Just plain scared

[WyldBlu]

Hi,
I haven't been around for awhile.

I am a woman who has been around bikers and bikes my whole adult life. I have always rode on the back, and finally decided to take the motorcycle safety course and get my license. My fiance even bought me a 2003 Sportster as a gift, however, that was 6 months after the course and I didn't have a bike in all that time to practice on. So, I have been taking it to a local empty parking lot to practice. I have had a friend take it there for me as I am petrified to ride it on the road.

I have practiced in the parking lot and I still am more afraid then having fun. This is very depressing. My fiance currently lives in Holland and isn't here to help me with this either. I road it on a dirt road when I first got it and promptly dumped it in the dirt. I was ok...a bit banged up and the bike was fine, but I am having this terrible fear with it.

I would appreciate any help you can give. I really want to be able to ride it on the road, but I just can't see that happening right at the moment and wonder if I should just sell it...although that would break my heart!

Help!
-Blu-(who IS blue at the moment)

[arthureld]

Hi Blu. Practice builds confidence.
I'd stick to regular roads tho. Harley's aren't the best on dirt and I don't think dirt is the place to learn.
Try to go out when there's no traffic.
But, if your brain is constantly telling you somethings not right, you may just have to listen to yourself.
I miss the heck out of Holland. Stayed in Bergan op Zoom for 5 months.
Good luck

[WyldBlu]

I love Holland too and will be going back for a visit in August. About the dirt roads...the issue is I live on a dirt road, off a dirt road and down the dirt road from a dirt road! Seriously, we have to go about 1/2 mile to get off the dirt roads. Gotta love the California high desert. I would like to get on the road, er...pavement...but I am really fearful at the moment. Any suggestions on how to transition from the empty parking lot to the street?

-Blu-(ziten op de bank)

[arthureld]

Start out when there's not much traffic so you pretty much have the road to yourself.
Most people will go around you rather than run you over. lol

[jazda]

Hey Blu...... I agree with arthureld.....stick to paved roads when the traffic is low.......tryin' to learn in a parkin' lot won't build your confidence as your brain is knowin' it isn't a normal thing to do....ya gotta get out on the road girl an leave the dirt ridin' for later....keep your eyes focused on the road ahead of your front tire as it helps with travelin' on dirt roads..... and always look where you want to go....you'll learn....... I was fearful when I first started out too..... took a while till I built my confidence but I was very mindful of traffic and where I was headin' out to..... it'll come to you Blu,,, just be patient with yourself.... you're your own best buddy on a bike..... if there is a motorcycle course offered near by it would possibly be a good thing to do...... keep at it Blu....

.....and please let us know how you are doin' as we here at HCG are supportive of new riders.....

[WyldBlu]

Hi,

Thanks!

I did take the MSF course. Passed and got my license. But again, they only run you through a parking lot course. It's a lot like when I learned to drive a manual car years ago. I was terrified that if I had to stop fast, I would forget what to do, ie, downshift, clutch, break and in what order. I stalled out many times, lol, but finally it all come together and I have been driving a manual for over 20 yrs. Same thing scares me about riding my bike I think. Plus I have only ever gotten it into 2nd gear in that parking lot! The idea of driving it on the road really scares me right now. But we do have some very low traffic areas around here. Maybe I will have to try one, if even for a short distance. Baby steps, right?

-Blu-(feeling more encouraged)

[posserider]

I have been riding since 1957 & can pass on some advice an old man gave me then, "when you quit being afraid, you are heading for trouble".

The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you will feel & the scary part will diminish, just don't forget to keep enough fear to be alert at all times.

[firestopper]

I started the same way as you, in a parking lot on a little 305 Honda scrambler 35 years ago :-)). Part of your problem is the dirt road and you dumping the bike. You've lost your confidence. Don't let it deter you. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off girl and don't let the sportster drive you.! Like Arthureld has said Harleys are not the best on dirt. I have to run about a quarter mile out of my subdivision on dirt all the time. the trick is don't shift out of second and keep a steady throttle and avoid soft spots. If ya can't, just stick a foot out. Think of it this way, once your off the dirt most likely will be the worst part of yor ride. My wife who has been riding for the past several years still doesn't like riding on dirt roads, but drives slow and steady when we do and doesen't have a problem. Once your on the pavement after the dirt you will be like an old pro. Just do as the course has taught you. I'm sure it should be all defensive riding. We had a member here named Shorty that used to practice riding around her house "literally" and dumped a few times until she got the hang of it and was fine. Course she couldn't put a leg out because they were to short to touch the ground:-). Bottom line is you have to get used to the dirt roads you have to ride on, buy a dirt bike, or move to a place with paved roads. I believe you can do the former.

[dannytheman]

Get as much practice on hard pavement. Stick to a huge parking lot and set challenge skills. Find a HOG group in your area and have the safety officer meet with you and work you through some skills challenges to boost your confidence. Don't be afraid to ask for personal help!!(Like you did here.)

Every mile ridden is experience under your belt. I know very few riders who have not dumped a bike at sometime in their riding careers. Dropping a bike means nothing, it's getting back on and conquering your fear that makes the person a biker!!

Keep after it and don't expect any miracles, time is on your side!

[firestarter]

Take your time, don't push yourself too hard. It will come to you. Most colleges offer a riding course that may help you refresh yourself and make you feel more comfortable. Never Never ride beyond your comfort level. Riding outside your comfort level could cause you to panic or over react. Parking lot practice is mainly for low speed maneuvers. Don't worry about dropping your bike, everyone does. This is how to pick it up easily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPjYweKeiLk
I agree with the rest who say to find a very seldom paved road to practice on. I used to go into nearby neighborhoods, especially the ones with stop signs & cul de sacs. This helps you with stopping and turning, along with low speed maneuvers. Good luck and don't stop trying. As others said, it will come to you.