Nervous on Curves

Nervous on Curves

by Lori
(North Haledon, NJ)

I have been riding just over a year. I was on a police escorted ride and made a right hand turn. I hit gravel and the bike came out from under me. I maintained semi control. I went over the yellow line and into the side of a car. Bounced off it a couple of times and then got away from it. I did drop the bike, but I did not go down. (not sure how I managed that). But now when I ride, I am constantly nervous about gravel on the road. I was curious how some of you got over the 'crash'. Is it just time?

Thanks!

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Nervous on Curves

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Jun 27, 2010

Curves
by: Jenny

I don't know if you have taken any of the Safety courses, but one of the things they tell you is to look where you want to go, when you are in a curve. It sounds easy, it is not.

I spent Memorial Day weekend riding with my sisters in Virginia. The road to the house we rented was gravel and muddy. We rode over mountains with curves and steep grades. The biggest obstacle that I have found is how I talk to myself. If I am mentally relaxed, I ride relaxed and am more aware and attuned. The worst thing you can do is to be tense on the handle bars. Keep a relaxed grip, breathe and look where you want to go. And the suggestion to find a gravel road and practice is spot on. Practice really does make a better rider. You can do it!

Jun 24, 2010

Gravel
by: Anonymous

The best way to overcome your fear of gravel is to find a gravel road and go down it until your used to it. Everything takes time. I know men that have ridden 30 years and don't like gravel. Maybe even try out a dirt bike and get used to the way the back tire moves in the dirt. Good luck!

Jun 24, 2010

Bit it good!
by: veronics

Hey,

Don't ride in the rain! Don't ride in the rain! I was told that constantly. Lo and behold last august after riding for just 6 days, I rode in the rain! I overshot a left turn, hit the curb, fell WITH the bike and dislocated my shoulder. I was pissed at myself! I picked up my bike, snapped my shoulder back in place and got right back on...only to fall again 8 minutes later! Yep! 8 minutes!! This time, I scraped off all of the skin from my fingers and broke my thumb. I snapped my thumb back and got back on! I rode home. I was back on the next day! My 'accidents' were not about to deter me one bit! Many men said those falls would have pretty much done it for them, but I refused to give up......Don't YOU let fear ever prevent you from love!!!

By the way, I was caught in the rain just last week, and I just slowed way down and took my time. My head is STILL attached!!!

Be careful,

Veronica

Jun 24, 2010

Relax
by: Rocco

You'll be better on curves now because you know more of what to look for. So just focus and have fun....

Jun 23, 2010

Nervous
by: Robi

Hi.. I crashed first time out. Thankfully I was with guys so didn't cry like the girl I am but got determined instead! It made me angry that I scratched the paint and then I just had to prove to myself that I could do this and I have!!! Spent hours in the parking lot! Best thing that built my confidence for the road. I am still cautious but am just doing it better and better! You can too!

Jun 23, 2010

Me Too but with Cracks in the Road
by: Sassy2731

About 10 years ago I was on a moped at the racetrack going wide open and the concrete had cracks in it. The front wheel got into one of those cracks and started to wheel wobble with me. I could not get in under control so I let go and bailed off and rolled it seemed like forever. Thank God that a cold front had blown through earlier and I had gotten a racing jacket out of the trailer and had it on. I ripped the entire arm out of it but saved my arms. I was bruised from head to toe, but no broken bones. No helmet that time so I used my arms to cover my head before I bailed off. Now I always wear a helmet no matter what/where I'm going. Anyway, to this day I still shutter when I encounter a crack in the road. Especially when it makes my bike wobble in the least little bit. You never really get over the fear you just have to keep going and say a little prayer each time you encounter your fear!

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