So, Recommend me my First Real Ride

Evening all,

Some of you may have noticed a few of my posts and topics of late, and the more inquisitive (or those with too much time on their hands) may have put 2+2 together and realised that I am doing my damnedest to get myself from 0-100 (metaphorically speaking) onto a bike.

This is how it is shaping up so far.

Complete/Purchased
- CBT
- Lid: HJC RPHA-ST
- Gloves: Richa Carbon Winter WP
- Boots: TCX Gore-tex (Thanks Bunkle)
- Jacket: RST Blade Sport Textile
- Trousers: RST Blade

Booked/Pending
- Theory (Booked for Friday, eek)
- Direct Access 21st March
- Bike: SV650S 04 courtesy of Trinyquist, Cheers!

The earliest possible date that I could be holding my license and sitting on the bike all insured and ready to go is 7th April, which isn't very long away!

So I want to ask...

Based on all the years of riding you have all done, what do you recommend I do/ where do I go for my first real ride?

I live in Birmingham (some of us have to) and so any local knowledge/routes would be helpful.

Is there anyone who would like to accompany me and witness my face which will probably display looks of terror and excitement in equal measure.

Cheers all!

Wherever you're going to be comfortable! No point taking your first trip into a busy town centre if you've done all your riding on less congested, generally quicker roads - and vice versa.

Build up gradually. Passing your test is only the beginning of your learning.

[Fen Tiger]

Whichever direction you take from Birmingham you will find some good roads not far away. My advice would be to seek some further training once you have passed your test, you will enjoy yourself more because of it. Have fun!

I'd suggest sticking to roads you know. I have no idea what it's like around Birmingham, but there must be some fun, twisty roads you're familiar with.

Then you can concentrate more on your riding/getting to know your bike while not worrying about how tight the next corner is etc.

But where ever you go, have fun. That's the whole point

[shiftin_gear98]

My advise, don't ride like a ****wit. Well not all the time.


Keep within your abilities. It's not just learning the bike, it's way more about paying attention to all the other ****wits in cages. Some of them really do drive with there heads up their bottoms...
It hurts like hell if you get it wrong. Or someone else doesn't see you.


Good luck passing, and enjoy.