Well, I'm alive

[Karlyg]

I just came back from bringing my scooter home (she had been staying at my friend's house in glen eden since I came off her a few weeks ago) - a fairly long journey for someone who is a little nervey after her fall. It went okay, I suppose, but now I find that I feel like I did when I first started riding little Cordi - constantly a little nervous.

So - does anyone have any good advice on how to "get back on the horse" without too many nerves?

It doesn't help that Cordi felt a bit shaky too - it could have been my nerves, or it could have been that she was injured in the off... I guess I should take her to a shop and get her checked out.

[DemonWolf]

That could be a good idea to get your Cordi checked out.

Hell I was nervious as hell when riding in Aucklands traffic! and the TL didn't like it one bit. Find a empty carpark someplace and practice practice practice.. which will build your confidence. Good luck sorting out the 'bit shaky' Cordi

[Cecil]

Awesome to hear that you're back on two wheels! I don't have any advice on how to get back on the horse apart from just take things slow and gradually your confidence will come back.

[skidMark]

if you want i can come round and have a look over it for you to see if theres anything wrong with the bike?

wouldn't wasnna hear you had come off again because of a bike prob from the last accident...

i got nothing else to do lol

where in aucks are you?

[Squeak the Rat]

Hey Karlyg.

Get your bike checked out just in case.

I'm not sure if this applies to you or not, but I see so many scooter riders ride in the very left of the lane as if they are a bicycle. Don't do this as it encourages cars to overtake you within the same lane, and this is nerve-racking.

Assuming your Cordi can do it , ride at the speed of the traffic 50-60kph, with your wheels just to the right of the centre of the lane (except when turning!). Keeping the same pace of the traffic without cars next to you is a lot less stressful.

Anyway, congratulations for getting back on the horse. Remember to assume that no one has seen you, and always think "what if". Take control and responsibility for yourself getting there safely.

[Macktheknife]

Good to hear you're back on two wheels, just take the scoot in to your local bike shop for a check up and then get some practice in, carparks are good. I suggest going through the basics like you did for a basic handling test and just get the confidence up that way. Then you do more complicated stuff and road riding and you should be fine.
Good luck

[Karlyg]

if you want i can come round and have a look over it for you to see if theres anything wrong with the bike?

wouldn't wasnna hear you had come off again because of a bike prob from the last accident...

i got nothing else to do lol

where in aucks are you?

Thanks for the offer, but I think I will just take it to the shop where I bought it and get them to have a look at it. My friend's dad (who has been biking for years) said it seemed fine to him, but after riding it, I think I will just be paranoid and get it checked.

[Karlyg]

I'm not sure if this applies to you or not, but I see so many scooter riders ride in the very left of the lane as if they are a bicycle. Don't do this as it encourages cars to overtake you within the same lane, and this is nerve-racking.

Yeah - I used to do this, and quickly learnt not to - scared the shit out of me a couple of times.

Cordi can JUST make 50 on the flat (reached 65 downhill once!), so occasionally I do hold up traffic a tad (uphill especially), but I would rather have a bit of tailgating than a scary pass within the lane.

I think I will just have to treat it as though I really am new to this again, and practise practise practise.

[R6_kid:Me]

texmo would be your best bet for help with scooters... tis a wierd brand - never heard of it myself.

Best way to get over nerves - keep going until your confidence is back up. I crashed my bike coming down from 160kmh+ and i was back at it straight away for the nearly 200km trip home, with no brakes headlight or speedo!

But yeh, you wont get over it by leaving it in the garage and hoping that one day you will just feel good cause you wont. If you got the cash, go skydiving. I mean if you can jump out of a plane at 10,000ft and come back down safely surely you can putter around on a scooter with protective gear on...

[wendy]

i had to do a little self talking when riding after my accident
i just kept reminding myself that the bike wants to stay up, its not going to throw me off and ive ridden lots before in worse conditions and came out ok.

just keep riding and remembering that the last time you didnt come off and dont pressure youself or be angry with your fears.

good luck