Mesmerised

[Ratti]

Was trying to keep up with riders on a night time ride.

the chap in front of me had on a hivis vest with reflective strips. I kept having to force myself to not stare at his vest and ignore the road. It was like being a rabbit in the headlights, so hard to do.
Is this a common phenomena or do I have a problem that is mine and all mine?

Is it something like the hazard fixation thing?

any sensible thoughts welcome thanks

[98tls]

"Trying to keep up".

[Ratti]

nana rider. I try but seldom succeed

[CookMySock]

Is it something like the hazard fixation thing?

I think its more just a "fucking distracting" thing. I'd be getting in front of him.

Steve

[Ratti]

I wish DB. Im a really crap rider and was following him trying to match cornering and speed. the idea was great, but the reality was all wrong.

[avgas]

But fluro vests are the safest thing on the road........
they stop bullets, trains and even bad drivers.

or at least that is what some on here would make you think.

[CookMySock]

I wish DB. Im a really crap rider and was following him trying to match cornering and speed. the idea was great, but the reality was all wrong.

Hrm actually the idea is fraught with danger, especially at night. Pretty much your only option is to let him out of your sight.

You're not a crap rider, you're just either inexperienced, timid, or uninformed - all of which are easily rectified.

Steve

[Ratti]

db darling, trust me I am crap rider! I stopped riding when I was pregnant with my first son. Had 3 offs in 2 weeks and lost my nerve. Havent been back on a bike until last september. I have a lot to learn, that was the point of following someone else. he wasnt going fast at all. hes an experienced mentor and was riding really slow over the 'takas so I could follow him safely. Time and lots of hours on the road are the only solution for my issues. IN the meantime, dont follow Ratti!

AS for the Hi vis vests, well they certainly are visible. I wear one as well, I figure If i glow then it takes away one excuse for cagers to miss seeing me. It all helps. but i dont advocate it for everyone, we all have our choices and Id hate to see them made compulsory.

[howdamnhard]

Practice your lines and speed during the day when you can see the road properly. After you have got that better sussed then do some night riding. If something is bothering you tell the person training/mentoring you so that they can do something about it. Removing the hi-vis jacket may not help much as then you have the tail light to contend with. Don't despair about your riding, we all have to start somewhere. I ride comparatively slowly but at least I don't crash (often).

[Jantar]

..... It was like being a rabbit in the headlights, so hard to do.
Is this a common phenomena or do I have a problem that is mine and all mine?

Is it something like the hazard fixation thing?

any sensible thoughts welcome thanks

At night, I prefer to ride alone. If I am in a group I prefer to be at the front, or tail end charlie and be right at the back. Anything that takes your eyes off the road is a distraction and should be avoided. High vis vests may help with making the rider more visible in solo city riding, but for anything else they are useless.

[CookMySock]

I have a lot to learn, that was the point of following someone else. he wasnt going fast at all. hes an experienced mentor and was riding really slow over the 'takas so I could follow him safely. Time and lots of hours on the road are the only solution for my issues. IN the meantime, dont follow Ratti!

Actually, following Ratti is probably what she needs the most. After that, the mentor is in a position to speak concisely and directly to you about the diffculties he/she thinks you are facing.

Also, a night-time ride isn't really a useful practice environment, unless you are practicing getting over your fears, coz there will be plenty of them as you noted. Calm, cool, stress-free afternoons are probably more your tune.

So I'm surprised your mentor is in front, unless he/she can read your mind from up there. No doubt they had a cunning plan we are not privy to.


Steve

[Toaster]

I wish DB. Im a really crap rider and was following him trying to match cornering and speed. the idea was great, but the reality was all wrong.

Remind me at tonight's ride and we will organise something to help.

[Ratti]

you guys are awesome.
Mostly it is fear I need to conquer. I am aware of the specific situations in which I am most chicken.
Dark does not bother me much,I just slow down.
downhill cornering sux big time, its what i was doing when I had the offs and its like a muscle memory or something.I tense up and stop thinking. Ive been doing lots of solo downhills trying to get over myself without endangering anyone else. Buck Buck and Katiepie very kindly crawled down the Paekak hill with me last tuesday and it was the best Ive felt down that hill so far.
Yikes, decided to have a look at Moonshine road last Friday night, went in from the Haywards end and it was all good, then I got over the ridge into the Hutt...bloody hell. Sealed goat track best describes that stretch, er I think I'd best leave that one for a while too. Only casualty was my side cover, fortunalty only 2 vehicles coming toward me and nothing behind.
Mostly I was way out of my depth doing the 'takas in the dark right now. One day tho.. shit, I never had a car until I chucked bikes at 26, rode everywhere and never thought twice about it.Its really frustrating knowing that its in there somewhere and not being able to find what I need.

[howdamnhard]

Mostly it is fear I need to conquer. I am aware of the specific situations in which I am most chicken.
Dark does not bother me much,I just slow down.
downhill cornering sux big time, its what i was doing when I had the offs and its like a muscle memory or something.I tense up and stop thinking. Ive been doing lots of solo downhills trying to get over myself without endangering anyone else. Its really frustrating knowing that its in there somewhere and not being able to find what I need.

When riding downhill through corners gear down (like you would in a cage) and use engine braking to control your basic speed. You can then still use brakes and clutch to fine tune for the corners. It's good your practicing,you will get there ,don't despair. It's good that you are atking it slowly, always ride within your comfort zone. It's okay to extend yourself a little (thats how we improve) but to far can lead to painful consequences.

[Ratti]

thanks. BuckBuck was demonstrating that on the way down the hill and it helped no end. He would signal what he was doing and I followed him. That and which part of the corner to aim for. We had a good talk about the physics of cornering and it made a big difference. More practice. more practice.
Im intending to take Toaster up tonight as the road we are following has some good practice corners on it. Im semi familiar with that road too so that should help the confidance level a little. Cautious is ok, but at the moment I feel like its gone too far and Im a bloody menace.