Newbie riding solo or with others?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
Newbie riding solo or with others?
Let me start off by saying that I have only been riding a street motorcycle for less than 6 months. It that time I ridden over 1200 miles, had my first minor and major crash. I spent a week in the hospital; I broke my shoulder blade, collarbone and 5 or 6 ribs. My bike was damaged from the crash; it sat in the garage broken for about 2 months.
During the time I was in the hospital and at home recovering people kept asking me if I was going to ride again after my crash. There was part of me that was scared and was not sure about getting on a bike again.
I knew in my heart I still wanted to ride though, every time I was anywhere there motorcycles around, I would get a little sad because mine still in the garage broken.
With the help my girlfriend, friends and family we attempted to fix my bike. We got it as far as we could and then I took it in to get fixed the rest of the way. I just it got back about 8 days ago and I have since put 600 plus miles on it.
Before my crash I had only once ridden with someone else, we went on about a 200 mile trip, just me and a friend. After my crash I have had a few people tell me that I should not ride alone, including the guy I went riding with.
If I was riding with someone when I crashed, I'm not real sure they would have been able to do anything for me. If anything my crash might have been worse as I could have taken out who ever I was with.
I myself think that I should really get use to my bike and riding before I start adding people in the mix. When others are around it makes me nervous really, worrying about do everything and then maybe having to listen to someone give me a lecture about my riding.
I know there are areas that I need to work on in my riding, I work on them everytime I go out.
I just wanted to get some other opinions on this, so let me hear what you think.
During the time I was in the hospital and at home recovering people kept asking me if I was going to ride again after my crash. There was part of me that was scared and was not sure about getting on a bike again.
I knew in my heart I still wanted to ride though, every time I was anywhere there motorcycles around, I would get a little sad because mine still in the garage broken.
With the help my girlfriend, friends and family we attempted to fix my bike. We got it as far as we could and then I took it in to get fixed the rest of the way. I just it got back about 8 days ago and I have since put 600 plus miles on it.
Before my crash I had only once ridden with someone else, we went on about a 200 mile trip, just me and a friend. After my crash I have had a few people tell me that I should not ride alone, including the guy I went riding with.
If I was riding with someone when I crashed, I'm not real sure they would have been able to do anything for me. If anything my crash might have been worse as I could have taken out who ever I was with.
I myself think that I should really get use to my bike and riding before I start adding people in the mix. When others are around it makes me nervous really, worrying about do everything and then maybe having to listen to someone give me a lecture about my riding.
I know there are areas that I need to work on in my riding, I work on them everytime I go out.
I just wanted to get some other opinions on this, so let me hear what you think.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
I agree with building your skill level before considering 2-up or group rides. When the basics don't have to be thought about you can give attention to learning the skills required for the other types of riding.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Squamish, BC, Canada
Nothing wrong with group riding IF you keep it down to just 2 or 3 bikers. Anything over that and it gets too busy. Very important, be sure to ride in a proper staggered formation. That gives everyone lots of room and maximizes safety.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,071
From: Brandon, Mississippi
Two things in play.... Never out ride yourself, take it easy. Never take anything for granted when it comes to cars. But spooking yourself can also be a very bad thing.
My advise, take smaller rides. Practice your skills more. Ride like a Pro DVDs might be the right investment in helping you hone your skills. The one thing that scares me for new riders who do not have allot of experience for them, is the experiences you have already had!
My advise, take smaller rides. Practice your skills more. Ride like a Pro DVDs might be the right investment in helping you hone your skills. The one thing that scares me for new riders who do not have allot of experience for them, is the experiences you have already had!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 826
From: Toronto Canada
take a course and spend a couple of months building up your self confidence by riding solo . then go for a ride with a friend . take your time and don't rush it if you feel nervous
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Esko, Minnesota (near Duluth)
I would think that riding in a group might result in picking up a few good pointers but the biggest benefit I can see is that a group of bikes coming down the road is a lot easier to see than just one.
But you have to some confidence in yourself and the riders around you or you'll only add worrying about what unexpected thing someone (including yourself) in the group might do to already worrying about what unexpected thing a car might do.
But you have to some confidence in yourself and the riders around you or you'll only add worrying about what unexpected thing someone (including yourself) in the group might do to already worrying about what unexpected thing a car might do.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: Freehold, NJ
Riding in groups or with friends is distracting also , practice on your own and slow down and take it easy --always with EYES AND EARS wide open
Good luck and Ride Safe