How do I get back my biking mojo?

[Silverfern]

Hi biker angels, I need some advice please. In my happily mis-spent youth, I rode with passion, and recklessly. I did Brisbane to Melbourne by myself on a SR250, did trip around NZ on 400/4, rode all day every day, you get the pic? Then at 8 months pregnant I gave up for safety reasons. The years went by, the kids have almost grown up and my wonderful partner has an RF900. I very quickly got bored on the back and 2 months ago bought a golden oldie Suzuki 550 with the hope of getting used to riding again before upgrading. To my shock and horror, I find myself riding like an old grandad, I have trouble reaching the clutch, I'm terrified of being hit or falling off cornering. I'm seriously thinking of selling it and have given myself a hundred reasons, (from helmet hair to wanting to live to a ripe old age) for doing so. Any ideas/thoughts very welcome. Should I go back to a smaller bike? I have booked in for the next Ride Right course but I don' think I can even get myself there on the day! I feel absolutely pathetic, has my mojo gone for good?

[kickingzebra]

Good heavens no my lady!! Like anything, cross the bridges in front of you as they come, there is nothing saying any of us HAS to ride like the wind!

The mere fact you are thinking about the potential eventualities says that you have the mental prowess to be a great rider!

Just ease back into it, don't push yourself to be riding 100% straight away, find a few quiet back roads, and slowly carefully regain some confidence.

Confidence is after all just applied experience!

Be encouraged, just take your time! Any rider training is good rider training, and I am sure you will be fine on the day!

[Riff Raff]

After such a long gap from when you last rode it's probably not a bad idea to get a smaller bike, or look at getting a different style of bike that feels comfortable. If you have trouble reaching the clutch on your current bike that's probably adding to your anxiety.

Once you've done the course I'm sure you'll start feeling better. Getting your biking mojo back won't happen overnight, but it will happen!

[MotoGirl]

I feel absolutely pathetic, has my mojo gone for good?

Riff Raff is right, regaining your confidence does take time. Don't pressure yourself to ride better, you'll get frustrated with yourself. I know it feels horrible when you feel you're slowing down the group , but you have to go at your own pace and take it easy. With some perseverance and patience, your confidence will come back

[skelstar]

Just do heaps of miles and you'll get back into it. You living close to some awesome roads so you have no excuse but to be on the bike lots.

Of course it is ok to ride carefully and want to grow to an old age...not everyone rides a bike to go super fast eh?

[Paul in NZ]

You waited 24 years to get riding again, a season or two taking it easy and finding your groove is not going to hurt.

Take your time and don't be pressured....

Paul N

[ManDownUnder]

I'm no angel but can kinda relate.

After riding from the age of 8 through to 24, I went from an 8 year stretch with no bike to my present ride and for the first 6 months - literally... I left the revs below 5,000. I wasn't comfortable pushing the bike as I had a feeling the bike would push back and or throw me off. Not too keen on that option.

So I took it easy, I toddled around got the feel of the bike and the road and simply took things as they came.

My epiphany/revelation came at the one and only track day I did. I was at the point where I was happy to wind her out a bit, see what she could do, but I still wasn't happy to do it anywhere cars might be involved. Track day it was.

Awesme fun, awesome feeling and I got the chance to push it a little bit faster each time... but as I was comfortable to do so. I was the back marker all day, left with the biggest smile on my face and (to be blunt) that day was better than sex... and those that know me will testify, that's not something I say lightly!

My mojo's back now. I've been on the bike for 3 or 4 years. Put 40,000kms on it without incident and am a safer, more mature rider than I ever was before.

If you're like me, your mojo's still there - it always was. It just needs time to get comfortable with the new arrangements before it gets back on stage.

I don't know that track day is the only way to do it, but I know it worked for me... and I highly recommend it.

Good luck!
MDU

[crashe]

Hey I took over 20 odd years to get back into riding....
I was given a few hours instruction on how the gears worked etc...
and away I went.

Maybe the bike you have at the moment is too big for you..... and that you do need a smaller bike. Since you are having trouble reaching the clutch.
Mind you some bikes can be modified to suit... worth looking at that as well.

Also go around a few bike shops and sit on different bikes to get the feel of them.

There are a few KB riders down your way that I am sure would be willing to go on a few rides with you to help you out... not always the best to ask your other half to help....

Welcome to KB as well.......

[The Stranger:Me]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record.
You now have an RRRS course in Dunedin. The folks from BRONZ Otago and the Otago Motorcycle Club who run it are bloody good people.

You get to learn a lot of skills in the class room then try them out in a controlled area. Many find it a confidence booster.

You could contact BRONZ Otago or the OMC for details.

[Kendog]

Don't worry too much about being slow, I'm 30 and ride like a nanna, just don't feel comfortable going too fast, so I don't.
Like the others have mentioned, the bike you're riding could be effecting your confidence. I started out on a fxr150, but never felt safe on it, mirrors were shocking etc and so gave up until I tried a GN and fell in love with biking again. I had to get my Hornet modified for me to be able to ride it comfortably, but am very glad I did, if for no other reason than feeling comfortable and safe on it. So maybe look at getting your clutch shortened for you or try a different bike. The riding clsses are a great idea, go for it!! And good luck.
Mrs KD.

[terbang]

Funny thing that you mention there. My wife Rach used to ride and pillion and all that as well without a care in the world. We used to do aerobatics and all sorts of cool stuff. However when she had kids it all changed and she wanted no part of the upside-down aeroplanes or motorbikes. Sort of a nurturer type of self preservation I think..? I dunno I am no expert in human behaviour, just observant. Though I know others that still rode after kids without any (aparrant) difficulty. We are all different. Things are sort of coming back to normal slowly and she is doing a bit of pillion riding with me now. You havee taken the brave move of returning by getting a bike and with the right encouragement (and there is lots here) and training you will be fine.
Enjoy..

[MyGSXF:Me]

Ya mojo is still in ya blood babe.. never fear! I had a break after both my boys, & yeah.. I lost a lot of confidence in that time! But I gave myself time to take it easy & get the feel of being on my bike again.. now it's like we had never been separated! I'd definately suggest doing a training course.. I have a thread on here about one I recently did.. bloody brilliant!! & also as suggested, go round the shops.. sit & try.. get the feel of different styles, sizes etc.

There are 'some' out there that think they are only a real biker if they can spout off about having a 'big' bike.. woopdeeshit. (personally I feel these type are making up for the lack of size in bodily parts ) I have a 400 & can ride the arse off a lot of guys out there.. coz I have confidence in my competence!

Don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.. do what YOU need to do for YOU!! Take your time babe, ya mojo just needs a little stroking & she'll be back real soon!

Jen

PS: make use of some of the characters on here that live near by! that's what we are all about!!

[Lissa]

I havent got my mojo yet, but I think you should go for it Silver Fern, if its something you are passionate about. I am sure once you practice again, your confidence will boost... as Jen said take you time.

[mstriumph]

work at keeping an open mind

don't compare your riding now with "how you used to be"

don't try and keep up with your beloved
[in fact i'd suggest not even RIDING with him - or anyone else - until you start to rediscover the sheer delight of just 'you and the bike' .............]

irrespective of the fact that we can do it in groups, riding is a SOLITARY [and selfish] pleasure ......... an earlier 'you' knew that ... so give the 'you that you are now' time to discover it

don't stress - you'll be fine

[SDU]

The others are all right. Give yourself time, don't worry about being a nana rider (-there are a few of us out there)-self preservation is a wonderful thing, & your mojo will come back as you gain confidence & get to know your bike better.
Get someone to help you set up the bike for you so are more comfy on it too. Some times just moving the bars, adjusting levers, shocks can make a big difference.