Nervous as hell

**sunhuntin** · 14th September 2007, 19:58

keep up the good work!

if the full face doesnt do it for you... get an open facer. i ride with one every day [dont even own a full face, hate the fuggin things!!] and have had an off in one. landed on my back, so no damage. [cept to the lid, which got replaced.] just get a good pair of close fitting sunnies to protect your eyes.

**breakaway** · 14th September 2007, 19:59

Good thing you've got that kickstarter eh

**inlinefour** · 14th September 2007, 20:11

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.

I'm not sure how long you have been riding, but it sounds like a confidence thing? I was lucky enough to start riding when I was 8 years old and when I became 15, got my bike licience and then started riding on the road, I was nervous also. I think from memory, it took me a couple of months of riding around at low peak hours to get used to the traffic. If you have just started riding a motorcycle, I would think that if I had been riding a motorcycle for a short period of time and then got into the traffic, I'd possibly be the same. Maybe you could spend some more time learning to ride, or figure out where and when you can get out on your bike where there is very little or no other vehicles on the road. As for the car not being as hard to learn to drive, most get a sense of security in a cage. The road appears to be alot closer when sitting on a motorcycle. If your having problems with wearing a full faced helmet? I would not recommend the wearing of an open faced skidlid as I've done a few face plants on the road and in the dirt. I do not ever want to think what would have happened if I was not wearing a ful faced hemet. I also think you need to not only get used to riding your bike confidently, but also wearing your helmet without any distress, before your ready for the road. You need to sort out all other distractions/issues, before your ready to tackle getting used to riding on the road.

**Lteejay** · 15th September 2007, 04:52

Firstly welcome. It can be pretty nerve racking the first time you ride on the road - I still remember mine

As you have probably guessed from all the other threads, getting a mentor is a great idea and having others ride with you for a while sure helps. With someone riding behind you it gives you a buffer zone and the traffic doesn't feel as daunting. (Xion did that for me the first few times I rode on the motorway and it sure did help my confidence). Not too sure where you are in Auckland, but if you want someone to buffer the traffic, just give me a bell

Also others might have some ideas on nice quiet roads around your area. Theres lots of help and knowledge on here, so start soaking it up

The wednesday night mentor rides are also a great way to learn riding skills - find the thread in Meetings and Events.

Have fun - thats what its all about.

**NSR-Dan** · 15th September 2007, 12:42

You can always wear your full face round the house (except when eating) and eventually you will get used to it.

**klingon** · 17th September 2007, 10:06

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.

Originally Posted by NSR-Dan

You can always wear your full face round the house (except when eating) and eventually you will get used to it.

I endorse these comments! When I first started riding (almost 10 months ago!) all the gear felt strange. The boots, the jacket, the gloves, but most of all the helmet. Try going around the house fully geared up for a while. Whenever you're on Kiwi Biker make sure you're wearing your helmet! (Also protects you from the trolls.) Just don't try typing in gloves.

You're doing all the right things as far as practising. I'm in Mt Albert so if you're anywhere near here, give me a PM and I'd be happy to come out riding with you. Any excuse for a ride!

**BIKEGAL68** · 18th September 2007, 19:29

I know just were your at.
I was the same an within a few weeks i rode to wk on the busy motor way

but even now i get little nervous so your not on your own, just keep riding as much as possible

it gets better.

**Pancakes** · 1st October 2007, 20:42

Hey! Like everyones saying, stay at it at your own pace. You'll be sweet as! Is that your own work in your profile/avatar? Nice.

**BigRed2007** · 2nd October 2007, 21:12

Keep it up!!

**Deviant** · 3rd October 2007, 17:55

Like they say, wear the helmet/gloves for a while, practice int hat carpark until you've got the confidence to ride in a busier environment, try getting up into 4th/5th gears and slowing down immediately, then when you're ready and the weather is really good, get someone to take you to the domain.

Drop me a PM and I may be able to help with it if you are close enough.

**Hawkeye** · 3rd October 2007, 20:27

As everyone else has said. Practice is the key. Now the lighter nights are upon us, you may find that it is not so intimidating. Get in touch with a mentor who will be prepared to meet you at your place and 'escort' you to a quieter place such as a car park. There you can practice the things you need to in safety. The helmet thing is something that will disappear in time.
As a new rider, you are too busy concentrating on so many other things, that the gear appears to restrict everything you do. As confidence and knowledge increases, you spend less time trying to figure out if you are doing everything correctly and the issues disappear without noticing.
It sounds like you drive a cage. Is it a manual? I remember thinking I would never get to grips with the whole, clutch, gear change, accelerator thing whilst also trying to manipulated steering, indicators etc. Riding a bike is exactly the same. Before long you will wonder what the fuss was about.
Just make sure you progress at 'YOUR' speed and if you do feel uncomfortable with cages behind, just give them the room to get past.
One more thing.......Have FUN!

**PuppetMaster** · 4th October 2007, 09:54

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

**klingon** · 4th October 2007, 10:20

Originally Posted by PuppetMaster

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

Nah. Being nervous is a healthy reaction to being in a dangerous situation. And riding a bike on Auckland roads is definitely a dangerous situation!

When I first learned to ride my heart would race every time I started putting my gear on to get ready for a ride. I had to make a conscious effort to calm down, breathe and relax.

If candyshot is still feeling like this after a few more weeks' experience (and I don't just mean after a few weeks have passed - but a few weeks of actual riding) then she can make up her own mind about whether she's enjoying it. But right now I believe her reactions are well within the natural and healthy range.

Keep it up, Candy!

**RidingHard** · 4th October 2007, 10:25

Originally Posted by PuppetMaster

Call me crazy (and maybe slightly harsh), but if you are that Nervous about riding Im not sure its right for you.

Na man I dont agree. Ive been helping my girl learn how to ride recently, and I think nervousness is always going to be a part of learning to do anything challenging, but especially riding a motorcycle. Part of it for her is having stories drummed into her by non-riders about the dangers of riding and the inevitability of getting seriously hurt as soon as she starts to ride. Obviously riding is dangerous, but with heaps of practice, training and using caution the risk hopefully can be somewhat controlled. Getting used to wearing a helmet, gloves and controlling a motorcycle presents a big learning curve, and I dont think that someone who is nervous at the start should be told that riding is not for them. I know I was nervous on my first ride, especially in the city, and I dont think there would be many people who would say they weren't.

Good on ya Candy