New Rider... Scared everytime I get on the bike...

New Rider... Scared everytime I get on the bike...

by Karen
(Ottawa, ON, Canada)

I'm a very new rider.

Passed my permit in June. Took the course in July, bought a bike in August. Have been out a handful of times.

First ride, I was heading to the parking lot. Went down my street and around a curve to a stop sign. All is good. However, there were kids playing on the street at the corner. I was too focused on them and not the turn. As I proceeded to turn, I felt as if I was going too fast. I wasn't. I hit the "forbidden" front brake and dropped the bike. No damage done to either of us.

Made it to the parking lot and practiced, then headed around the neighborhood a few times and then home. Phewwwww, glad I was done. Wondered what on earth I got myself into.

Been out a few more times... but each and every time I get on the bike I am sooooo nervous until time has passed. Could be 10 minutes or 15 minutes before I feel somewhat comfortable. I'm always thinking what if I do something wrong.

Took the bike out the other night with my boyfriend following behind. Again..., nervous. We were heading down a back road and going to make a left hand turn. I took the turn too wide... hit the gravel shoulder, hit the gas, probably hit the front brake too... it happened so fast. I went down! Thought I sprained my ankle it hurt so much. No tears! I took off my helmet and got up and walked around. Ankle seemed to be okay. My boyfriend was there to make sure I WAS okay. A little blood on knee, jeans held up well, no holes. I said to my boyfriend... "Well, I guess I need to get back on...". He lifted my bike and the mirror fell off and the signal light was dangling... and there's a few cracks and scratches. He suggested it was best not to ride it just in case there was something wrong with it.

It wasn't until I got home; I realized the blood on my knee was due to a pretty terrible gash. Headed to the hospital.... 7 stitches later. I'm good. I look better than the bike, and I'm thankful for that! I wasn't scared when I fell, or mad. A little frustrated, because I knew I should have laid off the gas and looked harder to where I wanted to go.

My boyfriend sent me a text the other day. "Well considering the dump you had, the bike fared out ok. So get that knee better. You're a tough lil girl! xxoo"

He took a look at the bike for me. No major damage, just cosmetic stuff. He tells me it’s ready to ride. Unfortunately, I'm down and out for at least 10 days.

When does the nervousness go away? When do you know when to pack it in?

Comments for
New Rider... Scared everytime I get on the bike...

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Mar 06, 2011

Hang in There
by: Deana

I can't emphasize the importance of proper safety gear, especially for new riders. Before I took my Ninja on the road for the first time, I fully outfitted myself head to toe. Jeans don't offer near enough protection when your leg greets the pavement. When you're shopping, be sure that the pants, boots or whatever are rated safety equipment. I discovered while shopping that not all "motorcycle pants" are rated as safety gear. Clothing items, at least in the US, are clearly labeled denoting if they meet safety standards. Look for jackets and pants that have knee and elbow pads. A good removable liner is handy so that you can use your gear year round. Going to the expense of leather isn't necessary. There are some good quality synthetic fabrics available. With more women riding, manufacturers are coming out with some really cute stuff.

Mar 05, 2011

Scared
by: Anonymous

Bought a 2005 Yamaha V Star 1100 with only 5400 miles. My first bike.... Took it out to get familiar with it today and ran it in a ditch. Messed up my fender and fuel tank. Bruised myself a little and yes definitely sour... Got back on and rode it home. Then after a couple of hours got back on and ventured out again in my neighborhood, even went back to the area I dropped it. I feel so stupid, I was not looking threw the turn and went right in the ditch. Gave it to much accelerator and then froze.

Feb 12, 2011

It gets better....just don't over think
by: Anonymous

I decided to get my license in March of 2010. I was very frightened. Took several motorcycle courses, took a traffic course and just kept kicking my ass out the door.

What I did, that was likely the best think I could do, is I bought myself the sweetest sexy black Virago 250. I loved that bike so much. Would have kept it, but after 6 weeks, it was obvious that I needed to get a bigger bike for highway safety.

I hated letting go of the little sidekick. Just hated loosing the bike. But I bought a lovely purply blue Yamaha 650 V-Star and put a lot of effort and money into changing it to what I wanted it to look like. Because I was turning the bike into a "me" bike, I wanted to take it out. I ventured out solo to various coffee shops and kept talking to people. Reading. Stopping by all the shops. Eventually, putting a lot of miles on, I was able to start doing highway speed limits.

I was always afraid of the "jersey wall", which is cement divider blocks on one side and mountain rocks on the other. Feeling the pressure from the cars behind, I really did struggle with fear.

But the more I got out, the more I rode with experienced folks, the more laughter, the more cloths, i became the "part", and I began having nervous stomach from the sheer excitement, rather than of fear.

When I rode 12,000 km, in 4 months, I knew I had put so much of my time, into being dedicated to ride well and overcome fear. I think the turning point to me, was at 6,000 km, after only a few months, I signed up with an Advanced Riding Course, taught by the Policeman who trained police riders. Then, I felt a bit more like I could manage myself. And the two times after that when I dropped the motorcycles, I just reached down and picked them up, just as I had been shown.

In September of 2010, I graduated to a new HD Softail Custom, in Purple that I came across on sale. I put on about 9,000 km from September to November. Its been parked since, and I look forward to the ride.

Nothing can get you there faster than just doing the miles. You just gotta do it. At night, in the rain, at dusk, lots of solo rides, just keep going. Where you are afraid, make sure you go there over and over again. Tight twisty narrow roads. Look for them, and the goal is to work towards getting to the speed limit.

You have to reach forward, feel the fear, and do it anyway. only then, when you know you were afraid, but you did it anyway, the confidence will come through until you plan an overnight trip somewhere and pat yourself all over your own back once you did it.

Baby steps for sure....but keep moving forward....everyday, keep getting out. and, the fear goes away.

Fear, does, keep on on our toes. So, you don't want to loose it completely. I do not like to ride at night. I am very afraid of deer. But if I must, I wear the yellow glasses and I drive slower with much caution.

Hugs and keep riding.....build on your rides, one ride after the other.....

Kim

Oct 22, 2010

I'm Not Alone!!!
by: Sue

Wow, I have read some comments and I am not alone..I took the course, got my license and went out and bought a 09 Nightster!! 2100 miles later...I am LOVING it!! I was also afraid I was going to do something wrong as someone mentioned..I started out VERY slow, just going down the road, applying both brakes,stopping, then taking off again..when I felt comfortable, I would take a daily "loop" and get used to that, then eventually longer and longer rides. Highway was a challenge..at first wouldn't get it to speed,NOW, faster is better...practice away from busy congested roads, this helped me a lot. I took curvy back-roads, first time leaning into a turn thought I was going to fall over..Ride safe all!!

Oct 20, 2010

I'm a newbie, too.
by: Deana

Thank you all for sharing your posts. I'm 43, and I just started riding about a month ago. My husband bought me a Ninja ZX-6R, which I was pretty scared of when I first saw it. I'm in California and took the CMSP class for beginners and got my license. We've gone out on a few short rides, this past weekend was my first ride to Sacramento dealing with traffic and highway speed.

I found that if I visualize success, for example, in making a turn or starting from an intersection helps a lot. I mentally go through the motions of what is entailed in the specific action and follow through. I'm a Christian so I accompany this with a great deal of prayer and faith that the Lord will see to it that I do the right thing.

I'm pretty clumsy and managed to fall over while trying to turn in a parking lot. I was o.k., felt like a dummy and was glad my husband was there to pick up my bike. That thing is heavy. He showed me how to pick it up in case I ever dump it when he isn't around. I think it will be much easier if I stay shiny side up. Those carbs load up with fuel fast, so it was pretty hard to get started again as well.

I just had surgery, so I won't be riding again for a couple of months. I can't wait to get back out there. If I'd known riding was this fun I'd have started a long time ago.

I'd like to find some gals to ride with. My husband doesn't always want to go with me because, as he puts it, I'm too slow. I'm in the foothills east of Sacramento:
caldixiechick48@yahoo.com

Also, thanks to you all about helmet hair suggestions. I'll have to get one of those Wrapter things.

Oct 09, 2010

Hi, B12...and all who are nervous.
by: Caroline

The very first day (August 28/10) I got my new Sportster I dropped her in the parking lot!!! How humiliating was that??

Not to mention I still had to ride her home...and it took me at least 45 min to get out of the parking lot. All to say, I HAD to ride home since that was my only option plus I had been looking forward to starting on this new adventure of motorcycling with my husband. So, nervous as anything, feeling sick to my stomach, and shaking like crazy...I thought, how will I get home? One stop sign at a time. Every turn got smoother as I remembered what I learned in the Safety course and I even got on a little stretch of highway that day to get home! Once we arrived home I wanted to continue riding through the neighbourhood to get used to slow turns, stop and go and build confidence with slow maneuvering. I found this very good for me. In a few days I built up enough confidence to get on the freeway and take a day trip . It was great and I have such an amazing time riding as much as possible. I want all my riding friends to feel the same way. Remember to look through your turns, look ahead to where you want the bike to go...it WILL go that way.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would ride a motorcycle and here I am LOVING it and having so much fun with my husband and friends we are meeting along the way. See you along the way!

Oct 08, 2010

Nervous
by: B12

10-8-10 brought my bike to work, trying to save fuel on my truck since it takes about 50 bucks every 2 weeks depending on what my plans are. Well I am still wondering WHY I still get real nervous when taking getting on, and taking off on my bike then the fear go's away but then I start feeling dizzy, and feel like I'm going to pass out I always carry rubbing alcohol so I pull over the shoulder or exit a ramp, and stiff the hell out of it. I get scared but I enjoy riding, this is the first time I have felt dizzy, nervous always before I get on. i don't if it's because it's been over a month that I had the bike park due to getting repairs, and weather, but I can't stand it that I always get nervous I've asked my husband if his felt the same way when he started he said, yes and that i just got to get on and ride everyday so that it can pass, but due to a fall that happen back in April I also think that's why I get the way I do. What do u think?

Oct 08, 2010

Every kilometer helps!
by: Caroline

Hi, Karen, I am from Kanata and took the Gearing Up motorcycle course this summer too. My friend and I went through it together and passed...now we ride as much as possible (before snowy days get here). I see a pattern here for new riders as we are so frightened to get on the road! My husband and I ride every chance we get and it has boosted my confidence tremendously. I don't have the fear that I felt when I left the HD lot with my new Sportster.

We are riding as many "back" roads as possible -- I am addicted to getting out in the open air and seeing our amazing countryside and I can truthfully that every kilometer I have put on the bike has brought me more confidence and a greater appreciation for riding. Keep at it and ride safely!! See you on the road ;)

Oct 05, 2010

Same Here
by: melanie

Ssame here...very new rider bought a new 2011 Vrod Night Rod Special and was practicing slow look press and roll...that's what I feel I need the most practice on...Well I was in a parking lot coming out and going back in...turning into it I was looking at where I did not want to go instead of where I wanted to go...went right over the curb into a tree flew off came down on my head, my helmet came of(still not sure why...I did have the chin strap on)and rolled onto the pavement...by surprise, I was not even scared. My heart was not racing, I was actually calm...I'm ok, really, really sore. So i know exactly how you feel, right now I think I am going to be able to get back on and ride, but until that time comes...who knows.

Sep 30, 2010

I feel your pain!
by: HarleyVal

I am very similar to you. I'm 48 years old and have only ridden on the back of my hubby's bike for the past 12 years . . . never on my own.

I took the class in July this summer, and I'm still not on the real road. I've spend the past couple months practicing in a mall parking lot (the mall has closed), and I've just recently graduated to to riding the road that circles the mall.

My suggestion is to take a step back and practice on the basic skills you learned in your class. Since the roads to my mall are a little too congested and curvy for my comfort level still, my husband rides my bike there and back for me while I follow in our car. He follows me around the mall road in the car while we are there. Sweet, huh?

Maybe your boyfriend would do the same for you a few times. Don't get in a rush if you aren't ready yet. Sometimes I feel like I'm taking too long to get on the road, but I still feel by being patient and getting more comfortable before I do, I'm doing myself and others a huge favor (not to mention my bike)!! LOL

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Sep 30, 2010

Picking up the bike.
by: Mary

I forgot who commented, but I can assure you they do not teach picking up your bike in MSF BRC. I had to learn that the first time my Ninjette went down in the parking lot--alone. I wish I also knew about the engine flooding because it took some time to start!

I do have a small bike, but I heard of a 5'2" woman who owns a Goldwing lay her bike down and lifted it herself! It's about using your legs and your hips! I think my problem is that I need to have my hands on the handlebars to lift it, but I believe it is much more effective--esp on a larger bike--if you get your back against it and use your legs to lift it.

Sep 30, 2010

Me too!
by: Sue

Hey, Karen...

I live in Ottawa, too and I'm a brand new biker. Got certified this summer and I've only been out a handful of times. You and I should try riding together slowly and cautiously! Practice makes perfect, right?

sueoram@hotmail.com

Sep 30, 2010

To Judith-pick up bike.
by: Anonymous

Judith, you should attend a class where they teach how to pick up the bike. Harley Davidson's 'Garage Parties' include this lesson. Engine guards is a plus to help you with it. But remember that if you drop it, there will be people nearby that will help you. I have dropped mine when alone and soon had help to get it up again. The slight possibility of Dropping the bike, for me, is not reason enough to not be out riding! After-all, hours of fun outweighs that small risk.

Sep 30, 2010

Picking up bike.
by: Judith

I went down in class. Instructor picked up bike. A friend showed me, but even then, I have not been able to lift up bike. Still worrying about picking up bike. I am working on getting to know the bike. we put engine guards on bike. my husband doesn't want me to put bike down so I can learn to pick it up. It bugs me I am not riding my bike. Not giving up! I will let you guys know how it's going. Nervousness hasn't gone away yet.

Sep 27, 2010

This Too Shall Pass
by: Lori

Perhaps you are confusing some of your nervousness with excitement. I've been riding for 6 years (dropped my bike once in the beginning) and I still get "excited" just before getting on my bike (I am 5'3" and ride a HD Dyna Street Bob). I still get that feeling in the pit of my stomach, but as soon as I get on my Harley it goes away. As others here have said, the nervousness will go down as your confidence goes up - don't give up. It is sooo worth it.

Sep 27, 2010

Karen
by: Sandra

Sounds like you WANT to ride...being nervous is expected - riding can be dangerous and usually women are the more cautious ones - I said USUALLY!

Confidence is a GREAT assistance in overcoming nervousness and fear. Practice does make perfect. Parking lots have a lot to offer a beginner.

Actually, the more informed I am, the better I feel about riding. I read a book, "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hugh (?? my memory is iffy) almost cover to cover. It taught me about how a bike is built, why it stays up, where the worst hazards are AND how to be prepared for them, and so much more.

I just finished my 2nd poker run this weekend, running w/4 Harleys and a V-star - mostly a very experienced group of riders; we hit a road w/some wicked switch-backs, 3 miles of grooved pavement, fresh oil (for Pete's sake, I have a WHITE bike!!), country road w/no lane markings, gravel parking lots, city street lights...you name it, we found it! The V-star and I did GREAT; we slowed down when we HAD to (I did not like the feel of fresh oil under me, and V-star really hated that grooved road stretch!), but one experienced rider at least hung back w/us when we were wary.

Knowledge is power; educate yourself; but at some point we have to put the book down, pull out of the parking lot, and just ride! It helps you feel more prepared if you do have at least one more experienced (dare I say "cocky"?) rider to coax you through the scary spots.

Sep 27, 2010

Thanks!!
by: Karen

Thanks for all the comments. Reading these messages is a confidence booster. Many thanks!!

I will certainly try the gum chewing!!

The stitches come out on Friday!!

Hopefully its nice on Saturday.... thinking about touring the neighbourhood. :)

Sep 25, 2010

Chew Gum!
by: Sassy2731

I have found over the years I've been riding that chewing a piece of gum seems to help me concentrate while riding my bike. I've been riding for 4 years now and I don't leave home without my gum. It seems to just keep me focused. Try it and it may work for you too! It also calms my nerves too especially while riding the freeways in the big city of Houston. Even after 4 years of riding I still get nervous and sweaty palms if I haven't ridden for a while. Just get on and ride and after a few minutes back on the bike it just goes away. I still think the chewing gum works the best!

Sep 25, 2010

Scared!!
by: Stephanie

Girl, I know exactly what you mean. I am nervous every time I get on the bike, every time! My hubby and I rode for an hour and a half the other day and I had moments of not being nervous but I find myself yearning to just get home and get off the bike! But then when we pull into the driveway and I get off I wish I was back on. It's weird. I was in the parking lot for three months and I'm still nervous but I don't get to ride every day, mostly just on the weekends. I understand how you feel. Our riding season is coming to an end here soon so I'm setting my sights on next spring. Everyone says the nervousness will go away so I just keep hanging on to that. I have to ride when "I" want to ride, not when he wants to ride. I have to be rested and feeling confident. I just cant' do it at the end of a 10 hour work day. I do better when I ride on my terms. Maybe that will help!

Sep 25, 2010

Scared
by: Anonymous

Good to hear that your determined to keep riding, and like all before me, I will tell you it's normal to be nervous until your comfortable (like anything). My question is to Judith. I thought when you take your course they teach you how to lift your bike. I have been riding off and on since the seventies, and there was no course back then. Everyone should know how to pick they're bikes up, as it's part of being a rider. Also you should also know basic maintenance (oil and filter change, spark plug changes, tire pressure checks, etc). Washing and waxing your bike gives you some intimacy with your bike, and you would be surprised the things you will notice about the condition of your bike. Being a rider alone doesn't make you a rider, knowing your bike and your ability to maintain it, makes you a rider. And to all of you that call yourselves a biker, well that's a culture and way of life, and there's a difference between a rider and a biker. Just saying. Ride safe all, and enjoy the fall foliage.

Sep 25, 2010

Same as you
by: Hannah

Hi--I see most people have said the same thing so I'll keep this brief, but keep going, it does get better. I've been riding a year and I felt exactly the same, especially when I got my bigger bike--nervous and have to force myself on to it every time I wanted to go out. I really did think I would have to sell it. But I notice it's getting a teeny bit better each time, a teeny bit less scary. And you're right, the nerves do help in keeping you aware of what other people are doing an how you're feeling, which can only be helpful on the road.

Push on--you're a biker now! Have fun, and really glad to hear you're OK.

Sep 24, 2010

Who picks up the bike?
by: Judith

Okay, who picks these bikes up when you go down. I have not been able to pick my bike up unless someone is there to help me. That is keeping me from getting on the bike. I am afraid I will go down and there won't be anyone to help me.

Sep 24, 2010

Just keep getting back on the saddle!
by: Mary

I'm a newbie like you, I took the course got license and first bike back in July. Every time I got on the bike, my palms would get sweaty and I would get the shakes. Like you I wondered when the nervousness would go away. I practiced every chance I could get, even if it was only for an hour around my apt. parking lot.

After a few mishaps dropping my bike, I eventually found myself riding to work every day. Fortunately I could take surface streets there. But I found that I would get the shakes before every ride. My BF is a really good coach, and he would push me as well. He took me on freeway rides and night rides to get me accustomed to them. He also encouraged me to take different routes to work to challenge myself.

It was hard getting on the bike most of the time! There were so many times I would rather have driven my car to work because I did not enjoy the nervousness. But I didn't want avoid my bike, because I could easily see myself leaving it alone for a day that turns into a week, that turns into a month. And at least the nervousness kept me hyper-aware.

Eventually after three or so weeks of riding to work, I noticed I was no longer nervous before I got on the bike. I would get nervous around a tight corner, or when I split lanes. But no longer right before I get on the bike. It just happened one day, and it will happen for you as well, you just have to stick to it!

It'll be different for you than it was for me, so don't compare your experiences to mine. Just take your time. Eventually you'll get comfortable on your bike. Just know the difference between simple nervousness and getting in over your head.

Sep 24, 2010

New Rider - Keep Riding
by: Anonymous

Just keep practicing. I found it helpful to follow my boyfriend so I would just "do what he did". We would just go for longer rides each time. I ride almost every day now. I've only been riding for 6 months and I really enjoy it.

I dropped my bike the 2nd day that I had it. Just got right back on and didn't let it get me down.
Just remember to always wear ALL of your safety gear - especially if you are still not confident. If you get psyched out then you will probably not do well. You have to be ready mentally to ride.
Ride safe! Glad you'll heal quickly.

Sep 24, 2010

Takes time...
by: Lisa

Keep getting back on. It will get better. When you are on the bike, don't think of anyone else but you and what you have to do. Have confidence, you DID pass the course, so you know what you are doing. Just go around in your neighborhood or close to home for now to build confidence and experience. I just passed my course in May, got a bike in June and ride almost all the time; takes time to get comfortable. Hugs and keep us posted. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Sep 24, 2010

Hey
by: Anonymous

Don't worry...you will get better in time, which will make you feel more comfortable...Just keep practicing. I was nervous too but now I love riding...I would go on long rides by myself...it's a great feeling n a great rush of excitement....take care n have fun n be safe riding...God bless.

Sep 24, 2010

You can do this!
by: Anonymous

I'm glad to hear you are okay! The situation could have been much worse, that's for sure!

Well, here's my situation. I had had my motorcycle and my license for 3 weeks. I was getting onto a county highway when a car decided they wanted to get off. They didn't signal or even see me. They hit my front tire and took me down across the highway. I don't believe they even knew they hit me because they never stopped or came back. Fortunately I was able to hold onto the throttle and drive me and the bike across the highway into the ditch. The funny thing was as I was sitting on the corner waiting for my turn to get onto the highway it started sprinkling. At that moment in time I thought to myself I should probably just go home. Then two seconds later, that accident happens. Thankfully I was okay but the bike was totaled. After the insurance company totaled my bike and I received the check for it I turned around and bought another one. I wasn't going to let one little accident ruin my fun. I wont lie, I puked in my driveway when I got on it because I was nervous. My knuckles were white! I decided I was just going to ride around the neighborhood before I went venturing further, just to get rid of my fears. Within a couple days my fears were gone and I was bake being a biker babe! You just need to build the confidence up! You can do this! Practice makes perfect honey... keep practicing and eventually you will have the confidence to ride like the wind!

Sep 24, 2010

Nervous New Rider
by: Rita

Don't get discouraged. I felt the same nervousness you describe for quite a long time. If you truly want to be a rider, then just continue to ride. Take pointers from more experienced riders. Have them tell you after each ride what you did wrong, and how to correct it. Dropping a bike is part of learning-we all do it. I don't think I was ever more petrified than the first time I rode on a highway...but my determination defeated that fear and nervousness gradually decreases. Once you have mastered your bike, you will enjoy riding for years to come-don't give up unless you truly dislike riding.Also, remember that a little fear is a good thing.

Sep 24, 2010

New Rider... Nervous
by: Alice "Sugarbrown" Brown

First of all, I'm glad to see that you are ok...as for the nervousness, well I've only been riding since November 2007 and although I have clocked over 75,000 miles on 2 bikes, I still get a little nervous every time I get on my bike, because you can't account for the 4-wheelers and what they will do, remember safety is number 1. However, I ride my bike every chance I get which is everyday and I take the experienced rider course every year! You only need to take it once but I'm the first to sign up every March at the beginning of the riding season. The trick is to just keep getting back on...remember, there are 2 types of riders, those that have gone down and those that haven't gone down YET! and I have gone down 3 times! Hang in there girl! I have faith and confidence in you!

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