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View Full Version : How do I get back my biking mojo?



Silverfern
12th November 2006, 21:48
Hi biker angels, I need some advice please. In my happily mis-spent youth, I rode with passion, and recklessly. I did Brisbane to Melbourne by myself on a SR250, did trip around NZ on 400/4, rode all day every day, you get the pic? Then at 8 months pregnant I gave up for safety reasons. The years went by, the kids have almost grown up and my wonderful partner has an RF900. I very quickly got bored on the back and 2 months ago bought a golden oldie Suzuki 550 with the hope of getting used to riding again before upgrading. To my shock and horror, I find myself riding like an old grandad, I have trouble reaching the clutch, I'm terrified of being hit or falling off cornering. I'm seriously thinking of selling it and have given myself a hundred reasons, (from helmet hair to wanting to live to a ripe old age) for doing so. Any ideas/thoughts very welcome. Should I go back to a smaller bike? I have booked in for the next Ride Right course but I don' think I can even get myself there on the day! I feel absolutely pathetic, has my mojo gone for good?

kickingzebra
12th November 2006, 23:03
Good heavens no my lady!! Like anything, cross the bridges in front of you as they come, there is nothing saying any of us HAS to ride like the wind!

The mere fact you are thinking about the potential eventualities says that you have the mental prowess to be a great rider!

Just ease back into it, don't push yourself to be riding 100% straight away, find a few quiet back roads, and slowly carefully regain some confidence.

Confidence is after all just applied experience!

Be encouraged, just take your time! Any rider training is good rider training, and I am sure you will be fine on the day!

Riff Raff
13th November 2006, 06:59
After such a long gap from when you last rode it's probably not a bad idea to get a smaller bike, or look at getting a different style of bike that feels comfortable. If you have trouble reaching the clutch on your current bike that's probably adding to your anxiety.

Once you've done the course I'm sure you'll start feeling better. Getting your biking mojo back won't happen overnight, but it will happen!

MotoGirl
13th November 2006, 07:53
I feel absolutely pathetic, has my mojo gone for good?
Riff Raff is right, regaining your confidence does take time. Don't pressure yourself to ride better, you'll get frustrated with yourself. I know it feels horrible when you feel you're slowing down the group :dodge:, but you have to go at your own pace and take it easy. With some perseverance and patience, your confidence will come back :D

skelstar
13th November 2006, 07:53
Just do heaps of miles and you'll get back into it. You living close to some awesome roads so you have no excuse but to be on the bike lots.

Of course it is ok to ride carefully and want to grow to an old age...not everyone rides a bike to go super fast eh?

Paul in NZ
13th November 2006, 08:37
You waited 24 years to get riding again, a season or two taking it easy and finding your groove is not going to hurt.

Take your time and don't be pressured....

Paul N

ManDownUnder
13th November 2006, 08:50
I'm no angel but can kinda relate.

After riding from the age of 8 through to 24, I went from an 8 year stretch with no bike to my present ride and for the first 6 months - literally... I left the revs below 5,000. I wasn't comfortable pushing the bike as I had a feeling the bike would push back and or throw me off. Not too keen on that option.

So I took it easy, I toddled around got the feel of the bike and the road and simply took things as they came.

My epiphany/revelation came at the one and only track day I did. I was at the point where I was happy to wind her out a bit, see what she could do, but I still wasn't happy to do it anywhere cars might be involved. Track day it was.

Awesme fun, awesome feeling and I got the chance to push it a little bit faster each time... but as I was comfortable to do so. I was the back marker all day, left with the biggest smile on my face and (to be blunt) that day was better than sex... and those that know me will testify, that's not something I say lightly!

My mojo's back now. I've been on the bike for 3 or 4 years. Put 40,000kms on it without incident and am a safer, more mature rider than I ever was before.

If you're like me, your mojo's still there - it always was. It just needs time to get comfortable with the new arrangements before it gets back on stage.

I don't know that track day is the only way to do it, but I know it worked for me... and I highly recommend it.

Good luck!
MDU

crashe
13th November 2006, 08:52
Hey I took over 20 odd years to get back into riding....
I was given a few hours instruction on how the gears worked etc...
and away I went.

Maybe the bike you have at the moment is too big for you..... and that you do need a smaller bike. Since you are having trouble reaching the clutch.
Mind you some bikes can be modified to suit... worth looking at that as well.

Also go around a few bike shops and sit on different bikes to get the feel of them.

There are a few KB riders down your way that I am sure would be willing to go on a few rides with you to help you out... not always the best to ask your other half to help.... :whistle:

Welcome to KB as well.......

The Stranger
13th November 2006, 09:00
At the risk of sounding like a broken record.
You now have an RRRS course in Dunedin. The folks from BRONZ Otago and the Otago Motorcycle Club who run it are bloody good people.

You get to learn a lot of skills in the class room then try them out in a controlled area. Many find it a confidence booster.

You could contact BRONZ Otago or the OMC for details.

Kendog
13th November 2006, 09:10
Don't worry too much about being slow, I'm 30 and ride like a nanna, just don't feel comfortable going too fast, so I don't.
Like the others have mentioned, the bike you're riding could be effecting your confidence. I started out on a fxr150, but never felt safe on it, mirrors were shocking etc and so gave up until I tried a GN and fell in love with biking again. I had to get my Hornet modified for me to be able to ride it comfortably, but am very glad I did, if for no other reason than feeling comfortable and safe on it. So maybe look at getting your clutch shortened for you or try a different bike. The riding clsses are a great idea, go for it!! And good luck.:sunny:
Mrs KD.

terbang
13th November 2006, 09:16
Funny thing that you mention there. My wife Rach used to ride and pillion and all that as well without a care in the world. We used to do aerobatics and all sorts of cool stuff. However when she had kids it all changed and she wanted no part of the upside-down aeroplanes or motorbikes. Sort of a nurturer type of self preservation I think..? I dunno I am no expert in human behaviour, just observant. Though I know others that still rode after kids without any (aparrant) difficulty. We are all different. Things are sort of coming back to normal slowly and she is doing a bit of pillion riding with me now. You havee taken the brave move of returning by getting a bike and with the right encouragement (and there is lots here) and training you will be fine.
Enjoy..

MyGSXF
13th November 2006, 09:41
Ya mojo is still in ya blood babe.. never fear! :Punk: I had a break after both my boys, & yeah.. I lost a lot of confidence in that time! But I gave myself time to take it easy & get the feel of being on my bike again.. now it's like we had never been separated! :yes: I'd definately suggest doing a training course.. I have a thread on here about one I recently did.. bloody brilliant!! & also as suggested, go round the shops.. sit & try.. get the feel of different styles, sizes etc. :scooter:

There are 'some' out there that think they are only a real biker if they can spout off about having a 'big' bike.. woopdeeshit. :whocares: (personally I feel these type are making up for the lack of size in bodily parts :tugger: ) I have a 400 & can ride the arse off a lot of guys out there.. coz I have confidence in my competence! :yes:

Don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.. do what YOU need to do for YOU!! Take your time babe, ya mojo just needs a little stroking :love: & she'll be back real soon!

Jen :rockon:

PS: make use of some of the characters on here that live near by! that's what we are all about!! :yes:

Lissa
13th November 2006, 10:08
I havent got my mojo yet, but I think you should go for it Silver Fern, if its something you are passionate about. I am sure once you practice again, your confidence will boost... as Jen said take you time. :)

mstriumph
13th November 2006, 12:34
work at keeping an open mind

don't compare your riding now with "how you used to be"

don't try and keep up with your beloved
[in fact i'd suggest not even RIDING with him - or anyone else - until you start to rediscover the sheer delight of just 'you and the bike' .............]

irrespective of the fact that we can do it in groups, riding is a SOLITARY [and selfish] pleasure ......... an earlier 'you' knew that ... so give the 'you that you are now' time to discover it

don't stress - you'll be fine :yes:

SDU
13th November 2006, 13:09
The others are all right. Give yourself time, don't worry about being a nana rider (-there are a few of us out there)-self preservation is a wonderful thing, & your mojo will come back as you gain confidence & get to know your bike better.
Get someone to help you set up the bike for you so are more comfy on it too. Some times just moving the bars, adjusting levers, shocks can make a big difference.

Motu
13th November 2006, 14:13
It can happen even if you don't stop riding.I spent 10 years on Waiheke Island,there was nowhere you could exceed 150kph and you could ride every road there was in an hour.But I still rode my bikes,ranging from FA50 scooters to CB750's on the seal and gravel roads,I did lots of off road riding and raced bikes on the local dirt track,even a rally sprint on the bike.

But coming back to Auckland I was like a new rider,I really couldn't cope with the pace of the city traffic,and out on the open road I seemed to be out of my depth too....I just wasn't used to the speed.

Shadows
13th November 2006, 19:38
Mmmmm..... it's just like riding a bike!

Just get into it. It'll all come back to you.

The_Dover
13th November 2006, 19:41
wheelies, lots of big dirty minging wheelies.

Silverfern
13th November 2006, 20:11
You guys are fantastic, thanks for all your support. Yes, I have already tried to put my name down for the RRRS course, still waiting for a reply but it will happen. May take the bike into my friendly MRS and see about bars/clutch adjustment. I can reach the ground okay, not feet fully flat but close. Have only ridden with other half once, he was great but I felt I was holding him back, so I may go solo this weekend, if it gets above 10 degrees! Thanks again and I'll keep you posted on progress.

Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)
14th November 2006, 13:12
If you have trouble reaching the clutch - you will feel uncomfortable and insecure - get a bike more suitable for you and you will wonder why you ever had doubts about not being able to ride again.

I had a beemer which was quite a high bike and I'm tall - I could just touch the ground with my feet but never felt very confident until one day, I was too lazy to put my bike boots on and wore heavy thick high heeled boots - had far more stability and heaps more confidence.

I'd had a 13 year break from riding - it does take time to get back into the groove.

ManDownUnder
14th November 2006, 13:18
wheelies, lots of big dirty minging wheelies.

Just remember to keep at least one wheel on the ground aye Dover...

The_Dover
14th November 2006, 13:22
wotchoo talkin bout willis?

<IMG SRC="http://img91.exs.cx/img91/2697/Gary_Coleman.jpg">

Roj
16th November 2006, 11:19
Take the time and practise, I had a break of 10 years or so and now find I don't feel the need to go as fast as I used to, the joy of riding is the ride, go on the courses offered and see if you can get the clutch altered to suit, with time and practise you will become confident.

You probably also have a different view on life compared to your earlier riding days.

slimjim
16th November 2006, 12:24
hay, your family got any friend's with dirt bikes, nothing big, but one that you can stand feet down easly, practise on one of the dirt tracks, this is fun and you don't have to worry to much about cars ,giveways etc......but gee """in time""" it will all come back, just don't think,(wow a male thing ..hahaha) see we do come in handed for some thoughts, all the best , and yup and both wheels down, No Dover you gota be nice!!!!

yungatart
16th November 2006, 15:00
Hey, after that long off bikes, do you think that it is unreasonable to be a little more cautious, slow and not to mention , rusty, than you used to be.
I started riding 16+ years ago, but oly did about 500ks in total, then when I got back on a bike I was worse than any brand new newby!
Take yur time, go for frequent short rides along quiet roads and learn to relax and control the "voices" in your head.
Don't give up, there is loads of fun waiting out there for you!
Good luck!

XP@
16th November 2006, 15:31
Seems like ou filtered out the good advice :-)

Take it easy, take some lessons and you won't have any problems :-)

trumpy
17th November 2006, 08:01
Back on two wheels a year now after 27 years away and believe me the memory of what I used to be is way better than the reality probably was! As the saying goes "the older I get the faster I was".
Last bike was a 70's CB 750/4. Bigger, heavier and only half the performance and handling of my current 600.
After scaring my self witless in the first couple of days of ownership (that faulty memory thing again) I decided to treat myself as a newbie and am slowly (some might say pathetically slowly!) building up the skills again. Seems to me to be better to do it slowly right side up and enjoyably than than to be spending time sliding down the tarmac and saying hello to the nurses in A+E (however nice they may be).
My 2c worth anyway.

woodybee
29th November 2006, 20:29
Hi biker angels, I need some advice please. In my happily mis-spent youth, I rode with passion, and recklessly. I did Brisbane to Melbourne by myself on a SR250, did trip around NZ on 400/4, rode all day every day, you get the pic? Then at 8 months pregnant I gave up for safety reasons. The years went by, the kids have almost grown up and my wonderful partner has an RF900. I very quickly got bored on the back and 2 months ago bought a golden oldie Suzuki 550 with the hope of getting used to riding again before upgrading. To my shock and horror, I find myself riding like an old grandad, I have trouble reaching the clutch, I'm terrified of being hit or falling off cornering. I'm seriously thinking of selling it and have given myself a hundred reasons, (from helmet hair to wanting to live to a ripe old age) for doing so. Any ideas/thoughts very welcome. Should I go back to a smaller bike? I have booked in for the next Ride Right course but I don' think I can even get myself there on the day! I feel absolutely pathetic, has my mojo gone for good?

Hi Silverfern,

Firstly, I live in Dunedin too, so thats a coincidence.

To let you know I jumped back on my bike after having a zippy 500cc Honda CBZ Custom Bike about 8 years ago. I sold that went to a clowns Bike (suzuki street magic 50CC), and now own a Vesper 125, but also own a Triumph T100 Bonneville, which I have been playing around on. I went
on a little trip to Nelson as a first ride and survived that, but still found the corners a bit intimidating, but was encouraged all the way there, and also congratulated to get to Nelson.

All I will say, is the corners still get to me, and I guess that will get easier with time.

If you want to go for a bit of ride round here some day, with someone who doesnt go at breakneck speeds then let me know. My email is Bromsgrovejan@hotmail.com if you want to arrange something anyway.

Anyway, coi for now dudess, and catcha soon.Jan AKA Woodybee:sunny: :Punk:

chic 'n' charge
4th December 2006, 21:57
The biggest thing my Pop always did for me and my sister when we were learning to ride was getting us to set off first and then he would always catch us up. Ride at your own limit and level....your riding pals will respect what it was like - we don't all get up one day & become truly confident at riding. I remember having my first biff on the road and it took ages before I got on again - but ya know what my Pop did - he started my bike in garage one day & said I needed to take it for ride to keep oil moving around in it - then he came riding with me & it was great.....small steps one after the other - little bit longer rides and then it was all back to normal. You will get there - just don't ride to anyone elses limits.....hook up with other female riders for a day trip - you'll be great. Stick with it. :yes: <a href="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.smileycentral.com%252F%253F partner%253DZSzeb008%255FZSxmb018%2526i%253D15%252 F15%255F9%255F28%2526feat%253Dprof/page.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_9_28.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252F nocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egi f%253Fi%253D15%252F15_9_28/image.gif" <a href="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.smileycentral.com%252F%253F partner%253DZSzeb008%255FZSxmb018%2526i%253D7%252F 7%255F6%255F2%2526feat%253Dprof/page.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_6_2.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252F nocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egi f%253Fi%253D7%252F7_6_2/image.gif"></a> <a href="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.smileycentral.com%252F%253F partner%253DZSzeb008%255FZSxmb018%2526i%253D7%252F 7%255F2%255F102%2526feat%253Dprof/page.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_102.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252F nocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egi f%253Fi%253D7%252F7_2_102/image.gif">

buellbabe
7th December 2006, 12:00
Firstly I reckon you need to change bikes if you are not comfortable with your current ride.
Then do a Ride safe course
and get out there on roads you know well and just enjoy.
Ride at speeds you are comfortable with, don't feel pressured to ride 'hell for leather'.
If you REALLY wanna get your mojo back it WILL happen for you ;-)

Shewolf
13th December 2006, 22:11
The mojo will surface again - I've been back riding 2 months after 20+ years away and already looking at a bigger bike and yearning for some nice long rides again.

Was terrified of going out in Auckland traffic at first - but it feels great as you get comfortable...nana riding rocks! Just sit and tweak the throttle at the lights...that should make up for it!

NighthawkNZ
13th December 2006, 22:33
errr theres mojo...???? :gob:



hmmmm ;D









oh as every one else says... give it time and some practise... you will get it back

Midnight Special
11th January 2007, 12:01
Hi Im in Dunedin have a big old bike sitting outside and no one to ride with so if you want to ride with another old girl biker e-mail me on vizznvette@hotmail.com and ill give you my ph no. and we can organise something. I used to have a CB 500 4 , KATANA 650 SL 125 XL 250 TS 125 XT 500 and i cant remember what else LOL currently 750 special settled into the quiet cruiser nowdays . Sue.

FREE2B
16th January 2007, 20:49
Hey There Do stick with it :yes: Im in Dunedin too and 6 mnths down the track after a long time off. It does come back to you just take your own time.
Id be keen to go riding with you anytime. :scooter: you can ..pm.. me if you like.

elle-f
18th January 2007, 14:22
i too, had a biggish bike in my teens and 20s and hooned around like nothing on earth and in shorts and t-shirts *gasps*........however, i loved riding and got a new bike after about 10 years off one and rode and rode and loved it BUT then i met girls off here - and guys - to go riding with and now it gives my rides a purpose and i can't get enough of it.......sorry to those (lissa) that i harrass all the time HAHAHA

riding with buddies sure beats riding alone for me.

NighthawkNZ
18th January 2007, 14:47
riding with buddies sure beats riding alone for me.

It can help, as longs as if there is no pressure for newbies to keep up, which is where trouble can happen.

NighthawkNZ
18th January 2007, 14:49
Was terrified of going out in Auckland traffic at first


err thats doesn't take much... ;) I would want to be in a cage in traffic up there tho... sheese no...

was about 15 years ago I was riding in Auckland traffic and that was bad enough....:done: