Any Help & Advice please :-)

[Bike Mate]

Hi everyone I'm new here and fairly new to forums, so sorry if I do things wrong

I hope this is in the correct section.

I have a slight dilemna. I've been riding on and off for about 15 years but I don't ride very often and I had a long break during that time.

Trouble is, I buy a bike with a view to conquering all the scarey fears, I start to go for short rides, but I still feel nervous and vulnerable. I know the more I ride, the more confident I'll become but I struggle getting past the scarey stuff. I've been driving a car for about 30 years. Bikes are scarey and the traffic even scarier I'm sure if I keep going I will eventually go out and come home thinking wow that was great rather than thank god I made it safely.

Does anyone else feel this at the start of Spring if they've not ridden through winter??

Thanks
Bike Mate

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Can't say I do. Just build up slowly, and you'll be fine.
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[arry]

I get that quite a lot - had a couple of "moments" last Saturday and it really knocked the confidence out - so everything you do afterwards is awkward and on edge

The best trick to it is just to relax, not lock your arms out and get all tense, just hold the bike with your knees and go loose on the bars - and be smooth and calm with all your inputs.

Once you start to feel like you're controlling the bike, rather than the bike controlling you - it'll give you more time for observation to keep you out of trouble, and a better ability to get yourself out of trouble should you end up there anyway

[G]

First time I did 40 in a car I found it rather scary - despite the fact I'd done wheelies along the same industrial estate on a bike at twice that speed!

I'd have a look at some 'advanced riding' stuff (Motorcycle roadcraft is the standard recommended book) and consider looking at your local IAM group; my one offers a free 'first day' so you can get a feel for it.

Just getting out with some more confident riders will probably help too.

[Pete.]

Get a mountain bike and ride it off the roads. This will help to train your brain to deal with the instability of being on two wheels.

What bike are you riding? You might be more comfortable with a different style or model.

Choose your times of day and roads to ride on. If being in close proximity of cars worries you then ride on quiet roads mid-week, and double your following distance. Wear a new shiny vest so that drivers around will tend be more tolerant of your lack of confidence.

Most of all - relax. You'll have to consciously force yourself to reduce your grip on the bars. Don't ride with your elbows straight and squeeze the tank slightly with your legs.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Kal]

Yes, I do have low confidence moments. I tend to wear my body armour and ride conservatively until I fel comfortable.

Usually takes me getting from mine in Leicester to friends houses in Nottingham to shake it off.

Feel the fear, and do it anyway.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[Clanger]

I don't feel as connected to my bike when I come back to her after a winter break, and I do feel quite tall too. But that soon passes. In fact usually the first day I get tax, I usually book off work (if not a weekend) so I get the chance to play out all day on relatively clear roads and get used to the bike all over again.

Maybe you ought to do the same. Take a day off mid-week, and take yourself out for a purposeful ride. Somewhere were you will enjoy the ride, and the destination.

Alternatively find a local biker to ride out with you. Following someone about steadily may boost your confidence.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Bike Mate]

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated. I was beginning to feel I was the only one!!

I've got a mountain bike, I'll try that (when I get some time) Work tends to get in my way

I'll pick the more quiet moments. The road surface at the moment is a real nightmare too. Thanks again everyone.

Bike Mate