View Full Version : First time back on a bike! advice please
on yer bike
10-07-09, 12:16 PM
Right, so I've been working on a little project the past 2 months, was going to be a car, but I managed to talk the folks round to letting me work on a bike as I haven't got the space to work on anything bigger. This was on the condition that I get rid of it by the end of the summer, only ride it on sunny days etc...
Will create a thread about the bike later on once it's MOT'd and ready to go (hoping within a week). But I took it out today, just on the street infront of my house. Something didn't feel right with the steering, felt it kept getting stuck and was very wobbly. So The previous owner (one of my neighbours) took it out and it was fine.
I now think that it was more me than anything else, having not been on a bike for almost 2 years since my accident. I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice regarding this, I am very nervous on the thing at the moment. I also noticed I got tired very quickly, I'm guessing it is all getting used to it again.
Spiderman
10-07-09, 12:28 PM
Go for a ride with a freind if you can. get him to lead first at a nice gentle pace and follow his lines and road positioning.
The swap places and ask him to make mental notes of what he sees you doing right and doing wrong.
it'll come back to you suprisingly quick once you get back into the flow of it, i'm sure :)
It takes a while. After my big off, it took months for my confidence to fully come back. I actually got to the point where I thought I was never going to be able to go round a corner at speed again and was seriously thinking about giving it all up. I actually left the road, went grass tracking and heading for a lamp post once at a roundabout just because I had convinced myself I wouldn't have made it round. The truth was, my mum who has never ridden a bike before would have got round it with out even thinking.
My point is just get out there and practice. As Zig says, go out with a friend if you’re not confident enough to go out on your own. Only time in the seat is going to bring the confidence back.
dizzyblonde
10-07-09, 01:03 PM
Even if you just go out with a mate and just ride up n down the street is better han nothing at all. Small steps :-)
Glad to hear you starting to ride the bike again!
I would disagree about going with somebody else, especially in front. He won't know what pace you're comfortable at, and you could try to keep up with him.
My off wasn't as bad, but I was sh!tting my pants first time on the bike again (after 1-2 months).
Took it really easy, really slow, even slower in corners, had no confidence at all.
Take it easy mate and good luck.
...just because I had convinced myself I wouldn't have made it round. The truth was, my mum who has never ridden a bike before would have got round it with out even thinking.
same here...
Tiger 55
10-07-09, 04:49 PM
Don't be shy about starting all over again if that's what it takes. Down at your local bike training place, in a car park, on a CG100. (The CBT wobblers will think you are a riding God and it'll all come back.)
The most important thing of course is to get back on the horse in the first place, which you've already done. :notworthy:
Don't be shy about starting all over again if that's what it takes. Down at your local bike training place, in a car park, on a CG100. (The CBT wobblers will think you are a riding God and it'll all come back.)
The most important thing of course is to get back on the horse in the first place, which you've already done. :notworthy:
+1
plowsie
10-07-09, 06:40 PM
You notice the weirdest feckin things, and really can pick out the smallest of noises, cant you?
I know how it is. I was addament my yellow SV's forks were bent when I eventually got back on it last year because left handers were not as easy to turn the steering as right, addament, I was followed by my Grandad one day and he said your way too stiff, your left handers your trying to force it round but stay bolt upright. It takes time. That is not to say there isn't something wrong.
well done you for getting back in the saddle. I should have my bike back on the road next week and Im terrified about riding again and Ive not had an off. baby steps and you will soon be back in the swing of things. good luck, let us know how you get on.
-Ralph-
10-07-09, 11:12 PM
I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice
Yeah, AVOID THE COMBINE HARVESTER !!
On a serious note good to see you back on two wheels. Your problem (tiredness, stiffness) is that you are too tense, you need to try and relax on the bike. I think Tiger's was good advice.
on yer bike
11-07-09, 09:13 AM
Yeah, AVOID THE COMBINE HARVESTER !!
lol, was expecting that one (thats partly why I have to sell the bike by the end of summer, to avoid all combine harvesters)
-Ralph-
11-07-09, 05:36 PM
thats partly why I have to sell the bike by the end of summer
Why do I get this sneaking suspicion that you said that to keep the old's happy but actually have no intention of doing so?
:salut: Well done for getting back on mate. =D>
As Tiger said get down to a local ATB and get out with a smaller big and build up at your pace, you will be surprised how quickly it all comes back.
Take a few deep breaths and say out loud in your lid " I am a calm and confident biker" several times.
Sound mad, but it works! Dx:cool:
on yer bike
12-07-09, 05:12 PM
Why do I get this sneaking suspicion that you said that to keep the old's happy but actually have no intention of doing so?
shhh, theres spies everywhere! ;)
P.s do you know any way of hiding a bike so that your parents don't see it? lol!
-Ralph-
12-07-09, 05:24 PM
P.s do you know any way of hiding a bike so that your parents don't see it? lol
Yep, a mates garage. Did it for a couple of years until I left home, went to University and no longer had a bike, I only had a provisional license, so only the learner legal bike got kept at home.
Trouble is when you bin a bike and get injuries and gravel rash on your leather jacket that you can't hide from your parents, you also have to throw the bike you parents know about on the floor as well so you can pretend it happened on that! Two damaged bikes!
If you don't have a bike that your parents do know about, you'll also need to keep all gear in the mates garage as well and pretend any injuries came from falling down the stairs when drunk.
Master of parental deception me :-dd
Blue Flame
12-07-09, 05:51 PM
Good to see your getting back on two wheels Marius. Take it easy :smt038
dizzyblonde
13-07-09, 05:53 PM
shhh, theres spies everywhere! ;)
P.s do you know any way of hiding a bike so that your parents don't see it? lol!
yeah under a tablecloth behind the sofa...they'll never know:rolleyes:
And if they ask what your doing with all your gear on, say, 'I'm just trying it on to see if it still fits';)
well your location says you are in Edinburgh.. so why not get yourself along to Mcdonalds at South Queensferry on a Sunday and come out on a run..
its always a nice easy pace. never 'pushed' and a good day out...
Good luck mate :)
Just try and get miles under you're belt.
on yer bike
13-07-09, 08:30 PM
well your location says you are in Edinburgh.. so why not get yourself along to Mcdonalds at South Queensferry on a Sunday and come out on a run..
its always a nice easy pace. never 'pushed' and a good day out...
I'll see if I can get it to the MOT on wednesday (leaving especially early). When I was saying I get tired very quickly I wasn't exagerating, a mile or 2 up and down on the street and I'd had enough (it was the first time back on a bike). So may take me a few weeks before I'm ready for a rideout. It's not the speed it's the distance.
I'll see if I can get it to the MOT on wednesday (leaving especially early). When I was saying I get tired very quickly I wasn't exagerating, a mile or 2 up and down on the street and I'd had enough (it was the first time back on a bike). So may take me a few weeks before I'm ready for a rideout. It's not the speed it's the distance.
get to a doctor. if riding that kind of distance makes you tired then there is something up..
Kilted Ginger
13-07-09, 08:40 PM
get to a doctor. if riding that kind of distance makes you tired then there is something up..
No, after where he's been its to be expected, you wouldn't believe how long it took me to be able to ride comfortably or for any distance after my man flu. I'm still not back to where i was (and may never be) 2 years after leaving hospital
Take your time mate and take it easy its a marathon, not a sprint, and dont get down hearted, it may take a while
better being safe that sorry....
on yer bike
13-07-09, 09:09 PM
get to a doctor. if riding that kind of distance makes you tired then there is something up..
Yeah you're right, but after the damage and surgery to my leg and arm and time it took me to get walking again this wasn't unexpected.
No, after where he's been its to be expected, you wouldn't believe how long it took me to be able to ride comfortably or for any distance after my man flu. I'm still not back to where i was (and may never be) 2 years after leaving hospital
Take your time mate and take it easy its a marathon, not a sprint, and dont get down hearted, it may take a while
I agree, I remember how frustrated I was getting with things last year even basic things like walking were a challenge. I think this will be easier as I'm more of less as fit as I was before, so it's just the muscle memory to come back.
I'm not going to push it though and if I can't manage wednesday, then theres always the week after...
i understand now....
if i were you (and i'm not) i would consider trying to get my 'fitness' up first before i got back on the bike. lack of confidence and tiredness could lead to another trip to the hospital...
i know i'm sounding all doom and gloom (someone's got to play devils advocate) and everyone else is 'go for it' but i would rather someone is safe. if you are feeling nervous then if it were me i would go for a little refresher course. its a small price to pay to get your confidence back.
in the end though its your decision what you do.
on yer bike
14-07-09, 12:03 AM
i understand now....
if i were you (and i'm not) i would consider trying to get my 'fitness' up first before i got back on the bike. lack of confidence and tiredness could lead to another trip to the hospital...
i know i'm sounding all doom and gloom (someone's got to play devils advocate) and everyone else is 'go for it' but i would rather someone is safe. if you are feeling nervous then if it were me i would go for a little refresher course. its a small price to pay to get your confidence back.
in the end though its your decision what you do.
Quite agree, as I say though it's not really the fitness, as I feel as fit as I did before the accident. It's more muscle memory (sitting in a strange position that the muscles aren't used to) and as you say lack of confidence, and being tense which will probably be main causes of the tiredness and I know exactly what tiredness can do to you.
Thats why I know I'm not ready for a rideout just yet. But once it's got it's MOT I'll be able to work on it bit by bit. I don't think it will take long, a couple of weeks maybe. yes it will be annoying at the start but I know myself when to give up and if I'm struggling a little then I'll stop or take 5, whatever is required. I have no problem in getting my bike recovered by the local bike workshop if I can't manage any journey.
I also agree about the refreshers course, one of my good friends has just qualified as a motorcycle instructor and has offered me back to basics training. I have slight reservations about this as he knows me I think he may try and push me to go further than I feel comfortable which will be the worst thing possible. It may be safer to go with someone else. Now my head hurts as I have too much to think about :roll:
-Ralph-
14-07-09, 09:36 AM
Quite agree, as I say though it's not really the fitness, as I feel as fit as I did before the accident. It's more muscle memory
Marius, speak to KG about it. You may both have a similar issue, in that complete non-use of the muscles for an extended length have time has taken away all your stamina, though you feel completely fit and able, that only lasts you a short time at a time before you feel knackered. Your body is probably still burning a fair few calories just on repairing damage too, just like a growing child.
on yer bike
15-07-09, 03:12 PM
Well she passed.. and I managed the 8 miles each way which I think is the bigger achievement. Arms hurt a bit on the way back and I was a bit wobbly at junctions plus very slow round corners. But was fine on the straights :-) (I don't remeber 20mph being so dam quick though)
carelesschucca
16-07-09, 08:49 PM
its good your out there. just take your time, and breath you'll be doing fine in no time...
its good to have you back :)
jaromic
16-07-09, 10:02 PM
Its great that your back on the bike, take it easy mate theres no rush.
Short runs are better than none, just enjoy it :thumbsup:
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