Good Old Bandit.
Good Old Bandit. gob.stayingalive.in
Optimize your motorcycle for maximum comfort and performance. Learn step-by-step how to adjust ergonomics, suspension, brakes, and more for the perfect ride.

Motorcycles are more than just machines; they are an extension of the rider’s body. When properly adjusted, a motorcycle can provide not only a comfortable ride but also superior performance. An optimized setup enhances control, minimizes fatigue, and improves safety, making every journey more enjoyable. Whether you’re riding long distances, carving through twisties, or commuting in the city, fine-tuning your motorcycle ensures the best possible riding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk through detailed steps on how and why you should adjust various components of your bike to maximize #comfort and #performance.

Ergonomics: Your Bike Should Fit Like a Glove

Handlebar Position: The Key to Control and Comfort

Your handlebar position plays a crucial role in your overall riding posture, affecting wrist comfort, shoulder strain, and maneuverability. Improper positioning can cause discomfort over long rides and reduce your ability to control the bike effectively.

Why Adjust?

• Prevents wrist and shoulder pain on long rides.
• Improves bike handling and responsiveness.
• Reduces fatigue, allowing for longer, safer rides.

How to Adjust:

Adjust height and angle: Ensure handlebars are positioned so your elbows maintain a slight bend, allowing relaxed shoulders and a comfortable reach.

Check wrist alignment: Your wrists should remain neutral, neither bent up nor down, to avoid strain.

Experiment with bar risers or different handlebar styles: Higher handlebars can improve comfort for touring, while lower, clip-on bars are ideal for sportier riding.

Seat Comfort: Your Throne on Two Wheels

The seat is one of the most important components affecting long-distance comfort. A poor seat can cause back pain, numbness, and discomfort over extended rides.

Why Adjust?

• Enhances overall comfort, especially on long trips.
• Reduces vibration-induced fatigue.
• Helps maintain a balanced and natural riding position.

How to Adjust:

Use gel or memory foam inserts for added cushioning and reduced pressure points.

Upgrade to an aftermarket seat designed for your riding style—touring seats for long-haul comfort, and performance seats for aggressive riding.

Adjust the seat height so both feet can touch the ground comfortably when stopped, enhancing confidence and stability.

Footpeg Position: The Foundation of Stability

Footpegs influence your leg position and overall riding stance. Poor footpeg placement can cause knee pain and instability while riding.

Why Adjust?

• Reduces strain on your knees and ankles.
• Enhances bike stability and control.
• Allows for a more natural and relaxed riding posture.

How to Adjust:

Lower pegs to increase legroom and reduce knee strain on long rides.

Rear-set pegs for a more aggressive stance, improving control in high-speed cornering.

Ensure easy reach to the shifter and brake pedal to minimize unnecessary foot movement and fatigue.

Suspension Tuning: The Secret to a Plush or Sporty Ride

Why Suspension Matters

Your suspension system absorbs road imperfections, ensuring stability and grip. A poorly adjusted suspension can result in a harsh ride, poor cornering ability, and excessive wear on tires and other components.

Adjusting Sag: The First Step to a Balanced Ride

Sag refers to how much the suspension compresses under weight. Proper sag settings allow your bike to handle bumps effectively while maintaining stability.

How to Adjust:

Measure static sag (bike alone) and rider sag (bike with you on it).

Adjust preload accordingly to maintain the correct balance—less preload for a softer ride, more preload for a firmer, sportier feel.

Damping: Controlling Rebound and Compression

Damping controls how quickly your suspension moves. Too much damping makes the ride stiff, while too little results in excessive bouncing.

How to Adjust:

Rebound damping: Increase if the bike bounces excessively; decrease if it feels stiff and unresponsive.

Compression damping: Adjust to prevent excessive diving under braking or a harsh ride over bumps.

Tire Selection and Pressure: The Contact Patch That Defines Your Ride

Choosing the Right Tires

Different tires suit different riding styles and conditions. The right tires improve grip, handling, and overall ride quality.

How to Choose:

• Touring tires offer durability and excellent wet-weather grip.
• Sport tires provide superior traction and sharp cornering.
• Dual-sport tires balance off-road capability with road performance.

Dialing in Tire Pressure

Tire pressure affects handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Improper pressure can lead to poor grip and increased tire wear.

How to Adjust:

• Lower pressure for more grip on wet roads but increased wear.
• Higher pressure for better fuel efficiency but reduced traction.
• Check pressure regularly, as temperature fluctuations can impact PSI.

Fine-Tune for the Ultimate Ride

Every motorcycle and rider is different, meaning adjustments should be tailored to your personal preferences and riding conditions. By taking the time to tweak handlebars, suspension, brakes, and other components, you can create a machine that feels like a seamless extension of yourself. Small changes make a huge difference, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable, controlled, and exhilarating ride.

Now, get out there, #ride, #explore, and make every mile count!

Sanjay Mohindroo
Sanjay Mohindroo. gob.stayingalive.in
Optimize your motorcycle for maximum comfort and performance. Learn step-by-step how to adjust ergonomics, suspension, brakes, and more for the perfect ride.

Motorcycles are more than just machines; they are an extension of the rider’s body. When properly adjusted, a motorcycle can provide not only a comfortable ride but also superior performance. An optimized setup enhances control, minimizes fatigue, and improves safety, making every journey more enjoyable. Whether you’re riding long distances, carving through twisties, or commuting in the city, fine-tuning your motorcycle ensures the best possible riding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk through detailed steps on how and why you should adjust various components of your bike to maximize #comfort and #performance.

Ergonomics: Your Bike Should Fit Like a Glove

Handlebar Position: The Key to Control and Comfort

Your handlebar position plays a crucial role in your overall riding posture, affecting wrist comfort, shoulder strain, and maneuverability. Improper positioning can cause discomfort over long rides and reduce your ability to control the bike effectively.

Why Adjust?

• Prevents wrist and shoulder pain on long rides.
• Improves bike handling and responsiveness.
• Reduces fatigue, allowing for longer, safer rides.

How to Adjust:

Adjust height and angle: Ensure handlebars are positioned so your elbows maintain a slight bend, allowing relaxed shoulders and a comfortable reach.

Check wrist alignment: Your wrists should remain neutral, neither bent up nor down, to avoid strain.

Experiment with bar risers or different handlebar styles: Higher handlebars can improve comfort for touring, while lower, clip-on bars are ideal for sportier riding.

Seat Comfort: Your Throne on Two Wheels

The seat is one of the most important components affecting long-distance comfort. A poor seat can cause back pain, numbness, and discomfort over extended rides.

Why Adjust?

• Enhances overall comfort, especially on long trips.
• Reduces vibration-induced fatigue.
• Helps maintain a balanced and natural riding position.

How to Adjust:

Use gel or memory foam inserts for added cushioning and reduced pressure points.

Upgrade to an aftermarket seat designed for your riding style—touring seats for long-haul comfort, and performance seats for aggressive riding.

Adjust the seat height so both feet can touch the ground comfortably when stopped, enhancing confidence and stability.

Footpeg Position: The Foundation of Stability

Footpegs influence your leg position and overall riding stance. Poor footpeg placement can cause knee pain and instability while riding.

Why Adjust?

• Reduces strain on your knees and ankles.
• Enhances bike stability and control.
• Allows for a more natural and relaxed riding posture.

How to Adjust:

Lower pegs to increase legroom and reduce knee strain on long rides.

Rear-set pegs for a more aggressive stance, improving control in high-speed cornering.

Ensure easy reach to the shifter and brake pedal to minimize unnecessary foot movement and fatigue.

Suspension Tuning: The Secret to a Plush or Sporty Ride

Why Suspension Matters

Your suspension system absorbs road imperfections, ensuring stability and grip. A poorly adjusted suspension can result in a harsh ride, poor cornering ability, and excessive wear on tires and other components.

Adjusting Sag: The First Step to a Balanced Ride

Sag refers to how much the suspension compresses under weight. Proper sag settings allow your bike to handle bumps effectively while maintaining stability.

How to Adjust:

Measure static sag (bike alone) and rider sag (bike with you on it).

Adjust preload accordingly to maintain the correct balance—less preload for a softer ride, more preload for a firmer, sportier feel.

Damping: Controlling Rebound and Compression

Damping controls how quickly your suspension moves. Too much damping makes the ride stiff, while too little results in excessive bouncing.

How to Adjust:

Rebound damping: Increase if the bike bounces excessively; decrease if it feels stiff and unresponsive.

Compression damping: Adjust to prevent excessive diving under braking or a harsh ride over bumps.

Tire Selection and Pressure: The Contact Patch That Defines Your Ride

Choosing the Right Tires

Different tires suit different riding styles and conditions. The right tires improve grip, handling, and overall ride quality.

How to Choose:

• Touring tires offer durability and excellent wet-weather grip.
• Sport tires provide superior traction and sharp cornering.
• Dual-sport tires balance off-road capability with road performance.

Dialing in Tire Pressure

Tire pressure affects handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Improper pressure can lead to poor grip and increased tire wear.

How to Adjust:

• Lower pressure for more grip on wet roads but increased wear.
• Higher pressure for better fuel efficiency but reduced traction.
• Check pressure regularly, as temperature fluctuations can impact PSI.

Fine-Tune for the Ultimate Ride

Every motorcycle and rider is different, meaning adjustments should be tailored to your personal preferences and riding conditions. By taking the time to tweak handlebars, suspension, brakes, and other components, you can create a machine that feels like a seamless extension of yourself. Small changes make a huge difference, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable, controlled, and exhilarating ride.

Now, get out there, #ride, #explore, and make every mile count!

Book Review: The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. It’s Friday, and time for another review. Today it’s The Comfort Book by Matt Haig.

I’ve been a fan of Matt Haig’s work since I first came across his children’s book ‘A Boy Called Christmas’. At the time, I had been searching for a book that both my nephew and I would find entertaining, and since this one was about Christmas – something we’re both very passionate about – I figured I couldn’t go wrong (it was fantastic by the way and is now a firm favourite).
Since then, I’ve read many of Matt’s other books, including his autobiographical ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ and ‘Notes on a Nervous Planet,’ which are similar to The Comfort Book.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig was first published in July 2021 by Canongate Books and is 272 pages long.

Plot
The Comfort book has no plot; it’s not that sort of book. It’s more of a collection of Matt’s experiences with mental illness, advice and wise passages of hope for anyone feeling anything less than ‘happy’.

Characters
There’s really only one character here, and that’s the author. Matt has been very candid about his struggle with poor mental health, specifically anxiety and depression and this sort of honesty and insight can help give others hope. The fact that he appears to be thriving now shows that recovery is possible, even though it may sometimes not feel like it.

Writing Style
The Comfort book is an easy read, and though Some of the chapters or sections are long, many are very short, some even a single line. The great thing is you don’t necessarily have to read the book in any specific order; you can turn to any chapter and read.

The book is full of warm, encouraging messages and advice directly from the author’s heart. He shares analogies which really make you think, such as likening depression to being lost in the woods and learning that, like being lost in the woods, if you keep moving forward in a straight line, you’re likely to get through. I’m paraphrasing, but the gist of the analogy is there. That was my favourite part. It was relatively early in the book – within the first few pages, yet I kept thinking about it throughout. Even though you might feel as lost as anyone could be, if you just keep moving, then you can make it. That’s what I took from it. It has stayed with me.

It’s clear that Matt wants to share all he has learned in his experiences, and it feels like he is reaching out to embrace you to let you know that you are not alone. He explores some of the things that helped him keep moving through life during his darkest moments – times when he was absolutely sure he wouldn’t make it. His effortless conversational style makes you feel as if you’re engaged in an intimate and private chat, wherein you, the reader, feel like you are a trusted confidant.

As well as quotes and tidbits of helpful advice, Matt even includes lists of movies and music that help him when he’s feeling low. In fact, just like ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ and ‘Notes on a Nervous Planet,’ this book gives you a sense of Matt’s personality and the growth he has gone through over the years since he first became ill. And also, like those books, it leaves you feeling that recovery from mental illness is always a work in progress and that there will be days when you won’t feel totally okay, and that’s fine.

Final thoughts
The book’s cover initially made me want to read The Comfort Book – and yes, I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this cover was exceptionally colourful and drew me to it. Then there was the title ‘The Comfort Book.’ It seemed to be calling out to me, telling me it had all the answers to my problems and that it could help me, and while, as so few books do, it didn’t have all the answers, it did have some. And it did offer Comfort in spades. So much so that reading it felt like I was being wrapped in a warm hug.

Through reading this book, I could see in plain black and white that no matter how often I may feel it or how often those pesky, dark babbling thoughts enter my mind, I am absolutely not alone. Seeing it right in front of me that someone has lived through experiences even remotely close to my own causes a sort of internal sigh of relief and a lifting of the weight from my shoulders.

It is a terrific book, and I would recommend it to anyone struggling in any capacity, be it with anxiety, depression, loneliness or even grief.

I give The Comfort Book by Matt Haig 9/10 for all the reasons I mentioned above and more.

Have you read The Comfort Book? Did you enjoy it?

As always, thanks for reading my review! It really does mean the world.

Until next time,

George

© 2023 GLT

#book #bookReview #books #Comfort #MattHaig #mentalHealth #reader #Reading #review #TheComfortBook

GEORGE L THOMAS

2020-02-25 09:00:26

Hope in Possibility

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all well! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how, when you’re in the midst of a problem or dealing with any sort of dilemma, really, it can sometimes feel like there are no answers – or no way forward. But I feel like there is always hope. Always. There will always be an answer to any problem, and it is this sentiment which has inspired the poem I’m sharing with you today. I hope you enjoy it!

Hope in Possibility

When the mountains have all crumbled
And the oceans begin to rise
When there is so much poison in the air
That there’re no birds left in the sky

When cities have all fallen
And the trees are all long gone
And the landscape is changed forever
The ground scorched by our growing sun

There will still be something, somewhere
Something struggling to survive
Adapting to the changes
And trying very hard to thrive

So even in the very end
When improbability abounds
There can also be possibility
Wherein hope is always found

As always, thank you for spending your valuable time with my words, it really means a lot.

Until next time,

George

© 2020 GLT

#hope #improbability #life #mountains #ocean #poem #poems #possibility #Writer #writing

Poetry – GEORGE L THOMAS

Here is some of the poetry I have written. I hope you enjoy it!

^{GEORGE L THOMAS}

🎉 Today marks my 33rd birthday! 🎂 Although I spent the day resting while my mom recovered from knee surgery, we celebrated a bit yesterday. We picked up food from a local steakhouse, Trail Boss Steak and Grill. While the steak was a bit tough and the truffle fries weren't quite right, the steak had great flavor, and I really enjoyed the gouda mac and salad! 🍽️

For the past several weeks, I've been sleeping in the recliner in the living room because my current wedge pillow is too firm, causing me to slide down when I lay on it. This makes it hard to find a comfortable position in bed, even with multiple pillows. Several of my health conditions improve if I sleep on an incline. My sister Lacie gifted me a new wedge pillow, which is much softer and should help me sleep comfortably in my bed again. It was one of the more expensive items on my wish list, so I wasn't expecting to receive it given her financial struggles. Her generosity means so much to me. She also gave me a fidget cube, which I already had, but that's okay.

I also received some gift cards, which I'm planning to use for an external hard drive and a few other computer essentials. A special thanks to my pastor, who's sending me a better USB hub and Bluetooth dongle as a Christmas gift, arriving on the 5th. Feeling grateful for all the love and support! ❤️

#Birthday #Grateful #Family #TechGifts #ChocolateLover #Foodie #Comfort #ChronicIllness