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Will I Ever Ride?

by Veronica
(Valley Forge)

Got my license on July 10, 2013 at age 54 and put about 150 miles on my Rebel and had it under control. Just bought my Slim a week ago and now have dumped it six times -- all cosmetic damage, I am fine. Each dump was at stop signs. Today I left my development for the roads for the first time and dumped the bike 4 times. Stop at end of street looking at a cop car, at a stop leaving the development when car turning, stop at a light on busy road downhill with a lean to road and stop coming into the development don't know why. Everything else going well but just can't seem to get my stops steady. Now have no confidence, can't understand why I can't control the bike coming into a stop and for awhile felt like giving up altogether. Just feel like I will never learn to ride and it is something I want more than anything I wanted for a long time. I keep picturing the day of enjoying a ride for all the reasons why we ride, just not sure I will get there. All of you ladies of the forum have been my inspiration and have given me courage to get to this point but now I am starting to think about throwing in the towel. Feeling very down and sad :(

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Sep 27, 2013
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Don't give up!!
by: Reedie

I took the MSC in August. Aced the written test but struggled on the road course. I was blessed with two awesome instructors who would not let me give up. I passed!! It was an awesome feeling of accomplishment. BF and I recently broke up and I got custody of a '97 Honda Shadow ACE. I had ridden it once solo before the safety course and dropped it an intersection and couldn't get it upright on my own. I made a decision than that dropping the bike was not going to be an option. So I have been out every day practicing all the basics, over and over. I am loving every minute of my new found freedom. So please don't give up and throw the towel in. Just keep practicing and ride your own ride!

Sep 17, 2013
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Bravo
by: Sandi Roush

BRAVO to all of the positive comments you have written! I have seen so many positive comments on this page and I just love it!

Sep 14, 2013
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Can't give it up rain or shine nothing stops me
by: Anonymous

Dear fellow riders
I have been riding bikes at 19yr old and now I am 49. I leaned on a dirtbike first at the dunes so I learn to dump it on the sand it hurts less. At age 25yr I went to a cbr600 and different beast. In alot of ways it is easer then a dirt bike, but much more deadly. The asfalt is a lot harder and cars that can kill you for the wrong move. But saying that I would never give it up. I have dumped 3 bikes countless times and it has been starting a bike in gear without cluch pulled in, and stopping and not taking the bike out of gear when getting off. but the most is when stopping at stop signs and this is because of rocks or oil on the streets and making me slide. So girls practice on your braking but slow down before you start stopping so when you do deal with this stuff you can stop with out sliding and falling. Yes I don't fell bad when men pick it up for me cause I can't.

Sep 10, 2013
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New rider too
by: BarbieButzer

I got my license last October at age 50. I wrecked the bike 3rd time out. But a very good friend said - go get back on it or you never will. She was right. I was white knuckled but I continued to ride. Making mistakes along the way. Like.......oh, forgetting to put the kickstand down, not downshifting to 1st and when I took off, the bike lunged and went over. Been there girlfriend. Another girlfriend gave even better advice - Own your space. Stopping was hard for me too - but I went into neighborhoods and parking lots and practiced, practiced, and practiced. I now feel more confident with my ability. Still a new rider, but enjoying the ride so much more. It gets better every time you go out and experience it.

Sep 09, 2013
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Wonderful Veronica!
by: roadqueen08

Great news Veronica. You continue to practice as long as you feel the need. You must always 'ride your own ride' -- meaning ride for your level. Don't ever feel embarrassed or that you 'can't do it'. It is a whole new experience on 2 wheels. It is not normal -- your body and brain have to work together and it takes a LOT more effort to concentrate on just staying upright. But I promise you, one day you will not even think about it -- it will have become 2nd nature. :) I fell in love with motorcycles at age 8 -- I slept, ate and dreamed motorcycles. My first attempt to ride a mini-bike, I crashed into a tree! hahahaha, but I climbed back on. Learning about the front brake is a delicate balance. It is hard sometimes NOT to hit it too hard. SO GLAD to hear you are determined and are 'staying in the saddle'.

Sep 09, 2013
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Hope Renewed
by: Veronica

I truly believe if it wasn't for all of you I don't think I would have worked toward my license and likely have given up after kissing the ground 4 times on Saturday lol. I took your advice, went to a parking lot with my hubby on Sunday. During the practice my hubby discovered my issue -- I was applying the front break too hard causing the front wheel down, resulting in abrupt movement of the bike and losing my balance. He had me try stopping with only the rear brake, then only the front break and then both. First time ever I was able to bring my left foot down alone. We practiced for 2 hours and again today. All my stops were controlled, easy and best part two days in a row and no dumping. My confidence is building and I'm no longer afraid of my bike but do realize I need lots of practice before I hit the roads. Starting to believe I actually move from learner to rider one day. Thank you all -- you are the best!
PS to Skechardt -- I'm sorry you are selling your bike and wish u quick recoveries -- have u thought of getting a trike?

Sep 09, 2013
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A few things I've learned...
by: Harleymarta

I've been riding for 14 years and I'm only on my second bike, an 07 Deluxe. I am 5'1" on a good day and have not changed anything seat height wise on my bike.

Make sure that you are looking out when you stop, not down. That was an excellent piece of advise from someone else. It will help you maintain balance if you look up, plus it will help muscle memory when you stop.
Downshift, clutch, then squeeze and press front and rear brake until your to a stop. Then put both feet down. This will keep you from "running over" your calves and throwing you off balance. Your feet are not to stop, just to stand. As another person pointed out, this will address the balance, stability and comfort when at a stop. Make sure that your handlebars are straight, which they will be because your looking up.
I know that this just summarized what a few others had said seperately, but I have noticed over years of teaching that these are the major issues that people usually have with stopping. I would also encourage you to take a "couple steps" with your bike for a smooth take off. This will help you maintain balance as well.

Sep 09, 2013
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Don't Give Up
by: L Roberts

After 35 yrs of riding I've found that everyone drops a motorcycle for one reason or another. When you come to a stop, squeeze the front and rear break together and keep the handlebars straight. If the handlebars are turned even slightly, the bike will tip over. This is especially important when stopping on a curve... keep the bars straight! Hope this helps!

Sep 08, 2013
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Older Than Dirt
by: SEckhardt

I've loved reading the comments and recommendations. Anything that adds years of enjoyment to riding your own motorcycle is a testament to women's spirit of adventure. I learned to ride my own motorcycle at 35, when the only women on bikes were atypical. Yes, I've layed-over my share of bikes & broken a few minor bones. Practice and determination will win the goal. Use a parking lot, a quiet neighborhood street, or a country road, and repeat-repeat-repeat.

I'm sad to say at 66 my years of single riding are ending. I've had rotator cuff surgery and am facing knee replacement, so my beautiful blue '09 650 Yamaha V Star is for sale. He will be missed.

Sep 08, 2013
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I agree....keep trying
by: Anonymous

I agree with these responses. That front brake will get ya every time.......and the ride like a pro DVD is so helpful. My first bike was a Suzuki boulevard c50. I dropped it more times than I can remember. I traded it for a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Love the new blke and have no problems with it.

Sep 07, 2013
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You can ride!
by: Jeanette Vallance

I agree with all the comments about the front brake.. What I will ad is that you should get the ride like a pro dvd set... They are so valuable in helping you become a fantastic rider... I have only been riding one year. I am on my second bike. I learned on a Suzuki Boulevard 800. Now I have a 2005 Harley softail deluxe. I dropped my first bike because of the front brake thing once pretty bad but my husband got me right back on the bike and now I have put 11000 miles in the saddle. Those dvd's helped me sooooo much... I highly recommend them if you want to ride like a pro.
Wishing you lots of fun, safe riding

Sep 07, 2013
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Veronica -- you can do it!
by: roadqueen08

I will add my 2 cents. :) I started riding at 17 -- a mere 42 years ago now! I am on my 10th bike and I have dropped almost all of them at one time or another. My advice--for what it is worth--when you prepare to stop, downshift, tap the brakes, down shift again. When you have done this, you are slowing and have more control. Stay off the front brake when you are stopping hard. My hubby has a Can-Am Spyder and just bought a motorcycle. He has been going over to a large shopping center, now closed, practicing on his 2 wheels for these very issues. He used to ride a motorcycle but it has been 40 years for him! Also, when you are at a stop, put both feet down and hold the brake with your right hand. I PROMISE and ASSURE you that soon, it will become '2nd nature'. Keep getting back on that 'horse' so to speak! Most important, relax and enjoy the ride. Let us know how it is going!

Sep 07, 2013
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same problem
by: Anonymous

After 4 years of riding I just dumped for the 1st time. It too was at a red light. I too have this problem but usually can hold bike up--I found with me I am not completely downshifting to first gear. I am working on that

Sep 07, 2013
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addition
by: Anonymous

all of this is great advice the one thing i can add is when you brake slow down before your stop once stopped put both feet down but make sure your legs are out away from the bike for balance.

Sep 07, 2013
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will i ever ride ?
by: concretecowgirl

sounds like your useing your front brake with the wheel turned

Sep 07, 2013
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Ease it to a stop
by: Anonymous

Are you stopping too quickly? Ease into the stop, don't apply too much front brake, and keep your foot on the brake until you are stopped. Taking the foot down too fast means one thing-front brake only....

Sep 07, 2013
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Top Heavy
by: Anonymous

The Slims a sporty right? So when you stop if your just a little off balance you go down quick. Practice balancing it while your standing astride the bike and make side to side motions until you get the feel of the bike.

Sep 07, 2013
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stop thinking about stopping
by: Kristy

The more you obsess over it the more you are going to dump it. I know this for a fact. Have dumped my Shadow 3 times.

Had to tell myself that dumping is really just learning to pick up and go on... whole reason I wanted to ride was to get the feeling of confidence, independence and freedom...

Don't look at the ground when you slow down, look where you will be going. When riding you tend to go where you look, if you look down, guess where you go???

I learned to ride at 50 and it's the best thing i ever did solely for myself... love it. Don't give up, get tough with yourself and just make it happen.

Sep 07, 2013
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stopping
by: Anonymous

I agree with Mary. I have a Honda Shadow 1100 and have dropped it 4 times. Take the bike to a parking lot and practice stopping. You'll be fine. Oh, by the way, I'm 63 and started riding again at 60. Love to ride.

Sep 07, 2013
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If I had to take a guess....
by: Mary

....and since the rebel is pretty light, I'd say you're relying too much on your front brake....STOP IT! I'm not saying don't use it at all, just don't make it your primary way of stopping! I ride a Vulcan 900, fully dressed and I hardly ever use JUST the front brake. Tell yourself, back brake, back brake. If you're stopping and your wheel is even slightly turned and you use your front only, down you go. Now, if i'm totally off the mark and you're just losing your balance and going down, my other advice would be to firmly put both feet on the ground when stopped. I know the instructors tell you only one foot, but eh, it's what works for YOU. I almost always put both feet down. I'm sure you'll get a lot more advice...this was just my 2 cents, use it wisely. :) Good luck and don't give up!

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