When do the nerves go away?????

When do the nerves go away?????

by Jess

I've taken my MSF course and passed with minimal point deductions. I think I did pretty well too - though I do have some hang ups to work thru such as shifting into first when coming to a stop. I get so focused on the motions to stop the bike, I forget about that last shift. And the worst thing is turning right. I don't know what it is but that is the hardest most uncomfortable thing for me. Though I started getting better at it on the last day of class on their Suzuki 250. Now that I'm on my own bike - a 6 hundred pound 900cc, the fear is racing back. I just got my license today and took my bike out around the neighborhood with my husband on the back coaching me. I tell you, I was a nervous wreck. I went from pretty confident in class and ready to take on the streets to almost a whimpering little nothing in the corner (not that bad but you get the point). Do the nerves go away soon! I'm wondering how long did it take for any of you to get over the initial fear?

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When do the nerves go away?????

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Jul 08, 2011

Thank You
by: Jess

Thanks for all your comments and support. I really do appreciate it. As for my Husband, he is a very qualified Rider and I trust him completely. In fact, the things he was/is teaching me were also taught in the MSF class. We ride together - me on the back - to an open parking lot and then he gets off and I ride around by myself while getting used to the Friction zone and breaks by doing U turns, start and stops, etc. Once I'm comfy, he will jump on the back and I'll ride him around while he is giving me specific pointers. It's not as bad as some of your comments make this out to be. I actually don't even notice he is on the back of it. This weekend I will attempt a solo ride with him following me in his car. I'm not ready to be out there completely alone yet. I will have to try the Gum trick. :-) Thanks again!!

Jul 08, 2011

No Fear?
by: jp

As long as you keep at it the fear and nervousness does get better.

I just got back from a one day solo run back to Nashville from Grand Rapids, MI in on and off rain downpours and I've ridden long enough to react quickly and know what to look for.

However, I can still remember being too scared to get out there on my own. I took (and passed) the MSF course twice. I was 53 when I started and I knew my responses were slower than when I was younger. Even after meeting some riding buddies who were very experienced and rode me lots of places, I still sometimes would think "how much of this can I take?"

One very experienced lady rider once told me that she never did and she never wanted to lose all of her fear.

Now, when I take off riding I relish that little nervousness and little sense of fear in the pit of my stomach. I think it keeps me from being over confident and it keeps me always on my guard.

But, with time and experience, it gets better. Be sure to 'ride your own ride' and not let anyone intimidate you into riding faster, longer or in situations you're not ready for. It's fine for you to be challenged to 'grow' as a rider, but not pushed into anything or any situation you're not ready for.

Have fun.

Jul 08, 2011

Riding
by: Anonymous

I ride solo and have for some time..Except in the beginning..But if I would of waited for someone to ride with me,I would of never gotten the miles put on my bike..I just go..But not until I knew I had the basics down and I wasnt going to go out and drop my bike or go to fast around a curve etc..Thats also where alot of peeps mess up in the first 6 months..Plus keep your head up and look where you want your bike to go! where ever you look your bike is going to go there..

Jul 08, 2011

Yes
by: Anonymous

Everything becomes natural to you where you don't have to think of everything your doing. Ask questions, like you're doing here.

Rolling the throttle back as you shift and rolling back is auto pilot after awhile.

Jul 08, 2011

Gum
by: Anonymous

So funny. I chew gum too or hard candy. LOL...as you put time in the saddle you will start losing the fear. But is your husband riding on the back of your bike? I wouldn't like that. I followed an experienced rider when I was learning. I did take the MFS class as well.

But I agree chew gum. Then like a car you have to get use to your bike and become one.

Don't let anyone push you, ride your own ride. You don't want to lose all your fear because some fear is good.

You don't want to become cocky and to confident. You always want to be on your toes watching the cages. Especially in intersections and people pulling out. Don't trust because they are looking at you that they will not pull out. Always figure they will. It takes time. Ride safe!

Jul 08, 2011

Husband on the back?
by: Judy

I really, really, hope you didn't mean you had your husband on the back of your bike as a passenger to "coach" you. As a new rider, you should ABSOLUTELY NOT even think about carrying a passenger, ANY passenger until you've totally mastered the basics of riding and feel comfortable in all riding situations, with a minimum of several thousand miles under your belt.

Another issue is that sometimes it isn't the best for a husband/significant other to be the teacher. A person (unknowingly) focuses on "pleasing" the one they love instead of truly concentrating on becoming familiar and comfortable with all aspects of riding.

Lastly, it's never a good idea to make such a huge leap from a small, light, easy to handle bike like what is provided in an MSF course to a huge, heavy, (relatively) ungainly Cruiser style bike. The heft and fork rakes these bikes have make it difficult to master slow speed maneuvers.
Put away the 600 pound behemoth for awhile, and get something small and light to master the basics on. You won't regret it.

Jul 07, 2011

Get Gum!
by: sassy2731

I learned that chewing some gum helps a lot. I have never figured out what it is about the chewing gum but I tell every new rider to get some. It works! It will help you relax and take your mind off of other stuff. I've been riding now for 5-6 years now and I find I still need my chewing gum to relax. So get yourself some chewing gum. It's a cheap fix too!

Jul 07, 2011

Yep, They Do
by: Jean

I was nervous at first also, I think that I was 'over-thinking' everything too much. I read some where, possibly here, that it takes around 2-3,000 miles before everything 'clicks' in you mind. And that is true. Hang in there, it'll become natural to you before you know it.

Enjoy!

Jul 07, 2011

Nerves Do Go
by: Fran

I am having same problem, stopping and turning especially if there are vehicles around. I took my bike out by myself yesterday, without Dave and I was not a bit nervous. It was a good time in the middle of the day during a work week. I practiced shifting and I aced it coming to a stop sign then taking off. Not sure if it was because Dave was not with me I don't know. All I know is that the more you get out there and go somewhere you know is not much traffic the easier it is becoming. My instructors told me "I am thinking into it too much". They kept saying just ride girl. And they are right!!! so just get out there and ride. Oh another good tip is watch other bikers on the road and watch what they are doing. I saw two guys on sport bikes and noticed how quick they shifted up, throttle they snapped it off and then on again. Was so quick they weren't thinking of what they were doing. Stick with it like I am.

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