No riding schools in the South

**Ripperjon** · 1st February 2008, 13:59

Hi all,

i think this is my first post here.

Anyway, After 10 years of wanting a bike, i'm finally getting round to it. (Haven't been settled in one area long enough to be able to do it until now.)

Alas though, it looks like there are no riding schools anywhere near Queenstown, so i'm gonna have to go straight for the basic handling skills test. Thing is, i don't have any basic handling skills! I've got virtually zero riding experience.

How much does that suck? Is it the same all over NZ that barely anyone will give lessons before the test?

I was considering getting a bike and cruising around a carpark first but am not keen on forking out a couple of grand on a bike, just to bin it on my first go!

Did many of you guys teach yourselves?

**Maha** · 1st February 2008, 14:12

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

Hi all,
Alas though, it looks like there are no riding schools anywhere near Queenstown, so i'm gonna have to go straight for the basic handling skills test. Thing is, i don't have any basic handling skills!

I had very little riding skills (some would say i havent progressed to far on that matter but they can get fecked) anyway, you dont need a riding school, BHS is all i did, payed $80 for an hour one on one. Got me a bike soon after (in fact i ordered it before sitting the BHS) and rode around on quiet roads/short rides etc. Didnt take long till i started thinking 'mmm, this aint that hard'...dont get me wrong, theres alot to learn, i never have become complacent about riding a motorbike.

**Coldrider** · 1st February 2008, 14:28

I taught myself on a trail bike at riverbeds and tracks. Ride or faceplant, ya' soon learn.

**Ripperjon** · 3rd February 2008, 19:51

Well, i'm booked in for a BHS test on 10th so it looks like im gonna teach myself too.

Now to order that bike....

**Steam** · 3rd February 2008, 22:31

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

Well, i'm booked in for a BHS test on 10th so it looks like im gonna teach myself too.

Now to order that bike....

If you are in Dunedin anytime before the test I'd be happy to have you ride mine around to get used to it, and the stuff they make you do for it. I'm home all week in Dunners, and on KB often so you can just PM me or quote this.

**Ripperjon** · 5th February 2008, 20:23

Hey man, that´s super-generous.

I prob cant make it over to Dunners before the test tho. I´ve booked in for Sunday morning and just gonna go for it. Wish me luck!

Thanks a lot tho´i really appreciate the offer.

**Steam** · 5th February 2008, 20:28

Good luck!

**Jantar** · 5th February 2008, 20:39

If you can get over to Alexandra before your test then Two Wheels Unlimited (at the Mobil Station) has a GN250 for hire to learners at $30 per day. I will have time tomorrow, or saturday to take you through the basics that you will need for your BHST. The only problem will be finding a suitable place to practice.

**alex** · 8th February 2008, 00:29

Hey mate, im going to do my basic handling down here in Qtown, i went into the AA in smiths and they gave me a card of a lady who does all the bike training in qtown, shes supplies bikes too, and takes you for your basic handling course.

Its called "Lakes driver training", go into the AA and get the details or i could post some up here if you want ?

**Ripperjon** · 10th February 2008, 22:11

i passed this morning

Stoked!

I went with Kaye at Lakes driver training. You can use her gn250 for the test but there is no teaching involved other than a quick ride around the carpark so you have to get some riding in beforehand.

There is a new bike rental place in the centre of queenstown where you can get 50cc 4 speed manual bikes. I rented one of those to get a bit of practice yesterday.

good luck on your test, bro.

And thanks guys for the offers of using your bikes

Now, time to sell that car