Went out for a "spirited" ride last night. Took the Repsol to a very well known road out east with lots of twists and turns. it was dark and the lighting isn't very good in a particular set of turns that I know pretty well and get a wee bit aggressive on. Well, long story short, I went a bit too hot into the first curve and wasn't set up right for the next (fast right-left combo) and had to lean the bike over a bit more than I am comfortable doing on the street and hit a small patch of sand (this road is near the coast). Front tire slid out what felt like 4 feet, but was probably more like 4 inches. I did my best Marquez and pulled it off, but it slowed me right down, so much so that I took it very easy until the end of the run, got a coffee at the gas station by the highway and went home. I know we've all had these moments, if you ride, you've had one. I know for a fact that 20 year old me would have soldiered on but 40-something me is a bit more cautious!
