Riding like an Idiot! HELP??????

Hi all,

Today I've decided I'm not enjoying my ride as much as before and I seem to be riding worse than before too . Which of these could be the problem:

1. Only been riding a big bike for 5 months
2. Started full time commuting into london
3. Joined the I.A.M. last month
4. Haven't been to a bike meet or ride out in months

Anyone know the feeling???

Originally Posted by N8te rider

Hi all,

Today I've decided I'm not enjoying my ride as much as before and I seem to be riding worse than before too . Which of these could be the problem:

1. Only been riding a big bike for 5 months
2. Started full time commuting into london
3. Joined the I.A.M. last month
4. Haven't been to a bike meet or ride out in months

All,

1 lack of experience
2 learning the hard way fast
3 learning to be critical of your own riding style
4 lack of open road practice

Sounds like you are doing OK, try and settle down, relax and you will be fine

I think you're doing things which aren't as fun as you're used to. Whilst I certainly believe IAM is worthwhile, having your riding criticised incessantly (often for extremely minor things) is dispiriting. Commuting in all weathers, particularly in London can get you down, especially if your kit isn't properly waterproof. Not riding socially makes riding seem more of a chore as you associate it with going to work/IAM observed rides.

How are you quantifying "riding worse"? Having more near misses? Making slower progress, Just being told you're riding badly at IAM getting you down?

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

How are you quantifying "riding worse"? Having more near misses? Making slower progress, Just being told you're riding badly at IAM getting you down?

Cheers Ceri. Not sure. Starting to find myself in awkward positions at lights or being blocking other bikers when I don't mean to. Maybe I'm more aware of my mistakes than before coz of IAM. Although I did enjoy the training and tips from them. I figured learn to ride well early, not picking up bad habits?!?! Not sure now.

lookskyward1, sounds about right. Will try some R&R (Relax and Ride outs)

Originally Posted by lookskyward1

try and settle down, relax and you will be fine

Ditto that. You are probably trying too hard.

[Stu]

Where do you work in London? What time is your commute?
I go Guildford to the City if you want some company on your commutes.

I'd also say the weather, although I enjoy riding, it's NEVER as enjoyable when the weather is misserable and you're always communting.

Solution:
Take a 2/3/4 hour ride out completely randomly on a saturday/sunday when the weather is good, and it'll make you feel a lot happier.
Sounds odd, but it works for me when I get the winter bug

I think if you reaslide your riding has gone bad, then you have the oppurtunity to amend that. Ride a bit slower, and give your self a bigger gap between you and the vehicle in front - this way, you can plan better in advance and position yourself correctly at traffic lights. Also, youll have time to look in your mirrors to check for other bikes coming up behind, without worrying about anything happening in front as you'll have more time to react.

Sometimes I get days where I feel crap. Riding in london is difficult, and you have to be agressive as no-one else gives you the time of day. Think confidently, and plan ahead, and you'll be absolutly fine

Matt

Thanks guys, good advice.

Originally Posted by Stu

Where do you work in London? What time is your commute?
I go Guildford to the City if you want some company on your commutes.

If its not out of your way that might be fun. I work near Goodge Street station and usually leave home between 8 and 8:30am, going through Putney n Chelsea, sometimes I use the A3. Takes me 40-50mins.

What's your trip like? (should this be a pm?)