Advice from a Newbie to Newbies
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:04 pmI am an inexperienced rider and have learned some things recently which really helped me and I want to pass them on any other newbie who happens to read this. I meet up with as many experienced riders who will tolerate me. They always have advice and as long as the experienced rider isn't a tosser, the advice they give is usually gold. Listen to what they say, critically analyse it and if you have any questions, ask. Why would you ever want to be unsure about anything?
Read a lot. These types of sites are great, there are books written by ex/current superbike/GP riders, who obviously know what they are talking about, online that can be downloaded for free and they also provide food for thought.
I recently (today!) went riding with a more experienced rider who was willing to do 6 runs in a row with me along Black Spur (not the full length). He showed me the line to take, being careful to ride at an appropriate pace for me. This teaches you a lot. For example, I was turning into corners too early leaving me in the unenviable position of having to change my line mid-corner and as I learned, this should be avoided. My teacher/mate advised me to stay wider longer so that mid-corner I can come in more and then accelerate as I exit the corner. I actually knew this already but would not have picked it up on my ride if it wasn't pointed out to me after each run.
He also told me to take the lead so he could watch my form. I did some good things and had some bad techniques which I can now try to correct. Everything from being told it is good that I get my speed right and position my body well before I get to a corner rather than as I go into it, through to setting myself up for the second corner in an s-bend and riding smoothly rather than accelerating or braking in corners.
The last 2 runs were the best as my mate/teacher maintained his speed each run but at a slightly higher pace (upon my request) and I followed. I was feeling much more confident at this stage as I was implementing what I was learning. We talked about my ride, what I learned, what I want to improve & how to go about doing it after each run. I was careful not to let my new confidence translate into overconfidence, very important!
Last of all, I did it all in the rain and fog. Prior to today I was scared of riding in the wet, it took away all of my confidence but after learning all of the above in what I would have called terrible conditions I look forward to riding in the wet again, when there are less cars and bikes on the road. It means more road for me!
I'm learning everday and I hope that this helps other newbies like myself.
If any experienced riders read this and want to add anyhing or correct anything that is incorrect, feel free to comment.
Happy riding!
Read a lot. These types of sites are great, there are books written by ex/current superbike/GP riders, who obviously know what they are talking about, online that can be downloaded for free and they also provide food for thought.
I recently (today!) went riding with a more experienced rider who was willing to do 6 runs in a row with me along Black Spur (not the full length). He showed me the line to take, being careful to ride at an appropriate pace for me. This teaches you a lot. For example, I was turning into corners too early leaving me in the unenviable position of having to change my line mid-corner and as I learned, this should be avoided. My teacher/mate advised me to stay wider longer so that mid-corner I can come in more and then accelerate as I exit the corner. I actually knew this already but would not have picked it up on my ride if it wasn't pointed out to me after each run.
He also told me to take the lead so he could watch my form. I did some good things and had some bad techniques which I can now try to correct. Everything from being told it is good that I get my speed right and position my body well before I get to a corner rather than as I go into it, through to setting myself up for the second corner in an s-bend and riding smoothly rather than accelerating or braking in corners.
The last 2 runs were the best as my mate/teacher maintained his speed each run but at a slightly higher pace (upon my request) and I followed. I was feeling much more confident at this stage as I was implementing what I was learning. We talked about my ride, what I learned, what I want to improve & how to go about doing it after each run. I was careful not to let my new confidence translate into overconfidence, very important!
Last of all, I did it all in the rain and fog. Prior to today I was scared of riding in the wet, it took away all of my confidence but after learning all of the above in what I would have called terrible conditions I look forward to riding in the wet again, when there are less cars and bikes on the road. It means more road for me!
I'm learning everday and I hope that this helps other newbies like myself.
If any experienced riders read this and want to add anyhing or correct anything that is incorrect, feel free to comment.
Happy riding!
