Wuss-bag newbie requesting assistance

**Stirts** · 5th June 2007, 15:42

OK so I am expecting a few HTFU’s with this but….

Me a newbie and wanting to commute from the shore to the city. I have actually attempted the commute a couple of times….although leaving in the wee hours of the morn to miss the heavier traffic and getting into work by 6:30am
a) not my idea of fun
b) me being at work at that time…

c) sleep deprivation NOT GOOD

I have read the thread re: lanesplitting/filtering and understand the theory….. however, it’s the practice part that gets me….how the fark can I practice this???? Yeah doing the weaving and control of the bike and situation, and hazard identification, and, and….. is all very well and good…..but it’s a totally different thing when you are actually with all the dimwits on the motorway behind the wheel too busy doing their makeup, picking their nose, on their cells etc etc to even notice a bike coming through.

I would like to experience being within copious amounts of traffic ….so I get a feel for what it is like and what to expect… given that it will be different everytime of course.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo if anyone commutes from…well anywhere from the far side of the bridge into the city and is prepared/able to take a pillion one Fri morning I would really appreciate the experience.

Cheesiest…greasiest grin

**Disco Dan** · 5th June 2007, 15:49

how to practice lane-splitting without the cars huh?

See you tomorrow evening at AWNMR and will see what we can 'arrange' for you

**Stirts** · 5th June 2007, 15:59

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

how to practice lane-splitting without the cars huh?

See you tomorrow evening at AWNMR and will see what we can 'arrange' for you

Nothing like a bit of bribery

C U 2morrow

**skelstar** · 5th June 2007, 16:05

Don't worry about being embarrased. I've done 50,000kms or riding and lane splitting gives me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately everytime i ride to Aucks I find myself splitting into and through the traffic to get to my destination.

**Stirts** · 5th June 2007, 16:30

Originally Posted by skelstar

Don't worry about being embarrased. I've done 50,000kms or riding and lane splitting gives me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately everytime i ride to Aucks I find myself splitting into and through the traffic to get to my destination.

Yes...I am learning very quickly that 'being embarrased' is a BIG part of the learning curve when riding.

Heebie Jeebies?.....I wanna wommit everytime I think I might try to share a lane. Cars wont have to worry about their mirrors being taken out...more like a power chuck all over the passenger windows

**carbacca** · 5th June 2007, 16:31

i am in pretty much the same dillema actually :P

got myself up and riding on the bike but still a bit aprehensive about riding to work. getting to work is not a problem since traffic is pretty light from greenlane to highbrook in the morning but going back there is a good chance of it jamming up; i could either sit in traffic on my bike (defeats the purpose really) or HTFU and lanesplit.

but yeah if anyone can come up with a way of practicing lane splitting.....

**skelstar** · 5th June 2007, 16:35

Maybe practice by splitting to the front of traffic lights?

I just cruise along and watch the cars...cars don't really move/change direction all that fast eh (not if you're paying attention that is)? Watch for the gaps that cars can move into, be aware of some lanes moving faster than others....cars like changing into those lanes a lot.

**Drum** · 5th June 2007, 16:39

Maybe find someone to split with for the first time? Ride behind them at a safe distance though.

Basically you just have to get out there and do it. You are nervous I know. We all were when we had to split for the first time. Many experienced riders still don't like to do it (and with good reason). For many of us the nervousness wanes over time. Then some idiot cuts you off and you are more cautious again, and so the cycle continues. Once you start splitting twice a day, 5 days a week your confidence will soon build up.

Give 'em a taste!

**Big Dave** · 5th June 2007, 16:41

Originally Posted by carbacca

i am in pretty much the same dillema actually :P

got myself up and riding on the bike but still a bit aprehensive about riding to work. getting to work is not a problem since traffic is pretty light from greenlane to highbrook in the morning but going back there is a good chance of it jamming up; i could either sit in traffic on my bike (defeats the purpose really) or HTFU and lanesplit.

but yeah if anyone can come up with a way of practicing lane splitting.....

OK, the title got me in.

Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

With time in the saddle, controlling the bike becomes more automatic. When you become expert at it, it goes where you want it to go like a second nature, time, practice, training - if you need it, are the only things that will cause this level of control to evolve. When you can maneuver by wiggling your butt and not thinking about it, then go lane splitting, when your reactions are as good as they can be.

In the meantime - forget the ego - that's just us old hands spanking on - do what you are comfortable/safe doing and listen to your common sense.

www.rrrs.org.nz

will do you well too.

There are times when my head is not right for lane splitting - it requires compete concentration - so I sit in the traffic too. Just chillin' - at least I'm outside.

**Disco Dan** · 5th June 2007, 16:52

Great advice Big Dave,

I have an idea up my sleeve for tomorrows AWNMR session regarding lane splitting

It is mostly being able to make quick changes in directions albeit subtle, while watching as many cars and driver faces as posible. Knowing how your bike reacts and having good spacial awareness is very important.

I have seen a few near misses when bikes have 'forgotten' about their rear wheel to some degree, forgetting (or not knowing) that their rear wheel doesnt turn and track the same as the front - and seen the back almost clip the front of cars etc...

**Mully** · 5th June 2007, 16:58

Originally Posted by Stirts

Cars wont have to worry about their mirrors being taken out...more like a power chuck all over the passenger windows

In which case, may I recommend an open face helmet?

**Disco Dan** · 5th June 2007, 17:02

Originally Posted by Mully

In which case, may I recommend an open face helmet?

Yeas...

Stirts may I recommend avoiding curry before AWNMR

Unless you bring some for me

my favorite

**Stirts** · 5th June 2007, 18:18

Originally Posted by Big Dave

OK, the title got me in.

Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

With time in the saddle, controlling the bike becomes second nature. When you become expert at it, it goes where you want it to go like a second nature, time, practice, training - if you need it, are the only things that will cause this level of control to evolve. When you can maneuver by wiggling your butt and not thinking about it, then go lane splitting, when your reactions are as good as they can be.

In the meantime - forget the ego - that's just us old hands spanking on - do what you are safe doing and listen to your common sense.

www.rrrs.org.nz

will do you well too.

Fanks for this....tis sound advice....and I will certainly be doing the RRRS training

**Sanx** · 5th June 2007, 18:19

Stirts, see if you can find someone with a helmet to helmet intercom to pillion you. That way you can ask 'em questions, or scream "STOP!" at them if it all gets too much.

I don't live over the shore, but am happy to take you on a lane-splitting tour of Auckland's scenic motorways should the need arise.

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

That has got to be one of the most succinctly put bits of advice I've ever read on this site. Bling duly awarded.