Captain slow!

I was out for a ride today because it was nice and sunny. I was just tooling along and 2 bikes appeared in my mirrors and they absolutely F*****G flew past me just before a bend. I am a newbie but they were quick. I didn't realize that was possible. I know I'm slow (I do the speed limit) and I know that I will get faster but that was some pretty intimidating stuff seeing up close! Times like this you feel like an absolute amateur and that you should leave it to the "pro's". I suppose in time I shall get faster. Any tips on being more confident to take bends faster or riding tips etc? When I get money I'll go do a track day or something.
Cheers

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by SV PILOT

I was out for a ride today because it was nice and sunny. I was just tooling along and 2 bikes appeared in my mirrors and they absolutely F*****G flew past me just before a bend. I am a newbie but they were quick. I didn't realize that was possible. I know I'm slow (I do the speed limit) and I know that I will get faster but that was some pretty intimidating stuff seeing up close! Times like this you feel like an absolute amateur and that you should leave it to the "pro's". I suppose in time I shall get faster. Any tips on being more confident to take bends faster or riding tips etc? When I get money I'll go do a track day or something.
Cheers

2 Tips for you, one which is good common sense.

1) Ride how YOU are comfortable. Group rides are good in that they can encourage you to try keeping up, but always be happy to back off and pootle at your own speed.

Last group ride I was on I was in various places, from 2nd in the group to 2nd last in the group - would have been last but we were using a TEC (Tail End Charlie) just depending on how I was feeling - sometimes very confident, sometimes like I should have my CBT taken away from me, never mind my license. :P

2) Dont crash

Tip 2 is a function of tip 1

Cheers. Well, I do ride within my own capabilities(national speed limits) but that is as fast as I can go and it doesn't seem like I could go any quicker. I know it doesn't matter going any faster than national speed limits on the road but if I could go faster I would be more confident as I wouldn't feel as I was on my limit all the time. I don't want to risk trying to be a Valentino wannabe to then kill/seriously injure myself or others.

If you're on a group ride, be very mindful of what Soulkiss says.....


......Don't feel obliged to keep up if it starts feeling a little edgy.

That's when you'll get into danger. Back off and catch up at the next stopping point. They'll be enjoying the chance for a fag and blether anyway.

Garry

Main and most important tip: GO AS FAST OR SLOW AS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE. You don't know what happened to the other two by the time they finished their hoon!

Concentrate on smoothness rather than speed and speed will come on it's own, get some advanced tuition, or as you say do a track day.

The most important thing tho is to go at your own pace and not be intimidated into riding like a fool.

Originally Posted by SV PILOT

Cheers. Well, I do ride within my own capabilities(national speed limits) but that is as fast as I can go and it doesn't seem like I could go any quicker. I know it doesn't matter going any faster than national speed limits on the road but if I could go faster I would be more confident as I wouldn't feel as I was on my limit all the time. I don't want to risk trying to be a Valentino wannabe to then kill/seriously injure myself or others.

If national speed limits feel uncomfortably close to your limits, take it easy and go slower. It may annoy people behind you but sod 'em. There was a statistic last year about the main cause of bike accidents and it's generally people on the edge of their limits bricking it in a corner and either grabbing a handful of brake or running wide into a field. Try riding at 75% of the maximum speed you feel comfortable with. That leaves you 25% of your brains and abilities to call on in emergencies.

Do you mind if I ask how long you've been riding for? It may be that you need to do something like Bikesafe or some other form of advanced tuition if you've just passed a test and aren't feeling ready for the bike.

I've been biking for about a month and a bit but embarrassingly I used to dirt bike quite a lot but it's totally different from on the road.

Sorry to go off on a tangent...but

Had my first go at moto-x last weekend! It's feckin awsome! Only fell off once, and had an absolute ball. Only bad thing was how much energy it takes out you, really showed how unfit I am these days! £60 for a two hour lesson. Just turn up in your civies and everything you need is provided. Fandabidozi!

http://www.funinthemud.co.uk/

Back on topic...
Give yourself a break, a month past my test I was the same. Just as everyone has already said, go at your own pace, concentrate on doing things smoothly and by the book. The speed and confidence will come with time and practice. The extra tuition is always good too. I was lucky with my riding school, Harleys used to do a ride-out every Wednesday if the weather was OK, and the instructors would keep any eye on you and give tips on "real world" riding. A ride out with the org or some more experienced friends can do the same for you. If not, get your nose into some roadcraft type books, or even just read the bike magazines. Practice the advice given one bit a time until it makes sense and becomes natural. As long as you take it easy and enjoy the bike everthing else will follow!

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Bear

There was a statistic last year about the main cause of bike accidents and it's generally people on the edge of their limits bricking it in a corner and either grabbing a handful of brake or running wide into a field.

You forgot about the tiny, yet meaningful statistic of watching the girl in front of you's backside then running wide into someones driveway !!!!

[appollo1]

I have to agree with the comments already raised about going at your own pace.

A few weeks ago I was out on my own (poor me) and became aware of a car coming really fast behind me. As i was not too familiar with the road I was on i slowed down and waved the car passed, but he just sat on my tail. It was obvious that the Subaru driver wanted a race to impress his mate in the passenger seat but I was not interested due to my lack of knowledge for the particularly twisty road that we were on. After about 3 or 4 miles he eventually went passed but slowed down beside me and started shaking his head before he roared off.

I could have been intimidated into going fast and possibly had an accident but I new my limitations and was not prepared to take the risk. If somebody is going faster than you then let them pass as long as they do it safely it is their responsibility to do so. Don't feel that you have to keep up with them as you will lose your concentration. Concentrate on what you are doing and be in control. Most importantly be safe and enjoy yourself.

Advanced lessons are definately worth doing.