Log in

View Full Version : old dog - new tricks


CoolGirl
13-05-09, 09:00 PM
The other half, at the grand age of 45, is thinking about getting his license so he can get something to pootle to work in the city on.

Now, it's a while since I did my training, and I had some natural aptitude so it came quite easily to me. However, himself is a tad dyspraxic which makes walking down the street with him a bit of a challenge, and I have to shut my eyes when he's driving.

So, whilst I'm all up for encouraging Captain Chaos to get his license, what's the best way for someone who is scared of their own shadow and un-coordinated to learn to ride?

I've already suggested he does a bit of pillioning to get a feel for it, and he's safe to be left in charge of a bicycle in heavy traffic, so more of that might help. Any other ideas? Or recommended training for his CBT?

rictus01
13-05-09, 11:59 PM
Find a time and place (field best, but car park will do) Deb and he can have a go of the 404, if he wants.

Cheers Mark.

gettin2dizzy
14-05-09, 12:09 AM
Find a time and place (field best, but car park will do) Deb and he can have a go of the 404, if he wants.

Cheers Mark.
:confused:
http://www.grapa.net/peugeot404/images/404camionette.jpg


Look at those Frenchies showing off with their bloody metric system ;)

rictus01
14-05-09, 12:18 AM
:confused:
http://www.grapa.net/peugeot404/images/404camionette.jpg


Look at those Frenchies showing off with their bloody metric system ;)

Funny I never said peugeot :smt102

Stu
14-05-09, 12:30 AM
Please don't let Pillioning put him off! It's nothing like riding your own bike

Kilted Ginger
14-05-09, 12:36 AM
pushbike??

Dicky Ticker
14-05-09, 08:53 AM
Push-bike with a lollipop stick in the spokes will give him the sound effects as well;)
Sorry

SoulKiss
14-05-09, 09:04 AM
The other half, at the grand age of 45, is thinking about getting his license so he can get something to pootle to work in the city on.

Now, it's a while since I did my training, and I had some natural aptitude so it came quite easily to me. However, himself is a tad dyspraxic which makes walking down the street with him a bit of a challenge, and I have to shut my eyes when he's driving.

So, whilst I'm all up for encouraging Captain Chaos to get his license, what's the best way for someone who is scared of their own shadow and un-coordinated to learn to ride?

I've already suggested he does a bit of pillioning to get a feel for it, and he's safe to be left in charge of a bicycle in heavy traffic, so more of that might help. Any other ideas? Or recommended training for his CBT?

Well if you want him put off the idea I'll volunteer my pillion seat :)

CBT - most people seem to think this is a one-day thing.

As I paid for a DAS package that included as much CBT as I wanted, as I had never been on a bike before (ok I went pillion ONCE when I was 18), at the instructors advice I did it over 2 days, I spent the whole 1st day in 1st gear, and never did the road bit until day 2.

So, my advice, either put him on a DAS with unlimited CBT and say to the school that he wants to do 2 days CBT at least, the advantage of DAS would be that he would then have 4 days of instructor training afterwards instead of being dumped in at the deepend like the CBT then on the road option would do.

fizzwheel
14-05-09, 09:10 AM
My dad and brother taught my to ride in a field along the road from my dads house.

I learnt about pulling away, low speed control, figure of 8, changing gear etc etc, that way when I came to do my CBT I could ride and I could do the basics which meant I had more time IMHO to concentrate on the road itself and what the traffic was doing around me. Rather than trying to learn to ride and do all the other stuff as well.

I spent alot of time on a pushbike when I was a kid and I already had my driving license to when I did my CBT.

I'd be inclined to try him riding round a field as Rictus says and then get him to do his CBT...

He might surprise you... I surprised my mum and dad they thought I wouldnt gell with it and that I'd end up in a big heap on the road very quickly and I didnt...

the white rabbit
14-05-09, 09:16 AM
My dad and brother taught my to ride in a fied

I am a cider drinker..........

Proper Somerset that was :lol:

Stu
14-05-09, 10:13 AM
My dad and brother taught my to ride in a field along the road from my dads house.

I learnt about pulling away, low speed control, figure of 8, changing gear etc etc, that way when I came to do my CBT I could ride and I could do the basics which meant I had more time IMHO to concentrate on the road itself and what the traffic was doing around me. Rather than trying to learn to ride and do all the other stuff as well.

I spent alot of time on a pushbike when I was a kid and I already had my driving license to when I did my CBT.

I'd be inclined to try him riding round a field as Rictus says and then get him to do his CBT...

He might surprise you... I surprised my mum and dad they thought I wouldnt gell with it and that I'd end up in a big heap on the road very quickly and I didnt...
i would hazard a guess you were a teenager, I would recommend professional tuition - get the best CBT instructor you can geta recommendation of. Sorry I don't know any London ones.
Well if you want him put off the idea I'll volunteer my pillion seat :)

CBT - most people seem to think this is a one-day thing.

As I paid for a DAS package that included as much CBT as I wanted, as I had never been on a bike before (ok I went pillion ONCE when I was 18), at the instructors advice I did it over 2 days, I spent the whole 1st day in 1st gear, and never did the road bit until day 2.

So, my advice, either put him on a DAS with unlimited CBT and say to the school that he wants to do 2 days CBT at least, the advantage of DAS would be that he would then have 4 days of instructor training afterwards instead of being dumped in at the deepend like the CBT then on the road option would do.
Good idea, but with the new test who knows how they do it now?

Does he even want DAS or would he be happy on a 125?

SoulKiss
14-05-09, 10:18 AM
i would hazard a guess you were a teenager, I would recommend professional tuition - get the best CBT instructor you can geta recommendation of. Sorry I don't know any London ones.

Good idea, but with the new test who knows how they do it now?

Does he even want DAS or would he be happy on a 125?

Forget the big bike thing - if he does a DAS course he can choose to just do the 125 restricted licence and then ride the 125 without L-plates and with the ability to take pillions.

CoolGirl
18-05-09, 07:24 PM
Having had a good heart-to-heart with an even older dog about it last night ;).... looks like he's going for the 'try not falling off on a bit of disused tarmac and see if you like it' approach - thanks Mark!