The First Time......
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 61
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From:
RE: The First Time......
My first ride was about 200 miles. Rode freeways down to OC, PCH to Ortega Highway, down into Lake Elsinore area then back home. Still do the same ride today, but extend to Dana Point for lunch, and to Tom's Farm before heading home.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
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From: The dream that woke you up in tears.
RE: The First Time......
I think it varies for everyone.
My first time in traffic was when I was something like 14.....so I don;t really reacall
Even for former riders who took a respite the stats are something like 3-5k miles before you get back to the level of experience and comfort you were at prior to the break.
You do what makes you comfortable and no more....only you know that.
Then there are some like my Dad who had not ridden in 15 years.....goes out and buys a new Heritage Softtail Classic and the first real trip he and Mom took was around 1100 miles......not that I recommended that nor that i ever excpected to see them again but that was his was of being extreme I guess.
My first time in traffic was when I was something like 14.....so I don;t really reacall
Even for former riders who took a respite the stats are something like 3-5k miles before you get back to the level of experience and comfort you were at prior to the break.
You do what makes you comfortable and no more....only you know that.
Then there are some like my Dad who had not ridden in 15 years.....goes out and buys a new Heritage Softtail Classic and the first real trip he and Mom took was around 1100 miles......not that I recommended that nor that i ever excpected to see them again but that was his was of being extreme I guess.
Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Canada
RE: The First Time......
Like the others said...it depends on your comfort level...don't push it. I took the motorcycle safety course after a 20 year absents from biking. Then I practiced around town ... not so busy roads and parking lots. Then finally I took a 300km ride through twisty mountain roads that became a busy 4 lane highway. From there I set out the next summer on some 5-6 hr rides into mixed conditions. Do what you feel comfortable doing and ride safe. [sm=goodidea.gif]
P.S I did ride two up right off because I knew that was what we would be doing so I got right at it. Now I don't know what it's like not to ride two up, but I'm okey with that
. Some say don't ride two up right off...that's another personal issue.
P.S I did ride two up right off because I knew that was what we would be doing so I got right at it. Now I don't know what it's like not to ride two up, but I'm okey with that
. Some say don't ride two up right off...that's another personal issue.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 107
From: Santa Clarita, So. Cal. & Bullhead City, Az.
RE: The First Time......
Take your time, enjoy the bike. Find some patient friends to ride with. Don't push yourself you will become more comfortable with distance and highways in time.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: Yaphank, Long Island
RE: The First Time......
Due to me pressuring others a friend went down and since then I am very carefull with pressuring others.
Steve know your limits
Steve know your limits
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, LA
RE: The First Time......
Don't judge yourself against others, only judge yourself against your own comfort level.
Having said that, when I learned to ride, I was 16 and in the UK, the course includes half a day riding around town being followed by an instructor, and that was just the compulsory basic training. At that time I went everywhere on my scoot, went on it to school and everything, so I got used to traffic in a hurry.
After a 12 year hiatus from riding, I came back to it this year. I wouldn't get on a bike before I had my MSF course, then I rode around back roads for about 3 days, and then on into town traffic. The first time I was very uncomfortable, but after a few times I felt more relaxed driving in town.
You have to feel comfortable in being able to assess road conditions and to be comfortable in being able to pull off emergency braking or swerving if needed. If you don't have that comfort level, I strongly suggest taking an MSF course, that will certainly help you learn how to identify and handle emergent road situations.
I would also suggest easing yourself in by riding around the outside of town, and also pick your time of day to be the least busy. Gain practice and confidence in a lower risk environment, before heading down the main drag at rush hour, that much is for sure.
Having said that, when I learned to ride, I was 16 and in the UK, the course includes half a day riding around town being followed by an instructor, and that was just the compulsory basic training. At that time I went everywhere on my scoot, went on it to school and everything, so I got used to traffic in a hurry.
After a 12 year hiatus from riding, I came back to it this year. I wouldn't get on a bike before I had my MSF course, then I rode around back roads for about 3 days, and then on into town traffic. The first time I was very uncomfortable, but after a few times I felt more relaxed driving in town.
You have to feel comfortable in being able to assess road conditions and to be comfortable in being able to pull off emergency braking or swerving if needed. If you don't have that comfort level, I strongly suggest taking an MSF course, that will certainly help you learn how to identify and handle emergent road situations.
I would also suggest easing yourself in by riding around the outside of town, and also pick your time of day to be the least busy. Gain practice and confidence in a lower risk environment, before heading down the main drag at rush hour, that much is for sure.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 300
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From:
RE: The First Time......
I just bought my first bike 3 weeks ago after a 20 yrs. of not riding.
day 1, back roads that I knew there would be the lease amount of traffic.
day 2, more back roads, secondary roads, but with more traffic
day 3, I was comfortable enough to take into Nashville via the interstate to a swap meet, but I did it at 9 am when there would be minimal traffic, but took back roads home (slower traffic) in the afternoon as I didn't want to deal with the idiots.
Now I just ride, but I prefer the back roads in anycase.
Just ride within your comfort zone and you'll know when its right to venture out.
day 1, back roads that I knew there would be the lease amount of traffic.
day 2, more back roads, secondary roads, but with more traffic
day 3, I was comfortable enough to take into Nashville via the interstate to a swap meet, but I did it at 9 am when there would be minimal traffic, but took back roads home (slower traffic) in the afternoon as I didn't want to deal with the idiots.
Now I just ride, but I prefer the back roads in anycase.
Just ride within your comfort zone and you'll know when its right to venture out.