Another newbie scorned by gravity.

[jazbug5]

Lots of excellent advice here, but I'd just like to add (and please correct me, anyone that disagrees - I am not the biggest expert here):

braking on surfaces such as gravel = be wary of using the front brake quite as much/hard. In these conditions, and in the wet, the back brake is your friend, especially with 'progressive' braking.

That's how I do it, anyway, and it seems to work for me. My first spill was pretty similar to yours (too far left into the crap piled at the side of the road trying to avoid something).

By the way, I'm a little surprised at your instructor's advice. When I was learning, if cars built up behind me, I learned to pull over periodically to let them pass* - are you sure that's not what he meant?
It's not worth getting a hernia over, or risking some dick rearending you or attempting a dangerous overtake.

*(Incidentally, by that I mean pull over and stop, not wobble to the left hand side of the lane and slow down.)

[smokeyging]

Lots of excellent advice here, but I'd just like to add (and please correct me, anyone that disagrees - I am not the biggest expert here):

braking on surfaces such as gravel = be wary of using the front brake quite as much/hard. In these conditions, and in the wet, the back brake is your friend, especially with 'progressive' braking.

That's how I do it, anyway, and it seems to work for me. My first spill was pretty similar to yours (too far left into the crap piled at the side of the road trying to avoid something).

By the way, I'm a little surprised at your instructor's advice. When I was learning, if cars built up behind me, I learned to pull over periodically to let them pass* - are you sure that's not what he meant?
It's not worth getting a hernia over, or risking some dick rearending you or attempting a dangerous overtake.

*(Incidentally, by that I mean pull over and stop, not wobble to the left hand side of the lane and slow down.)

Good advice on the back brake. If that locks up usually we have a little more control, were-as if the front locks up,…..well…..

[Unforgiven]

I hate tailgaters no matter what im driving!!
Had the same problem first I rode at night on the open road, some prick up my arse with his high beams on When we hit town I jumped off the bike at the lights an told him what I thaught of his driving, he was very apoligetic.
I love hideing behind leathers and a helmet nobody can tell how big/small you are and arnt willing to take chances

[crazybigal]

take that dam L plate off!!!

[The Joka]

Not the most exprienced rider but have extensively driven a car around South Auckland .... And do not recommend the offensive body language!!! Nothing wrong with yelling and swearing no one can see behind the mask

I think I only need to mention the Hammer incident!!

And I know that nearly all the guys at work have steal bars and baseball bats in their cars supposedly for self defence but in the heat of the moment??? Who knows...

Infact that pretty much goes for the whole of Auckland really! (not too sure about other areas around NZ...)

So sorry to hear that you had a bad experience as I am learning too and really nervous about coming off... "O" for awesome attitude though

Also trying to weigh up the odds off having or not having the L Plate on! So easy for everyone to say leave it off but $400.00 fine

Maybe see you around the place...

Cheers
The Joka

[Calo]

We usually have the last laugh anyway. I've lost count as to how many times some cager has run up my ass before passing me on a two-laned road only to be subsequently blocked by a stationary queue of traffic whilst I gleefully filter to the front. As I pass them, I always give them the "haha look".

[hsvboy06]

Does the tailgating cage actually have to hit you (and then drive off) for this kind of incident to be considered a hit and run? Or does intimidating you into falling off count, too?

[ManDownUnder]

Having not read all the replies (sorry - slow connection)... the main thing I can see you may have done wrong is let the pressure get to you.

Cars up your butt getting impatient can get stuffed. They lose time or you lose skin... it's pretty clear to me what should happen.

When you can safely do so - pull over and let them passed, but until that time, own the road. Stay where you are comfortable in your lane, and ideally in a place where they cannot squeeze past you if they want to. That'll squeeze you into the path of something solid. And that hurts as you can now verify.

As Jazbug said above - on wet road rely more on the back brack, it's like someone grabbing the bike from behind and pulling backwards. If the wheel slips it'll only follow the front wheel. If the front locks up it'll find somewhere to go, and you'll follow it quicksmart.

Go easy on brakes around corners and on gravel too.

Practice and experience will be your friends - you'll be fine in time, don't give up and if you need help feel free to ask for it. There are a number of good people on here that would be willing to spend an hour or two with you to help. If you're ever up my way (Kumeu) PM me - I'll help out.

MDU

[Insanity_rules]

I had the very same thing happen to me a few months ago. Its really scary being tailgated aint it? I lost my L plate and it hasn't happend since.