First ride in 7 years

[Dooly]

Nice Job,

I also say do the BRONZ Ride Right course.
Come up here to do it if you have to.

I've been and observed the results - you will enjoy riding even more after it.

Funny you mention that.
I've just been looking at a few 'Back to Riding' courses I found thru Google here in in NZ.

[Insanity_rules]

Something about the Vtwin with Neptune mufflers on it.

Testify brother, V-Twin + Nice pipes makes for beautiful music. Confidence comes with mileage. You'll be right just ride more.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Welcome back to the wonderful world of riding. I had a 13 year break. Bought a yamaha xj750 from a friend in Auckland, hopped straight on it and rode back to Wellington - within an hour and a half my riding skills came back to me. I certainly jumped in the deep end but it was the best thing for me. I promised myself if I really enjoyed riding again I'd get a bigger bike - which I did 6 months later, then again 3 years later. Been back riding for about 6 years now and won't give it up for anybody or anything.

Your confidence will grow the more you get out on it! I notice after a long spell off the bike (6 weeks or so) I am rusty!

cheers

[Dooly]

Welcome back to the wonderful world of riding. I had a 13 year break. Bought a yamaha xj750 from a friend in Auckland, hopped straight on it and rode back to Wellington - within an hour and a half my riding skills came back to me. I certainly jumped in the deep end but it was the best thing for me. I promised myself if I really enjoyed riding again I'd get a bigger bike - which I did 6 months later, then again 3 years later. Been back riding for about 6 years now and won't give it up for anybody or anything.

Your confidence will grow the more you get out on it! I notice after a long spell off the bike (6 weeks or so) I am rusty!

cheers

Yeah, think it will be just a matter of getting seat time in.

Moreso in a few months down the track when Im properly physically able too 100%.

[The_Dover]

Then it's wheelies ahoy!!!

[Motig]

Good to see you up and away!!! Its the old story practice makes perfect, just going for the odd cruise/ putter around will get you up to speed before very long. I'd do that before group riding as even with the best of intentions theres always the temptation to show the young whippersnappers you're related (very very distantly to Valentino) and to show them how its done. All the best cruising .

[pritch]

I seemed to lack confidence a few times.
Slowed down way too soon for a few corners.
Forgot to even use the front brake a few times, instead used the rear!
Worst of all, I had zero confidence to do a low speed, like crawling pace u turn.

Slowing down too soon is much better than the alternative. When I got back into it this time I was doing that, then resolving to do the next corner faster but that was a mistake. Each corner asks its own question and needs its own answer.

Focus on using the front brake, read something like Nick Ienatch's Sprot Bike Riding or similar and practice what he preaches about braking.

You can practice the slow speed amnouvering around the house but use your back brake when doing that.

Above all have fun.

Ride safe