Always dreamed of riding... now I have 'the fear' :(

[Madbadbikerth...]

New member here, just looking for some confidence really.

Gearing up for my Mod 1 on Monday next week. Been doing well. Enjoying it, happy.... didn't mind going at speed at all!

Then yesterday, disaster.

Had a Panic Attack on the bike... my fellow learner biker accidentally went out on the duel carriageway, which meant we - myself and my tutor - had to follow. I was left alone while my tutor nipped off to collect the other biker.

At that moment I suddenly had this feeling of total vulnerability. I was alone, the high winds were knocking me about... I wasn't wearing kevlar on my legs (silly I know) and I just had this feeling of panic. What if I come off. My legs will be shredded. Then the fear set in, and it gripped me hard. I managed to make it into the lay-by where the others were waiting for me. I got off the bike shaking all over. It took all I had in me to get back on the bike and ride it up to the slip road to get off the main road. When we got off the road, I just crumbled and cried. I sound pathetic I know.

Anyway, it was a real struggle to get my head on, as the anxiety stayed with me after that. I had to literally fight my own mind-set to get back up to 50! When I got home I was exhausted and just throughly deflated.

The thing is, I have wanted to ride a motorcycle since I was a little girl, I grew up around bikers and on bikes. My husband is a rider. It was a dream, and now, well... it doesn't feel how I had expected it to feel. And now this has happened unexpectedly and I've lost the taste of it all of a sudden. I am terrified that if I get back on the bike, I am going to get that fear again... that panic.

I'm waiting for my kevlar to be delivered. It will arrive tomorrow. I'm sure thats going to help me feel more secure, but any help that someone can offer me would be appreciated. Is this common... does it go away???

I'm learning on a 600cc Yamaha XJ6.

Thank you
____________________
wannabe on two wheels!

[duhawkz]

Tritey?
____________________
"The guy is a worthless cunt and I honestly believe I would be a slightly happier person if he died." - Chris-Red

[MCN]

Experience leads to Confidence (can lead to).

Spend more time pootling around town to help you gain more control of the bike.
Control is a major part of gaining confidence but you know that.

If you still can't get over the anxiety of being in traffic you might be able to do track or off-road for a while.
You can do a track day for about £100+. No cars/buses to deal with and all vehicles moving in the same direction make it safer.

(The above advice only applies if you are not Tritey. If you are Trytey then I beg you continue to lack confidence. )

[barrkel]

Never really felt a huge amount of fear, especially if following the flow of traffic and not trying to do any manoeuvres. As your traffic awareness and bike control increases, the scope of what you can do goes up too.

Ironically, falling off the bike a few times removed some of the fear of accidents for me. I'm more worried about getting run over after I've fallen off, or hitting something hard while sliding along.

Only thing I'd say is: build confidence up from the bottom. Don't keep scaring yourself. Try to get confidence doing the basics, and build up from there. If you're constantly scared, you're doing too much too soon.
____________________
Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ

[Wonko The Sane]

you were put into a situation you weren't expecting wearing what, in your mind, is inappropriate gear which, along with weather wobbling the bike (grip with your knees, relax your arms and look where you want to end up) combined to panic you.

Relax, take a couple of trips out on a bike on roads you know, if you've not got a bike at the moment hop on pillion

We all have bad days, I had a slight slide on a submerged tram line this morning on the way into work and after a moment or two, or a ride or two you get your confidence back and you're fine.

Worth mentioning it to your instructor, should understand (you're not asking for an apology from him) and give you a bit more feedback on your riding to help you re-build confidence, might take you on a dual carriageway to help build confidence on that kind of road.
____________________
Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

[MCN]

[JoeDougieDoug...]

Dual-carriageways are daunting places for learners so don't think you're alone on this one. Maybe you were a little out of your depth at the time but you'll be riding on main roads with confidence before long - it's all about experience.

By the sounds of it you're doing pretty well anyway so keep it up!!
____________________
CBT Passed - 22 / 10 / 11 >> Theory Passed - 16 / 02 / 2012 >> Mod 1 Passed - 07 / 03 / 2012 >> Mod 2 Passed - 18 / 05 / 2012.

[rubyhorse2]

Nothing wrong with being wary just dont let it take over you. As long as you ride sensibly and are fully aware of your surroundings its highly unlikely you will have any issues.

riding in full gear will give you more confidence thats for sure.Try not to worry and just get as much practice as you can.

[hellkat]

Time to put your big girl panties on, luv.
____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Carvel]

Dual carriageways are probably the safest place to be.

Vulnerability stems from a lack of power.

Buy a Fireblade.
____________________
2002 Aprilia RSV1000R, Cbr600Fs, Mk1 B12, Vfr400 NC30...

Matt B: I can deal with crushed nuts to beat Ollie.

[waffles]

The important thing here is the answer to the question, 'do you want to ride?'.

If yes you need to explain to your instructor that you feel a lack of confidence after your unexpected trip down a dual carriageway. I'm sure he/she will be able to go over some pointers with you. The truth is that you are vulnerable on a bike however with time you will learn to read the road and be better at anticipating what other road users will do.

If no then perhaps be happier being a pillion?

I had a somewhat similar experience when I was learning to ride, I went out with the bf at the time and we were heading out around some local roads after I had done my CBT so had clearly visible L plates on. The sun went down, it got very dark very quickly and neither of us had particularly bright headlights so were struggling a little with the unlit roads. This woman in a BMW X5 wanted to overtake me and decided the best way to do this was to drive right up close behind me with her high beams on and blind me, then pass so close that she nearly clipped my elbow with her wing mirror.

It didn't help that the bf had a go at me and I left the bike alone for a few weeks after that. I sold it and bought something better (and with a brighter headlight!) and then got back in the saddle. You can either shy away from what makes you scared or face up to it. Only you can make that decision.

Good luck
____________________
Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[Madbadbikerth...]

Deffo want to ride. Like I said, its been a dream of mine...

Anyway, cheers all you guys so far for all your advice. I don't think I was ready so I didn't feel too bad about losing it. More disappointed in myself and annoyed.

Hopefully I'll get back to feeling elated again... !

I'll know on Friday, last lesson before my test.

Been riding pillion for years. Never had an issue. I want my own two wheels.
____________________
wannabe on two wheels!

[hellkat]

Feel free to come back when you've grown a pair of bollocks.

____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Hi and welcome.
Woman-up.

You'll be allreet And don't take Hellkat's advice on the big panties.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[UrbanRacer]

Its tritey

[hellkat]

No shit sherlock
____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Madbadbikerth...]

[waffles]

[Madbadbikerth...]

[hellkat]

[Madbadbikerth...]

OK, I'm gonna bite. I might regret it... but wtf is Tritey...??
____________________
wannabe on two wheels!

[MCN]

[chris-red]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=95789

Which one are you?
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[UrbanRacer]

[waffles]

Well I got suckered in!
____________________
Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125