Practice locations

[jc2ducati]

Hi all, I just joined the Ducati club. However, it's been several years since my last bike. A decade ago, I could reliably practice in the empty parking lots in the Third ave / Mission bay area. Now it's full of buildings.

I'm drawing a blank on good empty parking lots. Anyone have any good ones they have used for practice? Thanks!

forgot to add, this is for areas centered around the city.

Jay

[desmo_dude]

I've used the main parade grounds in the Presidio for practicing before.  I've also seen drag races and wheelie practice being performed there.  I'm not sure what the Federal Park Police think of all this though! 

[desmoquattro]

Presidio used to be good, but not so much for wheelies anymore. Too many  But for regular practice, it's great. And there are twisty roads around there too.

Try the parking lot at the two ballparks.

[jc2ducati]

Thanks, the presidio is a good idea. i'll take another look. However, the last couple times I've driven thru, the lots seemed pretty active, with the disney museum, schools, etc. going on now.

I did try ride to candlestick first, but forgot about the fences. Went straight down 3rd ave to AT&T park and saw more and more fences so wasn't sure if would be kosher.

Thanks
Jay

[desmoquattro]

Thanks, the presidio is a good idea. i'll take another look. However, the last couple times I've driven thru, the lots seemed pretty active, with the disney museum, schools, etc. going on now.

I did try ride to candlestick first, but forgot about the fences. Went straight down 3rd ave to AT&T park and saw more and more fences so wasn't sure if would be kosher.

Thanks
Jay

You might try the baseball park too.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I'd imagine any mall early Sunday before they open.



Just don't let Michael Moore follow you. He scares noobs.

[Spidey]

Welcome, Jay.  I assume you're near the City (Ah, yes you are.  Cuz your post says so <smacks forehead>) ?  Like everyone else said, Presido and baseball park parking lots.  Last I remember, there were some open lots down there (i.e no fences), but I can't remember exactly where.  Besides, if you're not doing wheelies or stunting, the cops should leave you alone.  

Presidio:  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=presidio+parade+ground,&sll=37.800985,-122.457819&sspn=0.00395,0.009302&ie=UTF8&radius=0.25&filter=0&rq=1&ev=zo&hq=presidio+parade+ground,&hnear=&ll=37.800985,-122.457819&spn=0.00395,0.009302&t=h&z=17

[johnc]

Just don't let Michael Moore follow you. He scares noobs.

wurd.

they don't call sig. moore "the crow" for nothing ...

[MendoDave]

The 400 bock of Hayes St. Just west of Gough there are two parking lots side by side. Also down at the end of Townsend, near the circle, there is a long parking lot that goes from 8th to 7th. Of course these places are full during work hours.

[Michael Moore]

Just don't let Michael Moore follow you. He scares noobs.

Heh.

[johnc]

wow sig. moore ... i see the new diet is working out well for you. 

[MendoDave]

wow sig. moore ... i see the new diet is working out well for you. 

That is the result of the gas explosion. "Oh my eyes!"

[jc2ducati]

Cool, thanks for all the suggestions! Will be checking them out in the days ahead.

It's funny the things one forgets having been sans bike for a while. The biggest thing to re-learn is looking thru the turns. That was the most challenging a decade ago and is now once again.

Also, avoid the mummified remains on a Vespa!? Really, a 2008 vespa? 

Jay
07 M695

[Michael Moore]

Cool, thanks for all the suggestions! Will be checking them out in the days ahead.

It's funny the things one forgets having been sans bike for a while. The biggest thing to re-learn is looking thru the turns. That was the most challenging a decade ago and is now once again.

Also, avoid the mummified remains on a Vespa!? Really, a 2008 vespa? 

Jay
07 M695

Oh yeah. The Vespa is my go-to commute & grocery bike. Seems pointless to rack up freeway and traffic miles on the Streetfighter.

[Desmostro]

Go to the parking lots off of 3rd St. south of the ball park a 1/2 mile. There are huge lots there that are always empty unless there's a game.
IMHO Forget the Presidio parking lots. Way too much traffic these days. There's the new Walt Disney Museum, Bowling Alley opened, Lucas Arts there, etc. It was empty before. Not now.

Happy riding, welcome back to the saddle!  [moto]