Getting back in the saddle after a long winter off.

Getting back in the saddle after a long winter off.

by Bec
(Mass.)

Hello all, and welcome spring! I live in the northeast where winter is 6 months long! I started riding last year and took the course, managed to get 4K miles under my belt before putting the Ninja 250 to sleep (great starter bike!!) Traded up to a Ninja 500, which feels great because it's much the same, but for some silly reason I am a bit scared to get on it! I didn't get a chance to ride the baby for a refresher, and I know I should not be intimidated (after all it IS like riding a bike... right?). But I fear that I will not remember how to turn and stop!! Can someone provide some good advice about getting back in the saddle for a newbie? I know I can do it, I just need a good push! Thanks much and ride on!

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Getting back in the saddle after a long winter off.

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Sep 25, 2008

Hi Doreen
by: Anonymous

Sorry, I do not know of any women's clubs. But I don't look for them either. Chech out sportbikegurls.com, they have a section for NE that may be of help. cheers!

Sep 25, 2008

riding
by: Doreen

Hi my name is Doreen and live in mass also I am looking to get into a womens riding club, do you know of any?

Jun 08, 2008

riding a bike
by: gina

Hi as a new rider (just got bike May 2008) I understand your fear (concern) I feel like that and its kinda nice to know I am not the only one out there. So I say lets give each support. I going out today to practice so how about you? Today is good as any other let me know how you are doing. I take the safety class this august so I am just a beginner so I could use a friend. Any pointers I will gladly listen to. Myself I love the feel once I am on the bik get up to speed. I feel very frusted when I get stuck at stop sign or forget my gears. I hope this will come along till I dont even think about it.

May 14, 2008

Thanks so much!
by: Bec

Great ideas!! I thought of going to a parking lot to refresh, but my better half (my mentor) insisted I'd be fine without, and it turned out he was right! It all came back when I jumped on the first time. A little rusty, but OK! I do feel like I live and breathe riding, even off season, so I think that helped. I know that next year it will be that much easier. I bought a brand new bike that needs breaking in, so I've been taking it slow. My first ride into work (about an hour) was today and it was great! My mentor escorted me in, but I'll be solo on the way home. It's helpful to have a riding partner that has been doing it for many years, even though sometimes I think he's unsympathetic to my 'newness'... he thinks I can do whatever he can! But he's good at pushing me to try when I think I can't.

May 13, 2008

use your screensaver
by: Lauren

Yeah ! really !

Use a pic of yourself having a real good day on your bike as a screensaver ! it keeps reminding your muscles what they already know. Boosts your confidence.

Wear your gear around the house !

Sit on the bike in the garage on yucky days !

Send us all a pic! and a date youre gonna go for your first ride.

Apr 28, 2008

Getting Back in the Saddle
by: Jacee

I've been riding for 5 years and after a long winter of not riding, I'm a little apprehensive every spring. I just go over to the nearest large parking lot (usually a church when there are no cars) and go around and around, practicing my starting, stopping, turning, shifting, etc. After about 20 minutes, it all comes back. Then I carefully go for a short ride to sharpen up my senses, balance, and confidence. It just gets easier every time I take it out after that.

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