Nervous as hell

[candyshot]

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

[gman]

just keep doing what your doing,go for little rides in quiet areas.it builds up your confidence slowly.hell when i started riding i did the same thing but started downhill cose i couldnt work the clutch properly!!
good luck!!!:niceone:

[hyobad]

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

half helmets are unsafe, I also dislike the feeling of full face helmets, so settle for a drilled out full, visor less full face helmet, NO laws against that!

[NighthawkNZ]

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

First off for being the first ride around the block on your own well done. It is only practise to build the confidence up and a couple more times round the block, then two times arond the block next the world tour...

It is just practise to learn the bike, how it reacts to certain situations, where all the controls are, practising braking.

There are mentors on this site that I suggest you make contact with (there should be one in your area) they can help heaps. I would also suggest the ride right course.

Practise practise practise...

[Xaria]

Congratulations on learning by yourself. I don't know if I would be that brave. My partner is helping me, and we have contact with a mentor for any questions my partner can't answer. (or work out how to explain)

The only way to get the skills is by practicing. You may want to invest some money with riding lessons, apparently the ride right course is awesome. I am doing it in Dunedin next month.

Another option would be to PM a couple of the mentors in Auckland for some hints.

Is there any way you can go on the road at an off peak time like Sundays? That certainly helped for me.

Hope it all goes well for you and you get your confidence up.

[MD]

Do you have someone else to ride with? A bike in front and one behind you might help your confidence.

[Her_C4]

Ditto, take it easy and slowly and set yourself little goals. When I started riding I had no idea what to do - well, really I just had no idea...:blink: and so I used to ride down my street in the gutters (so I wouldn't be in the way of the cars), and then up on a grassy verge and rest for a while.

Keep practising in the car parks - then from one carpark to another one close by. Set yourself wee goals to get a wee bit further each time. Try for quieter roads if you can (sorry I can't suggest as I am not an Aucklander).

Above all, don't let anyone pressure you into taking a step that you are not mentally ready for.

Congratulations it sounds like you have taken a really good first step!!!:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[Lissa]

I agree with everyone. The best thing to do is to keep practicing, confidence will come :) I cant really tell you what to do about the nerves as I still get nervous from time to time. My first real kinda ride today since my bike hasnt been going for a couple of months and I still feel it. Go at your own pace. Maybe find a mentor. Good Luck! :D

[jonbuoy]

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

Night time/evening might not be the best time to practice - people are in a hurry to get where they want to be. Early Sunday mornings would be a better bet. Sit down and watch a few hours of TV with your lid on you might feel/look a bit daft but after a while you'll forget its there.

[discotex]

I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

Congrats on surviving the first time out in traffic. Don't be too worried that your nerves got you. They do that to begin with.

There really is no easy way to get comfortable in traffic other than to get out there but to be safe you really want your bike handling skills to be at a level where you aren't thinking about the controls and can take emergency action if required.

Don't stress on riding to work. It's far better to take your time than rush into it and get hurt. Little steps will get you there faster than you think.

Where abouts in Auckland are you candyshot? If you want someone to ride behind you to keep the cars off your tail I'd be happy to come out one evening or weekend.

[Bullitt]

Sit down and watch a few hours of TV with your lid on you might feel/look a bit daft but after a while you'll forget its there.
One other thing that may help is taking the visor off. I went to pick up a new one the other day so rode without it to get it. I found even though I could still see the same it felt like I could see more. I just wore sunglasses to protect my eyes

I wouldnt recommend riding long distances like that but if your only going slowly around a few quiet suburbs it might help.

[Drum]

You will be OK. Your confidence will get better with time. So will your skill level. You will be able to ride that bike and be the envy of your friends. Your parents won't be quite so keen. These are all certainties. Keep up the good work.

[Solarwind]

Riding in traffic is scary because there are so many dangers around, I'd suggest getting out onto the open road, somewhere quiet like a backroad. When I first started riding I was living out in the country, so just rode up and down the road we lived on, getting a little bit faster each time. To get used to city riding, find a quiet suburban area with little traffic, get used to checking every side road you pass for oncoming cars, checking for people crossing the road, dogs etc. This is what I did when I first started riding, and later on when I learned how to drive a car, it's always scary at first so you need to start off in safer, easier areas to get your confidence up. You don't want to dive into rush hour traffic when you're a beginner. Disadvantage of living in Auckland, I guess :crazy:

As far as cars following you go, you can either ride at the speed limit, or move over to the side to let them pass (you don't need to stop, just make room), that's what I did.

[madmal64]

Hey its those nerves that are going to keep you alive out there. You are obviously aware of whats going on around you.
Learning to keep them under control is what its all about.
I agree with MD's idea. Nice to have a buffer zone
Well done for getting out there and also for posting about it as I know there are others that either are feeling the same way or know what that feeling was like. :2thumbsup
I remember being shit scared about getting back on a bike after a really bad off that put me in hospital and unable to walk for a few months. That was 25 years ago now and Im really glad I did get over it and Im still riding. Thanks to good mates who did excatly what MD has suggested.

[EJK]

You are doing great for a first timer! :)
In my old days (pfft!), I stalled engine so many times that I drained the battery.... TWICE! lol

[sunhuntin]

keep up the good work!

if the full face doesnt do it for you... get an open facer. i ride with one every day [dont even own a full face, hate the fuggin things!!] and have had an off in one. landed on my back, so no damage. [cept to the lid, which got replaced.] just get a good pair of close fitting sunnies to protect your eyes.

[breakaway]

Good thing you've got that kickstarter eh :p

[inlinefour]

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

I'm not sure how long you have been riding, but it sounds like a confidence thing? I was lucky enough to start riding when I was 8 years old and when I became 15, got my bike licience and then started riding on the road, I was nervous also. I think from memory, it took me a couple of months of riding around at low peak hours to get used to the traffic. If you have just started riding a motorcycle, I would think that if I had been riding a motorcycle for a short period of time and then got into the traffic, I'd possibly be the same. Maybe you could spend some more time learning to ride, or figure out where and when you can get out on your bike where there is very little or no other vehicles on the road. As for the car not being as hard to learn to drive, most get a sense of security in a cage. The road appears to be alot closer when sitting on a motorcycle. If your having problems with wearing a full faced helmet? I would not recommend the wearing of an open faced skidlid as I've done a few face plants on the road and in the dirt. I do not ever want to think what would have happened if I was not wearing a ful faced hemet. I also think you need to not only get used to riding your bike confidently, but also wearing your helmet without any distress, before your ready for the road. You need to sort out all other distractions/issues, before your ready to tackle getting used to riding on the road. :yes:

[Lteejay]

Firstly welcome. It can be pretty nerve racking the first time you ride on the road - I still remember mine :crazy: As you have probably guessed from all the other threads, getting a mentor is a great idea and having others ride with you for a while sure helps. With someone riding behind you it gives you a buffer zone and the traffic doesn't feel as daunting. (Xion did that for me the first few times I rode on the motorway and it sure did help my confidence). Not too sure where you are in Auckland, but if you want someone to buffer the traffic, just give me a bell :wari: Also others might have some ideas on nice quiet roads around your area. Theres lots of help and knowledge on here, so start soaking it up

The wednesday night mentor rides are also a great way to learn riding skills - find the thread in Meetings and Events.

Have fun - thats what its all about.

[NSR-Dan]

You can always wear your full face round the house (except when eating) and eventually you will get used to it.

[klingon]

Sit down and watch a few hours of TV with your lid on you might feel/look a bit daft but after a while you'll forget its there.


You can always wear your full face round the house (except when eating) and eventually you will get used to it.

I endorse these comments! When I first started riding (almost 10 months ago!) all the gear felt strange. The boots, the jacket, the gloves, but most of all the helmet. Try going around the house fully geared up for a while. Whenever you're on Kiwi Biker make sure you're wearing your helmet! (Also protects you from the trolls.) Just don't try typing in gloves. :blink:

You're doing all the right things as far as practising. I'm in Mt Albert so if you're anywhere near here, give me a PM and I'd be happy to come out riding with you. Any excuse for a ride! :clap:

[BIKEGAL68]

I know just were your at.
I was the same an within a few weeks i rode to wk on the busy motor way :first:
but even now i get little nervous so your not on your own, just keep riding as much as possible :) it gets better.

[Pancakes]

Hey! Like everyones saying, stay at it at your own pace. You'll be sweet as! Is that your own work in your profile/avatar? Nice.

[BigRed2007]

Keep it up!!

[Deviant]

Like they say, wear the helmet/gloves for a while, practice int hat carpark until you've got the confidence to ride in a busier environment, try getting up into 4th/5th gears and slowing down immediately, then when you're ready and the weather is really good, get someone to take you to the domain.

Drop me a PM and I may be able to help with it if you are close enough.

[Hawkeye]

As everyone else has said. Practice is the key. Now the lighter nights are upon us, you may find that it is not so intimidating. Get in touch with a mentor who will be prepared to meet you at your place and 'escort' you to a quieter place such as a car park. There you can practice the things you need to in safety. The helmet thing is something that will disappear in time.
As a new rider, you are too busy concentrating on so many other things, that the gear appears to restrict everything you do. As confidence and knowledge increases, you spend less time trying to figure out if you are doing everything correctly and the issues disappear without noticing.
It sounds like you drive a cage. Is it a manual? I remember thinking I would never get to grips with the whole, clutch, gear change, accelerator thing whilst also trying to manipulated steering, indicators etc. Riding a bike is exactly the same. Before long you will wonder what the fuss was about.
Just make sure you progress at 'YOUR' speed and if you do feel uncomfortable with cages behind, just give them the room to get past.
One more thing.......Have FUN!

[PuppetMaster]

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

[klingon]

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

Nah. Being nervous is a healthy reaction to being in a dangerous situation. And riding a bike on Auckland roads is definitely a dangerous situation!

When I first learned to ride my heart would race every time I started putting my gear on to get ready for a ride. I had to make a conscious effort to calm down, breathe and relax.

If candyshot is still feeling like this after a few more weeks' experience (and I don't just mean after a few weeks have passed - but a few weeks of actual riding) then she can make up her own mind about whether she's enjoying it. But right now I believe her reactions are well within the natural and healthy range.

Keep it up, Candy!

[RidingHard]

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

Na man I dont agree. Ive been helping my girl learn how to ride recently, and I think nervousness is always going to be a part of learning to do anything challenging, but especially riding a motorcycle. Part of it for her is having stories drummed into her by non-riders about the dangers of riding and the inevitability of getting seriously hurt as soon as she starts to ride. Obviously riding is dangerous, but with heaps of practice, training and using caution the risk hopefully can be somewhat controlled. Getting used to wearing a helmet, gloves and controlling a motorcycle presents a big learning curve, and I dont think that someone who is nervous at the start should be told that riding is not for them. I know I was nervous on my first ride, especially in the city, and I dont think there would be many people who would say they weren't.

Good on ya Candy :)

[Roj]

Keep up the practise, there is a huge difference between a bike and a car, sounds like you are doing well and making progress

[Grub]

I live in a busy area on a main road, .

That is just crappy tryiing to deal with that! As you're feeling, you need somewhere to just ride the bike without any damn cars/trucks/buses to watch out for.

Do you have a flattie or friend with their license who can take the bike to a quiet road? It depends where your are of course, I took Nasty to a rural road only about 2km from where we are. Because it was a dead end, it was residents only on the road and in the middle of the afternoon, hardly any of them.

It was brilliant, the road was 4km long and we just went up and down there for days until one day she felt comfortable to ride it from there to our house (via SH58) Because we had the car, I would follow and we'd have a de-brief every couple of 'laps'.

[klingon]

... I would follow and we'd have a de-brief every couple of 'laps'.

That's just rude! :spanking:

[candyshot]

Hey! Like everyones saying, stay at it at your own pace. You'll be sweet as! Is that your own work in your profile/avatar? Nice.

Thanks to everyone who posted all the positive replies in this thread. I took all the advice I got and used it... wore the helmet in front of tv, practised in the carpark everyday, took all the baby steps possible.
And then one day, it happened! I rode to work, and back, and it was great!! Don't know what I was afraid of in the first place, although still get the jitters when I know I've got to get on the bike and ride somewhere. But once I'm on it, its all good! If I think I'm holding up traffic I just pull over and wait till its clear again.
PuppetMaster - I WAS really, really nervous.. but got over it with perserverance. I wasn't about to give up. I'm glad I didn't!
Pancakes – Yep, that's my work on my avatar. I'm a bit better at digital art, than riding :-)

[Ocean1]

Cool, love a good sucess story.

Confidence is a very strange thing, I swear it affects everything from balance to traction. As your skills build so will your confidence... or is that arsy boo?

Edit: If you're still not comfortable with your helmet then rather than use an open face one you could try one of the hybrid dirt/road or motard helmets. They're more dirt shaped, with a chin bar much further from your face. I've got an Airoh S4, love it.

[Rosie]

Good work!
I'm glad you persevered. :banana:
When I was learning, I found that going on lots of little short rides helped to improve my confidence, and reduced the pre-ride nerves.

[canarlee]

pm "the stranger".


he is auckland based (i think lol), he instructs *is that the right word?* on the ride right ride safe (RRRS) courses which would be ideal for you.


you want references? ask "yungatart" and/or "stickchick". 2 ladies he has, and still does give mentoring.

[klingon]

Thanks to everyone who posted all the positive replies in this thread. I took all the advice I got and used it... wore the helmet in front of tv, practised in the carpark everyday, took all the baby steps possible.
And then one day, it happened! I rode to work, and back, and it was great!! Don't know what I was afraid of in the first place, although still get the jitters when I know I've got to get on the bike and ride somewhere. But once I'm on it, its all good! If I think I'm holding up traffic I just pull over and wait till its clear again.
PuppetMaster - I WAS really, really nervous.. but got over it with perserverance. I wasn't about to give up. I'm glad I didn't!
Pancakes – Yep, that's my work on my avatar. I'm a bit better at digital art, than riding :-)

Yay for you! Good job! Things will get better and better - and the weather will be on your side for the next few months. :D

[Pancakes]

......Pancakes – Yep, that's my work on my avatar. I'm a bit better at digital art, than riding :-)

Real nice, I hav to look at the big one to see it was digital, thought it was stencil/brushed outline at first.