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Very fresh newbie, had a scare :(

by Jo
(London, England, UK)

HI there,

I have only just passed my test on a scooter this July. However, I wanted a motorbike to commute to work.

So..I went on a new motorbike rider course and went out on some country roads and got up to about 40mph. I was quite scared, but trying to be as safe as I could. I was really enjoying it and starting to feel confident, but an S-bend came out of nowhere and I wasn't in the right position to make it and ended up swerving down a slip road (luckily no car was there!) and instead of braking, I panicked, revved the throttle and nearly went into a building. Luckily in a split second I came to my senses and slammed the brakes on. Stopping just inches from a wall.

This shook me up and I sat out for a while to recover, my instructor was great and I managed to get back on and ride back to the test centre. Going VERY slowly at the sight of any bend.

That was 3 weeks ago and I have only just today got back on the bike and ridden up and down the road ONCE.

Arghh. How do I get back on and not be petrified??

To top it off EVERYONE I know seems to want to tell me constantly how dangerous riding a motorcycle is, that I am crazy and how many people they know who have had accidents or even worse, died. This is not helping me at all!

Any advice? No horror stories please - unless they are constructive :)

thanks

Jo

Comments for Very fresh newbie, had a scare :(

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Aug 27, 2011

practice
by: Lois

Yes practice can get boring after a while but you can make it fun by changing your routine. Use a parking lot don't go the same time of day you'll be surprised the way the sun will change things, remember if you can, ride different back roads. If possible make a driving course in a parking lot practice your curves and leaning if you have the room. Here in the states school parking lots are empty on the weekends, and I know a lot of women who learned how to ride in them. Use the the light poles to weave in and out. remember if you need encouragment and your not getting it at home this sight is a great place to find it!

Aug 23, 2011

You can do it.
by: Anonymous

The two previous stories/comments are really all that needs to be said. I've also had similar things happen with me when I was very new to riding. I have since used those other stories information and helpful hints at helping me to not only get back on but to be an even better rider. Listen to your gut and don't try to over do your own ability. Ride at your pace. You can do it!

Aug 23, 2011

been there...
by: Karrie

havent we all? yes, you will have some close calls... but you have a desire to ride, which is more? your fear, or your desire? If it is your fear, put the bike up for sale... if it is your desire, then put the fear away, & practice practice practice. Ride in parking lots, dead-end roads, then slowly move up to less busy neighborhoods, then eventually, (you will know when you are ready) into well traveled roads. The time you spend practicing will give you the confidence, & the natural reactions you will need to survive on the roads. Dont rush yourself, if it takes you 6 days, or 6 months... dont do anything you arent ready for. You will know, when your first reaction is to brake, or swerve, or accelerate, or whatever action is needed to avoid whatever is happening, that you are ready. You will gain confidence, but never lose respect for the roads, or the bike, & thats when you will start having real fun! The most important thing to remember is to never try to ride outside your skill level, practice is the key! Ride Safe...

Aug 23, 2011

Riding
by: Skully

I have been riding for 2 years and have had some close calls myself. Just don't rush it. The best thing that helped me was riding the local roads that I was familiar with until i felt more at ease. Eventually you will feel more comfortable. I am now leading poker runs and rides!

Be safe and have fun!

Aug 22, 2011

Just Keep Riding...
by: Sandra

Sometimes I could barely do more than back her out of the garage when I first got licensed. Sometimes I would just look at my bike and not want to start it. Now all I want to do is ride! Keep going short distances, on your own if you are comfortable, and around parking lots, at low speeds and in your own comfort zone. Skill building is confidence building.

You already pulled off an amazing emergency stop, even if your own panic DID create the emergency. Point is, you DID it...you have the skills. Better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. You HAVE them!

I'm still hearing horror stories and negativity from almost every person I know...almost. If you let them in your head, your fear and anxiety is fed by their negativity. When riding, there's only room for POSITIVE energy! Be in a good frame of mood for riding before taking off.

It does get better, less nerve wracking, the more you practice riding.

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