Driving in town for the first time.

[CookMySock]

Yes! And if you get flustered and stall the bike, and the car behind you starts honking the horn, the experienced rider can get off his bike and sort them out! (My husband did this once - I mean, who the hell honks their horn at someone with an L plate)

Is he the pissed-off looking sort with a really loud exhaust?

I've ridden around behind learners for a couple of years, and NO PERSON ever dared say a word, lol. The only time something has been said was to my 15 y/o L-Plater daughter (on her own) when someone thought they might push in, and as SOON AS he saw she was a little girl on a huge 250 Comet with an L Plate, he was very apologetic! No, she didn't let him in!

Steve

[willytheekid]

Great advice on here
If your ever in trouble or need help, remember, the majority of bike riders around you are only too happy to stop and provide assistance, we look after our own!
Ride safe (and to YOUR skill level) and keep those eyes open for "blind" drivers and the many hazzards previously stated.

[qwertydog]

My first shock in driving around town was how hard roundabouts were

I have trouble with these, but they're getting easier. I find roundabouts the trickiest

[aprilia_RS250]

Haha I wouldn't stress at all. I learned to ride through Auckland CBD. One of the first streets I actually rode on was Queen st. In a city traffic lights give you a great opportunity to practice starts and stops and it forces you to watch for road hazards which is something you NEED to learn to watch out for.

[Matariki]

I drove around for the first time today, everything that could go wrong, happened.
For starters my engine stalled at an intersection because I forgot to go down into second gear, then I forgot to indicate a few times, then I got really nervous around the roundabouts and interections waiting for cars to go past, while waiting at one of the intersections my bike went down into neutral without me realising it, making me look like an idiot.
Otherwise besides that no one beeped at me which was good but I still felt nervous as hell. Making mistakes I wouldn't usually do.

[Her_C4]

I drove around for the first time today, everything that could go wrong, happened.
For starters my engine stalled at an intersection because I forgot to go down into second gear, then I forgot to indicate a few times, then I got really nervous around the roundabouts and interections waiting for cars to go past, while waiting at one of the intersections my bike went down into neutral without me realising it, making me look like an idiot.
Otherwise besides that no one beeped at me which was good but I still felt nervous as hell. Making mistakes I wouldn't usually do.

Yep it has happened to all of us in one form or another. Great to get that out of the way, and now you know what to expect it will all become easier You know what they say - practice, practice and then practice some more!

Good luck - relax and enjoy

[CookMySock]

[huge trail of disasters trimmed] making me look like an idiot.

No it doesnt miss. It makes you look like a newbie lady biker. And thats a very good thing - soon you will see.

Next time out you will feel much better.

Steve

[hellokitty]

now that you have done it, you can do it again and it will be easier as you know what to expect - nothing worse than being scared of new situations.
I can relate to that - in fact I will be riding my new and much bigger bike through Auckland City tomorrow

[blackdog]

if you can get in touch with Quasi (can you pm yet?) im sure she would be more than happy to ride with you, she has plenty of experience, is in your area and always keen for a ride.....

[Matariki]

Hmmm.... I want to go down and ride again but its raining. Should I?

[Maha]

Yip get out there and do it.
If you feel like you want to ride? then ride.
Time on the road can only increase you confidence, and that will happen.
Sort out a route that you are comfortable with and do it over and over.
Maybe Columbo Rd (nice and straight) through town, down past the park, out to Solway?
Practice your gear changing, be mindful of indicating, clutch control, just get out there and practice.

[CookMySock]

Hmmm.... I want to go down and ride again but its raining. Should I?

Sure. Just stay well back from everything and no grabbing the brakes hard, kthx.

Steve

[hellokitty]

Hmmm.... I want to go down and ride again but its raining. Should I?

do iiiiiiiiiiit!!! Riding a GN250 in the rain is much easier compared to riding a sports bike in the rain. Just do it, but take care.

[DJSin]

Keep at it, it gets easier and easier.

[Sentox]

Hmmm.... I want to go down and ride again but its raining. Should I?

Definitely. Too many bikers end up just avoiding the rain. Not only does it close off a whole avenue of enjoyment, but at some point you get stuck in the rain anyway, and it's a lot better to be confident when it happens. Just try to be as smooth as you can (take it slow, at this point), but relax. Tension (especially in your arms) is bad.