Venturing Out for the First Time

Venturing Out for the First Time

by Joan
(Iowa )

How long did you wait before venturing out on a ride? I took the motorcycle safety course in June, just bought my bike and have ridden around a parking lot a few times. I feel pretty comfortable but don't want to rush it. I know I'm just anxious but don't want to regret trying too much too soon.

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Venturing Out for the First Time

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Dec 23, 2011

HAHAHA, about 15 minutes after I bought the bike
by: Carol

Ah, I remember my first ride. I took the MSF course,and passed, went to the dealer test drove a bike for 20 min, went back, gave them a check,and hit the road. I bought the bike around noon. I couldn't get off it the rest of the day. I think it was midnight when I finally got home. I just kept thinking, it really shouldn't be legal to have this much fun while driving!
I got in so much trouble, missed family dinner and church the next day, because I was out riding. After 10 years of riding, I still have to plan extra time to get someplace because a I just have too much fun to get off the bike, and it still gets me in a bunch of trouble!

Nov 14, 2011

first time out in traffic
by: Anonymous

I might suggest venturing out when there is little traffic. My first few rides out of the parking lot were right after sunrise. Much less traffic I still had some to contend with and got a chance to see how I managed with all the lights and stop signs in my neighbohood. Sunday mornings were the best for the early morning ride - which is rather pleasant I might add. As your comfort level improves - you will feel more comfortable with more traffic. Good luck and always be safe.

Oct 03, 2011

50 mile ride
by: Joan

Well, I did it! My boyfriend and I rode about 50 miles yesterday. It was back/forth on a county road but learned a lot and thanks to my boyfriend for his patience, understanding and tips. Had to go into town for gas and survived two stop lights. I know with practice it will get better and better. So excited to get back on for another ride.

Oct 01, 2011

THINK SAFETY
by: im KIM

HI JOAN JUST DO IT THE TRAFFIC ISN T BAD AS HERE IN FT LAUDERDALE N MIAMI FLORIDA JUST RIDE N LOOKI IN HTE MOIRRORS NEVER LET CAR GET TO CLOSE TO U WHEN RIDIN BEHIND U N IF UR AT STOP LIGHT GET CLOSE TO EDGE BY SIDE WALK N CHECK THE MOIRRORS SOME CARS WONT C U IF UR THERE N LIGHT JUST CHANGED BE CAREFUL N SAFE N IM A GUY NAME KIM ;;LOL ENJOY UR RIDE

Sep 28, 2011

venturing out
by: marion

Hi Joan, As you have read, we have all been there. There really is nothing left to say, because the women have said it all. Take advice from each of them and apply them to yourself. I myself rode around the neighborhood for a couple of weeks. My husband did not pressure me to move on; when I thought I was ready I told him. We have the communication system so we can talk to each other. That is very comforting. When I did move on to busier streets, I would go acouple of blocks and then right back into the neighborhood until I felt comfortable enough to stay out there.If you take your time and do it on your own time, you will enjoy riding that much more. One piece of advice that was given to me and that was to chew gum. Don't know how it works but it helps me. I guess I am not holding my mouth tight which makes your hold body tense. I chew when I go out onto the enterstate. Which isn't very often. Just remember work at it at your own pace. Don't let anyone pressure you. It sounds like you have a wonderful coach in your brother. Thumbs up to brother!! Please ride with your safety gear, be safe out there and most all ENJOY your ride.

Sep 28, 2011

Seems like forever ago now!
by: Sandra

I got a bike in March 2010; took the course and got licensed in May 2010; and took my first ride of about 120 miles around local countryside WITH AN EXPERIENCED RIDER within a week or two of completing my course. Without my brother leading me along, I don't know if I would have made such a trip even now...

I remember my panic when I realized he was leading me out of my neighborhood right to one of the few traffic lights in our town...oh my GOODNESS, how was I supposed to handle a busy intersection?? What if it was "stale" green and he turned left? I'd have to follow, but turning left on a light without stopping, and even maybe having to "hurry" a bit. Pure terror. But I trusted him to not get me in over my head, and I trusted that at some point I would have to approach traffic lights and people in a hurry to get where they are going, cutting me off, stuff I don't even give much thought to in my big ole reliable car.

He pulled over at a rest stop some 25 miles into the ride to give me some tips. How close to ride to him, remember to shut off my turn signals, stay tighter together in town traffic...and encouraged me and gave me a chance to breathe and ask questions. Then we proceeded through two more towns much bigger than my 2 light town, more traffic lights with LOTS more traffic, turn lanes, turn arrows and yielding to oncoming; I even had to make my first pass - some farm equipment - that I happily would have followed at 20 mph if he hadn't passed...oh, and that HORRIBLE left turn off a busy highway, yielding to oncoming traffic onto a side road, stopped UPHILL...DON'T KILL IT NOW!!

Some can go it alone; some need to really work up to it slowly and are in no hurry to test or expand their skills. Some are naturals that don't understand all the hesitation. I'm somewhere in between, because my husband is very concerned for me as a rider of my own and really puts negative thoughts into my head sometimes - which only serves to make me more determined to practice my skills and expand my abilities. I even do emergency braking exercises and figure 8's in parking lots regularly so that when there's a pop quiz of deer or dump trucks, I've studied and don't have to waste time thinking through "what to do" - I just react, confident in my abilities and my bike's response.

I do like the suggestion to "get your head out of it and just ride the bike"...you can be a cautious driver without over-analyzing every tire rotation! Enjoy yourself! Breathe! Ride!!!!

Sep 27, 2011

Take your time
by: Lisa

I spent a lot of time in the parking lot also. My advice would be to take your time. Do what feels right for you. I took baby steps. When the parking lot felt too small and the road seemed too big, I just went around the block first. Other cars scared the daylights out of me.. but the more time I spent just going around the block, the bigger that block became and next thing I knew I was comfortable with riding anywhere. Just take your time and enjoy the ride! :)

Sep 27, 2011

Thanks
by: Joan

Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement and advice.

Sep 27, 2011

Heading out
by: Susanne

I bought my first motorcycle at eighteen and rode it home(30+ miles) that day. Look don't over think it. Just get on and ride. Driving around in a parking lot won't do anything for you in real life driving scenarios. Deer,fuzzy critters,people,cars,trucks and hundreds of other things will constantly challenge you as you ride. Just wear gear and keep your eyes on the road.

Sep 27, 2011

Personal preference
by: TattooChaos

I finished my course September 17. Bought my bike on the 19th. My first "real" venture was to campus 35 minutes away over 60% 6-lane highway at the end of morning rush hour September 23.

I'm still getting used to Suzi and acquainted with how she handles the corners, hills, bumps, etc., but I love hearing her in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. I've had two deer, a dump truck, and a handful of cars jump/pull out in front of me already. I left an ample margin, so I didn't have to panic, but I flipped off the dump truck because he then stopped 30 ft up to turn into the gas station. I still get a bit anxious in the morning, but I keep gearing my ridercoach yelling on the range, "TAKE YOUR HEAD OUT OF IT AND JUST RIDE THE BIKE!" It helps.

Sep 27, 2011

You'll Know When It's Time
by: Bikeophile

I spent my whole first summer only riding in a parking lot. No matter how long you wait, that first time venturing out is scary. But, you'd be surprised to know that riding on a quiet road is even easier than practicing turns and maneuvers in a parking lot. I've been riding for four years now and still remember my parking lot days with fondness. Keep at it and you WILL know when it's time to leave the lot. You'll feel that you've done everything you can to learn how to control your bike in that protected space and will want to get out in the real world. Before you know it, you'll be asking, "How do I know when I'm ready for a group ride?" Just take it one step at a time and let your love of riding guide you into each new adventure.

Sep 27, 2011

hitting the road
by: Yvonne - NC

I did the parking lot thing about a dozen times, but could only get to 2nd gear. Finally hit the road when traffic was not very busy, took it slow at first. Got the feeling going into 3rd then 4th and so on. Back road were best for me. Do what make you feel comfortable, if you need to stop, pull over and stop. Everyone is different. Good luck.

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