Continuing on from Advice for New Riders from those with years and (s)miles.
We have so much valuable information to share, I’m not even sure where to begin! But today I’ll start with Astir, a member of TWF forum who has ridden a number of years, and even rode with her husband up to Alaska over the haul road. She rides a BMW 1200GS which many consider a “man’s” bike. As much as I loath gendering motorcycles, the height of many machines govern what will work for many female riders.
Her advice is fairly simply:
“Ride! Don’t wait for the perfect day, the perfect time, the perfect mentor, the perfect anything, just ride. Ride to the nearest parking lot to practice, ride to the store, to work, ride to all those errands short or long. The more you get out there, the more your confidence soars. Riding refines everything from donning and doffing your gear, to getting started and parking, to feeling more comfortable in traffic. Just ride! Before long, you will be amazed at the increase in skill and comfort handling your bike. One day you suddenly realize those weekend and big trip plans are tons of fun instead of high anxiety events.”
Joanne Donn or otherwise know as GearChic.com is a long term rider, adventurer and advocate of good protective gear for women. Her website not only features great gear for female riders, but lots of tasty bits on motorcycling. Please, if you haven’t already done so, check her out!
Joanne Donn sez:
“My best advice would be to do your homework when it comes to buying a bike. Buying the wrong one, or taking one because someone gave it to you without any research as to whether or not it’s really the best one can make a huge impact on your ability to learn, have fun and improve your skills.
And if you’re new, don’t worry about the future. How can you possibly worry about what will/wont work in a year when you haven’t even started riding outside of the parking lot?A bike that meets your wants and needs in the Now is what’s going to help you fall in love with riding and get better! I know that everyone wants to be good as fast as possible,but it might take you a little longer than you expected. I took the long way by starting on a small scooter, then a small motorcycle before upgrading to a larger 400lb+ bike, and I never had to modify anything except my gear to help me ride what I wanted to. I made the mistake of buying something that really wasnt great for me and as a result, Ihardly rode and my skills suffered. I lost 2 years of riding because I picked something for the wrong reasons. It just wasn’t “the one”. Your bike must motivate you to ride more, and ride better.
I have heard too many people complain about being bored on a smaller bike, say a 250-500. How bored are you in corners? Do you know how to take one while increasing your throttle and your entry speed? Or are you bored getting on the freeway onramp? Think about the reasons why you want a different bike, and really take some time to figure out if you need a bigger bike, or simply need more time refining your skills.”
Lois Pryce is a motorcycle adventurer and writer and her books are not only amazing but quite humorous and entertaining. I love reading her stories. You can find her books at Lois on the Loose and Amazon.
Her advice is simple, straight forward and invaluable.
“Stay away from the naysayers! The only thing to fear is fear itself. Ride at your own pace most of the time but give yourself a little push every now and then when you feel the urge – that’s how you build confidence.”
The last advice today comes from Victoria Zandonella, who has found riding the perfect companion for healthy self-esteem.
“Have the courage to follow your passion.
You were called to this sport for a reason – something within summoned you to this path, whether you had always dreamed about riding or something only recently stirred within you to choose this pastime. Your motorcycle is the tool that will help awaken your soul and allow you to gain a greater sense of self. Through this newfound confidence, infinite possibilities await you in all areas of your life!
Avoid the nay-sayers who will discourage you from your passion as to abandon something that calls out to you so deeply would be failing yourself. This is where the courage comes in, for at times it may be difficult to face criticism from people around you. The important part is to let people understand how seriously you are taking this endeavor and how you are dedicated to keeping yourself as safe as possible through ATGATT and all available rider training.
Becoming a proficient rider is not something that comes overnight, as like anything else, it is a discipline that is learned over time. But let this not deter you from embarking on the journey; just take small steps – your MSF basic rider course, choosing a bike that is ergonomically comfortable for you and makes you smile every time you hop on it, taking small rides at first, then gaining the confidence to expand your circle to longer adventures. Know that like anything else worthwhile in life, there will be ‘hills & valleys’ –days of great growth & accomplishment, and other days where your experience is less that you would have liked it to be. Along the journey, you will go new places, see new things, taking in everything around you with all of your senses. Life will seem brighter, more in focus, while expanding your outlook & network through the new people & places that will make themselves present to you.
There is far more to this journey than just learning how to move on two wheels – believe in yourself and great things await you!”
Tomorrow, more advice for NEW RIDERS, from those that have experience and advice to share.