Help please. I need a mentor!

[Maakz]

Allo allo, me again...am putting out an SOS for help.
Anybody out there willing to mentor a chick rider, very green - who is in serious need of a mentor ? Am out South Auckz ways-Manurewa...

[Virago]

Send a PM to The Stranger (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/3507-The-Stranger) - he'll sort you out with a Mentor.

[MadDuck]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/117274-South-Auckland-Street-Skills

Go along to one of these. I havent been to one but with the likes of caseye and tink (among others) involved you will get plenty of help.

[Maakz]

Heya
Yep, i plan to...am counting down.
Gonna approach WIMA too and plan on hitting empty vacant lots nearby to practice the fundamentals. Really, think i need a go to person... someone who can watch and teach me the ropes, offer up suggestions of better technique etc.

[hellokitty]

Heya
Yep, i plan to...am counting down.
Gonna approach WIMA too and plan on hitting empty vacant lots nearby to practice the fundamentals. Really, think i need a go to person... someone who can watch and teach me the ropes, offer up suggestions of better technique etc.

Some riding places do one on one training - maybe google and see what riding instruction is available?

[kilgh]

Got the bike then? :laugh:

Pity you are all the way over in Manukau or we could commiserate together on how bad we are at riding right now!

[hellokitty]

Got the bike then? :laugh:

Pity you are all the way over in Manukau or we could commiserate together on how bad we are at riding right now!

what area are you in?

[kilgh]

North Shore...we've had this conversation haven't we? :blink:

[Maakz]

Hey Kilgh and any other learner ghosting...yep got the bike (09 Hyo-bag) as of Fri had a little play before having to get to work ...had hoped to get out there today but the blinken weathers almost cyclone material out here. In Manurewa-Manukau area, alas ur over on the Shore...we'll just have to commisserate via KB posts as to how its goin. We'll get there and all that jazz, but it totally bites being this green!
Been watching ur posts and totally identify...

[hellokitty]

North Shore...we've had this conversation haven't we? :blink:

Probably, I am blonde though, and my brain is full so do not retain any new info unless it is really important! :bleh: Do you have a ute or trailer? If so chuck it on and drive somewhere to ride with someone. When I was a noobie, I was too scared to go anywhere on my own. I spent the whole time trying not to throw up in my helmet. I got over it though.

[DEATH_INC.]

I can help out if you want, My mrs (Draco) may be able to spend a bit of time too.
I'm in manukau/papatoetoe...

[kilgh]

Probably, I am blonde though, and my brain is full so do not retain any new info unless it is really important! :bleh: Do you have a ute or trailer? If so chuck it on and drive somewhere to ride with someone. When I was a noobie, I was too scared to go anywhere on my own. I spent the whole time trying not to throw up in my helmet. I got over it though.

Alas, no trailer no.

Really? That nervous? Your poor helmet! :sick:

[kilgh]

Hey Kilgh and any other learner ghosting...yep got the bike (09 Hyo-bag) as of Fri had a little play before having to get to work ...had hoped to get out there today but the blinken weathers almost cyclone material out here. In Manurewa-Manukau area, alas ur over on the Shore...we'll just have to commisserate via KB posts as to how its goin. We'll get there and all that jazz, but it totally bites being this green!
Been watching ur posts and totally identify...

Yeah, thought it would help other noobs too embarrassed to write up their early days...it'll get good eventually! If I ever get another day off...hate long shift weeks...and the weather calms....I'm gonna conquer this bike!

[Maakz]

Hey there 'Blondness'...hahaha, have to laugh cos that sounds like me all over, newly minted angst and all. So doesn't help that my rides neon orange and a Hyo-bag, hyper aware i am of nosy parkers trying to witness my newb actions of shame.

Hey Kilgh, you could be describing me in a nutshell. Tis azz working long hours and longing to jump on the bike, made even worse by evil weather bomb. Totally identify. Hope crap weather goes away so i can have the weekend...way way humourous...kindred newbies me thinks we are. Enjoying your newb diatribes, i mean blog updates. hehehe....

Thankyou kindly to those who've pm'd and made offers-much respect, admiration and appreciation.
M

[hellokitty]

I was as nervous as hell! I had a year of riding off road before I got a road bike. My husband got me a Kawaski ZZR but I refused to ride it! He ended up getting me a GN250....
I am scared of anything new, and I wanted to impress my husband who has been riding since he was 5.
Also I wear a pink jacket and am very obvious to all (so it seems when you are nervous and learning).

Just remember that most people don't have the bollocks to even give it a go = so you are braver than most people!

[kilgh]

Well Hellokitty, I definately want to start offroad for the first few hours of riding. You never notice how busy your area is until you need it to be quiet!

One good day, get myself sorted...that's the plan anyway.

So what aspect made you so nervous?

Maakz, you get weekends off? :crybaby:

[hellokitty]

So what aspect made you so nervous?


I really have no idea. I have had 2 really serious car accidents (but I was a passenger) but I doubt that was the cause of the fear. Maybe I was scared of failing? Perhaps I am just a big baby? :weird:

[supa.m]

I really have no idea. I have had 2 really serious car accidents (but I was a passenger) but I doubt that was the cause of the fear. Maybe I was scared of failing? Perhaps I am just a big baby? :weird:

The bit that made me nervous was the cars, and to be completely honest after 20 years it still does. I am comfortable that its normal enough (perhaps even healthy) to be more than casual about every ride. As you get more experience you will get less concious about your riding skills and more concious about the other things like the fantastic experience of riding and the hazards that come with it. It only gets better!!!

[Maakz]

Evening yall
Kilgh-yeap i get weekends off thank gawd or i'd freak out and go postal. Vacant lot nearby has my name on it. Count down to the weekend my friend.
Hello Kitty-am apprehensive cos i'm ultra conscious that fucking up on a bike has serious consequences, yet i enjoy the buzz i get from the ride? Total Azz at taking off and shifting gear, far too rough. Intellectually i know what to do, but its the putting into practice that gets me, that and i tend to get phased by the number of cock ups. I inevitably get past it but it is shocking. I dread stalling and being unable to shift gear, or shifting into the wrong one, and being caught in peak traffic. Super.M - hope to one day lax on the ride and just cruise.

[kilgh]

Yeah, totally Maakz, the riding is okay, it's the stopping and starting that get me right now. :blink:

Hellokitty, fear of failing. Have some of that too...but more the fear of failing in traffic. Remember that from learning to drive too.

Supa.m due to my shift hours, fellow drivers have already made me completely paranoid. People are nuts! I always expect the worst. And usually get it.

[kilgh]

My day off and it's hosing down again. Will spend the day visualising riding.

[Maakz]

Yeah i know Kilgh, gawddam...fricken beauty weather all week then BAM! Cyclone Wilma happens, only days off to practice on bike and weather bomb strikes. Totally gutted man, looks like urz truly will be in the garage sitting there taking a virtual ride and looking even more kooky than she is already. Fine pair we are hey. Fingers crossed weather dissipates before work beckons Tuesday. For the love of Mary, pleeeeaaassssseeeeeeee give us some fine fricken weather already. Tis enough of a trial to be a newb, we don't need arz weather on top of it all. Ay Carumba.

M

[kilgh]

It's raining so hard now that I can't even watch the motorcycling! Sky Sport is down and out!

Tuesday is my next day off again I think. Surely some stable weather by then.

[orsem]

Yeah i know Kilgh, gawddam...fricken beauty weather all week then BAM! Cyclone Wilma happens, only days off to practice on bike and weather bomb strikes. Totally gutted man, looks like urz truly will be in the garage sitting there taking a virtual ride and looking even more kooky than she is already. Fine pair we are hey. Fingers crossed weather dissipates before work beckons Tuesday. For the love of Mary, pleeeeaaassssseeeeeeee give us some fine fricken weather already. Tis enough of a trial to be a newb, we don't need arz weather on top of it all. Ay Carumba.

M

I can agree with the bloody weather being a pain. Swelter in the heat during my working week(which is 8 days long) then bam, shite when I have my days off. :mad: I am so pleased I live out in the country or I would certainly entertain the neighbours. Sitting on the bike purely to get a bike fix because the weather is rubbish, or going for 2 or 3 laps round the farm yard when the weather breaks briefly, just to get that riding fix. :banana:

It has gotten to the point where I think stuff it, and just go for a blatt round the block(it's a 45km block) in the rain.
I am so addicted to my motorbike. Don't know how I will cope when I start working 11 day working weeks....might just have to go for a blatt at lunchtimes just to get my fix. Riding the quad and farm bikes just don't give you the same open road buzz

[kilgh]

You're lucky you have a paddock! I'm jealous. And you don't have to put up with crazy Auckland drivers.

I've had to work 11 day weeks...sucks. Happily lately they are generally not more than 6-7 day weeks usually. But still, the rain has been particular in choosing my days off!

[Maakz]

Hi Kilgh/Orsem...
Totally identifying with the bike infatuation, love my neon orange hyo-bag, have to say tis only getting worse as time cranks on. 11 day working weeks seriously suck BIGtime, and i thought i had it bad. Hahaha, bout the blatting it Orsem-am too chicken to attempt a rain ride at this point in time. Thankfully though blustery in my kneck of the woods today, the sun came out long enough for me to go for my own blatt in the paddock/vacant lot next to me.Enjoyed every minute, though i seem to have provided albeit unintentionally much titillation for the neighbourhood. Had the neighbours looking over the fence and people stopping in their cars alongside the mainroad to take a gander at my antics. Thought 'Fruck IT' who gives ratz, and did my thing, practicing like a looney mofo. Thankfully didn't bin, slide or dump...did have a WTF moment when a gust sent a sizeable branch up into my front wheel and grind, soz i brought bike to a stop, cleared the offending flora, checked the bike was sound and got back to it. I know what ya mean about crazy drivers, no consistent application of the road rules, courtesy or commonsense round my area...really hate numnutz who use entry only ways as exits...rant rant. Contemplating a blatt round Rewa tomorrow, early morning ride to beat the crazies. Fingers crossed weather holds out and crazies stay in doors.

[orsem]

I have fingers, toes and anything else crossable, crossed in hopes that tuesday is fine, not too windy and perfect for riding. Might, if the weather is good, tag along on a group ride organised by the local bike shop. Or go for a blatt along the foothills and back roads, take in the scenery and just enjoy a ride.

I find riding in the rain not too bad, the bike seems to handle beautifully in most situations. And believe it or not I have even ridden to a bike rally in the rain, partied in the rain,(amazing how you soon warm up after a few beers, even more beers and a few vodkas) and had an absolute ball. Met quite a few KB'rs who provided such wonderful entertainment. Looking forward to catching up with a fair few of them again at the March Hare, then possibly the Brass Monkey

[Maakz]

Morning glory...or not? Rather grey weather out there, but hey, got in my early morning ride almost free of hassles...left 6.50am and back not long ago, am so STOKED!!! This update may seem trite to the dapper hands at riding, but dude, seriously ecstatic this morning. Beat the loonies, well the majority and had a blatt all about Rewa...two hairy changes but luckily in the vacant parking lot ironically, and managed to correct thankfully, never to repeat dumbness again. To be legal i stuck the L plate on but man, is that a beacon for every dick in a car there is, i tell ya-as time clocked on and more cars hit the road it was like every hoon bag had it in for me and my L plated bike...wasn't going snail pace slow, and wasn't being a tool on the road either, didn't accidentally leave blinker on, so what gives? Could only think they either hated the bike or twas the L plate? That's when i called it a day and made my way home. Have read other postings on here that say the L plate is a curse, like sticking a target on ur back.

Loved the exhilaration of the ride and having clear roads though...

Got my fingers/ toes and eyes crossed for ya Tues ride Orsem, partying in the rain and catching up with some fellow KBs...like the sound of that...nice one.

[kilgh]

So cool! It's tommorrow or Wednesday for me.

[orsem]

Tuesday turned out just brilliant. Decided to head into town on the bike, get a few jobs done, and go the longer way home, a little trip of around 65km. Didn't end up going on the group ride, tho now wish I had. There were wind warnings, but the winds only eventuated over night, and are still howling over the alps. No riding today sadly due to them. But fingers crossed for tomorrow.

[orsem]

Morning glory...or not? Rather grey weather out there, but hey, got in my early morning ride almost free of hassles...left 6.50am and back not long ago, am so STOKED!!! This update may seem trite to the dapper hands at riding, but dude, seriously ecstatic this morning. Beat the loonies, well the majority and had a blatt all about Rewa...two hairy changes but luckily in the vacant parking lot ironically, and managed to correct thankfully, never to repeat dumbness again. To be legal i stuck the L plate on but man, is that a beacon for every dick in a car there is, i tell ya-as time clocked on and more cars hit the road it was like every hoon bag had it in for me and my L plated bike...wasn't going snail pace slow, and wasn't being a tool on the road either, didn't accidentally leave blinker on, so what gives? Could only think they either hated the bike or twas the L plate? That's when i called it a day and made my way home. Have read other postings on here that say the L plate is a curse, like sticking a target on ur back.

Loved the exhilaration of the ride and having clear roads though...

Got my fingers/ toes and eyes crossed for ya Tues ride Orsem, partying in the rain and catching up with some fellow KBs...like the sound of that...nice one.

I know how you feel about the 'L' plate. I had one truckie who constantly drives the road past home and seemed intent on being a dick by tail gating me several times. So in frustration I flicked my pony tail out from my jacket and he pretty quickly backed off...... :shit: blonde female with 'L' plate....he soon gave me a wide berth, the look on his face was a classic. It is certainly much better once the L is gone. I can't wait to go for my full in June/July

[helenoftroy]

.... And believe it or not I have even ridden to a bike rally in the rain, partied in the rain,(amazing how you soon warm up after a few beers, even more beers and a few vodkas) and had an absolute ball. Met quite a few KB'rs who provided such wonderful entertainment. Looking forward to catching up with a fair few of them again at the March Hare, then possibly the Brass Monkey

Gotta sinking feeling I might have provided some of that wonderful entertainment orsem-will have to work at an even better show for the Hare!!!!:devil2::rockon:

Great to hear that you guys are getting out there & really enjoying your bikes!tis a great thing!:yes:

[Maakz]

Way ta go Kilgh! Envious. Orsem-yeap, wasn't till they came right up and spotted the pink lippy and boob outline that they snapped outtiv it and backed off decent enough. Never thought of doin the hair flick, might try that one. Re L Plate, damned if ya do and damned if ya don't...still contemplating goin sans but considering the new mint status, L plate as a warning device seems prudent for the meantime...keep uz posted on that. Reckon someones gonna hit my rear soon.


<M

[Hellzie]

My day off and it's hosing down again. Will spend the day visualising riding.

So with you on that one!!!!!

[Gibbo89]

Reckon someones gonna hit my rear soon.




Are you still talking about bikes?

[Maakz]

Why Gibbo89, you forum whore! Get outtiv the gutter ow, hehehe...
..lets just say i don't let just anyone tap that..haven't found the dude who can keep up with me yet, being a ball buster and all that. Am focussed on riding bikes...for the moment. I'll be sure to give ya a holla if i feel compelled to do any alternative riding. Wink. :facepalm:

Actually, bawdy joking aside...am absolutely serious about developing my riding skills and so furthering my motorcycling aspirations.

[orsem]

Gotta sinking feeling I might have provided some of that wonderful entertainment orsem-will have to work at an even better show for the Hare!!!!:devil2::rockon:

Great to hear that you guys are getting out there & really enjoying your bikes!tis a great thing!:yes:

What went on at the rally, stays at the rally:shutup: except when talked over with fellow KBrs who experienced it also.
I am so looking forward to the Hare. :woohoo: I have managed to russle up a former workmate who will ride down with me, and he will stop me getting into too much mischief if the vodkas hit home a little too well :facepalm: took a few days to recover from the Magpie. :sick: but was well worth it.

[Pro Rider]

Allo allo, me again...am putting out an SOS for help.
Anybody out there willing to mentor a chick rider, very green - who is in serious need of a mentor ? Am out South Auckz ways-Manurewa...

Hi, why dont you come along the next Pro Rider training day at Pukekohe on Sun Mar 20th, its for riders of all levels including you on an L plate. This is where we will help you learn the right techniques, theres no racing or speed focus, its about developing good riding skills. You will also get one on one time during the day with the coaches.... and I know you will be able to come away with a really good solid foundation for your riding.. Click here for details (http://www.prorider.co.nz/motorcycle-training-courses.php?course=4)
Love to you have along...Karel

[DEATH_INC.]

Hi, why dont you come along the next Pro Rider training day at Pukekohe on Sun Mar 20th
This is a bloody good idea, no traffic and stuff to worry about, you can concentrate entirely on your riding, and have a coach that knows what they're looking for. :yes:

[Maakz]

Hey yáll, yeap-will have a squizz and try lock it down for the track ride. I need all the help i can get, so very interested.

[Dutchee]

I've been riding 12 years, with about 6 of them on the road now (offroad only initially). I've been to two of the ProRider days and am a huge fan.

Unfortunately, the date was changed and the new date really doesn't work for me (Puke), but I'm thinking the Taupo one might be a goer, but need to think it through still.

The last one I did was at Puke in November. I had a few rides with some of the women I met there, and need to keep doing that, but the xmas time is always hectic and it's fallen by the wayside a bit. I am still thinking about things that were said on the day, and while I still have my strengths and weaknesses, know that the weaknesses are being improved on (not at the level I want to be, by a long shot).

The level of the riders varies, both courses I've been to there's been people with L plates on and more experienced riders. It's definitely something you should try to get to. It is a lot of money in some ways, but it'll help you get more enjoyment out of your bike/riding and become safer on the road.

There's a discussion in the general forum about the California school and someone commented that it's an investment and well worth the money, if not more. Karel's course is also cheap, really.

Oh, after you've been and you comment about what you liked and what you didn't like - PM me, and I'll tell you that we're all the same about it. I won't say what as don't want your brain saying "this is the bit everyone hated", it's such an important part of the day, getting to know your bike.

I will tell you though, that if they do it - my favourite part of the day was riding one lap around Puke with one hand on the bar (throttle of course), not being allowed to touch the clutch. That totally freaked me out going into it, but it was an amazing feeling and a huge amount of fun.
Anyway, better go, but if at all possible, go do it, you'll love it and get a lot out of it.

[orsem]

I am booked in for the Pro Rider course at Ruapuna in March, can't wait. Hope it will get my skills up to scratch and give me a kick in the backside to aim for my full over winter. Then once I shift south, there will be Mainland courses at Levels to attend.

[GPXchick]

Mt wellington Newbie here, us chicks are taking over the learners title ahy. Im still just cruisin around the block Panama road if you know it. I finally have a day off tomorrow Thurs 17th, Will be out there going ROUND AND ROUND up and down, Stopping at all give ways to get the practice. I'm keen to keep in touch and ride sometime, I'm a chef and work some crazy hours most of the time mon and tues off. Still green as to venture beyond the block, however just riding in general is helping build my confidence more and more.
p.s those bloody buses always in a rush ahy?

[Maakz]

Heya, GPX...yeap there sure does seem to be quite a contingent of newb chicas at the learners stage. Cool bananas, means ivé got lots of ears to bounce things off and trade totally embarassing stories. So how'd it go on Thurs? Gees, haven't had much ride time, works been a real buzz kill. Oh def keep in touch on here, lol, maybe when we've found our feet and have built up competency and confidence, we can have a go at a ride around somewhere...with mentors in tow of course. Ohhhh chef, cooking skills, way cool. I have none whatsoever, but make up for it in my ability to trade in smack and generate mirth with my idiotic newb behaviour! Fricken buses and people movers, be they vans, station wagons or my pet peeve, gawddam SUV mofos. Anyhow, guess tis part of the learning curve. Am currently trying to get my hands on one of them orange led light vests, don't care if i look like a dork with orange bling, cos i intend to be a seen dork-thereby increasing my chances of staying in one piece and alive. Hope ya get the weekend to ride.

M

[kilgh]

The work thing...arghhh. Doing overnights. And every night I'm all "yeah, get home from work and get a quick practice in", and then get home and all I can think of is sleep! Two more shifts!

[Maakz]

Hey Kilgh, yeah i hear ya. So dogtired after work myself, quandary aye, though i did manage to make an SASS ride not the week just gone but the week before. Pretty good. Hmmm all this nice weather and i'm just catching up with sleep, before i start the same rigmarol all over again tomorrow. Christ, we're a right pair of newbs aye...heres to the two shift count down-sleep and getting some ride time...eventually...