KB kms.. for da nubeeess

**250learna** · 15th May 2005, 20:04

i have riden some bikes in the past prior to getting my own, then got my bike bout 6 weeks ago and had a licence for the past 4 of thouse 6. I didnt have much road experiance but was capable of riding fine when i got the bike, but i didnt hop on the first group ride that came up, or second for that matter.
I started riding by myself, so that when i do go for a ride with someone else i will "know" my limits to some extent, not find them while trying to keep up with someone with more experiance.
It worked for me so far, as i have yet to fall... i can only hope it stays that way

**erik** · 15th May 2005, 20:07

Originally Posted by Jeremy

How about when starting a ride thread, that you post the minimum number of kms you expect someone to have covered before they attempt the ride?

Because as I'm sure you all know it's nearly impossible to work out what your current level of riding skill. Am I really inexperienced, moderately experienced or experienced? Who knows? Certainly not me and that's for sure. However I can say for certain that I've done 4000km.

But I think the number of km's you've done can be fairly vague as to what your skill level is too. Someone that's done 15,000km of commuting may not be as competent on the open road as someone that's done 7,000kms of riding through the twisties.
I think the descriptors used already such as "fast" "medium" "slow" etc are about as accurate as they can practically get.

**Biff** · 15th May 2005, 20:27

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens ....

I disagree with you there MR H. In my book at least the use of the term 'newibe' does not automatically imply that the inexperienced or new members here are inferior citizens in any way.

We've all been newbies at some time or another, and I for one would be/have been more than happy to have people refer to me as a newbie. In my mind this was/is a form of introduction, possibly to a group of total strangers, and to let them know that I’m new to ‘this’, and I may not be particularly knowledgeable/experienced about - whatever - be it a new job, sport, topic etc.

Take a look around and you'll see many new members to this site refer to themselves as 'newbies'. It's a simply way of saying, "Hi - I'm new here/to biking " etc etc.

Or are you just jealous? Maybe it's been a while since you last found yourself in a position to be referred to by such a term? Take up origami, or something else you’ve never done before. If that’s possible.

**justsomeguy** · 15th May 2005, 20:44

You ladies still busy discussing this I see............

**jaybee180** · 15th May 2005, 21:53

Interesting to see this thread. I've just got my bike and posted on KB to see if there were any experienced riders out there who would be willing to give me a hand and at least just explain some of the more important relevant safety issues etc. Getting out there and riding on your own is all well and good but if it's something you haven't done for years it's always good to have a few tips under your belt.

Interesting enough I only got one reply! Guess I will be out there doing it on my own!

**surfchick** · 15th May 2005, 22:11

Originally Posted by justsomeguy

You ladies still busy discussing this I see............

Dude if i had her figure when i'm her age i'll be thankin' me lucky stars. SHE's MY IDOL ... BAHA

she's missing her blue rinse though

**Virago** · 15th May 2005, 22:18

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens who should be mollycoddled until they see the light and feel like they can ride at a gazillion-km-an-hour like "real" riders....

Blurdy Hell, the PC brigade have arrived. I'm a newbie and proud of it, abeit a greying haired one that's just got back in the saddle after too many years. It's all coming back to me, and I'm building on my earlier limited riding skills.

For what it's worth, I agree with those who think that a group ride is no place for newbies.

1) Newbies can make silly mistakes, that can catch out even the most experienced companions. Things like following too close in a group can cause silly nose-to-tail accidents, due to the "whip-lash" effect in the line of riders. Newbies tend to be at the back of the group, where greater braking distances, and general vigilence, are required.

2) A mixture of newbies and experienced riders can give rise to the newbies outriding their skill levels, trying to keep up with "the big boys". Just the merest perception of this happening has led to terrible arguments in other threads.

3) A large group of newbies riding together can cause frustration and road rage from cagers (oops sorry - not PC - car drivers), due to the slow speeds, and the desire of the group to "stick together".

The dynamics of group riding are an advanced skill, and it's a case of learning to walk before you learn to run. By next spring, I'm hoping that I'll be ready to head out on a group ride, having mastered my own basic riding skills and confidence. In the meantime I'm doing it for myself, for everyone's benefit. I'll still be waving to everyone else though!

**justsomeguy** · 15th May 2005, 22:25

Originally Posted by jaybee180

Interesting to see this thread. I've just got my bike and posted on KB to see if there were any experienced riders out there who would be willing to give me a hand and at least just explain some of the more important relevant safety issues etc. Getting out there and riding on your own is all well and good but if it's something you haven't done for years it's always good to have a few tips under your belt.

Interesting enough I only got one reply! Guess I will be out there doing it on my own!

Do what I do...... go on as many rides as you can and keep pestering people at stops with stupid questions.

And by the way, there is only so much you can get from a book/forum. You will have to go out and do it. Did you have a good look at the condition of Two Smoker's leathers?? He didn't get that good by fluke.

KB rides are the best training you will ever get. Unless you want to pay a professional and hire/go on a race track.

And KB rides are a lot safer than riding alone. No matter what the chinese whispers competition going on at the moment will have you believe.

**Waylander** · 15th May 2005, 22:47

Reading what V=V said made me remember something I'd forgoten cause I never used it. In the states version of the road code there is a rule that when riding with a group the newest rider leads and most experianced brings up the tail. That way no one gets left behind. Also makes it easier for the experianced riders to give the beginners advice about what they need to improve on. Maybe if we did something like this for new rider rides and leave the faster rides for those that just want to go out and blast. Just a suggestion, I'm gonna start doing this for rides I will be orginising when my ride roars once more. Anyway I'm done for the night gotta be up and ready for an interview tomorrow. (Gods I hope I get it) Then back to invisable ninja with me.