Nervous as hell

**candyshot** · 13th September 2007, 21:08

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

**gman** · 13th September 2007, 21:14

just keep doing what your doing,go for little rides in quiet areas.it builds up your confidence slowly.hell when i started riding i did the same thing but started downhill cose i couldnt work the clutch properly!!
good luck!!!

**hyobad** · 13th September 2007, 21:17

Originally Posted by candyshot

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

half helmets are unsafe, I also dislike the feeling of full face helmets, so settle for a drilled out full, visor less full face helmet, NO laws against that!

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 13th September 2007, 21:19

Originally Posted by candyshot

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

First off for being the first ride around the block on your own well done. It is only practise to build the confidence up and a couple more times round the block, then two times arond the block next the world tour...

It is just practise to learn the bike, how it reacts to certain situations, where all the controls are, practising braking.

There are mentors on this site that I suggest you make contact with (there should be one in your area) they can help heaps. I would also suggest the ride right course.

Practise practise practise...

**Xaria** · 13th September 2007, 21:19

Congratulations on learning by yourself. I don't know if I would be that brave. My partner is helping me, and we have contact with a mentor for any questions my partner can't answer. (or work out how to explain)

The only way to get the skills is by practicing. You may want to invest some money with riding lessons, apparently the ride right course is awesome. I am doing it in Dunedin next month.

Another option would be to PM a couple of the mentors in Auckland for some hints.

Is there any way you can go on the road at an off peak time like Sundays? That certainly helped for me.

Hope it all goes well for you and you get your confidence up.

MD · 13th September 2007, 21:20

Do you have someone else to ride with? A bike in front and one behind you might help your confidence.

**Her_C4** · 13th September 2007, 21:21

Ditto, take it easy and slowly and set yourself little goals. When I started riding I had no idea what to do - well, really I just had no idea...

and so I used to ride down my street in the gutters (so I wouldn't be in the way of the cars), and then up on a grassy verge and rest for a while.

Keep practising in the car parks - then from one carpark to another one close by. Set yourself wee goals to get a wee bit further each time. Try for quieter roads if you can (sorry I can't suggest as I am not an Aucklander).

Above all, don't let anyone pressure you into taking a step that you are not mentally ready for.

Congratulations it sounds like you have taken a really good first step!!!

**Lissa** · 13th September 2007, 21:32

I agree with everyone. The best thing to do is to keep practicing, confidence will come

I cant really tell you what to do about the nerves as I still get nervous from time to time. My first real kinda ride today since my bike hasnt been going for a couple of months and I still feel it. Go at your own pace. Maybe find a mentor. Good Luck!

**jonbuoy** · 13th September 2007, 21:57

Originally Posted by candyshot

I live in a busy area on a main road, so I am currently just practising in a big empty carpark. However, last night I went for a ride around the quietest part of the block, and... i have to say, it was a lot scarier than learning how to drive a car! For one thing, the full face helmet made me very claustrophobic, then I got really scared every time a car came up behind me. So scared I had to keep stopping on the side of the road to let them pass. I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

Night time/evening might not be the best time to practice - people are in a hurry to get where they want to be. Early Sunday mornings would be a better bet. Sit down and watch a few hours of TV with your lid on you might feel/look a bit daft but after a while you'll forget its there.

**discotex** · 13th September 2007, 22:34

Originally Posted by candyshot

I really really want to be able to ride to work by the end of this month, but I can't see that happening if I can't control these nerves and build my confidence up.

Congrats on surviving the first time out in traffic. Don't be too worried that your nerves got you. They do that to begin with.

There really is no easy way to get comfortable in traffic other than to get out there but to be safe you really want your bike handling skills to be at a level where you aren't thinking about the controls and can take emergency action if required.

Don't stress on riding to work. It's far better to take your time than rush into it and get hurt. Little steps will get you there faster than you think.

Where abouts in Auckland are you candyshot? If you want someone to ride behind you to keep the cars off your tail I'd be happy to come out one evening or weekend.

**Bullitt** · 13th September 2007, 22:41

Originally Posted by jonbuoy

Sit down and watch a few hours of TV with your lid on you might feel/look a bit daft but after a while you'll forget its there.

One other thing that may help is taking the visor off. I went to pick up a new one the other day so rode without it to get it. I found even though I could still see the same it felt like I could see more. I just wore sunglasses to protect my eyes

I wouldnt recommend riding long distances like that but if your only going slowly around a few quiet suburbs it might help.

**Drum** · 13th September 2007, 22:57

You will be OK. Your confidence will get better with time. So will your skill level. You will be able to ride that bike and be the envy of your friends. Your parents won't be quite so keen. These are all certainties. Keep up the good work.

**Solarwind** · 13th September 2007, 23:06

Riding in traffic is scary because there are so many dangers around, I'd suggest getting out onto the open road, somewhere quiet like a backroad. When I first started riding I was living out in the country, so just rode up and down the road we lived on, getting a little bit faster each time. To get used to city riding, find a quiet suburban area with little traffic, get used to checking every side road you pass for oncoming cars, checking for people crossing the road, dogs etc. This is what I did when I first started riding, and later on when I learned how to drive a car, it's always scary at first so you need to start off in safer, easier areas to get your confidence up. You don't want to dive into rush hour traffic when you're a beginner. Disadvantage of living in Auckland, I guess

As far as cars following you go, you can either ride at the speed limit, or move over to the side to let them pass (you don't need to stop, just make room), that's what I did.

**madmal64** · 13th September 2007, 23:22

Hey its those nerves that are going to keep you alive out there. You are obviously aware of whats going on around you.
Learning to keep them under control is what its all about.
I agree with MD's idea. Nice to have a buffer zone
Well done for getting out there and also for posting about it as I know there are others that either are feeling the same way or know what that feeling was like.

I remember being shit scared about getting back on a bike after a really bad off that put me in hospital and unable to walk for a few months. That was 25 years ago now and Im really glad I did get over it and Im still riding. Thanks to good mates who did excatly what MD has suggested.