have a class 3 license, the whole sticker pasting process was really quick. By the time I was done with everything, it was already close to 5pm. So I spent almost 10 hours at BBDC today hahaha madness, since 7:15am-5pm.


WHOOPPPP NEW ROW ADDED TO MY EXISTING CLASS 3 LICENSE!

I've enrolled in Class 2B on 15th Sept 2014,
Started my very first practical lesson on 23rd Sept 2014,
Ended my last practical lesson on 22nd Dec 2014

And now...

Passed my first attempt of Class 2B on 17th Feb 2015!

Took me 5 months to clear everything! I worked really hard for my 2B license... Went for pracs 2 times a week diligently during my initial orientation stages, when I reached stage 3 onwards I still go for pracs once a week and weekly practices during my wait to TP. Being a female rider, people tend to doubt my abilities to ride since male riders are always more superior. Although I didn't suffer from any major falls during my learning journey, I did drop my bike, mount kerb on crank course 2x and once in the "S" course HAHAHA.

Even though I barely made it through my TP with 18 points, I'm so overjoyed and grateful for this experience. I definitely will not forget this 5 months of learning 2B! Extremely thankful for all the help, tips and guidance given by the friendly motorcycle instructors at BBDC.

--


Anyway this is the overall breakdown of my Class 2B practical lessons I took over the span of 5 months at BBDC!


1.01: 1x (START: 23/09/14)
1.02: 1x (passed with 2nd attempt of 1.01)
1.03: 2x
2.01: 2x
2.02: 3x
3.01: 1x
3.02: 2x
4.01: 1x
4.02: 1x
5.01: 1x
5.02: 1x
6.01: 1x
7.01: 2x
8.01: 1x (END: 22/12/14)

Total paid practical lessons: 20

RC: 6x
SP: 7x
RR: 3x

TP: 1x

Total amount spent: SGD $1,192.30
They consist of..
- Practical lessons: $990.82
- Theory (basic + riding theory lessons, riding theory practice + evaluation, defensive theory lessons): $143.38
- BTT: Exempted since I took it during my class 3 days back in 2010!
- RTT: $6
- TP: $52.10

Since I passed my 8.01 final evaluation quite early, I went for many practices weekly throughout the wait to my TP!


--


Time to start looking for bikes lo!! Although I already know what bike I want to get. Can't wait to start riding a motorcycle with my sister and maybe.. Just maybe we might go and take our Class 2A one year later? :D Would love to try the Super Four at BBDC heehee. A really happy Chinese New Year indeed!!

Do drop me a comment or ask me anything on askfm if you guys have any doubts on the 2b course! I'll try my best to answer them. To those learning 2B now, have fun with it and ride safe! :)

Monday, February 9, 2015

SP #6 and RR #2

2 pracs for yesterday and today!

SP #6 - 8/2/15
RR #2 - 9/2/15

My second road revision (RR) today! How was it? It was really bad, but not as bad as my first RR last wednesday. Took my 2nd RR with 5 other guys, of which 4 of them are having their TP test tmr gosh. Only 1 of the guys and I are gonna take our TP next week....

First we went for warmup of 2 rounds around the circuit test route. For the first round, I entered the "S" course in neutral gear wtf. Guess I didn't kick it high enough or the gear just dropped to neutral on its own zzzzz. For my second round at my ebrake when I wanna stop, I didn't turn my handlebar to the centre and thus.... My right foot drop wtf. My instructor was standing infront and he gave me that "orh hor that's an immediate failure" look hahahhaa. Then we went out to the road.. When queuing up to exit bbdc, we had to do low speed control to slowly move up whenever vehicles exit bbdc and.... My right foot drop again wtf is wrong with me?!?! My instructor told me, "wah this stage already still right foot drop ah." Listen already I also feel stress.

Did 4 rounds today for our public test route and this time my uturning wasn't as bad as my 1st RR. But I guess nerves got the best of me, when I wanna move to the stop line at the uturn... I dropped my right foot for 2 rounds (out of 4) lah. *SHAKE MY  HEAD* fail liao lor really, well done joyce well done.

Before returning our bikes, we went to do 1 round of narrow plank, pylon slalom and ebrake. I think I went too fast for ebrake and step too much on my rear brake and guess what happened... My rear wheel kena locked, I ALMOST SKIDDED.. ALMOST!!!!!! My handlebar was moving left and right already and I immediately released my brakes and braked again.. Of cos I exceeded the stop line by ALOT.

I guess the toughest circuit courses for me will be the  S course, whether I'll hit the required timing and I still try my best to not exit the course so fast and Ebrake, sometimes my posture is wrong or I still do clutch in early. Practice practice practice!!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

RR #1

RR #1 (Road Revision) - 4/2/15

Its been 6 weeks since I last rode on the public road, cos 6 weeks ago when I was riding on the public road was because I was taking my prac 8.01 final evaluation! So yeah since my TP is nearing I decided to go for a session of RR. Anyway first of all I wanna say , I DID HORRIBLE. Really really horrible!!!

Took my RR with 2 other girls and 1 guy, our instructors were George and Izhardi! Think we did about 5 rounds around the public test route and out of 5, I only did 1 passable uturn during my last round!!! The rest was cos I didn't turn handlebar more, threw my clutch too much or I didn't release enough rear brake so I wobbled really badly when I was uturning. I've done alot of uturn practices in the circuit during my rc and sp prior to today's rr and they were all fine!! When I got on the public road I felt damn bloody nervous!!! Like traffic was heavy and damn unpredictable lah.

Many times I chose to go out of the filter lane at the wrong time = alot of vehicles = difficult to lane change. There was once I got stuck behind this sibei huge truck doing a uturn (I had to stay on the first lane after lane changing after the filter lane), the driver positioned himself on the first lane wtf I know he needs more clearance and all but my instructor said it is illegal to do that. Also I couldn't gauge whether or not the pedestrians wanna cross the zebra crossing so I just moved off, which is an immediate failure lah I should have waited to see if they really wanna cross or not.

So many mistakes!!!! If this was a real TP I think just plainly based on my public test route performance, I would have gotten like over 30-40 demerit points with 2 immediate failures man. TP is coming up in 13 days!!!!! Seriously must go for more RR practices already. Felt extremely lethargic and my head hurt after my RR, think I used too much energy to predict road hazards, wanna move off or not or I just think too much etc LOL.

On the bright side, I made friend with this lady during my RR just now. Knowing she didn't pass her 1st try of TP just last dec, she told me how the TP will be like and stuff. And she's taking her 2nd try of TP on the same day as me! Thankful that there'll be a familiar face during my TP.

Horrible performance today no joke man. Better book 2 more RR and get my shit together hhahahaha!

-

Anyway I added a ask.fm section at my sidebar, so feel free to ask me anything you want!!!!! or you can just click on the link below :D

http://ask.fm/dearjoys

Saturday, January 31, 2015

RC #4 and SP #5

Hey guys!

This week I went for 2 practice sessions:
RC #4 (Circuit Revision) - 29/1/15
SP #5 (Self Practice) - 31/1/15

Initially I only intend to go for RC this week but I have a friend who asked me if I wanna go for SP today, so I agreed. More practice, confirm will be beneficial right! Plus today my deal got cancelled so I'm not working today. Was late for prac today cos bbdc carpark got no parking lots wahlaoooooo!! Drive to bbdc so many times and this is the first time I encountered no lots. Waited awhile in the end I went to park the car opposite the centre's multistorey carpark since my friend and I were running late for our SP session already. And I found out the price is so much cheaper than parking at bbdc!!! hahahah.

Did lotsa uturn practices today during SP cause I have a Road Revision (RR) session booked for next wednesday so I wouldn't wanna fall down on the main road when uturning LOL. Extremely hot weather today, tryna tahan throughout the entire 100 mins. AND! I think I noticed that everytime during weekends, the instructors tend to be more cheery and smiley? HAHAHA that's what I feel lah. I've only been to 3 weekends prac out of 20-ish pracs and I noticed that. Prolly cos its the weekends LOL.

Both my RC and SP sessions this week were quite alright. Think I still have some mistakes to work on.. Like,
- Exiting the Figure 8 "S" course really fast = wide turning
- Stopping at neutral gear
- Incorrect posture at ebrake station
- Wobble when stopping

Awaiting my first RR session next wednesday! WHOOPPPP :D

Friday, January 23, 2015

SP #4

SP #4 (Self Practice) - 23/1/15

8 days since my last practice! Booked an early session today.. Session 3 at 11:30am because I havent been to any practicals this week yet, my weekends are meant for working, and the previous days I've been working as well so today is the only free time I got.

Anyway to summarize the performance I had today, IT WAS TERRIBLE!!! I made so many mistakes such as..

- Exiting crank course in neutral gear
- Fell off plank.. Havent even reach 1/4 of the plank then fell off LOL.
- Not stopping in gear 1 a few times
-  Not hitting 30km/hr at my ebrake station.. Unknowingly went to close throttle in the middle already
- Never change signal to left when going down the slope

And many more I don't remember. Plus! I wanted to try to do uturning at the traffic light junction since I only tried it at the mini circuit last week, it will give me a more "realistic" feel since there'll be other vehicles..

My first try was just plain HORRIBLE!!! Here's a badly drawn image below depicting my first try doing uturning at the traffic light junction on my own.....



I'm supposed to stop behind the stop line, wait for green light, move forward and turn handlebar to the right and stop again, then uturn to the 1st lane... The red arrow shows what I did for my first try HAHAHAH!!! I don't know what happened to me or maybe my bike kena possessed lah, My wide turning was srsly damn crazy bad until I almost wanted to go against the traffic or gonna mount kerb HAHAHAHA OH MY GOODNESS. I think some people saw my crazy stunt lah, damn paiseh but! I quickly turned handlebar and braked more so I didn't do any of the crazy things I said that might happen..

Exited and went one round around the circuit, then I went back to redo my uturn. Okay guys I managed to uturn without wide turning or going into some other lane or whatnot LOL. Felt so happy for awhile!

Yeah so my performance is kinda inconsistent, I have my good days and bad days during practices.. Last week I had a really productive SP session and today is just BLAH. Got so much to work on and my TP test is just 25 days away.. How ah how?!?!!?

Have already booked 2 RR, 2 RC and 1 more SP throughout this 25 days till TP. Seeing my shitty performance today makes it seem my current amount of practices are severely inadequate!

Thursday, January 15, 2015

SP #3

SP #3 (Self Practice) - 15/1/15

Took my 3rd SP session in my entire 2B course today! Btw it cost like $14.98 (nonpeak) so its so much cheaper than RC and RR, or any other practical lessons. The downside is that there won't be any instructors to guide nor give comments about your performance, but the brightside is bo zeng hu, can do whatever you want (no government) HAHAHA just kidding, sometimes instructors who are stationed at certain courses will give me advices and comments about my performance too. SP is mainly for people who already know where they're weak at and can mainly focus on that course they want. For example, you can just spend the entire 100 mins doing your Figure 8 "S" and crank course, nobody can stop you. Or you can spend your 100 mins doing uturns HAHAHA!

Before that I was in a bloody rush to get to bbdc! Cause my university convocation is on saturday and I had to quickly drive to school to collect my guests' invitation cards, quickly drive back home to get changed for bike SP session then quickly drive to bbdc hahaha. Yeah I'm graduating!!! Oh my gosh the one thing I hate about some Singaporean drivers is THEY DO NOT SIGNAL!! And, slow drivers hogging the first lane argh. Okay so anyway, I made it to bbdc on time hahaha. Moving on~

Did lotsa rounds about the circuit test route, but sometimes when I see certain courses that are damn crowded I'll just skip and go to the next course hahaha. Halfway through the 100 mins I went to the mini circuit to practice my uturning as well! Azad was there to give me comments on how to straighten my bike when I'm moving from the first stop line to the second stop line before doing my uturn. Even though the last time I did uturning was more than 3 weeks ago (Uturning is one of the test requirement that scares me, I have a phobia of my right leg dropping to the ground or wobbling), surprisingly I did fine!! Although there was only one time I accidentally strike the cone hahahaha, cos of wide turning. These 4 things are always on repeat whenever I do my uturns,
1) KIAP FUEL TANK SUPER TIGHTLY
2) DONT BE AFRAID TO THROTTLE
3) STEP ON FOOT BRAKE
4) LOOK FAR FAR AWAY

Although I still feel a little nervous when I was gonna uturn.. Idk how I'll fare if I do on the road but I felt pretty happy knowing I can do uturns in an "okay manner" in the mini circuit after such a long break heh.

Did all my circuit courses.. Once I entered the Figure 8 "S" course in neutral gear ahahaha omg made me wobble and almost strike kerb and once at ebrake, I didn't kick my gear high enough from 1 to 2 so I throttled alot in neutral gear, then there was a "VROOOOOOOM!!" sound ahahah luckily there weren't anybody at the ebrake course LOL.

Very productive day today, although the sun was blazing hot like mad!! My eyes were squinting when I was riding in the direction of the sunrays ahahaha. My thighs and arms were having a mini sauna party with my long sleeve top and jeans as well LOL. And to the guy I saw at the right turning stop line today, hello there!! I hope you passed your prac 4.01 today :D

Will probably go for another SP or RC session next week, see you next week bbdc!!

Countdown to 2B TP:
33 days

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

RC #3

RC #3 (Circuit Revision) - 7/1/15

Back to bbdc again!! It has been more than 2 weeks since my last time being on a motorcycle.. Do I miss it? YOU BET!!! I didn't go for pracs cos there were still quite some time left to my "judgement day".. Which is my TP test hahahah. Bumped into my primary school friend at the bbdc entrance, plus my secondary school friend (who was taking the same RC prac as me!). Actually they were the ones who called my name yet I need to ask who they are before knowing I actually knew them lol... So laokui ley me. It's crazy amazing how people can change so much in a span of few years!! If they still are able to recognize me, does that mean I still look like a kid?! Ok I digressed.

Took my 3rd RC in my entire 2B course, to date, with 4 other guys and the instructor we gotten was Syahir!! He's the only instructor whom I have the privilege to attend his pracs so many times!! Around maybe 4-5 times already? So today I was the only person waiting for TP, while the other 4 guys were either in their prac 5 or waiting for prac 6!

Did 2 rounds of the circuit test route as a warmup first. As I didn't attend any prac for more than 2 weeks, I felt so foreign to the motorcycle hahaha! Took me like 5 mins to get used to it... Initially I felt damn wobbly and stuff. Hence its really true, what the instructors said.. To go for pracs at least one time a week so we wouldn't lose the feel of the bike! Yes, tested and proven... At least for me lah.

Then we went back to the circuit test route board for a briefing on general riding and stuff, how to lane change properly etc.. After the briefing, we did narrow plank first, pylon slalom, ebrake, figure 8 "S" course, crank course, right turning and lastly slope!

If y'all know, I really love doing narrow plank! It gives me this sense of achievement when I can stay on it hahahaha. But for the past few sessions I had fared really horribly on narrow plank :( BUT BUT BUT! I think the narrow plank feel struck me back today, and I felt so good doing the plank! My average timing was 8.35-8.60 secs today. Plus I didn't wobble badly anymore!! Pylon slalom was alright. Moving onto ebrake!

Okay this ebrake ah... Sometimes can sometimes cannot? Initially I started to slow down even before I reached the line to close throttle and brake hahhah I was travelling at 28-29km/h (we gotta hit 30km/h) or I pressed my front brake too hard abruptly (very very dangerous!). Subsequently after corrections I got the hang of it! Then to the figure 8 "S" and crank course!

Deep down I'm still a little worried about hitting below the 11 seconds mark for "S" course! So I did my "S" course, taking a deep breath before checking left blindspot and moving off.... Surprise surprise, my instructor told me my timing was 9.60 seconds?! Wahhh freaking amazed lah, cos I'm damn noob one.. Always 10 seconds + or close to 11 seconds.

Now if only I can hit such timings for my narrow plank and "S" course during my TP test hahahah.

Did right turning and slope after, both were alright! Then we headed back to return our bikes. Today's 100 mins felt like it flew by damn quickly!! Did a debrief and I guess right now for courses I must work even harder for my ebrake hahaha. Will try to go bbdc for SP/RC/RR at least once a week so as to not lose the feel of the bike.

Countdown to 2B TP test:
41 days

Monday, December 22, 2014

Prac 8.01 (1st attempt) - Passed

Prac 8.01 (1st attempt) - 22/12/14 (Twentieth lesson)

Hi guys!! Its been a week since my last post, actually I've been to a self-practice (SP) session last thursday but I guess I won't be blogging about my SP or RC (circuit revision) sessions cos after all, they're just practice sessions so it'll be repetitive!! So anyway, I did horribly last thursday during my SP session!! My plank was shitty (posture is crazily wobbly, timing almost just pass 6 seconds) and I tried doing uturn at the traffic light junction for the first time (thankfully Chin Hwee was there to guide me!! Cos all these while I've only been doing uturning at the mini circuit and on the public road) but my uturning sucks ahahaha, right foot fell off pedal and did a wide turning. Felt so demoralized after my SP sesh cos I had my 8.01 booked the following monday! Also cos I know I'll be throwing away my $60 just like that if I fail my 8.01.

So today I took my 8.01 with 7 other people! Total there's 8 of us, 2 girls (including me) and 6 guys. Chin Hwee was incharge of our 8.01 today, and the first thing he said to me was "惨了啦!" Hahahaha cos he prolly saw how badly I did for my uturn last thursday. First half (4 of us) attempted the assessment first, and I was one of them while the other 4 people were in the second group, doing defensive riding where we'll be accompanied by 1 instructor each to ride around the circuit and outside on public road.

We did a 1 round of practice around the circuit test route before going to station our bikes at the starting line. Before that Yufang had "specially" helped correct whatever mistakes I did and I was extremely thankful! Gave me tips and stuff on how to 改 my silly habits. Felt sooooo nervous and anxious!! Our first group, number tags 13, 14, 15 and 16 had to go in order and I was number 15, hence, I'm number 3!

Did our circuit test route as per normal, but my heart was beating like crazy inside hahahaha. Slope was alright. During the "S" course, in my head I was repeating "FASTER FASTER FASTER!!" cos my "S" course isn't very stable in terms of hitting the required timing. Crank course was alright. Then here comes the narrow plank.. Recently I've been performing real badly at plank?! So anyway I did my plank and tried my hardest to prevent wobbling and I felt like I went too fast!! Then Chin Hwee told me, "Wah lucky lah you, timing is 6.38seconds." (We have to stay on the plank for more than 6 seconds). Then my ebrake.... Oh gosh my ebrake sucked so bad!! Did my ebrake then I saw the instructor writing something on his paper.. Die liao lor! Then Chin Hwee was a little further from the ebrake station and he told me, "You know you got marked for posture anot? That's 4 points! You could just tiptoe if you cant reach the ground so your handlebar won't be slanted."

Then we moved out to the public road! Went on left filter lane, lane change... And I saw the dude infront of me didn't cancel his signal all the way!! We have to cancel signal after lane changing from 3rd to the 1st lane and then turn it back on after the traffic light junction. But he was lucky lah first time it won't be marked as 4 points for failing to cancel signal. And.... Here comes the frightening uturn!!! My nightmare happened.. When doing my uturn I didn't throttle enough hence, I wobbled!!! My right foot slid off the brake pedal but I didn't drop my right foot on the ground. Then I did my uturn.. Luckily no wide turning. In my head I was thinking, shit man I'm gonna have an immediate failure.. Cause I know dropping of right foot is an immediate failure. So I was quite sian when going back to bbdc. Saw Vincent and he asked how I did, I told him about my uturning incident and he told me, "That doesn't necessarily mean its an immediate failure! Probably will mark you as wobble."

Then we went for our defensive riding, where each of us will be paired with an instructor and we went to ride around the public road test route 2x + 1 round in the circuit. Very angry with myself, for 2 rounds when I did my uturn at the public road, I did it with no wobbling and no wide turning!! Why is it when I took my assessment my right foot had to slid off?!?!! :(

Went to park our bikes and wait for our results. Chin Hwee then came and told us that out of 8 of us, 5 passed while 3 failed. I already had a feeling I won't make it. Then he gave us all our score sheets one by one and..... I passed!!!! Unbelievable. Thought I was gonna get immediate failure for uturn but I was marked as wobble.



This is my riding assessment checklist for 8.01 final evaluation!

I got marked for incorrect posture and clutching in too early (incorrect technique) = 6 points in total for ebrake. Sharp turning when turning at junctions, not checking blind spot (when I was just gonna start my final evaluation hahahaha shit) and not looking for traffic at side roads.

So thankful I don't need to go through 8.01 again, cos its so expensive! hahahha but I definitely will keep going for self practice (SP, circuit revision (RC) and road revision (RR) throughout my wait to my TP to hone my riding skills. Imagine how nervous I felt during my 8.01, it'll be 10 times worse during my actual TP!! Happy riding to you guys if you are taking up 2B practicals now!! :) I'll prolly blog as and when if I take any SP/RC/RR. Merry Christmas in advance! :)


Countdown to my 2B TP: 57 days

Monday, December 15, 2014

Prac 7.01 (2nd attempt) - Passed

Prac 7.01 (2nd attempt) - 15/12/14 (Nineteenth lesson)

Went for a night session today, at 7:20pm! Already got a feeling there'll be heavy traffic everywhere but figured if I could do it at night, I can do it in the daylight as well? hahaha.

Took my 2nd attempt of 7.01 with 4 other ppl, 2 guys and 2 girls. They're all 1st timers while I'm taking the 7.01 for the 2nd time. Instructors we got were this tall tanned uncle, only got his surname called Lim and another guy we got was Yufang, he was this bike team leader! Really nice instructor, initially I was really intimidated by him riding a class 2 bike + fierce face when I saw him during my 2nd attempt of 2.02 (cos he was there to help my instructor observe us) but now we did talk and all and I found he's really helpful! Gave me comments on how to improve my riding whenever I'm on the circuit.

Did uturning practices in the mini circuit and then my instructors told me to be the first bike LOL. First bike!!!! It makes me nervous lah cos people will follow me and stuff. Before that we went for a briefing on the public road test route then off to the road we go! I find that the key to doing a good uturn is..

GRIP THE FUEL TANK AND NEVER LET GO!!

Hahahaha its true... Plus just twist the throttle!!! It helped me so much and I never fall from the bike anymore. Except once in the mini circuit just now, I accidentally closed throttle, fell and dropped the bike LOL. Other than that I didn't fall off anymore nor did I do wide turning.

Did 4 rounds around the public road test route today, since I was the first bike I had to wait before the bus stop everytime I finished my right turning. I waited for quite a long time for the 4 remaining bikes to arrive cos you know, it's a peak hour session so there definitely will be more cars.

More cars = More waiting at the uturn!

It was so exhilarating when I went to throttle like mad after doing my left filter lane and had to do a lane change from 3rd lane to the 1st. I love the feeling! After that we went back to BBDC to return our bikes.

So I passed my 7.01 yayyyy!!! I can now go ahead and book my 8.01 final evaluation (where we have to do our circuit courses + public test route without getting more than 18 demerit points according to the TP checklist). Say if I pass my 8.01, then I'll only be waiting to take my TP!!! Will prolly have to go for more RC and SP before going for my 8.01 cos 8.01 cost like almost $60/session!! (non-peak). A normal SP or RC session is around $16 and $26 respectively (nonpeak).

And by the way, I have booked my TP test date already! It'll be on 17th Feb 2015.. Anybody reading this taking the same TP date as me? Drop me a comment!! :D

Saturday, December 13, 2014

RTP, RTT and SP = 5 hours at BBDC

Alas! My long awaited 13th dec saturday is here. I've been waiting so long to take my RTT so I can book my TP! Because I've been passing my prac 1x a week so I kinda regret not taking my RTE earlier hahaha.

Woke up at 7-ish in the morning to prepare to head out. I had booked 2 riding theory practice from 0825 all the way till 1005, followed by my riding theory test at 1030-1120 and then a self-practice (SP) practical session at 1130-1310! Yeah its like almost 5 hours at BBDC hahahah, specially opted not to work today (cos I work normally work on the weekends) just for riding.

Did a quick run through on the 5 riding theory booklets and quickly made use of every minute hahahah. I felt so nervous when I walked down from the 3rd to the 2nd floor for my RTT.. Because all I could think of was, "What if I fail?!?! I'll have to wait like 2 more months before I can retake my RTT and then book my TP.." Went to the test room and the TP person gave me a slip of paper with my PIN and seat number. Sat at my seat, waiting for more people to arrive. Saw this dude sitting beside me started googling on stuff like, "how to control a skidding motorbike". Hahahah!! Did my test.. It consist of 50 qus, must get 45 and above correct answers to pass my RTT! I actually finished it in like 5-10 mins BUT! Being the cautious person I am, I went to review all my 50 answers again.. Actually I got confused with 2 qus but yeah. Submitted my answers and went to view my results...

I got 48/50!

Bet my 2 incorrect answers were the ones I got confused at hahahaha. Went to grab some food before heading to the motorcycle office to wait for my SP session! Yesyesyes this is my first ever self-practice practical so I was a little lost hehhhh. I was ready to grab my bike when Vincent said, "Why you never wear elbow and knee guard!" hahahahah I told him "oopsssss sorry I didnt know! It is my first time taking SP hahaha." Wanted to practice my uturns first so I told the instructors there if I could use the mini circuit for uturns, they were really nice and helped lay out the cones for me.

There were 2 instructors there, presumbly taking 1.03 prac, I know they are quite the "old bird" there, like the chief instructors kind.. They helped correct my posture and stuff, what to do and all. Of course I felt the pressure and stress to perform well since they're very experienced and I was afraid of doing it wrong. Subsequently I could do it (I think)! I went round and round the mini circuit several times wahahahha bloody retarded but then I prolly only had kena 2/3 times went off course/my right leg slipped. I was still very wobbly lah but I guess I have to slowly work on my uturns. Then I went off to the main circuit to practice my courses!

It was damn fun doing any courses I want?! Of cos SP will be cheaper cos there won't be any instructors guiding you. But sometimes at certain courses, some helpful instructors will give me pointers on how to improve my courses or help me to clock timing for plank or "S" course. I prolly went like 4-5 times around the circuit test route before heading back to return bike. The 100 mins really passed by damn quickly!!

Haven't decide whether to book another SP or to go for my 7.01 first but I'll prolly do either 1 next week. Good luck to me!!! :D

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Prac 7.01 (1st attempt) - Failed

Prac 7.01 (1st attempt) - 9/12/14 (Eighteen lesson)

So in the end, nobody wanna buy my slot hahaha so I had to go for my 7.01 even though I don't even feel confident AT ALL!! :( So 7.01 is about: Independent riding in light and medium density traffic, with uturn, overtaking, defensive riding, risk forecast and reacting to hazards.

Took my first attempt of 7.01 with 2 guys and 1 girl, including me it'll be 4 of us! Instructors we got were Harry and Shaiful (he took my first attempt of 1.01 and first attempt of 2.02 previously). We were all first timers as well.. First we got our bikes, parked it in the middle of the mini circuit, briefing on how to do a uturn before heading out to the public road! Then we did our uturn practices.... And.... I fared horribly HAHAHA!! But not as bad as yesterday's uturn practice during my RC #2. Subsequently I can do my uturn but sometimes I went off course (wide turning) or my right leg will fall off the rear brake pedal :(

Took a break and got a briefing on the public road test route, where and when to lane change, check blindspot and basically where to go! Think overall we did like 4 rounds about the public road test route, I can't remember :|

There's a part where we have to lane change to the first lane after filter lane > merging lane. Everytime I'll forget to off signal?!!? Cos we have to off signal, pass by traffic light junction then signal right again to do our uturn. Anyway my uturn was bad!! Think 2/4 times I did a wide turning, instead of turning to the first lane I turned to the second and quickly lane change to the right my gosh :(

Just by doing a right turn after uturn requires 5 safety checks!!! Check left right for pedestrians, right blindspot, oncoming traffic, left filter lane and another time on the left before merging.The instructor said if we missed out anyone we will fail the class, when I heard it I felt damn scared hahahha I kept repeating the 5 safety checks in my head.

Anyway my last round before heading back to bbdc was horrible!!! Misjudged the speed of oncoming vehicles while doing my uturn and I immediately turned out hahahha best thing was I turned into the second lane wtf wide turning!!!! Then I already knew I'm gonna fail today's practical lesson already. Went back to return our bikes before a debriefing by Shaiful. In the end only 1 guy passed out of the 4 of us.

In conclusion, I must must MUST go for more practices on uturn before booking my 2nd attempt of 7.01!! Will be overseas from tmr till friday, and saturday is my RTT!! Hopefully I can pass my RTT and proceed with my booking of TP. Have also booked a SP session after my RTT, would wanna practice my uturning and "S" course. Don't think I'll book my 7.01 until I feel I'm ready hahaha. Good luck to me!!!!

Monday, December 8, 2014

RC #2

RC #2 (Circuit Revision) - 8/12/14

Went for my second RC session today! My previous RC was on 27th Nov, so it was a good (almost) 2 weeks since I last touched circuit courses. Sky was pretty dark when I was on my way to bbdc so yeah... "Gonna be riding in the rain today" was the first thing I thought of and deep down I was hoping it wouldn't rain heheh.

Took my RC with 4 other people today and the instructor we got was Izhardi! He took my first attempt of 3.01 previously. Looked out the window and saw it raining cats and dogs ugggghhhhh... Went to put on raincoat and pants after getting our ICs checked. This is the 3rd time I'm encountering the rain!!!!

Did a few rounds of narrow plank and pylon slalom first, omgzzz my favourite plank hahaha!! My average timing today was 8 seconds plus.. There was once I went super slow on the plank until I hit 10 seconds+ and Izhardi said "Faster leh, don't need so long!!!" LOL hahaha I didn't even realize it. Then we moved onto ebrake.. Today I did alot better than my previous RC #1 ebrake station. One time I stepped on the rear brake too hard and I heard some knocking sound.. Luckily my rear tyre didn't lock and skid!!!! My only problem is that I keep looking down at the line hahahah wahlao my eyes need to maintain.

Went back to return raincoat and pants cos it stopped raining, and moved onto "S" and crank courses!! If you guys have read my previous entries, the "S" course really is a nightmare for me!! Initially my timing was between 11-11.6 seconds subsequently I tried to throttle more and.... I got 10.3 seconds+ woohoo :D Crank course was okay for me. Next we did right turn, lane changing and slope. These 3 components were ok for me as well!

Moved onto uturn at the mini circuit.... I WAS IN A MESS!!! When doing my uturn I don't know if I braked too hard or never maintain clutch or throttle keep turning off and on and... I dropped my bike wtf. Right leg kept falling off as well, I cannot stay in my lane and shit...

I CANNOT DO A PROPER UTURN AT ALL!!!! 

Best of all... My practical 7.01 is tomorrow.. Public road riding with UTURN.

Oh the horror!!!! Seeing how badly I did for uturn today, I immediately went to put my 7.01 practical for tmr on try-sell. Its been a few hours now and still nobody wanna buy my slot :( Hoping some person will buy my slot so I can go for more uturn practices first. Because I know I confirm will fail my 7.01 tmr and waste more $$ (cos road pracs are more expensive hahaha) if I attend the practical. We shall see... *fingers crossed*

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Prac 6.01 (1st attempt) - Passed

Prac 6.01 (1st attempt) - 3/12/14 (Seventeen lesson)

Hi guys, I'm finally back to taking my practical lessons!! The defensive theory lessons (PPL) really took up most of my time, plus PPLs had to be cleared in order. Anyway, 6.01 is - Independent riding in light and medium density traffic. In other words... RIDING ON THE PUBLIC ROAD!!! I was really reallllllllly excited today. 

Booked session 7, latest I ever booked till date, cos 6.01 had to be taken either in session 7 or 8 in the night time. Figured I don't wanna take session 8 cos it'll be from 9:10pm to 10:50pm, by then I think I'll be sleepy and stuff hahaha so I took session 7.

Took my first attempt of 6.01 with 4 other people, including me it'll be 5. Instructors we gotten were Vincent and Chin Hwee (he took my first attempt of 2.01 and first attempt of 3.02 previously). First we went to choose bikes and Chin Hwee briefed us on what to check for, like fuel tank, signal lights working or not and how to tie raincoat and pants on the back seat to make sure it was secured. Then we went to the bench where we were being shown the public road board and got briefed on our positioning, to be in a staggered position on a straight road, to give way to bikes when turning left or right and stuff. Deep down I was really excited to get started, all I wanted was to hop onto my bike and go but I can't lah hahahaha must listen to instructions first.

After being briefed, we went to practice our staggered positioning around the bbdc circuit before moving out via the bbdc carpark. Vincent had to take the lead and we all followed, Chin Hwee was the one doing the "sweeping" of the last bike, which was me cos I was the last bike hahaha. The feeling was damn exhilarating?! I rev and just whack throttle hahahaha. I prolly went 60-70km/hr omg, rather than in circuit I can only go up to 20-30km/hr only?!

Went around bukit batok area, I don't remember where but we did lotsa left turns, major to minor road and stuff. Stopped at the kerbside to have a small briefing on what were our mistakes. Majority of us were okay on the road, just that we didn't do our safety checks properly. We had to really exaggerate and turn our heads to check for, example: any pedestrians crossing the zebra crossing. We can't turn our eyeballs to see, must literally turn our heads and stuff.

After a small break, Vincent asked for the second last bike and the last bike (which was me) to move up hence, I became the second bike. Did more right turns during our 2nd half of the practical class before heading back.

Whilst heading back to bbdc.... This happened. Here's a badly drawn diagram depicting the incident!!

This bloody silver car just literally swerved between the instructor and first bike into the ESSO petrol kiosk station wtf?!?!?! So the first bike guy and myself immediately braked hard. Imagine if the car went even slower, I guess either myself or the first bike guy will crash into the car. Luckily we weren't going especially fast lah so we could slow down in time. Reckless driver is impatient pffttttt. The instructors even asked us during our debrief whether we rmbed the car plate number hahahah all 5 of us didn't but the instructors did?! It was SJP something something and ends with a P.

Went back to bbdc via the carpark and Vincent went in the opposite direction of the carpark?! We all just followed.. Turns out he "tricked" us to see if we can ride independently hahahaha!! Anyway during debriefing, Chin Hwee and Vincent brought up the carpark thing and said, "You all know what you all did wrong just now lah, so you all need to come back.."

All of us were thinking.. Wah need to come back to retake 6.01 already.. Suddenly they added on..

"Come back for your 7.01!!"

LOL, they got us all for a second there. So in the end we all passed our 6.01!! Next will be our last road lesson, 7.01 - independent riding in light and medium density traffic which includes, uturn, overtaking, defensive riding and public toad test route. So excited to get started! We were advised to go for a RC to brush up on our uturns since we'll be doing uturns in 7.01.

Will be overseas from 10th-12th, so I can't attend any bike pracs! Plus I've got my RTT on the 13th so I can book my TP date after :D Still haven't decide whether to book RC or SP next week to practice my uturn, but I've booked my 7.01 on the following week's Monday. Hopefully everything will work out hahahah. Wish me luck!! :D

Friday, November 28, 2014

RC #1

RC #1 (Circuit Revision) - 27/11/14

So... It was my birthday yesterday! Yet I still went riding haha, figured riding makes me happy and I should be happy on my birthday.. Yes? I turned 23 yesterday! Woohoooo :D

It was my first RC practice, because I still cannot book the next practical 6.01 yet. I have not completed my PPL defensive theory lesson (I'm left with the last one btw!) and have not applied PDL. My last defensive theory will be on saturday, and by then I'll prolly go apply for PDL on the same day as well. Hopefully I can start my 6.01 next week!

So I took my first RC with 4 other people. Did "S" and crank course first, right turn + lane changing, slope, narrow plank, pylon slalom and lastly ebrake.

And of course, I got stuck at the "S" course lah. My problem is sometimes I still keep turning off and on my throttle hence, I always fail to hit the required timing of under 11 seconds. Some of the older instructors there helped me alot and all, pillioned and showed me how to it and stuff, asked me to not worry about going faster or striking kerb. After a number of painful tries, I got the timing hahaha. Did slopes, then the S and crank courses a few more times before moving onto narrow plank and pylon slalom. Both of these courses were okay for me!! Then we moved onto ebrake...

Idk man but wtf is wrong with my ebraking skills?! My posture is shit, right leg keep dropping to the ground when stopping, eye kept looking below the line, wobbled when ebrake, used front brake too much... ZZZZZ. It doesn't help when there's a ferocious looking instructor shooting cut throat stares into me when I do my ebrake... Prolly because I accidentally cut into his class's student's lane when moving out earlier on after ebrake. I already checked my mirror and blindspot, I saw the dude was moving rather slowly and there's a gap so I moved out... I know I should give way lah but.. I apologized and all already and I'm still learning everytime I go for practs so.... Okay so moving on.


I felt like I did shitty today, particularly my ebrake and S course (still very inconsistent). Did badly whenever I wanna stop as well, damn unstable!!! Idk issit cause I haven't touch a bike for more than a week, then felt damn ganchiong and shit. Okay I think it's like a 50 50 performance?! Since it's my first RC practice, I shan't be too hard on myself. In conclusion... I still need to go for more RC practices!!