Improving skills

[shop_addict]

Me first post on the board, so hello to all.

I'm new to this biking lark, although I've been a cycle commuter thru central london for a while (so I have a natural caution of most car drivers and pedestrians ).

Been driving for years, but only just done my CBT and I pick up me new bike this Saturday (am somewhat alarmingly over-excited about the whole thing).

As I'm intending to use it to commute to work on (through the centre of London) I'm planning on getting some practice on quieter roads over xmas. However, I've heard about Bikesafe London - https://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/, and I'm wondering if anyone else has used this, and whether it's aimed more at experienced riders rather than newbies like me? I am planning on some lessons as well.

Any advice appreciated.

Ta
Jo

[T.C]

[shop_addict]

Thanks for that TC. I guess I'd be better off having some lessons to get me started really. I don't mind setting off on me own....but it's probably worth trying to 'do things right' until i get round to taking my test.

[BlueNinja]

Try pick some less populated roads and ride around a bit.. get used to your bike, (most important.. riding around on something you are not familiar with can be tiring, confusing, or even dangerous). Once you are used to it, go for some bigger roads, towns, and long trips. Teach yourself until you are confident.

After that, there are a few recommended training courses which even bring insurance down a good bit, but as TC has said, theyll usually expect a full licence, so do some research on this..

I always find the best way to learn is teaching yourself. You can go at any pace you feel comfortable with, and rather being 'told' what to do, you'll learn it yourself, and you wont forget so quickly

Good luck

[shop_addict]

Cheers BN.

My plan is to fetch the bike on Saturday (have to resist the urge to camp outside the shop overnight....), tuck myself away on the roads where I did my CBT (pretty quiet, residential area), and practice.

Then on Sunday, I'll go for busier roads if I'm feeling up to it. Traffic isn't so much the problem as I cycle on busy roads a lot - it's changing gears, not constantly looking at the handlebars, and getting the clutch control right all whilst dealing with the traffic that's the problem!

Then next week it's back to work.....but on xmas morning.....when most are at home opening pressies......I'm off to play on the big roads . Well.....I'll be practising my commute thru central london - cos let's face it....if I can't do it on the quietest day of the year, what hope if there for me?

Ta
Jo -> very, very, very over-excited -> really should lie down for a bit

[DanceLikeAMon...]

Good luck buddy! I am in exactly the same boat as you and will be taking my bike out for the first time this weekend.

We can report back on Sunday and see how each other have done.

[shop_addict]

Haha....best of luck DLAM...hope you'll be grinning as much as me

One thing that's annoying me tho is that because none of my mates ride bikes, and they all think I'm mad to start riding just as winter's closing in.

Whereas I reckon it's the best time to start - after all, if you can do greasy roads on the Saturday before xmas.....surely everything else afterwards just gets better?

Jo

[DanceLikeAMon...]

And we fall off on ice at least the snow will break our fall!

[shop_addict]

[meyrick]

Hey guys, looks like I'm at about the same point too. Finally got my CBT out of the way yesterday

Hopefully if the insurance comes through in the post tomorrow I will take my bike to a quiet road / car park and try to get my head around those gears If all goes well I may be pottering around the country lanes (in my new flourescent tabbard! LOL ) at the weekend.

Gook luck

Paul

[DanceLikeAMon...]

Starting to sound like I have more chance of getting knocked off by another beginner than by a car!

[BlueNinja]

Little tip: Keep your eye out for drain lids. theyll be wet and slippery, and bring you down on the road before you can say... 'Bugger'

Enjoy your first time out Oh and on country lanes, wont be a problem this time of year really, watch out for bats at night.. I had one go straight into my open visor, and touch my face! eek also watch out of animals crossing the road at night..

Good luck! you'll love it

[The Tot]

Yo shop_addict,

read my post on regarding bikesafe
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=357939#357939

I'd thoroughly recommend them - i've only got a CBT but found the day to be very productive, valuable and quite comical - the guys there are right jokers so make sure that you can get accustomed their dry sense of humour

EDIT: Sorry, didn't read TC's post, but i still nevertheless found bikesafe quite useful - i know that when your doing training for your test, they will instruct you on how to position yourself etc for the correct "textbook" riding, but bikesafe is all about safety and vision etc and more than anything a good day out and a laugh - i was the only L-plater there but it gave me more confidence in doing the test - proof was that my mate passed his DAS 2weeks after doing the course (he had an international license before hand if your're wondering why). But then again, TC is a fully qualified riding instructor so i wouldn't really argue against him, but these are my 2 cents worth - oh - i've been riding in all sorts of weather for 15 months in case you're wondering.
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[DanceLikeAMon...]

[BlueNinja]

Well often they are at a different angle to the road, (because they get squashed by car and truck wheels none stop every day). So best try avoid them, but dont be too paranoid about it. you should be able to tell when you see a dogey one. It's the ones on corners you really dont want to hit.. usually the drain lid will have plenty of grip, but on corners they tend to get worn down, and almost dead smooth.. add a little water, and its a killer..take corners carefully at this time of year, and you'll be fine

[Bendy]

[shop_addict]

Got me bike at 10am......been riding around all day........am now wondering why on earth I didn't do this years ago!!

I finally came home for a celebratory beer...but now I'm wishing I hadn't had it because I want to go out and play again! Ah well, it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I can always stay in and read the manual

I can't quite believe what nice weather it's been as well - especially considering how shitty yesterday was down here. Maybe I was always meant to ride a bike.....

I'm now considering whether to stick to the original plan of practicing over xmas before starting to commute on it in the new year.....or whether to start the commute on Monday

Jo -> Glad she bought the winter gear cos it's soooo nice and toasty

[fuzz]

I did the Bikesafe thing some months ago, and being on Ls, the only help that could be offered to me was to do with observation. It was good to know my riding was generally OK, but I got nowhere near out of it what I would have if I'd passed my test.
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Bikes: '99 NSR125R, '00 SV650S, K1 GSX-R600, '97 CB500, K3 SV1000S, '16 VFR800

[nick.h]

whats it like going over those cow grid things then? would it be best to get off the bike and walk the bike over?

I'm asking as i will probably need to go over one to get to work..
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[instigator]

If you're going to be learning in winter, all I can say is to watch out for areas under shadow.

If its cold out, and the sun is low, theres a good chance the roads in sunshine will be nice and dry but shaded areas will be very icy and you won't expect it. At all.