My first tumble

[true-to-life]

Well it happened.

And I gotta be thankful as it was just outside my driveway. I look back at all the contributing factors and think 'thank you motor gods' I was seriously looked after. What happened?
I rushed.
I was going for a ride with a guy who I thought quite experienced, and a bit crazy, pulled out of the drive in an unfamiliar fashion - wide, then onto the other side of the road where I seen the drain at the side of the road and couldn't get my bloody focus off it. Also had a change of handle bars this morning too. I've only been riding for 4 weeks but reckon I really like my old bars now. I did before but, now I want the others back more so.

I understand the handle bars are not a major factor (not a huge change) but a factor none the less.
So there we have me riding into a concrete, rain water drain, thankfully not fast as I don't have decent protective pants, got a nice graze on my knee and hip and my very pretty helmet has a graze too. I LOVE my gloves!!!! My poor bike got a graze on the front guard and we had to tighten up the ignition switch.
Bit of a bloody fright I tell ya.
Again I gotta say thanx motor gods, I have the memory playing over and over
and yep, got back on and went for a little ride over the Port Hills after that. Otherwise it may have taken me a week.

[FJRider]

At least you are alive to talk about it. If thats the worst bin you ever have...no worries.

Remember... you go where you look....

[Jantar]

...Remember... you go where you look....

The most important lesson any new rider can learn. And absolutely great that you got straight back on and completed the ride.

[FJRider]

Things not to look at on the road... potholes, rocks, dead possums...

[Trumpess]

Oh hunny!!

Thats no good! But thank goodness it happened at home!
At least you know the factors to how it all went wrong.
Dont let this knock you back. You can only improve here on in.
It happens to all of us. As they say lessons ARE hard learnt.
If you like your new handle bars, dont change them back, keep them! It wont take you long to get used to them. Its all pshycological ya know.
You have to learn to look to where you want to go. Everyone will tell you this! And it is so true! I have recently come to grips with this concept and it has improved my riding ten fold.
It is hard getting used to really focasing on where you want to go as there is so much going around you too distract you. But practise, practise, practise and you will see the improvement. Above all, take your time.

We will catch up this week for a wee !

[CookMySock]

Things not to look at on the road... potholes, rocks, dead possums...

stick on road, gravel edges, grassy drain, culvert.

Its so easy to look down, and so deadly.

Steve

[rainman]

Sorry to hear about the bin, glad it was just a small one.

my very pretty helmet has a graze too

How hard did the helmet get hit? They're kinda one-use-only, y'know.

[klingon]

... my very pretty helmet has a graze too...

Unfortunately if your helmet has taken a whack, it is a good idea to replace it. I know that's not what you want to hear when you have a pretty helmet that's
only a few weeks old! But it has done its job and saved your head - that's a job it can only do once before its structure is compromised.

Congrats on getting back on the bike and continuing your ride despite sore knee and hip! Well done!

Edit: beaten to it by the Rain Man.

[Gizzit]

As has been said ... it happens to all of us, and as far as they go ... it doesn't sound like it was too bad ?
Good that you are back into riding straight away. You've been given lots of good advice above. Stay with it and you'll get better the more you ride.
Good luck,
Grant.

[CB ARGH]

Things not to look at on the road... potholes, rocks, dead possums...

Does kicking the dead possums count? Was riding behind my half sane mate around SH16, he sees a possum and instead of avoiding it he kicks the darn thing, it flew pretty far

He gets off his bike on the next straight and complains of a sore foot, I wonder why?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Remember... you go where you look....

Check my tagg in me signature... it doesn't always work yah know....

[LittleAngel]

Awwww hun!!

That's no good you had your first

Good to hear you got back on and still went for your ride. Falling off always knocks ya confidence a little so you did the right thing.

You will eventually see the funny side of this... (I think I told you of my hedge accident!? at the time it so wasn't funny.. but it is now! )

We live and learn eh?

If you ever want a riding buddy - give us a shout and we'll organise something!

[FJRider]

Does kicking the dead possums count? Was riding behind my half sane mate around SH16, he sees a possum and instead of avoiding it he kicks the darn thing, it flew pretty far

He gets off his bike on the next straight and complains of a sore foot, I wonder why?

Quite a few years back, a friend of mine I was riding with, had a DOG run out onto the road at him.Some dogs do this... which at the time, can be quite unnerving...scary even. Something inspired him to put the boot in... RESULT... five broken toes. Unless you are wearing steel toe-caps...dont kick anything... it may ruin your day...

Your mates possum is probably still living...

[carver]

most bins wins

[FJRider]

Check my tagg in me signature... it doesn't always work yah know....

I ALWAYS found it works... here I am riding down the road... I see a big sign advertising a pub just down the road... I stare at it... VOILA... I'm IN said pub...works every time...concentration is the key