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Jitters Home
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2003 Dear VTwin Mama, I am doing much better but still have some problems with tight turns and occasionally I don't stop well- I have been going out on the rural roads some but the cagers fly pass me on double lines because I am 5 mi under speed limit. I like the little bike but it does not have enough power for the hills here and I need a better handling maybe less raked bike with at least 750 cc- I am 5-3 1/2 and wide in the legs and hips- what do you recommend me trying? I do not like the fact that you can't ride the bikes you try- how can you tell if you can balance and steer it? Thanks a bunch – Joan Dear Joan, Rural roads are notorious for speeders, so if possible, practice your shifting and speed control on regular roads during light traffic times -- Sunday mornings are usually the best! If that parking lot is big enough -- you could go there as well. Dropping a bigger bike seems to a rite of passage (!) so don't be too discouraged by your initial outing with the Savage 650. If your height and girth don't allow you to sit on that bike with your feet flat on the ground when the bike is at a dead stop and centered underneath you, you'll need to have that bike lowered with a lowering kit, or consider shaving the seat or choosing a new one that is narrower to get your thighs more comfortably around it. Trust me on this -- if you can't sit flat-footed on the bike, you'll never feel in control of it -- no matter what the gear ratio is or how the front end is raked out. That's the key! So even if you can't test ride something, checking your footing, comfort of arm reach and leg reach to the controls, and such, can be done just by sitting on the bike. Explore these suggestions for your bigger bike with your local dealer, and then when you're totally comfortable with the smaller bike, do the same parking lot suggestions with the bigger bike. If necessary, have someone ride that beastie to the safe practice zone. You're on the right track Joan -- you've only been at it for a few months, so don't beat yourself up too much about not being an expert rider yet -- it does take time. "Natural" looking riders started from scratch just like you are and I can guarantee that they had a learning curve just like you do. So take it nice and easy and reward yourself for small techniques accomplished. For added emotional support, consider contacting and joining one of many excellent woman riding groups (see the links at the bottom of the home page). You might find a mentor, coach, or just a friend so you don't feel alone in your quest to ride better. They've all "been there and done that" -- and it does make a difference to know that you're not the only one experiencing these beginning riding challenges. At 64 you've already braved the first test -- getting out there and trying, so I know you've got what it takes! Every VTwin Mama sister looks forward to seeing you on the road and giving you our best biker wave! – Mama Tuesday, January 7 My second bike was a 1996 Suzuki Savage (650). I loved it. First off -- I am a whopping 5' tall and in my mid-latter 50's. The Suzuki is one of the best bikes for taking tight corners. It is light enough to feel comfortable (not bulky)....yet powerful to keep up with the big boys such as my husband's Valkyrie. Please don't give up on the Suzuki...it sounds like the problem is not the bike....but really in your skill level. With your determination and effort, you will be doing great in no time. SO YOU GO GIRL! ...Hugs – Bootygrandma (aka Betty) That 250 Rebel should be plenty powerful for you to ride back roads and their hills. Because of the bike's small cc's you need to down shift and give it more gas (twist that throttle). That is what makes riding smaller bikes hard as the weight is better but the power is less; a real trade off. I know it is hard for a beginner but with a small bike you need to be more aggressive with the throttle to master the hills. The Savage is a good beginner bike also but as you found out it is heavier. Mama had a good idea with the cones or boxes to practice corners but I know it gets boring after a while so you want to see different scenery. Check out your county map and look for smaller roads than back roads or try riding the back roads during the weekdays rather than weekends if you can. – Cheryl From Joan herself: I have looked for a group and there are none in the Southern end of Va and none I can find in North Carolina. I wish I could find someone to ride with between Roanoke, VA and Bristol, TN. Thanks for all the suggestions. I am trying most of them. I haven't put the cones out. I had a MC mechanic check my Savage and he said I can't reach the handlebars well and also it doesn't run in low gear well- it is geared to high speed driving. He has suggested changing the belt or something to make it run better in lower gear. He had trouble riding and turning it in low speeds too. – Joan Note from Mama: thanks Betty and Joan for your own personal insights. Joan -- even if there is no local riding group, many of the women may belong to the closest women's riding groups available and still be riding in your actual area. Also try posting your message searching for women in your area by visiting the ShinnySideUp chat forum or the Ride My Own site. Changing the gear ration on the Savage sounds a bit extreme unless you're totally committed to riding this bike. Changing the handlebars is doable and you can read up more about this by reading a previous posting and following the links to see how to define what you need to make it work for you. I checked the MotorcycleEvents.com site for bike shows and there are several this winter in VA and TN. Go to this site, click on the Events Calendar link, then type in the state abbreviations and you'll get a listing. Although you might need to travel a bit to get to them, I'm thinking you would benefit by seeing a wider range of bikes all in one place so that you can better define what bike you want after you've got more time in with the Rebel and how the Savage stacks up against them. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Michele, Sound silly?! Of course it does, but it works. Imagining a good outcome of anything helps it be a good thing! Imagining coordinated hand and foot movement is a positive thing. Then, when it's time, get your bike to a smooth, open area with no traffic interference so you can practice your coordinated starts, stops and shifts. Review the clothing that you are wearing and make sure you're well protected so that if something goofy does happen, you're padded for it! You might also considering getting a service manual or having your hubby help you to learn more about the bike itself -- in other words, how to take care of the maintenance (chain, plugs, oil, filters, tires, etc.). The more you are "hands on" with your bike, the more you'll know about that bike -- and the "mystery" of it will vanish. The power of knowledge you will gain will go a long way to helping you master and conquer your fears. I would also suggest that you read up more on good riding techniques. Check out my Books/Mag section for suggestions -- many can be ordered online at the various online bookstores. Proficient Motorcycling is the number one recommended book by readers at this site. We applaud your courage in your new adventure and just know that you'll do it -- you've got the desire -- and will learn the skills needed to be a great rider over time. Slow and easy does it! – Mama Thursday, January 16 For Michele and her general jitters: I have a suggestion for Michele, for after practicing in a traffic-free area in the Spring. When I started taking my first rides in traffic last month, it was really helpful to me to "preview" my route in my car ahead of time. There is a lot of construction going on in my immediate area, especially on the quieter streets (which I wanted to ride). By driving my route in the car first, I was able to pick out potholes, construction equipment, blind intersections, and other potential danger zones. This reduced the number of "surprises" I encountered on my rides, letting me concentrate more on new and mobile hazards. Obviously, you still need to be 100% alert, but reducing the surprise element helped me to feel more confident in my first rides in traffic. – Marina (note from Mama: a very useful suggestion that helps build overall confidence in handling another step of the learning process!) Dear VTwin Mama, The first day of my course was so shaky and VERY discouraging. I've never been very coordinated to begin with and catching on the physical sports have always been a challenge - but I was determined to keep going. I had borrowed my friends gloves and they were one size too big on me.. so I thought that was the problem and blamed it on them. Needless to say, I was the slowest learner in the group of five. Now, the second day... within the first half-hour - I drove the bike into a ditch. How utterly embarrassing... it took all my effort to not burst into tears. The instructor pulled me aside and told me that he was going to suggest one-on-one lessons with the school for me and then sent me home. Good idea but it didn't help me feel better. I dunno VTwin Mama... am I not meant to ride? I have to passion and I truly want to - but was it not meant to be? – The motorcyclist that could -- or couldn't?? Dear Could/Could Not, But I'll make you feel better! Congratulations -- you managed to put a bike in the ditch within two days of riding -- something we ALL have done, just some sooner than later! You think I'm kidding?!?!?!?! I'm not! There isn't a single rider out there who hasn't managed to bump, dump or get a lump somewhere down the road of their riding experience. Now, what you are going to do about it? Cry if you want (I've certainly done that on many occasions when I goofed or near-goofed in front of people) but then wipe the tears away and take your instructor's advice. You've got a burning desire and have already self-proclaimed your tendency towards lack of coordination, so find a one-on-one instructor and go learn! Learn what you can really do, what you can really handle and what you can really achieve. THEN decide if you're meant to ride or not. But don't give up because you experienced an oopsie right off the starting block. That's just not reason enough to give up in my book. Not if you really want to ride. If you want confirmation that you're not crazy for wanting to try some more, than you've got it -- NOW GO DO IT! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, First off, there are no classes in my area. So I depend fully on my wonderful and supportive hubbie to learn from. I have done pretty well; earned a license the first time and to celebrate I took my first ride (outside of my neighborhood) around Daytona Bike Week. Not too shabby, I got back in one piece! But what I just can't get over is: how do I trust myself WHEN a car pulls out in front of me? And how does one practice? I have a Harley Sportster, and have only put 50 miles on her. Every time I look at her I feel absolute fear instead of joy. Nothing has happened to me to make me feel like I need to just sell it, but I have nightmares about not being able to handle myself when that happens. When I first arrived in Daytona I was thrilled! I was so proud of myself to be able to handle this! But it turned out that the entire time I was there riding around I couldn't enjoy myself because I was so frightened of someone pulling out in front of me. Something just clicked in my brain. So the last few days I just tied up my bike and rode on back of my hubbie's. Needless to say he is a little upset since we did dump quite a bit of $ in our bikes, but as much as I want to ride alone, I just can't stop fearing the worst. I was so embarrassed and I didn't have an explanation of why I felt that way. I look at all the pics on your website of all the great women who ride their own and wonder what is wrong with me. Why can't I have the confidence they have in riding my own? VTwin Mama, besides watching out for traffic and possible idiots that might hurt me, can you please tell me what the joy in actually riding is? Can you please tell me if someone like me with so many doubts in herself should turn in her keys or or is it just a matter of practicing until she feels a little better in herself? I have no female friends to talk to about this and the hubbie would like to know soon so we can trade in our 2 bikes for one big bike that he can ride me around on. I feel like any which way I go I am not going to be happy and I just don't know what to do. But then I look at the pics of me on the beach on my bike in Daytona I feel so proud of myself. I just don't know what to do. Has anyone else felt this way? Please help me with my jitters! – Chicken Dear Chicken (with GREAT
potential), Your excitement at riding (well justified) and your hubby's enthusiasm for you riding your own bike (totally cool) have now met head-on with the reality that it DOES take a bit of time to fully appreciate the complexities of riding. They can be overcome. You mentioned that there are no schools in your area -- so what I would do are two things immediately: 1) get Motorman's Ride Like a Pro video (about $30) that shows you in detail how to correctly maneuver a bike and deal with the possibilities of obstacles and common hazards and 2) get a copy of the Proficient Motorcycling book (about $18 at Amazon bookstore, the link is right below) which talks about these things as well. The reason I suggest both is that some people learn better reading about things, while others do better seeing how its done, but both are highly recommended by the readers at this site. With both these sources in hand, you have a good shot at educating yourself on the principles of riding. Make a point to read and view these with your husband. Then, get yourself to an empty lot on Sunday mornings and begin practicing the techniques with your husband watching (that's why he should share your learning experience so you can intelligently discuss how its going). Do this until you have gained some confidence in the basics, then slowly acclimate yourself to traffic, etc. There is NOTHING wrong with you! I sincerely feel you just took on a little too much right off the bat, so gear down a notch and you'll find the joy, not only in mastering the fundamentals, but then being able to enjoy the open road with confidence. There's nothing nicer than riding along on a beautiful day with the sun shinning overhead, the smell of Mother Earth in your nose, the wind at your face, and your knees in the breeze (as we say) -- without a nasty ol' car windshield to hamper the experience. It's a thing of beauty, so I say, give it a shot. Thousands and thousands of women riders simply can't be wrong! – Mama Thursday, March 27 For Could/Couldn't who bombed her first riding course and wonders if she's meant to ride: I just wanted to let her know that I took the MSF Safety Course and had no experience riding a motorcycle and never drove a stick (you got it, a real VIRGIN!) I was a nervous wreck most of the time and they told me several times, relax, the only reason you will fail is because you are nervous. Well, I failed, I was so ashamed and when I got home I got on a motorcycle and tried all the things they taught me in class. It was in April that I failed and I signed up to take the safety course a 2nd time and PASSED. What I know now today is the people stress the importance of the safety course and I feel really lucky that I did not have time to form bad habits. I heard it said when the shit hits the fan, you rely on instinct (old habits). I am very grateful that I took the class twice because I learned that stuff real well and I know that because I got on my bike after a LONG northeast winter and I went to my instinct, and it felt great, especially when I went to turn, my head turned and looked in the direction I was going without any thought!! Making sure the driver sees me before I pass through – I feel great!!! – Angela Kosar (note from Mama: when we don't achieve our goals the first time -- that doesn't mean we failed -- we simply learned we had more to learn! And you smart VTwin Mama sister proved it to yourself!) Thursday, March 27 For Chicken who has the new rider jitters (there's tons of support here!): I am so glad to hear someone else as scared as I am. I am fortunate that we have the MSF course available in our area and I took the class last August. The problem is that I live in Southern Wisconsin so cold weather comes pretty fast. I was unable to ride my Sportster 1200 at all last year, so coming into Spring my feelings are bitter sweet. I am excited that riding season is coming and I have my own bike this year, but on the flip side I am afraid to get out there and ride. A lot of my friends (mostly men) are telling me just to hop on and ride, I don't think I have the confidence for that. I recently signed up for another MSF course to start in May, I know it won't take away my traffic jitters, but I think it will help me get more comfortable with my swerves and handling. My husband agrees that if I feel uncomfortable it sure wouldn't hurt to take the course again. And about taking the bike to Daytona, I think that would scare me too. My husband and I have already talked about me riding my own bike to the 100th Anniversary in Milwaukee. Even though I think it would be great to ride my own bike, I think I will it would be to my best interest to ride on the back of my husband's bike. Too many people, too many crazy riders and too much opportunity for accidents and my feeling is that I am too inexperienced to put myself and the people I am riding with in that situation. – Sue Phillips in WI (note from Mama: way to gauge and stick by your gut feelings on all of this -- that shows true VTwin Mama smarts!) I just read your latest newsletter and can totally relate to "Chickens" story and feeling fear when just looking at her bike. She's fortunate having an understanding husband and also someone to go riding with. I, on the other hand, recently purchased a new Harley and feel jitters every time I start my bike up and go for a ride around my neighborhood. I only have 70 miles on it and been sticking close to home and avoiding traffic like the plague. This is the first street bike I owned. Growing up, I rode dirt bikes, but when I took the beginner rider and street skills course this past summer and received the road test waiver, I hadn't ridden a bike in 20 years! I keep hoping these nerves of mine will subside and in time gain confidence in my riding abilities, I hope I'm able to find a riding partner as I think I'd have more nerve riding in traffic that way and gain time in the seat as well. It's tough because I absolutely love my bike! But I just wish I'd be able to enjoy it more and hope I can one day. Sincerely, – Jeanine (note from Mama: thanks for letting Chicken know she's not alone, and having the courage to say so "outloud." So dearest Jeanine, it's time for you to consider all the VTwin Mamas out there as your "right" partner -- they've got a world of experience and understanding and can form the "right" mini support group -- so check out those links to the women's riding organizations and make contact as quickly as possible. There is no reason for you to sit home alone or get stuck cruising your little home area-- what will the neighbors think?!?!) DO NOT QUIT! You are doing great for only riding 50 miles. I'm up to just about 1000 miles and can guarantee you that you will become more comfortable as your mileage increases. One thing my husband did was get me out there with his friends. They put me ( and my little Virago 250) between their big bikes and kind of discouraged cars from getting too close to me. I felt very safe. We went on several day rides this way; stopping for lunch, stopping to see the views, etc. (anything to give me a bit of a break). The guys actually said they really had a good time because so often they simply speed their afternoons away when they all go by themselves. This way they got to slow down and enjoy the views, the conversation, etc. Now my husband and I can go by ourselves and I'm so much more confident. I'm still working on trusting myself to go on the freeways without anyone else with me, but I know that as my mileage increases that will come. So, hang in there and be patient with yourself. – Gail (note from Mama: yup, practice is the key. And realizing that not everyone out there just rides perfect right off the bat -- that's a biggee!) Chicken and you are
not. It might be worth your while to find the nearest class and have a
weekend away from home. Get a motel room, take the classes and enjoy the
weekend. Stay an extra day to rest and contemplate the classes.
Check out bike shops. I have been riding with my husband a lot the past 4 years behind him. My husband got me a 1998 750 Honda Shadow ACE for my Christmas Present. Not that I wanted one, but he thought it would be nice to ride together. So..... being a mom with 4 teenage daughters, I also had a lot of fears. The first thing you gotta, I mean really gotta do...is be true to your self. Is this what you really, really, want to do with your husband? Ride beside him, or behind him. If he is really supportive of your wants, he will support you in your decision. There are those who like to ride in back and those who like to ride on their own. If the decision is to learn to ride on your own, then TAKE YOUR TIME!!! Practice, Practice, Practice till you are confident starting and stopping in neighborhoods first. Go slow in the beginning when learning. Just like when you learned to drive a car, I'm sure you didn't hit the interstate first and become an expert. Reaction time is important, and making the right decisions in a split second takes conditioning. My husband had me ride in front of him on my bike first. Making sure I shifted just right, clutched, gassed, mirrors were just right...the little stuff that is in fact not so little. Then we took short rides in the neighborhoods, (a lot of them.) Then longer ones in the country where little things can also go wrong. Swerving to miss road kill, rubber pieces, rocks,....etc. The more you ride and practice, the more confident you will become. There will always be the idiot who may cut in front of you on the road, or run a red light or any number of hazards that can possibly happen whether in a car or on a bike, but practice, conditioning, and confidence in yourself will give you the feeling of being in control and then the joy of riding will take over. When you stop worrying what can happen and enjoy what your doing, everything will fall into place. Good Luck!– Shawna (note from Mama: gosh, this advice sounds so . . . smart! And brings home the point of doing what's really, truly in your own heart, not what others wish for you.) I have been riding about 2 years now, but I also had the horrible jitters. I did take the MSF course which really was wonderful but the one thing that gave me the most confidence was a daily ride through familiar territory (about 25 miles) all by myself. I work from home so on my lunch break I would hop on by bike, go to the post office, bank and take a trip through town. Each time I rode I got used to the terrain, intersections, etc and each time I experimented more with curves, speed, stopping and starting. Then I reversed the course. Without the pressure of another rider watching me and judging my riding (my hubbie was great but that feel was still there) I have reached a great comfort zone. I sold my car and go about everywhere on my bike. The first time I went to have a mammogram on my bike I felt very strange. And wait until you see the looks and remarks when you go to the grocery store on your bike. I have had goofy men say to me 3 to 4 times, "I hope you have saddle bags to carry that stuff". Also, add something just for you to your bike. I added floor boards for one thing because my legs are very very short. I love riding and I am miserable when I am out of town on business and cannot ride. Hang in there. If I can start riding at the age of 47, you definitely can. Feel free to email me at dhodge@ctc.net if you need to share other thoughts or concerns. – Debbie (note from Mama: sound advice and thanks for adding your email should Chicken want to "talk" more! An added note for those who didn't catch the statistic in the last newsletter -- about 75,000 women took a course in 2001 -- WOW!) Petra (that's VTwin Mama's REAL name) is right...there are some great books and videos to give you the correct info and tips you need to gain confidence in riding!! Practice, Practice, Practice!!! The more you ride, the more confident you will be!! Think about every time you did something new and was nervous about it...rode your first big bicycle etc....the more you practiced...the more confident you became and after awhile...you didn't think twice about doing it because you were experienced!! It is good to have some fear....you must always (even in a car) watch out for the other drivers. There is nothing wrong with being conscientious!! Don't bite off more than you can chew....work your way up!! You were very brave to ride to Daytona during Bike Week....that took a lot of guts!! I just graduated to a "big" bike ...so I know the feeling that you are experiencing!! You are not alone! Experience is the key....the more you practice....the more you will feel confident in situations that need extra caution!! Good luck....one day you will look back and wonder what the fuss was about!! Your sister in the Wind, – Cindy Farrar (note from Mama: that's a good point about learning to ride a bicycle -- most of us did, but we weren't great to start with, but the chance and choice to be "free" kept us at it. It just goes to show you . . .) I'm 2 years into riding my own now and I still can freak myself out if I think too much! I have to sometimes make myself just "not worry" and relaxxxxxxxx. Last weekend we went riding, my second time out this spring since last October when I put the bike up for winter. We came upon a bridge with a grate that I hate. I usually just let the bike glide over it at about 45 miles an hour. However, this time some idiot was stopped on it......standing at the side just looking over the edge!!! I had to come to a full stop on the edge of the grate and wait for him to get his stupid *** back in his van. It was a little shaky having to shift through the grate, but I made it. Little triumphs like that help, but I surely don't like them any better. Take a long breath. Remember to breath. Sometimes I will catch myself holding my breath and that means you are tense all over. Just breeeeaaattthhhh.........it's amazing how much that helps. Clears out the fear and the cobwebs! – Tammy (note from Mama: small triumphs are good -- breathing is good too! Gadzooks, I still hate grated bridges and overpasses to this day, and I've been riding for 24 years!) I can totally sympathize with you. I starting riding last year after being a passenger for a year. I started out on a pretty big bike, a Yamaha 1100 Virago, then 6 months later graduated to a new Harley Low Rider. The joke was, that I would never make it out of my neighborhood!!! No one should rush you into a ride you are not confident you can do. I spent a couple months learning to maneuver my new bike and then hit the open road. I was a bundle of nerves going 55 mph. Part of the fear is simply respect of the bike and the speed. Every ride gives me more confidence in my ability to handle situations, but there is still a nervous joy every time I mount my bike. I am sure that feeling will pass in time. My hubby has ridden 35 years and forgets this feeling, but he is very patient with me. I went for my first night ride this past week and that too, is a new experience. I highly recommend the safety course if you can possible find one near you. It is only a weekend, and so well worth it. Keep riding at your own level and master the skills required at your own pace. Happy riding and hang in there! – No Name (note from Mama: isn't it funny how someone else's exuberance can "push" us into things that might be a wee bit too much, but their enthusiasm carries us through! Finding your own learning curve speed is a very good point!) I'VE BEEN RIDING FOR THREE YEARS NOW AND I CAN STILL REMEMBER ( SOMETIMES STILL GET) THE JITTERS EVERY TIME I GOT ON MY BIKE. IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I THOUGHT MADE EVEN HARDER BY RIDING A HARLEY "FAT BOY", BUT AFTER RIDING A FRIEND'S SPORTSTER, I REALIZED I HAD THE BEST BIKE FOR ME TO HANDLE. THE FAT BOY SITS LOWER TO THE GROUND AND I HAD A LOT MORE CONTROL, THE SPORTSTER SITS HIGHER AND IT JUST FELT LIKE I COULD TOPPLE OVER AT EACH STOP. I'M SURE TALLER GALS DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM BUT I'M SHORT ( 5' 3" ) AND THE LOWER THE BIKE SITS, THE BETTER. I ALSO WENT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT WITH A FRIEND AND PRACTICED, PRACTICED, PRACTICED !! EVERYONE GETS SCARED, IT'S NORMAL, AND PART OF THAT BEING SCARED IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE, IT MAKES YOU PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT'S AROUND YOU AND WATCHING FOR SITUATIONS YOU NEED TO REACT TO IN A SPLIT SECOND. I WOULDN'T GIVE UP, THERE WERE DAYS I WAS SO SCARED TO GET IN TRAFFIC I COULD FEEL MYSELF HOLDING MY BREATHE, BUT THOSE DAYS GET FEWER AND FAR BETWEEN AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOUR ACTUALLY ENJOYING YOUR BIKE AND YOUR SORRY THE DAYS IS OVER AND YOU HAVE TO GO HOME !!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NEW RIDERS AND HANG IN THERE...."IT'S WORTH IT" !! – Mary (PhatBoyMomma) (note from Mama: yes, jitters alerts us that we have something to learn, but then anything worth learning always has an element of that!) More for Chicken who has the new rider jitters: Don't worry, I think everyone starts at least a little chicken. At first I wasn't even sure I wanted to ride, but I got sick of being pillion and so eventually I had a go. I was so scared of any speed in case I couldn't stop. But I rode my bike home from the shop 30km in a 50km zone and was overtaken by a bus! And I made it home. At first I was quite scared to get on my bike. But I only used to go where I knew exactly where I was going. I would go where I regularly drove the car around and I would plan out the route before I went so that there were no tricky or turns or hills or tight round-abouts to deal with. I had a sort of practice route that I would ride to my husband's work and then ride home with him when he knocked off from work. I also used to go to work in my car and then for my lunch break I would go home and get my bike and ride that to work so that I wouldn't have to ride the the rush hour traffic. It took several months, but gradually the fear was overtaken by absolute joy -- and dare I say -- lust. I found I could go increasingly more places and it didn't bother me. My advice would be you pick where and when you want to ride for the moment and for the other times, jump on the back. You'll find that you will enjoy having control of those handle bars before long. – Judith in New Zealand (note from Mama: ah yes, the lust of it all! Thanks for sharing!) Dear Biker Chick: I can't call you by your own name, "Chicken", because it's not fair to be so hard on yourself. I marvel that you had the courage to go to Bike Week. My first year riding I went to a small, in comparison, bike show in Ocean City Maryland and thought I would die of embarrassment. I was sure everyone there had been riding for years and was snickering as they watched me walk my Sportster across the field that was being used as a parking lot. But you know what? Every biker there had to start at the beginning also. No one was born with the proper genetics to ride right the first time. I was terrified my first summer riding. I put off riding each time my partner brought it up because I would start to shake just thinking of getting on that bike. One day someone said to me, If you have to work this hard at it maybe you shouldn't ride. Well, that did it for me. Fear or not, I was determined to conquer this. I'm still much better on the straight away. I love to feel the power under me when I take off and leave everyone behind. But give me a narrow street to turn into and I'm heading for mush again. My first year riding I dropped the bike at least seven times. The first time was the day I brought it home and dropped it on my foot. I was out of commission for 6 weeks, just long enough to wait for the first Motor Cycle Safety Class. After that, the bike would lay down on turns. Mainly right turns. Not enough throttle. One time I was going up a very steep hill on a sharp curve. I looked at where I didn't want to go and that was where I ended up. On gravel in a parking lot, down on my right side. Remember, you go where you look. I'm now beginning year three. Yesterday I took the bike out and had some of the same anxiety. It lingers. I don't know why, and I feel kinda silly. I've put 4000 miles on the road now and am still a ninny on the tight turns. I have a Low Rider these days and it's a beauty, but we haven't bonded yet and that' s the key. Ride. Ride. Ride. It's the only way. And I truly do love it. – Ann (note from Mama: I still hate coming down steep mountains with deep curves -- going up, no problem,, but coming down -- yikes. But I realize that my body and mind are telling me to take care in these situations, and I've learned at what pace I can comfortably handle something -- and then I stick with. It's like passing a huge truck in a car -- I always cringe because I think they are going to tip over right when I pass them! Imagine me on a bike -- zoom, zoom as quick as I can! ) I have been riding off and on for 33 yrs. I got my Honda 750 Shadow Spirit last June just before I turned 50 yrs. young. I knew I could ride him but I was scared to death. I took the MSF and learned a lot. My instructor got so mad at me for not looking ahead all of the time. I was very nervous too but when I actually got on the road and used the techniques they taught us it was a breeze. Let me tell you, I have gone on many day trips and a couple of weekend trips and I still clinch my butt . . .hehehe. I have to tell my self to let loose and to take deep breathes. This is something my husband Jim and I love to do together. He has been so patient with me and tells all of our fellow riders to let me ride tail so I don't or won't have to go as fast as them. You know men they love to race and speed. Take your time and be patient with yourself. Enjoy riding and don't rush when you are learning. You will get better with more practice. Keep the rubber side down and enjoy the wind in your face. – Marigold (note from Mama: thank you for your caring, sharing support!) Sunday, March 30 In regards to Chicken who has the new-rider jitters: I just love this site! I could so relate to Ann, Judith, and Marigolds comments. Many of us have been there done that and still doing it. It sure makes you feel better when you know you are not alone with your feelings about riding. It is so true the more you ride (truly ride, ride, ride)the more comfortable you begin to feel. I have even found the more I ride... the more I WANT to ride. So all you gals with your intense feelings... things will get better. I am still very much a beginner (have about 4800 miles) and still get the feelings but can tell it is already getting better. Hang in there girls and RIDE SAFE! – HDChik Tuesday, April 1 One more for Chicken who has the new-rider jitters: All I can say is "DON'T GIVE UP!". I decided to learn to ride last summer. I bought my bike before ever even riding! I had ridden with my hubby twice and decided that I would feel more in control riding my own bike than riding with him. Well, I bought a Vulcan 800 Drifter. When we got it home and parked it beside his Sportster, my bike looked huge in comparison. I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could handle. My stomach stayed in my throat. I learned how to ride in a grassy field, then advanced to a parking lot. I am really lucky because we also have an industrial park a mile from my home that is mostly empty. It has about 5 miles of roads that make a circle and with only two business, the roads are empty after 7 PM. I put several miles on my bike going around and around the park practicing stopping, starting and turning. There was an occasional car, but with only one or two cars at the time, it made it easy for me to get the feel of riding in traffic without there being any. YOU should consider yourself a very brave woman to have even attempted to tackle Bike Week! I spent the first 3 months VERY VERY nervous! It takes time to gain confidence, but you will, but you must go slow. I did have the advantage of taking the Motorcycle Safety Course. The biggest thing I learned from the course was confidence. I felt so much better after the class. Please start with the basics, get comfortable with the clutch lever because that is where you have the most control over the bike. On my first trip out on the "main" roads, a car made a left turn out of a shopping center without stopping or looking. I slammed on the brakes and came to a stop just inches from her car. SHE just kept going without even saying "I'm sorry" or asking if I was OK. I felt lucky because I was able to stop my bike quickly, without dropping it on the road. Of course this experience made me so nervous. I was shaking all over and was about to cry! I was so scared. It took about 30 minutes before I could get back on and ride the bike home. I was shaking the whole way... All this on my first ride on main roads! It did take some time to gain my confidence back, but I was determined. Scared or not, I decided to learn to ride and not give up. While riding the roads (with no traffic) I had started having FUN and decided that riding a bike did have some risks, but with the right training, skills and confidence, riding was for me. Give it TIME...your nervousness will go away and you will LOVE IT TOO. I have respect for my bike and really watch cars all the time. YOU MUST EXPECT the UNEXPECTED and be prepared. I have now been riding 8 months... and LOVE IT! I love it more and more every time I get on my bike. You will too, so don't give up... There is nothing like riding.. the feel of a heavy machine between your legs...the roar of the motor... the sound of loud pipes.... the wind blowing by.. blue skies.. it is so liberating! Just take it slow, ride in low traffic areas, ask your hubby to be patient with you and give you time to gain your confidence as well as develop your skills... Believe me.... my hubby now has a hard time keeping up with me! Your V-Twin Sister – Bonnie (note from Mama: boy, I just relived every experience I ever had when I first started by reading your letter. It's just so realistic about what to expect when you start out -- with all the joy and tears and determination. Thank you for sharing your personal story as a source of inspiration!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Joann, Sometimes when a really good thing gets knocked around by a couple of nasty experiences, we begin to doubt whether something was any good to begin with. That's when we lose sight of the big picture, and the big picture for you is that you really DO want to ride. So, since jerks have been the problem, get back on the bike when there are less jerks to contend with, i.e. early Sunday mornings, less populated areas, empty school lots, etc. Get a feel of the bike and yourself back in sync by practicing your basics without having to deal with traffic at the same time. Work on that right turn, first with big lazy circles, then a little tighter, etc. It's not lame -- that's just how you feel, and you need to unlearn your fear by facing it, but out of the way of other stuff. We've also talked a lot about positive imagery at this site -- sitting at the kitchen table, imaging yourself on your bike and having a really good ride (see yourself going down the road and all is well -- your senses are in tune, you're easily scanning left, right, front, back to check for trouble spots, your shifting is going well, you're coming to stops under complete control, turns are smooth and easy, a little biker wave to a passing motorcyclist, and finally, you pull into your driveway having had a good ride). If all you do is imagine the worst, instead of the best, you'll psych yourself out. Stop it! Keep doing the positive imagery thing until it's all you can think of! Well, that's my best advice (minus any magic wand) and I hope it helps a little. – Mama Extra Note: see some responses specific to right turns in the Curves/Turns section! Tuesday, April 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nancy, Dear VTwin Mama, However, my husband has been encouraging me so I began riding again last year on a 1986 700 Magna. The last ride of the season was much to long and again I experienced that same feeling. I was riding along and suddenly I did not know if I was up or down or how to steer that bike. Fortunately, I was on a straight away when it happened and recovered enough to stop the bike. I shook for an hour, then had to convince myself to get back on. I told my husband I had to stop every couple of miles just to get the feel of the ground under me, but I made it home. Friday, April 4, a very good friend of ours bought a brand new Harley. His wife dropped him off to pick it up and on the way home he wandered over the center line and was killed. No one can figure out what happened. He was a VERY experienced rider and I’m thinking that if he can do this, what chance do I have. It’s funny because I ride a 200 Honda dirt bike off-road every weekend in the summer and absolutely love it. I take the jumps, ride over huge rocks, side hill the mountains, go straight down the mountains and never give it a thought. Hope I have not discouraged or frightened anyone. I love your site and think the women are wonderful. I LOVE to see women ride and wish I could join you. Thanks for letting me sound off!! – Penny Dear Penny, I also find that when I write something down about how I feel, I'm finally giving myself "permission" to say what I really mean from deep down inside. Is that how this felt to you when you were writing in to the VTwin Mama site -- that you were finally free to say what you really needed to say? Because that's a good thing! My condolences on the loss of your good friend. We could guess from here to eternity about what happened, but ultimately will never know. For you, the accident weighs heavier because you were already concerned over your own feelings about street riding and some negative experiences. You mention the icky feelings you've had sometimes, but I'm wondering about all those other street rides in-between. Were you equally heavy of heart during those rides, even if nothing in particular went wrong? Sometimes we bluff our way through things, saying to ourselves, it'll get better, I'm doing this for so-and-so and that's important, I can do this because I know I can do this, etc. When we are then asked how "things are going," we plaster a smile on our face and make everything seem just fine, even when somewhere deep down inside that's not how we are feeling at all. It's a normal human reaction! It's obvious that the joy (and lack of fearful "emotional" restraints) of off-road riding has truly found a wonderful place in your life. Now it's time to give yourself permission to tell not only the people you love around you, but yourself as well, how you feel about your different riding choices and what makes sense for YOU. While it's wonderful that your husband has encouraged and supported your solo street riding attempt, and you took the smart step to take a safety course, maybe solo street riding is not what you expected, anticipated or wish to continue doing. There is no shame in this. Not everything we try is meant to be! I'm glad the VTwin Mama site has been one that you enjoy visiting -- and in the end, it was the place where you could bare your soul. That IS the whole point of this site -- giving women the chance to say what they need to say, surrounded by honesty and the spirit of sharing and caring. You had the courage to say all of these things to me and the VTwin Mama sisters -- now take the next courageous step and examine your heart of hearts on these matters. Whatever your decision is in the long run, know that we respect you and the choices you will make. So will the people that love you most. Trust yourself to make them and say so! By the by, there are excellent sites that cater to women and dirt/motocross riding. One I know of is www.girlrider.net. If you look in the Links section, and scroll down on the right side, you'll find a very active chat forum for recreational women dirt riders! Perhaps you have already found this, but if not, check it out1 And don't hesitate to write in again with more thoughts. We care. – Mama Thursday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, I had never ridden a motorcycle, not even as a passenger, until my husband got back into motorcycling in May of 2001. At first I thought what in the heck am I doing -- not only is he going thru a mid-life crisis but he is going to kill me in the process. It wasn't that bad and I did enjoy the rides and the wind in my face and the group of people that he was riding with. With encouragement, in August of the same year, my husband told me that we didn't have any hobbies in common and that he thought I might enjoy riding my own bike by myself with him. He offered to pay for the MSF school and told me that if I didn't like it, it would make me a better passenger. To make a long story short, two weeks later I took the course, during which I acquired the name Throttle Mama given to me by my instructor, because I wanted to go faster than the 15 mph limit they had set. Two weeks after that I purchased my first motorcycle a V-Star 650 custom , which I rode for six months and then I was ready to move up. I'm now the proud owner of a V-Star 1100 Classic. I'm still learning every time I ride , and I'm enjoying it more each time I ride. For all the female potential riders if I can do it anyone can and the memories I have from each ride are cherished and I am always looking forward to the next ride. One other thought, I suffer from anxiety, panic attack disorder and I thought I would never be able to cope with the feeling that I get when I have these, but it seems that when I'm riding I feel calm and relaxed and it is both therapeutic and something that my husband and I can do together which has been a blessing to both of us. – Terri Bell (aka Throttle Mama) Dear Throttle Mama, Friday, April 25 Dear VTwin Mama, One thing I'm a bit nervous about is dropping the bike. I suppose mainly I feel someone will see me go down and I'll feel stupid. It helps to see other women have dropped...so I guess I shouldn't feel so bad if it does happen. Also I'm afraid I'll be going too fast and won't be able to stop in time. – Michele Dear Michele, If you are continually stalling when you come to a complete stop, it simply means that you've not got the bike in a "neutral" position when you actually stop. Usually you can hear the bike starting to "choke" as you slow down completely and are not giving the bike any gas. As you approach your stop, downshift into 1st gear and just before you stop, pull your clutch lever in all the way. This means that you're gear is still in first, but not engaged. If it's a short stop, you can simply sit there with the lever pulled in until it's time to ease it out and get rolling again. If it's a longer stop, you can shift back to neutral so that you're hand doesn't have to hold the clutch lever in the whole time. For practice, try slowing down in first gear, then pulling in the clutch lever and "coasting" to your stop. You'll see that you won't stall. As to dropping the bike -- yes, it happens -- but the key to building your confidence is to know how to pick the bike up again correctly -- all on your own! Here's one site that has pictures and words (http://ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html). That way, if it does occur, you will be in position to handle it! Even if that 250 really isn't heavy enough to worry about, practice the sequence of what you should do in your mind (hit the kill switch, etc.), so if it happens, you will look smooth and confident in handling the situation -- it will go a long way to minimizing the "stupid" feeling. Also, make sure you're wearing clothes that fully cover you (long pants and sleeves/jacket and good boots, gloves, helmet etc.). Why scrape yourself up in the process?! Also, there are four VTwin Mama sisters in New Jersey listed in the Opt-In Rider List. Consider contacting one nearest you to see if they can provide you with more "local" support! It might help to have a sympathetic rider with you on your first practice sessions for the season. Asking is free!– Mama Wednesday, April 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Per your suggestions, I started out slow on a Sunday. I went alone to an empty parking lot to practice my stopping and turning techniques. Then rode around town for two hours stopping at all the stop signs, then down main street through all the stop lights. After that I headed out of town onto the highway. I got the bike up to speed and instead of panic (and that is exactly what it was) I felt the biggest thrill of my life...: ) Every once in a while, however, around the curves the panic wanted to sneak back in. All I had to do was start playing with the throttle. I could then feel the bike under me, knew I had control, and I was just fine. Now I headed for my BIGGEST challenge. I headed for the curve where I went down. I have dreamed of this several times and believe me, they were all nightmares (sorry for the drama). I pulled off the side of the road to make sure no traffic was coming from either direction. The first time around I shook so hard I didn’t know if I could really do it. The FORTH time around was actually FUN! I went home told my husband that if he thought he could keep up with me (this is extremely funny because he is an excellent rider) I would allow him to join me for another ride. After the ride he very gently explained to me that we are not allowed to stand on our street bikes with our fist in the air yelling YEE HAW at the top of our lungs as we go down the highway...: ) Oh, the thrill of knowing I CAN do it! Believe me ladies, the bike can make all the difference in the world. My husband thinks I’ll outgrow my Thumper someday, but I’ll be a hard one to convince! THANKS again for your feedback and I’ll be SEEING you the highway. – Penny Dear Penny, At the very least you've battled the "demons" and come out on the other side of it! I would have been standing on my foot pegs yelling at the top of my lungs too (but that's another story about when I take my first ride of the year and can't help but scream out in pure joy when I first crack open the throttle and feel the raw power and energy!). I'd give you a "bike wave" right now . . . but I don't have any appropriate clip art! Keep on keeping on VTwin Mama sister -- you're an inspiration to us all! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, But I am also a little apprehensive on trying main highways. I only live a few miles from a stretch of the old 66 highway in Oklahoma and really want to try it. Can you give me any advice on working thru my fear of driving on a real road? I guess I'm also a little intimidated when I see other women riding much larger bikes than mine, but I knew I had to start out small, I'm only 5'2'' and the Rebel felt so comfortable to me (and I sat on many a bike when I went looking). Thanks so much. – Snoma Dear Snoma, Yes, there are many women riding bigger bikes -- but keep in mind that many opted to start out on a smaller bike such as yours to get good practice time in before deciding what bigger bike was going to make sense for them. The bottom line is that in order to advance your riding skills, you'll need to get your first "go" at a highway sometime -- just do it smart and you'll be ok! Every challenge in life has a bit of the "fear factor" in it -- but that's what makes it worth accomplishing your goal, so go for it! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, May 19 For Snoma who is working up the courage to get on the highway: I started riding at age 44, and I rode a Honda Shadow 600. I rode my bike on local roads for my first season (2,000 miles). I live in NJ and traffic can be pretty hectic in rush hour. I rode 2 lane and 4 lane (two in each direction) roads. After 1 year I practiced taking the highway for 1 exit only on the 600. Getting her to 70 and keeping it there, I was not comfortable. I have now moved up to a bigger bike and am ok on the highway. I wanted to let you know that as a new rider, get comfortable on the local roads first where you can ride the speed limit and a little above. Riding is a skill, the more you do it, the better you get, so get going Snoma. – Angela Kosar (note from Mama: there's nothing like practical first-hand advice from someone who has more recently passed that milestone!) I'd like to comment on Snoma's fear of the freeway. I did just what Petra suggested and went early Sunday morning. My HD 883 Sportster Hugger did pretty good going up to 50-60 and kicking into 5th gear was smoother. I try to stay in the center lane, not to fast, not too slow and watch people's blind spots. Let the speeders pass you and poky folks on the right. The freeway is great to get somewhere fast but actually I enjoy a slower ride on surface streets to be on the bike longer! Good luck Snoma! – Barbara Crumley in Chandler, AZ (note from Mama: while I enjoy putting down the back roads a lot more than highway cruising overall, it's simply a skill that must be learned 'cause there are times you'll just need to get from Point A to Point B in a hurry!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, I took and passed the MSF Course. But guess what? Yep, I am scared to death of this bike. Day 1 I dropped it in my drive way *sigh*. I am thinking maybe I got something that is too big for me. Maybe I should have gotten a 250? Or is this entire thing in my head? You know 750 vs 250? Power scare? Any comments? I love your site and am sooo glad to have found it! Thanks so much. – Deb Dear Deb, The problem I see is that your driveway is only so long, so you've got the burden of trying to handle the bike in too short of a distance before you have to get on the street, and all that "crowded" space is adding some mental blocks that you don't need right away! My suggestion is that you have a trusted friend ride that 750 over to an empty parking lot somewhere (the smoother, the better!) so that you get a chance to put in some practice time where there are no distractions (just like your course) and you have a clear shot at working on your basic skills on the bigger bike. Yes, there is more power, but the skills needed to ride it are the same! Give that some thought and see if it makes a difference for you. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 12 Dear VTwin Mama, I wondered if there is hope for me? Does every other woman cling on and scream faster at 100mph? At one point, I thought "I am never going to do this again" but at other points it was so amazing, such a glorious feeling, that I can't wait to get back out there. As I mentioned I had never even sat on a bike before this weekend so part of me feels I did pretty well but need some sort of validation. Don't know anyone else who rides bikes, found this site by accident, hope to hear from you all, can't get bikes out of my head at present.... – KC Dear KC, Most of drive our own cars and are rarely passengers. Doesn't it feel weird when you don't have control of the car but just have to sit there no matter what happens?! Same thing on a bike. Unless you regularly are a passenger, you will never relax as much. So, I think the higher speeds might have been just a bit too much for you on the first ride, but that's totally natural. I still don't like high, high speeds except for short bursts on straight open country roads and even then, only for a short distance. Just to do it. And my bike thinks it fun too! You did great. Now decide what you are going to do with your new found "love." It's an exciting world out there for riders -- come join us! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, I rode pillion a little bit 20+ years ago and last year my husband bought a used 1100 Shadow. After he became practiced (and passed an MSF course), I too thought "why not me?" This is something I've always wanted to do and now, at 47, I have a chance to do it---with support. My sister learned to ride 30 years ago but has since given it up (non-riding hubby). But I have never driven a standard shift, so in effect I am learning that as well. I'm a klutz, uncoordinated, and it takes me a long time to learn things, especially the physical. I was never an athlete. But when I do "get" something, I've got it. Last fall we traded the 1100 in on a 98 Ace Tourer for him and a 600 VLX for me. Last fall and this spring (bad Cleveland winter here, spent working out with weights to help handle the weight of my bike) he would drive it to a parking lot and I would practice. It took until the third time on the bike to get up the nerve to turn! The second time out I dropped it from too much front brake pressure. Big ugly bruise on my leg (and my ego). I got right back on, but the next time, the jitters started. Eventually I was practicing starting into a turn from a stop, big u-turns in second gear, rolling turns, controlled stops, learning to keep my head up and look into a turn, etc., etc. I tried to practice things that would be needed in riding the streets. By the end of March I thought (and he thought) I was ready for the side streets. We have a (kind of) steep apron on our driveway (my sons' friends call it the monster) and I did get out okay; rode around the side streets a little, stalled it twice, but generally okay. Well, I misjudged my entry speed coming into the driveway and crashed into the front porch. I jumped up right away as my husband and son ran out of the house. The bike had $2200 damage and I was so ashamed. Over the next few days he begged me not to ride any more, with no argument from me. After a little time passed, we realized that early mistakes can happen, and he said he would help me for as long as it takes if I still wanted to ride, but the decision was mine. We got the bike back a month later and headed back to the parking lot. I was almost starting from scratch, but I slowly made my way around. We did the parking lot a few more times and I took the MSF course in mid May. The one instructor really rode me (no pun intended) about not going fast enough and about tight turns, which I could not seem to do even on a smaller bike. I needed more practice on that small bike. I missed passing the test by 5 points. I am signed up for another MSF class in July. We headed to the lot once more to acclimate me to a bigger, heavier bike again. My husband and I have been out on the side streets four times since. It was starting to be fun. I have turned into the driveway twice from rolling, twice from stopping and then slowly in. (okay, so I'm still apprehensive about that driveway) My husband is pushing me to go faster (and I know you have to keep up with traffic and not piss off the cagers), but I tend to be more cautious because I'm NEW and I watch parked cars and kids and chuck holes (the streets are still in terrible shape). My reaction time can't be as good as his. On the better streets and during school hours I do get up to 5 mi over speed limit sometimes. My shifting is a little slow and I can't seem to get up to speed fast enough to stay up with him. He wants me to start going out by myself when there is limited traffic but I'm having trouble getting up my nerve. We're leaving vacation in two days; taking both bikes down south. We stay with friends in a rural area. I doubt I'll be heading out on the highway, but hope to get out on some country roads. (I didn't want to go two weeks without riding my bike.) For our longer excursions, I'll ride pillion for now. His friend's wife starting riding last fall and got out on her own quite a bit. Her husband told her to get out and ride as much as possible if she wanted to keep the bike. She claims she took to it right away and never had any jitters. My theory is, either she's an ostrich (head in the sand) or she's lying. She's very competitive and I can't talk to her about this. I worry about the things I haven't done yet, like gassing up, stopping on an incline, etc. Here is my problem. I almost said I'm not cut out for this; I don't want to take the bike; simply because of these jitters and fear of the unknown. It starts the night before I am going to ride, right up to getting on and starting out. Once on the bike for a bit, I calm down some. Reading the posts at your site made me decide not to quit, but I must come to terms with and handle these jitters! I'll try to visualize a good ride instead of the what ifs. I'll try to "make nice" with the beast and bond with it. (I'm not kidding) I am trying to recap recent outings (some good, some not so good) and remind myself that I CAN ride. I just have no experience and am probably not safe enough for traffic yet (main streets). But I know, when on vacation, I'll go to get on the bike and head out that long gravel (yes, gravel) driveway where we're staying, I'll be a quiet basket case. I can't seem to gain control over my nerves. I need practice but have so much trouble pushing my took us out the door. And these ladies that just get out there and ride right off the bat---how do they do it? Can you help? – Babystepper in C-town Dear Babystepper, First, kudos to you for detailing your thoughts on jitters! It's not always easy coming right out and saying that's how you feel (people in general tend to be in "a closet" when it comes to talking about things that are making them uncomfortable). My Jitters page is proving to a valuable source of sharing these feelings and I'm glad you found it and realize that you are not alone. It's the first step to getting a handle on "the battle of the nerves"! Klutzes unite! Thank goodness my mother recognized this tendency in me at an early age and got me into gymnastics where I spent over 10 years working on gaining control over my physical being. Otherwise I would have continued into life being highly uncoordinated. Your point is well taken -- while riding a motorcycle does take a certain amount of hand/foot/visual/balance coordination, it CAN be learned, and once learned, usually is mastered. For some new riders who are challenged in this area, it may never be achieved and riding will not be possible in the long term. I think this is a very, very small percentage of the overall amount of people who are really adamant about learning though. Physical strength should be addressed by all riders. I find that it is simpler easier to handle a bike when my upper body strength and stomach muscles are toned, so I continue to do free weight exercises. It saves wear and tear on my arms, neck and back. There isn't a rider alive today that hasn't dropped a bike, accidentally rammed up the throttle and ran into something, misjudged a turn/road shoulder/pavement angle/speed to make a curve, etc. Maybe they didn't do all of them, but the late, great Gilda Radner coined the phrase, "It's always something," and she meant it! Accepting the eventuality of a mishap along the way in learning to ride is a time honored tradition! The embarrassment is fleeting, the bruises will heal, and the bike can be repaired -- but if we allow these events to fester in our minds -- then we do ourselves no favors. Identifying what and HOW we did something wrong, learning from it, and continuing to practice in order to master the technique is necessary. If you want to learn it bad enough, you will. So, no brain festering! Let it go and get on with the learning! Taking a break in learning is ok! As you noted, it made sense for you and then it made sense to try again. Trusting our inner gut is good. Trying something you really want to achieve again and again is even better. There obviously is no guarantee that anyone will pass a motorcycle safety course the first time around. What I try to emphasize is that the point of taking the course is that it is a learning experience. The point isn't to pass -- the point is to LEARN! If someone passes the first time -- great -- you'll get your motorcycle license -- but then you've STILL got a lot to learn! If not, then you've identified what you still need to work on and can do so. You've noted that you'll be taking the course again in July -- kudos to you for your "stick with it" attitude. Learning, no matter what challenge we undertake, is a life long process. Not learning is the sin. So you've been practicing. Yahoo! Now, take your time. If this means a gazillion practice sessions in an empty parking lot, then so be it. Pressing yourself to take on situations that you're not ready for does you (and your nerves) no good. If you're not ready for traffic, then say so! And mean it. Don't apologize for your "internal learning schedule" -- it's yours to follow and you'll know when you're ready to take a next step. I know that I can get myself all tied up in knots when people are pressing me to take on more than I can handle -- it doesn't mean I don't want to achieve the end result -- but allowing myself to slowly work up to something makes me feel better. I'll get there eventually! A bit of humor and honesty works wonders here -- ie: honey, it's not in master plan to drop the bike again, but let's face it, I'm still learning, so you never know! Yes, some people in this world grasp riding concepts, techniques and skills faster than others. It's rude and mean-spirited to imply that everyone should. So, your husband's friend's wife might have made the comment about her fast learning curve, but that has nothing to do with you. You are an individual. Don't compare yourself to ANYONE else, and don't let their time table and competitiveness make you feel like you need to achieve the same end result in the same amount of time. Your careful learning curve will eventually get you there, and you'll have learned a lot along the way. Lessons learned the hard way stick with us SO much better, don't you think?!. Rule #2 in Don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements is "Don't take anything personally -- what other people say or do isn't because of you, it's because of their own life experiences." Again, no brain festering. Psyching yourself out the night before a riding sessions -- that's a toughie. Our minds are strange things and you've already noted that you will be trying the positive visualization techniques mentioned by others to help overcome this tendency (see the smooth, coordinated ride in your mind and you've got a better chance of achieving it -- visualize a bad ride and what's the point?!). We're back to not biting off more than we can chew. Long gravel driveway at your friend's house got your in stomach flip-flops -- don't do it if you're not ready! Higher speed rides with a group making our palms sweaty just thinking about it -- don't do it if you're not ready! Clearly identify what you ARE READY FOR -- and SAY SO. YOU set the boundaries, YOU call the type ride you can handle, YOU clearly identify what will make for an enjoyable riding session. YOU have NOTHING to be ashamed of, but you DO have the responsibility of saying what you can and cannot handle in a clear, unapologetic voice. Isn't is weird that we see our failures as large and our successes as small?! We tend to make too much of the ickies and not enough about what we have achieved. So, mentally reverse that thinking pattern. Each success you have in mastering a technique is a HUGE step up in your riding ability. Each oppsie you have is a TINY obstacle to overcome. You've got what it takes Babystepper -- drive, determination, and desire. Now, take charge of your mental attitude and don't let it push you around! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 For Babystepper who is working through her "learning curve" jitters: Been there....done that! I would be glad to share stories and give encouragement to Babystepper. I totally understand...especially about the Monster. I certainly had (and still get) my share of the jitters plus I hate my driveway too! – Bootygrandma (note from Mama: I've passed your email address on to Babystepper should she wish to correspond. Thanks for reinforcing that she is not alone!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 19 For Babystepper who is working through her "learning curve" jitters: This is me all over! At least you have the nerve to go on out of the driveway! I spend a lot of time pushing mine around the carport, starting it to keep the battery charged and moving it from side to side and around to remind me how the weight feels. I've had one guy supposedly training me that has caused me more barriers than anything from pushing me into trying to do more than I was ready for. I've decided he will be dismissed now and I can start over on my own at my own pace. I think he was making me more nervous than I was by myself! I passed my MSF class, came home and got my license and laughed all the way back to work because all I could think was "they will give anybody a license"! Then I got on my bike (after the MSF class), rode it around, parked, got off and forgot to put my kickstand down. My son had a kick out of that! I'm going back to the parking lot and down the streets around my neighborhood for as long as it takes to make me feel more comfortable which may be awhile. – Susan (note from Mama: Good for you Susan! Learning at your own pace is the only way to go. Reminds me of the first time I rode my bike to work and didn't realize I had chosen pavement to park on that was at an angle. Went to push out the kickstand and the bike starting tipping left and couldn't catch myself with my left leg, so over we went! Ah, memories!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jett, At this point I'm assuming you have the bike in your possession: with the help of a trusted and strong friend (riding or non-riding), and the bike NOT running, have your friend straddled the front tire, plant their feet firmly, and grab hold of the center of the handlebars from the front. Then you climb on the bike and together tip the bike to a centered position (and you should push the kickstand up and away). How did that feel? Are your feet flat on the ground or a bit tippy toe? Understand your foot position on the ground so you know where you are in the future. With your friend still having a firm hold, tilt the bike a little to the left and then a little to the right. Get use to the feeling of the weight. Then tip just a little bit more, etc. Tip the bike slowly back and forth and continue to feel the weight of the bike and make friends with it (the beastie has feelings too you know!). Now, roll the bike a little forward (make sure it's in neutral, and still not running) with our friend pulling a bit and then roll backward, with your friend pushing the bike a bit. If you've practiced the tilting exercise above, you'll be ready to handle the feeling of the bike tipping a little left or right on the roll, if it should happen -- and you'll be ready to handle the weight because you know what it feels like, your feet position, etc.! Practice this until you are blue in the face or the beer in your fridge is calling to you. Then try these exercises on our own (preferably not after raiding the fridge for liquid courage). Afraid the bike will tip and fall over and you won't be able to pick it up? Then check my Cool Links page for a great site on how to properly pick the bike up. This will give you SO much confidence that you will cease to worry about if it happens, because if it does, then you know what to do. You might even want to tip the bike over (making sure the gas lever is shut off) onto a piece of scrap rug or carpet with the help of your friend and practice this technique. Sound a bit babyish? Hah! Good riding comes with practice, and any practice that helps you master and conquer a concern is good practice indeed. Now, go do it! And if necessary, take up free weights to build up your upper body strength. Really! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, A couple of years later he bought be a beautiful read 600 VLX Deluxe. I was scared to death. I could touch the ground flat footed but barely. I dropped it once when my shoes were wet and I put the kickstand down but my foot slipped off of it before it was down all the way and the bike fell. Talk about sad, anger, self-confidence being gone. Well, now we've two kids and no riding time. My husband has a 750 ACE and I've ridden it before but it's not short enough. However, a beautiful 750 ACE Deluxe (customized) became available so we bought it. I'm tippy toed on it - can't reach the brake pedal without stretching (they pedals were modified from the original) and can barely grab the clutch and hand brake. Talk about scared! We live in the country where most roads are gravel and if I slip when my feet are down at a stop sign I just know that bike is going down. I am getting a 2.5" lowering kit for it and risers for the handlebars. My question is this: Am I the only woman out there that is scared of the thought that the bike is too heavy to pick up; that I might need help backing it out of a space; that I can't turn it in tight spots? I've seen women on much bigger bikes and wonder how they can handle such a heavy bike when they need to do something other than just ride (i.e. turn in tight spots, back up etc.) – tmac5 Dear tmac5, First of all, there is a proven set of instructions that will help you learn how to pick up your bike should it ever decide to "take a nap" on its side. And here is the website: http://ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html. Many women have written in that after reviewing the steps, they had someone help them lay their bike down on an old piece of carpet and practice this. Talk about boosting confidence. Now, backing a bike out of a space is a matter of pre-planning. You've got to learn to judge the space you are about to pull into so that you're never in a position to need help to get the bike out! So, if the angle is slightly sloping downwards, you always make a modified "Y" turn in front of the space and back it in. Then, when it's time to go, give it some gas and out you go! If the angle is slightly sloping upwards, then simply ease the bike in nose first, so when you're ready to leave, the bike will easily roll out the parking space. Tight turns and spots is a matter of practice. Check this previous letter where I discuss some techniques for getting use to the weight of a bike so that when you find yourself in tight spots, the weight of the bike will not "throw you for a loop" and you'll be in great shape to handle it! If others can learn these techniques, so can you. It's a matter of practice, so go to it! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marecat, So, get out there and practice when the weather allows and keep working on the basics. You'll be in that much better position to go into the course with some confidence. DON'T GIVE UP! Now is the time to practice, practice, practice and get rid of some of those jitters -- on your terms and in your own good time -- that's the key! The course is designed to push you through lessons in quick order (isn't it 2 days?!) and you need to get a handle on a few things first. As to getting your license this year -- why worry?! If happens, great -- if not, there's plenty of time! You're a source of inspiration to every woman out who is going through the same thing -- so trust that your determination and willingness to try are going to see you through this period of learning! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, I took the MSF course the beginning of May. Have been practicing going around our neighborhood and down the road a ways...then decided I need more practice especially with curves, stopping and starting & stopping etc., so my hubby drove my Sporty over to a school parking lot (I wanted him to drive it cuz there is to much traffic to get there and I just don't feel that my skills are up there just yet). I was doing really quite good, did that a few times and now all of the sudden I am panicked and am so nervous that I just keep putting off getting back on and I know the longer I wait the anticipation is going to just get worse. When going around in an oval I am so scared the bike is going to down, it just feels so heavy. I know a few people have mentioned that the Sportsters are top heavy...I guess I just need to become one with the bike and give it more throttle on the curve but right now I am just nervous. I sure hope that there is still hope for me...I have always wanted to do this. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you for listening cuz I really have no one to talk to about this. I love the stories and am so thankful to have found your site, it sure is helpful to know we are not alone. – Hesitant Dear Hesitant, Because we all learn in different ways, and I've got a sense from your letter that you might be a "visual -- see it, do it" learner, I suggest that you would greatly benefit from Motorman's "Ride Like a Pro" video. While you've learned the basic techniques during your course, this is an excellent follow-up tool to continue your education on good riding techniques. My understanding is that he really explains the dynamics and forces that come into play during various maneuvers (like tight circles, etc.) -- and by gaining a greater understanding of what is actually happening, and how to work it, and you'll see him demonstrate what he's talking about, you'll renew your confidence in learning. Well, it's something to consider anyway. Many women have also reported that taking the course a second time was hugely beneficial -- as there is soooo much to take in the first time, that the second round is much more relaxed because you know what's coming up and can concentrate! I'm glad that the VTwin Mama site is already making a difference to you -- understanding that we are not alone is an important mental boost Practice is the key to skills, so don't give up. Take it one ride at a time and don't focus on how long it's taking to learn a skill -- everyone has a very unique, individual learning curve. Don't pysch yourself out -- with a little determination (grit your teeth and go grrrrrrr!) you CAN DO IT! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sarah, On the flip side, power is power, and you can get yourself in "trouble" with a 250cc just as easily as anything else. It's the technique that's important. You don't specifically say how the bad spill happened, so, perhaps, it was due to a maneuver that caught you by surprise or required quicker reflexes than you were prepared to handle. Or not. Was it a routine thing that you've done time and time again and for some reason botched just that one time? In this case, you might benefit from Motorman's "Ride Like a Pro" video. It explains the "forces" of motion at work (especially at the lower speeds) while you're riding and this might clarify for you why the spill occurred. Knowledge is power, as they say! With this in mind, perhaps you might "gear down a notch" and go practice, practice, practice in an empty parking lot somewhere. Over and over and over. Away from distractions, and using the techniques that the course set up for practice, this might be the method to instill renewed confidence. I'm hoping I've given you a few ideas to consider to help you over the mental block. No one wants to break bones, but the only way you're going to get better at riding is by doing it. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, My question is how much practice does it take to know the fine line of when to make that turn a little sharper, or take that curve a little faster, or that stop a little quicker? I'm 57 and I got my endorsement at 55 and I took the Motorcycle Ohio rider course, twice. I am now riding a Yamaha Virago 1100. It is a very well balanced, easy handling bike. So far I have been riding very safely and cautiously. I ride the speed limit for the most part. I have experienced what it's like to fall. I made a left turn onto a gravel road and the bike went out from under me before I knew what had happened. I've ridden as a passenger with my fiancé' for a few thousand miles over the last four years. I've watched and observed him, and the others we ride with. He rides a Gold Wing. His movements and theirs are flawless. How do they know that those bikes will hold at a high speed on sharp curves and never flinch. I'm hoping that I will be able to do that someday, but at the moment I am just to concerned that I might overbalance the bike and hurt my self. I'd sure appreciate your thoughts. – Marlene Dear Marlene, There is of course no set mileage or timeframe for when you should begin challenging yourself to ride a little over the speed limit, take a curve faster, or stop a little quicker. But, let's take a clue from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation: after their beginner course, they have a one-day experienced rider course where you ride your own bike. However, they require that you have six months or 3,000 miles of recent riding time under your belt before signing up. According to this "formula" -- you're 11.33% there (based on mileage)! The point I'm trying to make with this analogy is that you shouldn't burden yourself with the thought, "I need to be doing more, faster." And don't let anyone else goad you into taking on more than you can handle at the time. Listen to your gut feeling and respect the learning curve timeframe it is "telling" you. This will serve you well. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 30 For Marecat whose trying to get out of first gear and has the general jitters: I started on the Rebel too last year, and I was the same way about shifting. Then my husband suggested I ride on the grass in an open field and when I did that, I was not afraid of the bike or shifting anymore. I guess I felt safer about falling on grass more than pavement if I were to fall. So I rode on the grass for about a month and did real well on the parking lot after that. – Kathy (note from Mama: how totally cool! As long as the grass field is relatively flat, I can see where this removes one of the "mental" blocks -- i.e.: falling on pavement.) Marecat, I would *love* to stand in that parking lot with you and tell your husband to go take a hike and start treating you with a little more respect. First of all, there's a huge difference between encouraging you to practice and pushing you past your limits. Second of all, no one has a right to "announce" to anyone else whether they will or will not get their license this year - except, perhaps, for the state license examiner. While there's no substitute for practice, doing so under a lot of pressure doesn't necessarily help at all. There's also nothing wrong with spending the next few months learning to balance, start, and stop, and waiting until you get to the MSF course to let them teach you the rest. Alternately, you could decide that you *can* already balance, and let the MSF course teach you the rest anyway. It's been my observation that spouses/significant others are *not* the best people to teach their partners to ride. Knowing how to do something doesn't mean you know how to teach it. I don't mean to come down on your husband here, but if his behavior were encouraging and supporting you, you wouldn't be posting here! Keep your spirits up, the rubber side down, and take a stand for your right to move at your own pace. You'll feel a lot more comfortable. Maybe there's someone on the ride-in list in your area you could hook up with for some practice time, rather than hubby? Just a few thoughts... – Kiara, who is a *firm* proponent of a woman's right to ride at her own pace, her own time, and on her own bike! (note from Mama: I agree that close friends/spouses/significant others are not always the best teachers as teaching is a fine art that requires certain skills that not everyone possesses! I always advocate contacting one of the woman's riding organizations for additional support -- the main clubs are listed at the bottom on my home page.) I too have been learning on my Rebel 250. Have only been riding since the end of April and am scheduled for the safety course July 7th. I have found this bike to be a great learning bike. Not too wide, not too heavy and pretty well balanced. With regard to shifting - is the difficulty with the the clutch, the shifter or the knowing when and actually doing it? I had my husband adjust the shifter as it was positioned at the tip of my toe. He also adjusted the clutch lever so it would not be so "stiff". This allows a smoother motion when pulling in the lever. I can now up and down shift "gracefully". It hard to operate controls when they are not aligned to your physical needs. As for practicing, I would take the bike out every night and drive around the little neighborhoods. As I got more comfortable I would drive an extra block. Little neighborhoods gave me practice with shifting and stopping at stop signs with no traffic and only 25 mph. Learning to use both brakes was the hardest for me as I had a mental block to remember the rear brake pedal. Each night I try to go a little farther than the day before. The real challenge was learning to drive it to work. LOTS OF HILLS! I had my husband follow me in the car on a Sunday to practice. It's almost 5 miles to work and I can do it with ease now. Keep practicing and and stay within YOUR comfort zone. Oh - try to relax and enjoy! (If you're local to me I would love a riding companion that didn't go zero-to-60 in 5 seconds!) – No Name (note from Mama: what an added neat idea to have someone follow in a car as you begin riding on main streets!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 30 For Marlene who is wondering at what point she needs to challenge her riding level a little bit more: Congrats on the 340 miles that she has put on of course already, but here are my suggestions. When I am out riding by myself, I try to challenge myself a little more each time I go out. For me, it's a lot easier to try things on my own instead of around other people or in groups or whatever, but I will find a stretch of road and just practice swerving around imaginary potholes, or practicing the proper lines of the curves so that I don't enter the curve too sharp or too late. Sometimes I go slow, and sometimes I pick up the speed a little more. I also practice u-turns at the gas station or wherever, so that when the time comes for me to do it, I can without fear. You have to get to know your bike, and know its capabilities and limits so that in case of emergency you aren't totally freaked out by the bike. It's scary leaning hard into curves, but the more you lean and roll on the throttle the better, sharper and smoother your turn will be. Go get 'em girl! Just my advice for the day. – Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: suggestions from the voice of experience are always helpful!) Dear
VTwin Mama,
We went out again two days later (through a "back" driveway with
no gravel!) and eventually turned into a little park. Again my husband is
pushing me to go faster and I said I'd try. So I turned around in the
gravel lot (foot dragging a little) and headed out. Just before the road
is an incline. I tried to glide up and stop and the next thing I know the
bike is going over to the left as I scoot out from under it. Later, my
husband said I grabbed the front brake too hard and lost my balance.
That's what I did the first time I dropped my bike, but I knew that's what
I did. This time I'm not so sure. Anyway, I tried to lift the bike myself
and almost had it when this guy jumped out of a van and helped. I think I
would have had it myself, but not sure. My husband pulled the bike out
onto the road before I could say anything and I rode it home. (I did
manage to get it up to 55 for a short burst and went faster overall, even
on the curves.) My left mirror is broken off at the clutch lever and at
present I am not street legal.
I can't afford (I don't think) to just buy another bike and keep this one.
I could always graduate up later; we're always seeing black VLXs in
showrooms. He said that's probably what we should have done in the first
place. I whole-heartedly agree even though I hate to give up my bike. As
far as I'm concerned, it's that or stop riding altogether. I think (and
hope) I could at least get out of the driveway, on my own, on something I
feel more in control of. I have no freeway plans this riding season and
have no overall deadline imposed. But, if I don't get comfortable to some
extent, on something, before the end of the riding season, I doubt I'll go
back to it. Dear
Linda, There.
Doesn't that feel better already?! Many women have come to the realization
that they need more time during the learning curve and that a smaller bike
makes a lot of sense, so there simply is no shame in this. I'd look for a
used Rebel or Virago 250 and see if you can't swing the money part this
way. But if need be, sell the bigger bike and get a smaller one -- it's
clear you want to ride and equally clear that a smaller bike is going to
help you over the mental blocks. Do what you have to do so that your dream
doesn't die inside you. That would be the true tragedy.
– Mama Top Dear
VTwin Mama, I have not dropped my bike, but when I get around other people or I know people are looking I get very nervous (I don't want to look like an idiot). My first time out, my husband and I were sitting at a stop sign waiting for traffic to go by so we could make a left turn when about 10 bikes pulled up behind us. My nerves kicked in and as I made my left turn, I took it a little wide and went into the ditch. I kept the bike up and back on the road I went, but boy did I feel stupid... All
I could hear in the back of my head were the other guys saying "did you
see that chick trying to ride??? She shouldn't even be on the road".
I really don't know what they were saying, but I could only imagine...I
know everyone makes mistakes, but I want to be a good rider and not look
silly. I don't think my fear is
of riding so much, but of looking stupid.
I want to look experienced or that I somewhat know what I am doing and
not so much as a beginner... My
husband and another good friend of mine tell me that a Sportster is the
hardest bike to start out riding on, because it is a very awkward bike and for
beginners, it is even worse. According
to them, if I can learn to ride on a Sportster, I can probably ride
anything... To
add to my jitters, my brother-in-law was just in a motorcycle accident and all
four limbs are in some-sort of cast, luckily he was wearing his helmet. I am just trying to find out how to get on my bike and be
able to relax and have fun, not be so nervous... If
anyone else has any input about feeling the same way I would love to hear from
them... Thanks. – Getting
Discouraged Dear
Getting Discouraged, I know you don't want to look silly -- who does?! But if you think you're the only new rider who is going through this or has gone through this, you are wrong. So knock it off! Experience comes with time -- there simply is no short-cut. If you want to build up riding time without added pressures, head to the nearest empty parking lot and work on your skills. Hit the road when traffic is light -- Sunday mornings is usually good. And if you do make a mistake, learn to laugh it off with a "oops, I guess I could have done THAT better!" I'm sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. It's always hard in this life-style choice when an accident happens to someone close to you. It's one thing to read about it the paper, another when you're visiting someone you care about who got hurt. Motorcycling is not without its risks, as I'm sure your brother-in-law has been quick to point out. So, if it helps, gear back a notch. If you're convinced that the Sporty is not the right bike for you to be learning on, then get another! Or get yourself to an empty parking lot and master the beastie -- it's essential for good riding that you become "one with the bike." Otherwise, what's the point?! Only you can determine if you're meant to be a solo rider -- I can't answer that, so look deep into your gut instinct and ask yourself what you're willing to go through to become a good rider. Then, go out and do it! – Mama Friday, July 4 For Linda (Babystepper) whose jitters continue to pose a challenge: I bought a big bike without even knowing what I was getting into...becoming a new rider at age 53. Girlfriend, I am out on that sucker now, riding and riding and riding and enjoying almost every minute of it. I still screw up my turns and still have some fear of the bike but it's getting to be a healthy fear, not an incapacitating one (which it was last year). Yeah, I lost sleep and made myself sick and sometimes burst into tears while I was riding.....safe, huh? Take that bike out into a parking lot somewhere with someone you trust and ride it around and around. Stop, start.........about a thousand times. Then practice turning from a starting place......left, right, etc. Keep doing it and doing it. It takes practice to take away the fear. You can do this. I almost bought a smaller bike last year but decided that if things didn't get better this year, I was getting rid of the big one. VTwin Mama also suggested that I take the MSC again and I know lots of people who do that. What the heck, this is no contest here. If you want a smaller bike and would feel better one it, do it. Good luck and stay safe. – Mama B (note from Mama: you're right -- it isn't a contest, it's a decision to learn, and grow, and make choices that make sense -- and that's a good thing!) Saturday, July 5 For Getting Discouraged who is battling other people's perceptions of her beginning learning curve: Don’t let one little wide turn get you down. Most likely those guys riding behind you were thinking, “Gee, I remember the time I did the same thing.” Or worse. I belong to an international group of motorcycle riders (the Volusia owners league), and there are some VERY experienced riders in the group. Not all ride Vols, there are many different types of bikes, types of riders and types of experiences, but a couple of things that are universal are everyone has respect for each other and everyone is very supportive. Lots of anecdotes on “this is what happened to me." Sure accidents happen, but if you really want to ride you just get the best and most training and experience you can, and do everything to minimize risks. Ride safe and ride often. – Gloria (note from Mama: a great letter of support -- thank you!) Monday, July 14 For Getting Discouraged who is battling other people's perceptions of her beginning learning curve: Stick with it....it will come. When I was reading your letter...I thought this could have been written by me. I too, ride a 1200 Sportster and you are right, they are difficult to learn on. I flunked the MSF skills test the first time...(hit some cones) and came home and took that bike out for a ride to hide my disappointment. Next time I aced it. That was two years ago. I had the jitters and nervousness all last season and wondered if I could ever get over it. Yes, I went through tears and butterflies, you name it! I have a broken clutch handle and half a dozen broken lens covers to prove it. I eventually put some engine guards on it to keep the scratches down. The best thing I did for my confidence was rent a little Honda Rebel for the weekend. I rode it for 200 miles and it really helped. I know how you feel. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks...ride your own ride. It will come! I still get nervous sometimes but, it is getting better all the time. And I am still dreading getting caught in the rain. Seat time is the best answer. Good Luck and stick with it! And Mama....thanks for a great site! You can't believe how much this site has helped me with confidence and through the jitters. – SG in NH (note from Mama: yes, seat time is the best, but you've offered some additional thoughts worth pondering! After 24 years of riding, I was still nervous heading out for a 700 mile one-way trip on July 6th -- I just hadn't done it in so long and I was sweating ALL the details, including the semi trucks, winds, seat fatigue and animal jitters. It just goes to show you . . . !) Wow....she should be proud of herself for hanging in there and getting it back up onto the road. As for the 10 bikes behind her....I wonder how many of them could have held the bike long enough to get back onto the road and not dumping it! Send her my way if you think I can help build her confidence. – Bootygrandma (note from Mama: it IS tons better to make a lot of what is right rather than get stuck on what didn't go perfectly. Making mistakes is how we learn that we need to learn more!) Monday, July 14 Reporting in with three parking lot practices and three long rides on city streets and backroads. No spills and 99% clean turns. Got several compliments from the husband on defensive strategies. I stayed within my comfort level and challenged myself when it felt safe. Riding is fun again! So, even though the second time through the MSF course was a grind, I'm glad I did it. As for changing to a smaller bike, it was a good move. I am riding and improving. I am reading the mail on your site with interest and getting a lot out of it. Thanks again for nudging me in the right direction. – Regards, Sarah (note from Mama: such inspiration! You go girl -- nudge, nudge! Glad I could help a wee bit!) Tuesday, July 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
MC, Monday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Over the years, she has had an opportunity to ride many other bikes - HD Road King & Softail, BMW K75, K1200RS (30 1/2" seat height,) R1200C, Honda ST1100, CRB900RR, 750 Nighthawk, 700 Sabre, Yamaha Road Star (1500 cc) and VStar 1100, Kawasaki Vulcan (1500 cc,) etc. She feels that she can ride any bike that she can pick up off the side stand - its not about strength, its about balance. That said, she is more comfortable with bikes that allow her to put her feet flat on the ground when the bike is stopped. VTwin Mama is absolutely right about practice - practice is the key to confidence on a motorcycle (isn't this true about almost anything?). Kathy (my wife) has ridden the open road, expressways, Deals Gap (US Hwy 129 in NC & Tenn - 318 curves in 11 miles plus elevation changes) and downtown in major cities and I have never felt like she was holding me up. When she first started on her Bridgestone, she was like many of the people who have written about the jitters - it took months of riding in parking lots, quiet neighborhoods, and sparsely traveled back roads, before she felt comfortable to just go out and ride. Please, if you are uncomfortable about riding somewhere, don't do it! Practice in circumstances where you are comfortable and your skills will improve to the point where you are comfortable doing more. Ride safe, – John Geda Dear
John, Dear
VTwin Mama, My husband felt I would out grow it by the end of the season, I kind of agreed. So I ended up with a HD Low Rider (1450cc) While practicing I hit a curb and feel now I am a little gun shy -- not so much of the power, but of the weight and size. I understand you started on a 750. I sat on one of those and the Low Rider fit me much better. I think I will be spending a lot of time at the Kmart parking lot. Do you have any suggestions? – Mary Dear
Mary, I know it's a pain in the butt when your first "icky" happens, but trust me on this, it probably won't be your last. And I'm not saying that to scare you, but to let you know that stuff happens -- and riding a bike has no exemptions from this rule! So, the best thing to do is to put it in perspective and keep practicing. Kmart is a great idea -- you're on the right track. As to bike size and weight -- the fact is that you can do just about as much wrong on a 250cc bike as that Low Rider - so don't psych yourself out. It's simply not necessary! Riding is 10% skill and 90% mental -- so do yourself a favor and adopt the right, positive mental attitude NOW -- and remember that learning is a great thing -- it proves we are alive in our brains! – Mama Thursday, July 24 For Mary who hit a curb with a bigger bike and so, now what?! : Curbs have a tendency of jumping out in front of you, especially if you have your eye on them. Good for you for getting back on and practice is the best remedy. The MSF course will help your skills a lot. I'm not sure why you came in contact [with the curb], but they teach you that the bike will go exactly where you're looking. Now for the bike, I used to ride a Low Rider and found it to be very top heavy. I don't know how tall you are but I'm only 5FT. What helped me was lowering the bike which gave my legs more leverage to balance the bike (not to mention lowering the center of gravity). Enjoy the bike and ride at your own skill level not the crowds. – Indian Lady (note from Mama: thanks for sharing support and advice for Mary!) Dear
VTwin Mama, The issue at hand is that she is having trouble balancing the bike when coming to a stop. From your perspective, is there anything I can do to help her learn how to handle the balance/weight of the bike? I ride a FatBoy and am having a little trouble getting a feel for what she is going through.. Thoughts / Suggestions? (She is scheduled for a MSF course in a couple of months, but wants to be a little more prepared. BTW this is her first bike . . . – TAS (Supportive Spouse but at a loss . . . ) Dear
TAS, Back on June 19th, I posted a letter from Jett, who was struggling a bit with understanding how to get a feel for the weight of her bike as well. I described some "exercises" that could be done with two people at first and then alone. I also note that many people fear that when a bike completely goes over on its side, they will be left stranded with no one to help them pick it up again. This is another technique that can be practiced. Together, these practice sessions make for a rider who has a lot more confidence overall in regard to bike weight issues. Give them a try! – Mama Monday, August 4 For TAS, whose wife has trouble balancing at a stop: I don't believe the problem is so much a weight issue with her Hugger as WHERE she is looking when she comes to a stop. One of the MSF mantra's is "the bike goes where you look." I tell my students if you're looking at the ground...the bike is more than happy to follow you there. When coming to a straight line stop, pick a point off in the distance and KEEP LOOKING THERE till the bike is stopped. If you're looking down at the 'stop line'...the bike translates that as "down" and balance becomes an issue because it wants to go there. Always, keep your head and eyes up looking well ahead until you've come to a complete stop. Try this and see if it doesn't solve the problem. And kudos to your wife for signing up for the safety course (if you've never taken it yourself -- try it. . . after riding for 36 years I took it and learned TONS and am a better rider for it.) – HammerLady@ShinnySideUp.com (note from Mama: it's always great to get information from a certified MSF Rider Coach -- thanks for taking the time to share!) Dear
VTwin Mama, For many years I've been interested in learning to ride. This past spring I took the MSF course, which was not a pleasant experience, but that's another story. I didn't pass the course, which was OK, I told the instructors I would question their standards if they had passed me. But I decided to get a bike and keep practicing. I bought a used Shadow VLX 600, which is very comfortable for me (I'm 5'8", 150 lbs.). I've been riding it this summer, but not very much, which is part of the problem. I have yet to go out on a busy street - I've just been riding slowly around my very quiet neighborhood. I have no problem balancing the bike when starting or stopping. I was nervous about turns, and have been practicing making slow, tight turns at the end of my street, which is a dirt road (this is another part of the problem). Left turns are fine, my husband was even impressed at my ability to balance the bike while making a tight left turn on dirt. However, I have fallen 4 times making a right turn. It seems like the bike just suddenly fell over before I realized what was happening. No real damage the first three times (except to my pride), but last week I fell, my right foot got caught under the bike, and I now have a broken foot. Fortunately someone heard my pitiful cries for help (it's really hard to pick up your own bike when it's lying on top of you!), and I did get up and ride the bike back home. I'm very lucky that my recently-retired husband is at home to help me out, and my boss is very understanding. But this incident has made me question whether or not I really want to ride. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't been able to get out that much - I work long hours and when I get home I'm often just plain tired. My own advice to beginning riders is to get out for at least 10-15 minutes every day or so, just to keep in touch with the way the bike feels. Also, I have to admit, my falls have really worn away at my confidence, which was not all that great to begin with. I'm probably out of the running for the rest of this season (I live in New England), although maybe I'll be able to go out with my husband on his bike (V-Star 1100 Classic - it's beautiful!). I'm thinking if I do ride again, it might be best to start fresh next spring, definitely on a smaller bike. I need to spend the winter getting in better shape - I thought I was in OK shape until I started using crutches. I'm 48 years old, never have been athletic, but I'm not a couch potato either. Didn't mean to ramble on so long, guess I don't have a specific question, but it's made me feel better to tell my story to a group of people who will understand. Obviously, only I can make the decision as to whether or not I want to ride again. But I'd welcome any comments from you and your readers. Thanks so much for an enjoyable and informative website. – Hobbling Mama (Carol) Dear
Hobbling Mama, Sorry to hear about the broken foot. Ouch! It's always difficult when we take on a new challenge and it doesn't go as easily as we were hoping. The first thought is, "are we meant to be doing this?" Here is my thought. Anything worth trying is worth trying right. You had trouble in the rider course and then more trouble trying to practice sporadically on your own when you were tired. This is not a good recipe for success. I would strongly suggest that you take the course again next spring. Meanwhile, while your foot is healing and winter sets in, do some reading (if you are a reader) and/or consider getting a video on riding. Sources and suggestions are posting on my Reading Sources page. This way you are actively advancing your riding knowledge and can use the things you read/see to visualize your own good riding experience when you are ready to have a go at it again. And you won't be stewing about what went wrong -- rather, you'll be taking "ownership" of your learning curve and doing something about it! You might also realize that the 600 bike, which you are comfortable on, is not your enemy and may work out as your practice bike. Trust your gut instinct on this -- if a smaller bike instills more confidence, then do that! You CAN DO IT Carol. – Mama Wednesday, September 17 I just want you to know that you are not alone. I had a 250 Honda last summer and rode it quite a bit. At the end of the season last year I bought a new VStar 650. So, it sat all winter and then many things have happened since spring that I haven't got to ride it very much at all. When I have ridden it, I am so nervous and tense that I believe that is keeping me from handling the bike the way I could if I would relax. But, that is easier said than done. Anyway, I am planning on doing exactly what VTwin Mama suggested to you. I am going to take the MSF course again and keep practicing. I also have been in the neighborhood or back roads in the country mostly. It is scary to be in traffic. Just keep a positive outlook and you will persevere! I am still nervous but I am going to keep working on it and you can too. Ride Safe and hope you foot gets better fast. – Lou Ann from Oklahoma (note from Mama: thanks for the nice letter of support -- knowing that you're NOT alone is VERY important!) April 2002, the first real ride of the season (Midwest region), I talked hubby into going on the poker run for that day. Everything was going great, we were really enjoying ourselves until we got to the intersection with all the dirt on the road (that wasn't there when the ride was set up and run by the sponsors). I tried braking, dumb move (really dumb move) the bike, a 450 Nighthawk, suddenly had a mind of its own and dumped me at the stop sign with my right leg pinned under it (it was still running even, which pissed me off). Hubby had started to slide on his Goldwing and let go of the brake and ran the stop sign (we were only doing about 20 mph). I bruised a bone in my left hand, it was sore for over a month. I rode the rest of the ride 40 miles back to the starting point, turn signals hanging and flopping, had to use the whole left hand to shift (boy did it hurt). Hubby had to go get the trailer to take the bike home from there. I was the only one crashed that day out of over 200 participants, they were amazed that I actually rode back on my own. I still ride, couldn't wait to put my bike back together, so I could ride again the minute my hand quit hurting. Don't give up, the riding is worth the pain. The sheer joy of just being out there riding (even if it's just back and forth to work) is worth all the pain of a broken or bruised bone... to me anyway. Still... it is your decision. – Traci (note from Mama: nothing like a first hand account and writing about your own determination to help another rider in a similar situation. Thank you.) If I can do it, Carol can do it! I also started on the VLX 600, but I am shorter and MUCH heavier than she is. I think her problem with the turns is she's going much too slow in the turn, and the bike is bobbling, that's what happened to me until I figured out it needs a little more throttle in the turns. If she's afraid of too much, she can also pull in the clutch to finish the turn. I still do that sometimes if my speed isn't quite right for a turn. I have two friends who also have the 600 and one's been on it for 2 seasons, the other just this season, and the same problem with both. The center of gravity on that bike is high, and it's got the skinny front tire, so the balance isn't quite there (you can't take your hands off the bars and balance it), but they learned to compensate for that, and Carol can, too. Also perhaps her bars may need adjusting so she's more comfortable with holding them in starts & stops. By the way, I rode the 600 for 3 months, then I graduated to an Indian Spirit (which has a 1438)....so far so good, and I love it!! – Claire (note from Mama: aha, some technical background on the bike that should help Carol feel better -- she's in good company!) :::sigh::: I too could not understand why I had problems with right turns but not left turns when I first started riding. Then I realized it was because right turns are usually more tight than left turns. Please don't give up on yourself. I am actually more comfortable on the main streets more so than on side streets. Side streets don't allow you the opportunity to gain the speed, etc. so that you can realize the control you really have over the bike. I have never ridden the VLX 600, but I know folks who have, and they love it....even as a new rider! Just keep your chin up....and don't get discouraged. You will do fine! – Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note from Mama: how interesting, I never thought about if one type of turn was tighter than the other. Now I'll have to go out riding and explore this! Ok, ok, it's just an excuse to go riding -- but a pretty darn good one!) My advice to Carol is, if she didn't have a good experience in her riding class, take another class! A different one, with different instructors. My class was great and the instructors (1 woman, 1 man) did so much to boost my confidence. Good teachers are priceless and bad teachers should be deposited on an ice floe and given a hearty push out to sea. That said, let me say how impressed I am with Carol's ovarian fortitude, to ride home with a broken foot, all alone. Shoot. Keep trying. Nowhere to go but up, lady! – Laura (note from Mama: how true, how true -- and I just love the ice floe thing!) Tuesday, September 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, I'll definitely keep reading your website over the winter. I'm looking forward to going to some bike shows this fall and trying on some smaller bikes, although we may keep the Shadow. I'm also hoping to get at least one more ride in as a passenger on my husband's V-Star when I finally get this darn cast off! All you mamas who ride your own with such grace and skill have my sincere admiration. Thanks again, and ride safe... – Hobbling Mama (Carol) Dear
Carol, Dear
VTwin Mama, Thank you for your encouragement and guidance! I wrote to you in early June of this year (around the 11th) and again at the end of June. I had a humungous problem with the jitters after some mishaps on a bike that was just too much for me. I ultimately decided to find a smaller bike with which to gain some confidence. I found an '03 Yamaha Virago 250 and put a small deposit on it days before I was to retake the MSF course. I didn't want to make the final decision until after the class because it had been a month since riding my VLX, when I dropped it and damaged it. Needless to say, I was moving away from the whole idea of riding my own bike, but I kept remembering your words: "don't let the dream die inside you". I took the MSF class again in mid July. I did some cold weather camping out back in January to get into two safety classes this season, the first of which, in May, was not a good experience. I forced myself to stick it out, however humiliating, for whatever experience/knowledge I could gain. Most everyone in that first class had been riding for years and was only there for the endorsement. So this is where the focus shifted. The second time around was infinitely better. The classroom material was the same but handled much better. The instructors, a husband and wife team, made everyone feel at ease and welcome. I was relieved to find that many in my class had never been on a bike or had very limited experience, which translates to less pressure on the range and certainly not a repeat of the first episode. The range riding was fun and it helped that I knew which exercises were coming. I had more speed and confidence and the instructors were very encouraging, helpful and complimentary, which was a stark contrast to the first time around. They also took time to instruct us, beyond just the obligatory ride-through. Incidentally, the second class was on the opposite side of town, offered by a different organization. I knew what was coming on the test, so I rode the exercises accordingly. When I took the test I thought I blew it again, but I passed! I was so happy I thought I'd burst. What a rush. (BTW, only three of us passed, the other two had real road experience. One guy in the class had years of riding experience and thought he had his endorsement in the bag. He didn't.) We picked up the Virago the next day. I got it out on the street during that week and spent some time at a small empty school lot in the neighborhood to get the feel of the bike. I found out these trainers are geared so low, that in riding above parking lot speeds, it was like learning all over again. So I asked my husband to get it up to the high school lot one more time (much more room there) and he complied. With room to spare, I zoomed (for me, anyway) around the lot and had some fun with it. I practiced turns from stops because the throttle/lean/clutch dynamic was different from the heavier bike. And these lower geared bikes are very forgiving. You can get up to 25 mph in third gear or fifth gear without winding it out or lugging. It freaked me out a little at first. I just didn't want to make a mistake on the street and end up in another accident. That's why I went back to the parking lot---to get the feel of this bike. My husband was impressed, which is saying something just in itself. He said I didn't look stiff and scared and that it was the "loosest" (he always says I should "get loose" on the bike) and most comfortable he'd ever seen me on a bike. And that it fits me. I rode around here for about two weeks or so. I got busy with work and didn't get to ride for about two weeks. I got back on the bike and did fine. Then I had a one-month lull (suffice to say, when school starts I get busy!) and soon I was chickening out left and right to get that bike out and ride it! Then one Sunday I did it. I was rusty but did okay. One afternoon last week I just felt like getting it out and did just that. No time for jitters. It was fun! My speed is picking up and I'm not so afraid to go over 25. I'm still skittish around other cars so I ride around here during low traffic times. I get nervous about turns. I do fine, but I'm afraid that if a car is there, that's when I'll screw up. I'll have to get over that with more saddle time. But more importantly for now, I know that some time can pass and I can still ride---I'm not starting over! My plan is, as fall and winter take hold, I will get my bike out whenever I can to ride around here. I can bundle up for 25mph if temps are in the 40s and the streets are dry. In the spring I plan on gradually riding farther and farther, a little at a time, and stretching my abilities gradually to become a better rider. So it's taking more than one season. So what. I thought I'd never shake my jitters, and I haven't entirely, but I'm starting to see where this could work out after all. Between reading the posts on your site, and getting out and DOING, I've made progress. I guess I'm just not the type to get out there and do it all at once like some gals whose accounts I've read. I really admire their courage and conviction, but I just couldn't do it that way. I want to get very comfortable on this bike and hopefully, eventually, graduate back up to my VLX (yeah, we still have it). Sorry to have written a book here, but I've found it helpful when I see someone writing in with a similar situation---so maybe someone is going through the same thing and needs some validation of their own. I also thought it important to relate that all MSF classes are not created equal. It's well worth it to keep trying. Thanx again. – Linda Carruth (aka babystepper) Dear
Linda, I was going to counsel you in continuing your baby steps and taking your time, etc., but the fact is that you've already developed a plan of attack for the coming months and such. My guess is that when spring hits next year and you get some time under your belt on the Virago 250, you're going to be ready that go back to the VLX beastie and try it again, only this time, with a plan in mind and much more confidence. You are an inspiration to every woman who ever looked at a bike and said, "WHY NOT ME!" – Mama Thursday, October 2 For Linda who is conquering her jitters one step at a time: Wow, this is so similar to what I went through! My hubby has been riding for 20 years, and even lost his right leg in a cycling accident. When we decided to get him a bike for our anniversary, he wanted me to ride too. Before I knew it, he had me signed up for a MSF course...(I told him I'd TRY it and then see where we go from there.) The night of my first class he snuck out and bought a brand new VLX for me. I did okay my first day at the course, but it was pitching down cold rain all day long! The second day it was less rainy, but still pretty wet, and for some reason I got all tense and panicky. I thought I did a lousy job, but I passed. Then came the problems with my VLX. Aside from being much larger and heavier than the little course bikes, there was something wrong with the carburetor. When I stopped and then began to roll on the throttle it would die and I would have to use every ounce of my strength to keep from dropping it! This happened over and over, and dang it! I didn't have this problem with the course bike! My husband finally rode it and said, "Wow, something is not right with this bike!" DUH! The guys at the shop thought it might've been paint chips in the carburetor, but they never did find out what was wrong, but it ran more smoothly after they worked on it. Then when my husband said let's go for a ride, I got sick. I knew the bike was fixed and yet I'd go all clammy-cold and nervous, and do everything I could to keep from riding. This went on for several months, and began to be an "issue" between us. Luckily a neighbor intervened. He knew I liked Starbucks Coffee and there was a shop just a few miles from where we lived. He suggested we go there every Saturday morning have a cup, and then ride home. My husband rolled his eyes, and was rather derisive, but he agreed to it. Those little successful rides helped me gain confidence, and the neighbor would keep hubby off my back about taking longer rides. Finally I stood up to him and told him to join a club for long rides. He did, and then a funny thing happened. I stopped being so nervous when I was putting my gear on, I rode my bike to work, and was reinforced by my co-workers, and then I decided to go to hubby's club as a guest. I had a great time, and have gone on some longer runs with the club, including some twisty mountain roads. This Friday I am going to my first big festival up in Porterville, CA. It will be three hours plus pit stops to get there- we'll be going through some of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains! I am really looking forward to it! Linda is doing the right thing in doing lots of little runs. I found it helped to have a definite destination, like going to Starbucks, or a cafe, or school, then going home. Oddly, being in traffic was kind of fun, as it was slow, and predictable with all the traffic lights, (sucking in car/bus exhaust was not all that fun) but I had time to check to make sure my down-shifting had made it all the way to first gear, and then think through my next moves. The freeway still makes me nervous, but when the club goes out we try to use the scenic back roads, because, after all that IS why they're called cruisers right? ;) Best of luck to Linda, and keep practicing! – Kerry (note from Mama: and once again we realize that we are NOT ALONE! And it does make a difference to say so -- thanks for sharing Kerry! And kudos to you and your accomplishments -- have a great ride this weekend and remember to follow your gut instincts on what you can and cannot handle -- it will serve you well.) Monday, October 13 For Linda who is conquering her jitters one step at a time: First of all, it is natural to have these and is only a manifestation of mature knowledge that you are doing something that can have some really serious consequences if you don't do it right. I should know , because I have just bought my first bike since 1975,a Honda 750 Shadow ACE. My last rides were all handshift -foot clutch Harleys, which I built from the frame up. I thought it would be easier to start again than it has proven to be, so I have had some difficulties of my own, not the least of which have been getting past the jitters at the prospect of messing up and dumping the monster on top of me. As a matter of fact, I did that very thing the first day and wound up lying there in the yard feeling like a fool wondering if this was such a smart thing for a guy a year shy of 60 to be doing. That was a month ago and the jitters are still there, but giving way more and more to anticipation of the next trip out. You are doing exactly the right thing, taking small confidence building steps, one at the time. It is exactly the approach I have been taking and it works. Hang with it and you will be shopping for a big road burner before you know it. – Gary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (note from Mama: you brave soul! Congrats on getting back "in the game" and giving riding another whirl in your lifetime. What agony . . . what fun . . . what learning . . . what living!) Wednesday, October 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, In
my lifetime I have been a U.S. border Patrolman on the Mexican border
(1966-67); a Military Policeman (Saigon 1968-69); a city policeman, an
offshore oil driller, and I have spent the last 25 years in the coal business
routinely going over 2000 feet deep in the ground to investigate some really
severe geological hazards. Some
few years ago I built from blueprints an experimental airplane and flew it. I
can tell you all more about having the "jitters" -- about something
than I imagine you would like to hear. I can also assure you of this: in
comparing the two activities -- a motorcycle is far more difficult to master
than an airplane, unless you want to get into really high performance
categories. Even then, things are happening at a much more spread out
sequence of events' unless its a combat dogfight or something. I
find the motorcycle much more demanding in physical co-ordination and far more
so in maintaining total situational awareness than flying a routine
airplane. It is entirely appropriate and natural to view these machines with a
certain amount of trepidation ,and if we ever get to the point where we don't
have at least a little tingle at the prospect of blasting off on one ,we
probably ought to quit it before we get in trouble. The key to it is small steps, one building block at a time. It is like learning to shoot a pistol. It is much better to go out and shoot 10 rounds every day for 50 days than to carry 500 rounds to the range and use them all in one day. All that happens is the last 480 or so are wasted in reinforcing a bad experience and no skill results. There is a website that you might find useful. It has helped me – http://www.ridelikeapro.com. – Gary in Tuscaloosa Dear
Gary, And thanks for the reminder on the Ride Like a Pro video -- we've bally-whoed it here on this site a few times, but once more won't hurt! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I've considered selling the Rebel and buying a Ridley just because it's automatic and looks easier to ride. I feel too big for the compact version and feel like the full size is too large to learn on, so my dilemma is -- I don't know what to do next. I'm thinking of taking the beginner class again to see if I do better this time. The first time I had never been on anything with 2 wheels since 10 years old on a bicycle with foot brakes. I'm 55 years old and would love to be on my own bike riding. I'm just to the point that I don't know what to do next...HELP – Spanky Dear
Spanky, Riding a motorcycle takes courage, conviction and a dollop of liking how you look in leather (fringe, optional). Since you haven't been on anything with 2 wheels for a number of years, I applaud your attempt to ride. It's great that you took a class because now you have a sense of what is needed to be a good rider. Still, we've noted on this site in the past that the MSF course is a SAFETY course, not a LEARN TO RIDE course. Check your Yellow Pages for possible other courses that are specifically geared to teach you to ride (including the local dealers). Still, you have now been exposed to the "teachings" and since you already have a 250cc bike, wouldn't it be possible to start practicing in an empty lot someplace, away from distractions, till you begin to master the hand/foot coordination and other techniques you'll need? Even if you have to wait till Spring 2004. In the meantime, we strongly advocate that you sit at your kitchen table, pretend you are on your bike, and visual/practice the sequence of steps to properly start, up shift, down shift and stop the bike with full control. The more you "play" practice, the more ready you'll be for the real thing! And don't think I just dreamed this up -- this has been discussed on this site many times (check the jitters section if you don't believe me!). Since your hubby seems to be a willing accomplice, let him help you with this! That way you'll develop a "language" together so when you go out for practice you won't be second guessing what the other is saying. Then, when you've mastered your hand/feet and simple maneuvers, go take that course again! This does not mean I do not support your idea of getting a Ridley, but honestly, there are sooooo many choices in bike style with a manual trannie that I would hate to see you lose the opportunity for further exploration just 'cause you didn't get the "clutch thing" right away. It takes time to get to be a good rider -- so don't beat yourself up is you're just like everybody else! And that Rebel is a great place to start! – Mama Friday, December 5 For Spanky who got some jitters starting in her learning curve: I basically had the same problem. I had never driven a stick (actually tried it twice and gave up). I failed my first MSF class, and then after more practice, passed the second one. In addition, I am not physically coordinated, but for some reason I wanted to learn to ride a heavy machine, out on the road in traffic, that's balanced on two wheels and requires the precise coordinated effort of both hands and feet. Hmmmmm! So in learning to ride a motorcycle, I spent lots of time in a parking lot, as you suggested to her, but it was dragged out a bit. And repeated. I kept riding around that lot in first gear, getting a feel for the throttle, which took a while, and practicing smooth controlled stops. We worked on stops for quite a while, making sure I was utilizing both brakes. Then I moved on to weaving around arrows in the lot as if they were cones, and then turns. Going into a turn from being stopped, as if at a stop sign, naturally followed. Then, and only then, did I learn to shift. Up. Then down. Down was more awkward. Downshifting when stopping---adding the left foot motion to what the other appendages were doing--- was something I had to repeat A LOT. I too wished there were more automatic bike choices until someone pointed out that in shifting, you are really controlling, DRIVING that bike. I understand the concepts now, but it wasn't so clear in the beginning. Even with all the confidence problems and such that I have had, I would not feel comfortable going to an "automatic" bike. But that's just me, on the other side of that initial learning curve. – Linda Carruth (note from Mama: your candid look at the trials and tribulations of learning to ride when not naturally gifted with coordination -- that's about 99.9% of us out here! -- is refreshing. It makes you really wonder what the heck we thought we were doing! And look at us now!) Friday, December 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Nina, |
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