Here’s a Facebook Post to Beginner Motorcycle Riders
Written 8/22/2024.
I joined the Beginner Motorcycle Riders Facebook group. I figure I’m under a year and may learn something. I could also offer encouragement to others.
This post got over 125 likes and many, many people saying thank you. It was just what they needed. I thought I’d share it with you.
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Just thought I'd give some encouragement to new riders. I started riding at 56 years old last November when the dealer dropped off my 2008 bike. I started riding in the neighborhood only, using one of the parking lots at the local pool (closed for the season) to practice turns. It was challenging because, without really thinking about it, my first bike was 1750 ccs and weighed around 750 pounds! I figured I would chart time ridden just like beginning drivers do, kids need 50 hours of on the road experience before they are allowed to pass their test (unlike the MSF course/endorsement which had no requirement on hours). The more you ride, the more comfortable you'll be. You WILL drop your bike. I was at Naperville Plainfield road and 95th street at the stop light and my bike just slid out from under me. This intersection has 3 lanes each way and turning lanes for left and right (I was on Naperville Plainfield road heading south). Oh great, heaving my behemoth up, I was able to waddle off to the side of the road and reset.
The first time I rode in traffic, it was surreal. It was like I was just standing in the middle of all these cars. Now I'm comfortable but do try to avoid being directly behind the exhaust pipe of the car/truck in front of me.
You will stall when starting from a stop. Be calm, get it in neutral if you can or hold the clutch in, start the bike, give it some gas and gently let out the clutch. I guarantee that what feels like forever is just a short time for the car waiting behind you. It's okay.
Go out as often as you are able to. Make it a habit to ride every nice day if possible. It's the best way of getting comfortable.
Things I learned from riding.
I never realized how much it soothes my soul. I can feel anxious, go out for a ride and become centered again.
Sliding my leg over the bike and sliding onto the seat feels like home. I can't explain it, but hopefully you'll understand.
You will continue to make mistakes every mile, but they will become less and less. I am definitely not perfect but am much better than 10 months ago.
Evening is when all the insects are out. Expect to clean your helmet visor after every ride. I have a full-face shield and having a big bug go splat! makes me thankful it wasn't directly on my face or glasses.
Go to meet ups. You'll find most bikers to be the nicest, kindest people you'll ever meet.
Riding into work sets me in a good mood as the first thing I did was have fun (riding) in the morning.
Always take the long road home. That twisty, curvy, quieter road where the sun shines through the leaves and covers you and the road in golden dappled sunlight. Motorcycles are about the ride, not the destination.
Realize that all riders know the risk of riding but accept it to do the thing that they love. BTW, if you don't do stupid things, your risk of a major accident is very low (you're more likely to get cancer).
Enjoy your new sport. Love every minute of your ride. Every time you slide into your seat, you'll sigh and feel like it's home.