Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > WeeJohnyB sets ANOTHER new World Record

[WeeJohnyB]

After my awesome 9 touchdowns at 96 traffic lights on my daily commute into London, it was suggested that I try it without braking.

So 27 miles, through St Albans, down the M1, then all the way through London to Tower Bridge in rush hour - can it be done?

I touched the brakes 3 times, yep, only three times, even surprised me, but it's even more hilarious than doing the no touching down world record. The journey normally takes an hour and it took an extra 20 minutes. Anticipating lights and slowing using the gears is one thing, but when you have to stop, it's just comical - I tried going right down to first gear and using the engine braking, but found that my bike still has drive in first with the clutch fully to the bar, so slipping into neutral helped with the final slowing down, but not with the slow speed riding. The best bit is when you have no choice but to stop and you have too much momentum to free-wheel to a standstill - solution, both feet down in a frantic paddling sort of a way - now that really is funny and frightening at the same time. Must be comical to watch.

I had to use the brakes 3 times, once as a car pulled out, once because a pedestrian walked between cars and the third because the car in front decided to stop at a red light where three cars normally go through and the gap between the car and the traffic island closed, so I had to brake.

I'll continue with the no touching down attempts at beating 9, but the no brakes record will stay as I can't be bothered riding so slowly.

So, what next? Do the whole journey standing up? Without my glasses on? Any ideas anyone?

WeeJohnyB
World Champion

[BDG]

EXCELLENT, very impressive for London traffic, when are you doing autographs (whilst riding)

[Mark]

No brakes or touch downs on you're way to work.........

[AK]

so, your usual average is 45mph WJB?

Best you improve that for a start:P

Luv the foot down bit, but the braking? - nuts you are!

[Monty]

I once had to ride home from London without stopping-gear lever fell off somewhere and I was in top, no chance of stopping and slipping the clutch to get going, the cork plates would have given up in no time.
This was on an old 350cc BSA back in the mid 60's so the traffic was somewhat different to now.
I don't think many people are going to want to try to take your record mate.

John

[Andyl]

I play this game sometimes. I've got 30 miles Hitchin to Watford with two shots at the brakes and 1 touchdown (excluding the one where I get off the other end!) It's a bit easier than London traffic though so WJB has my respect.

[Andyl]

Just read the rules on the other post. There are 9 sets of lights on my journey and the touchdown was at a junction with a give way line with no lights which also accounted for one of the braking incidents.

[WeeJohnyB]

AndyL - how are ya mate, long time!

Only 9 lights between Hithin and Watford, doesn't sound like much, fair play to go all the way with no touch down and no brakes though - what bike are you on now?

WeeJohnyB

[Andyl]

Hello mate. I've still got the 999s but I am commuting on an R1150RT when the suns not out (don't ask, it does the job, and the dealer support is superb). The big advantage I have on that is massive engine braking, even more than the Duc. I don't even try the game on the duc 'cos it spoils the fun of riding it.

[deej]

have you tried riding it backwards, could be a laugh