Brand new to biking!

[Anita]

hi everyone. I am fresh off the start. Had my learners now for three weeks. Owned a bike for two weeks! So yeah, I am NEW with capital letters. I live in Whitby and I am looking for someone who will go riding with me. I work "on call" so have time during school hours and some time on weekends. Would love someone to go riding with me and point out where I am going wrong. I am worried that riding alone allows me to develop bad habits. Would love another newbie to practise with....who will ride with me?

[Edbear]

Welcome Anita! I'm sure there are many down your way who would love to ride with you. Don't put any pressure on yourself to "progress" too quickly, falling off can hurt...

[duckonin]

hi everyone. I am fresh off the start. Had my learners now for three weeks. Owned a bike for two weeks! So yeah, I am NEW with capital letters. I live in Whitby and I am looking for someone who will go riding with me. I work "on call" so have time during school hours and some time on weekends. Would love someone to go riding with me and point out where I am going wrong. I am worried that riding alone allows me to develop bad habits. Would love another newbie to practise with....who will ride with me?

Nope two newbies together, end up showing each other bad habits !!:yes: Be aware of everthing around you making sure you can be seen by all other road users give yourself room to move do not follow vehicles to closely and when following DO NOT take your eyes off the vehicle directly in front of you for if he makes a bad move what do u think may happen?:facepalm: take care ride safe looking ahead and around u at all times...

[Cayman911]

Finally, someone who started, and didnt buy a GN :). congrats on the smart decision and welcome!

[Spazman727]

Finally, someone who started, and didnt buy a GN :). congrats on the smart decision and welcome!

Hey man, I didn't get a GN when I started. I plan to never have a GN. I'm sure they aren't all that bad though, and they are a dime a dozen.

I know a few riders down that way but unfortunately they seem reluctant to become part of the fun that is Kiwibiker.
Hope you can find someone and you have a great time learning the ropes, I know I am :yes:

[mattian]

HEY ! what the hell is wrong with the mighty GN?? you miserable buggers

[Hiflyer]

Finally, someone who started, and didnt buy a GN :). congrats on the smart decision and welcome!

agreed, even my first bike (hyo) was a great choice compared to the GN

[Hiflyer]

HEY ! what the hell is wrong with the mighty GN?? you miserable buggers

Theyre good to learn to countersteer on and that's about it. I'm not trying to be a dick about it but a bit of power does help to get out of sticky situations

[Quasi]

hi everyone. I am fresh off the start. Had my learners now for three weeks. Owned a bike for two weeks! So yeah, I am NEW with capital letters. I live in Whitby and I am looking for someone who will go riding with me. I work "on call" so have time during school hours and some time on weekends. Would love someone to go riding with me and point out where I am going wrong. I am worried that riding alone allows me to develop bad habits. Would love another newbie to practise with....who will ride with me?

hi anita - welcome to our madness. Re newbie riding - this is what you need - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/128449-BRONZ-Tuesday-night-learner-restricted-rides/page7

Its a learners ride - every Tuesday, and its been really useful for the newbies. No pressure, nice relaxed pace. They were over you way this Tuesday.
PM Ratti and she can give you any other info. Enjoy your riding - summer is almost here:yes:

[riffer]

I'll second what Quasi's said about our Learners Ride.

Supported by BRONZ Wellington Branch and co-ordinated by one of the local committee members (Ratti), the aims of these rides are as follows:

1. To offer safe on-road time to inexperienced riders.
2. Hazard recognition.
3. Learn how to ride responsibly in a group

During daylight saving hours this ride gathers at 6p.m and departs at 6.30 p.m. The starting location varies depending on the intended route that evening. The routes are largely urban because of the 70-80 kph speed limit imposed on these classes of rider. Where it is necessary to venture onto a main highway, all riders will be accompanied by an experienced rider.

Although there are as yet no accredited mentors accompanying this ride, all learners will be ‘buddied up’ with a group leader (GL) and a tail-end-charlie (TEC). These are experienced riders and will look out for learners, assisting should anything go wrong.

This season we have had a wonderful representative sample of the variety of people attracted to motorcycling. A roll call of learners would show a 15yo lad accompanied by his Dad, women aged from 20’s to 40’s and young men. Ability of the learners has varied greatly from very nervous first-timers to those who are nearly ready to attempt the Restricted or Full license. This ride would not be able to go ahead without input from experienced riders and these marvellous folk are equally as varied in gender, age and the type of bike they choose to ride.

Any rider (including returning riders) is welcome to attend the gatherings and enjoy the company. Although this is supported and sanctioned by BRONZ Wellington, everyone rides at their own risk and must take full responsibility for their actions.

PM Ratti for more details.

Simon

[riffer]

Damn. Re-read your initial post. Does working shifts mean you can't do nights at all?

[mattian]

Theyre good to learn to countersteer on and that's about it. I'm not trying to be a dick about it but a bit of power does help to get out of sticky situations

we're talking about 250's arent we?..... they're all roughly the same power overall, just distrubuted differently.

[GSF_Lou]

Welcome! I'm also a newb. Got my bike a few days ago. Going to go for the learners shortly once I get in a bit of practise :P

[The Everlasting]

Welcome to KB, :)

[Cayman911]

we're talking about 250's arent we?..... they're all roughly the same power overall, just distrubuted differently.

and some , like the "mighty" GN arent distributed at all. kept on reserve bench for all eternity.

[ducatilover]

Welcome :woohoo: The VTR is a great choice of bike.
Get into the newbie rides. I rode with a mate who had been riding for some time when I first started on the road and spent all my spare time on the bike.

I still do actually...

Enjoy and be safe!

[Anita]

I can do some nights. But TUesday nights are definitely out. Which is a major bummer because that newbie ride sounds great! Any other times there are rides like that? If you come out this way can I join late?

[Quasi]

I can do some nights. But TUesday nights are definitely out. Which is a major bummer because that newbie ride sounds great! Any other times there are rides like that? If you come out this way can I join late?

There is also wed night ride. Generally goes over hill to Featherston, seems to work into two groups - the hasty tasty lads who quickly disappear at a fast and furious pace, then a group of slower riders which normally includes a few newbies who are mentored by some of our more experienced riders. But i wouldnt recommend this until you have a few k's under your belt and are confident about riding over the Rimutaka hill. I think if you can get onto the Tuesday rides, it will be a perfect start for you

[davebullet]

I'd just like to add... The Rimutakas are fine for a new rider, just do it when there is no wind (conditions are good).

Just ask an experienced rider to cover your tail so you don't have to stress about holding anyone up or cagers giving you a razzle. I've done that a couple of times for new bikers and it works quite well.

Even if you don't decide to ride with the group - turn up on Wednesday at the duck pond and introduce yourself. There's lots of friendly people. The gathering commences at 6pm (or some keen types might even be there earlier).

[Anita]

Thanks for all the input guys. It is such a cool community to belong to. Good tips here. I signed up to the free Motorbike course that the PCC are putting on this weekend. Meanwhiel I keep expanding my horizons and will hopefully be confident and competent enough to go out riding with a larger group over the Rimus!

[one fast tl1ooo]

welcome to kb

[Ratti]

Thanks for the headsup Quasi and Riffer, Nasty pointed Anita my way as well. took her out today on the pre-ride reccy I do for the Tuesday learners ride.

Hon? you are a pleasure to ride with. You ride within your ability and confidence level and you dont seem to need to prove anything. Its about the ride and YOU enjoying it YOUR way. Cant ask for anything else.

Was nice to pick up one of the senior riders along the way and we ended up spending an enjoyable time lounging around talking bikes 'n' stuff in McD's in Adelaide Rd. Just one of the good things about getting out and riding is the neat folk you bump into. It all helps me feel like Im part of a community, not just pootling along on my own.

Welcome along Anita and I'll let you know where we are going next week if you want to tag along on the reccy.

[Anita]

I am ready for that next ride. Loved it Ratti. I am pleased you thought I was ok to ride with. I must admit that was a worry! But all good. Have done a few more ks since we rode...would love another ride!

[Hawkeye]

I am ready for that next ride. Loved it Ratti. I am pleased you thought I was ok to ride with. I must admit that was a worry! But all good. Have done a few more ks since we rode...would love another ride!

Hi Anita,

I also live in Whitby. If you want someone to take you out just give a shout. I try to get along to the Tues night rides whenever I can and I'm also a regular on the Wed rides. I've got a mate with a 16 year old son who we take out at times so you are also welcome to tag along if available.

Just send me a PM if you would like to catch up. Always happy to help.

[Anita]

I did it! I did my restricted licence this week and passed with flying colours. I was dead nervous, but it all went off without a hitch. I can finally hand in that "L" plate. Now I have to work on the hours and experience to go for that full licence in 6 months time. I am doing it all to the date. It gives me that dead line that I need to keep motivated. Been on loads of rides by myself and with others...much appreciated!
How do you best learn to ride?????

[ital916]

How do you best learn to ride?????

By riding.:scooter:

[Hawkeye]

I did it! I did my restricted licence this week and passed with flying colours. I was dead nervous, but it all went off without a hitch. I can finally hand in that "L" plate. Now I have to work on the hours and experience to go for that full licence in 6 months time. I am doing it all to the date. It gives me that dead line that I need to keep motivated. Been on loads of rides by myself and with others...much appreciated!
How do you best learn to ride?????

whooohoooooo!!! Well done Anita. Good to see your still getting out there. I've been too busy to get out myself so It has all been commuting rides for me :(

As has been already said, just get out riding in all conditions and in all types of traffic. It's the only way to gain the confidence and the skills.

[Anita]

Hawkeye, are you going to the Easter egg ride on Saturday? Or the Ulysses ride on Sunday? I'd love to go to one of them. Just gathering up courage!

[hardy-DAYTONA]

Finally, someone who started, and didnt buy a GN :). congrats on the smart decision and welcome!

Seconded! It's so hard to buy a first bike and NOT resort to a GN...

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye, are you going to the Easter egg ride on Saturday? Or the Ulysses ride on Sunday? I'd love to go to one of them. Just gathering up courage!

So sorry Anita.
Only just picked this up now. Next time ring or PM. You have my number. I'm going away Fri and Sat but will be around on Sun/Mon if you want to get out for a ride over Easter.