Advice from a Newbie to Newbies

[King Nicholas]

I 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!

[ty]

Good stuff, and sounds like you've found a great mentor!
Keep using him!
ty

[smithy5]

Great post King Niko........
But you don't need to be a newbie.... some of what you mentioned will be news to people who have been riding for 20-30 years or more........... It is amazing what you can learn in a day and others can't learn it in a lifetime....... be a sponge, soak up everything from your tutor, you are fortunate to have someone to guide you..... Newbies today are better informed and have access to more information and experience than previous generations, so grab it and survive.....

[robracer]

Awesome stuff Nick, knowledge that will definitely make you a better rider, you are lucky to have a good mentor

[boozatboo]

Too right King Nic...

We have been lucky enough that more than enough people have offered to mentor us.
We have followed others on their rides and we follow their lines and they have followed
us to give us some feedback at the end of it all...

I want to take this opportunity to thank these wonderful riders here today...

Cath, Dave#3, Ali+600, Richo (legend!), Owen (pinchy) and Owen (Argentinian... sorry don't know your handle!)
Sam (my next door neighbour)... Poor thing she got stuck with me when I was riding at my slowest pace...
I love you Sam....You da best !!! I hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

It has been wonderful following different experienced riders because they each have their own style...
They are all awesome riders...Mainly because they all ride at their own pace... They aren't trying to keep up
with anyone or outdo anyone else... and I think that's the most important thing.
We can't expect to ride like someone who has been riding for 5 years when we have only been riding for
3 months...Only practice and experience can give us that...

But they were all kind enough to ride slowly for us to keep up and they all gave us feedback...

Simple things like : look further ahead... choose your speed before entering a corner (so you don't have to hit the brakes...
in the middle of a corner...) accelerate coming out of a corner... etc..etc..etc...

I must say, my favourite so far has to be Dave#3. He's lines are so smooth and easy to follow.
He makes riding look so easy. Lovely flowing lines... You're the best Dave !!! Sorry Richo...

Thank you Cath for all your lovely advice... I always think about what you've said to me when
I ride... especially the "look further ahead"...
But at the end of the day there is no substitute for experience I think... getting to know your bike...
how it feels, what it can do... It's not about the speed... that will come with time...
It's about the feeling you get from riding....

yyyyyyyyiiiiipppppppeeeeeeeee !!!! I'm hooked for life !!!

Andy

[Richo]

You're the best Dave !!! Sorry Richo...

fine ... looks like Dave will be taking you to Wollombi from now on

[boozatboo]

C'mon don't be that way...
You are still my hunny bunny !!!

Besides we both know I don't need anyone to take me anywhere.... gggggggrrrrrrrrr

[Dizzi]

[boozatboo]

:vom:

Excuse me... domestic in progress... do you mind ???

Unless you want a piece of me ??? Can always take it outside ???

[Dizzi]

Ahhhh last time I checked motorcycle forum not shrinks office

[boozatboo]

Actually, that's not a bad idea now that we've both signed up...
Reckon' a few people out there are gonna need help...

[Dizzi]

Ummmm I am thinking they will be asking you to get help first

[flaccid_pancake]

Hey Nick,

Where did you find this Super Fella and how do I get me one? Great advice too. I'd love to hear an update on how things are going a few weeks on.

[seiko1]

Hey Nick,

Where did you find this Super Fella and how do I get me one? Great advice too. I'd love to hear an update on how things are going a few weeks on.

You have a shitload of experienced riders up there mate
Just follow. look, listen and LEARN

[King Nicholas]

Hey Nick,

Where did you find this Super Fella and how do I get me one? Great advice too. I'd love to hear an update on how things are going a few weeks on.

Here's my 6 step guide to meeting riders on KSRC:

Step 1: create a thread in the "i'm going for a ride in [insert state here]" section including the location you are going for a ride to on the w'end. Choose any location you like, as long as there are some twisties along the way. PM location/times to people who are keen etc, don't need unwanteds knowing exactly what's going on.
Step 2: make sure you receive email notification when someone leaves a post.
Step 3: don't let people confuse the issue, it's your thread, you are doing "x", others may join you, not get side tracked/try and change times/locations etc. When organising things, people can be rubbish so tell them how it is and how it's going to be otherwise it's the ol' "too many chiefs" problem.
Step 4: hope for the best. Sometimes you meet legends, sometimes you meet tools, sometimes they can be anywhere inbetween.
Step 5: when you meet people closer to the legend end of the scale, exchange phone numbers.
Step 6: catch up socially too!

Good luck. Most bikers are a friendly lot. Heroes and attitudes don't interest me. Haven't met too many tools so far, not on this site anyway.