Well...

...I didn't get it (CBT)

BUT not because I did anything wrong, I basically got close to finishing the manoeuvres but not close enough.

On reflection, my biggest let down was my stubbornness. I took a lot of information in and didn't stop for a break half as much as I should have done, resulting in me being mentally exhausted and all wibbly wobbly at times. I think my state of mind was along the lines of "keep practicing and it'll come" as opposed to "do a few laps then stop for a breather and give the brain a rest"...but heyho.

At one point after riding for a while I got off the bike to find I had absolutely no strength left in me to put the bike back on the centrestand, I dropped it very slowly and fell over myself . That was the only time I dropped it though so I suppose that's a bonus.

NOT that I'm making any excuses but I only had 2 hours proper sleep last night due to one reason or another, so that definitely didn't help and my breakfast was pretty rubbish (few mouthfuls of cereal thanks to tooth issues), all factors which will have contributed


A lot of people have posted in Gruntygiggles' thread stuff along the lines of "how can anyone fail a CBT?" and "CBT is a breeze" blady-blady-bla. But I'm sorry, when it boils down to it, there is a HELL of a lot to pack into a 2 hour session in a car park. I only learnt to ride a push bike properly last year so I was surprised to be told there was nothing to fault with my balance. Once I'd got used to a more modern version of my Honda CG125 i.e. different biting point etc, the slow control was pretty easy and enjoyable, got no problems riding the bike but it was the whole combination of O-S-M that took a little longer to grasp than necessary. Then JUST as I got the hang of it we'd run out of time and had to pack up, the 16yearold on a scooter who was learning with me was ready for the road, hope he managed ok! I only had the gears and emergency stop left to master and I could have joined him, dammit lol. Nevermind.

As for the centre, no problems there, the instructor (s) were great. Those of you that know me will know I attempted a CBT a couple of years ago, which was a disaster, the instructor a complete to$$er and I got a rather large knock to the confidence. The car park I was in today was huge unlike the one I was at 2 years ago so that really helped. Thanks to Dizzyblonde for recommending the place

So the plan now? Well I still have 4 hours to make up and as it turns out a couple of other girlies have to come back and finish off too so the instructor is planning on getting us all back on the same day (hopefully in the next fortnight) so we can swap tips, natter etc.

Although I was absolutely gutted not to have finished it today, there are positives: I have a week or so to practice on my old girl of a CG and as they say, more practice makes nearly perfect I haven't had a nasty fall to put me off or anything and I'm looking forward to practicing now I know exactly what they are looking for

Maria x

[Nobbylad]

So you didn't sleep much last night huh?

[widepants]

mwah

Originally Posted by Nobbylad

So you didn't sleep much last night huh?

Not for any good reason unfortunately, toothache and a geriatric Labrador tend to disrupt the Z's

put it down to experience.... take a deep breath and .... control the nerves. i came within a whisker of failing my test cos of nerves. you've got this far... well done!! in all honesty, i think the only person you need to be taking advice off at this stage is your instructor.. he/she's been there done that and had many badges to prove it... once you got thru him... take on board the other advice thats being passed your way.

dont give up just yet ... go out there and get em

2 hours for a CBT??? I though it was an all day thing, then if you don't reach the required standard (it's not a pass or fail test, it's training), you come back and do a half day?

Keep your head up though, it'll all come in time. You thought about doing it on your bike seeing as your familiar with it?

Aw...unlucky MYC. Just book it again and you should get it a second time round...but if not, bribe with a doggie drawing!

Originally Posted by phil24_7

2 hours for a CBT??? I though it was an all day thing, then if you don't reach the required standard (it's not a pass or fail test, it's training), you come back and do a half day?

I think you get 2hrs or so for the off-road (car park) bits then, a couple hours on the mean streets. Not sure if it's time limited or not though!

[fastdruid]

For me it *was* a piece of p*ss and waste of time *but* I'd been riding a bike since I was about 9, including slow speed circles[1] and had raced. I'd been wanting to get on the road for ages so had learnt all my signs, road rules etc. So I had little to worry about. Only thing I really had to get used to was it was my first time on a 4-stroke!

If you're having to learn *all* that in one day though it *is* a lot to get in, you'll be *much* better after a sleep.

Good luck for next time.

Druid

[1] When I was about 11 I got a gilera CBA50 running and did 9 miles in a circle in my back garden, which was *tiny*.

Originally Posted by phil24_7

2 hours for a CBT??? I though it was an all day thing, then if you don't reach the required standard (it's not a pass or fail test, it's training), you come back and do a half day?

Well after we'd had all the spiel about motorcycling safety etc before we went out to the carpark yes it was about 2 and a half hours practical time. And I know it's not a pass or fail but I can still get it or not get it, roughly translates as a pass or fail I suppose. I'm going back as I mentioned in a week or so to finish off the 4 hours I've paid for. And however many I may need thereafter (hopefully none though!).

Originally Posted by phil24_7

Keep your head up though, it'll all come in time. You thought about doing it on your bike seeing as your familiar with it?

Well why use my fuel when I'm paying for theirs! Seriously though, I don't want to take the risk of mine breaking down (she is oooold) although no doubt they'd just replace it....but also it's just more convenient to use theirs.

Originally Posted by TazDaz

Aw...unlucky MYC. Just book it again and you should get it a second time round...but if not, bribe with a doggie drawing!

No need to book I just go back when they've sorted a date and then carry on as before.