Give up or Keep Trying??

[psbresner]

Hi Guys,

I did my cbt and passed my theory back in the summer then bought a 125 to practice on in August.

I've only been out on it 3 times since then, I just keep finding excuses not to go out on it. I think its probably just a lack of confidence in myself but I'm really struggling.

I just don't know what to do, I really want to give it a go but its such a battle.

Paul.

[Rerb]

It sounds like you need a purpose to ride, have you got any pals in a similar situation that need a or enjoy a ride out? I'm not saying you need a tour just a few short ride outs/ meet ups with some like minded folk who can share their thoughts and fears.
It may even be worth booking an odd lesson, that way you would be forced into the practical situation with new riders.

[suzuki600]

I don't know mate, I felt quite under-confident when I was starting out too and if I hadn't paid up front for the training, I felt so bad on some days I might not have gone through with it BUT every time I felt that way, it always felt better when I got out on the bike.

Maybe get a biker mate to go riding with you? If you really feel that bad about it, there's nothing stopping you doing a couple of hours of training on the road with a riding school to get your confidence up.

Try to get past this because it really is worth it.

[deano]

definitely sounds like a confidence problem - good advice above

[Reddit]

Hi Paul - I suppose the question is do you really want to do it? If so, what is it that is holding you back - is it just a confidence thing? If so, that can be overcome with guidance from either a suitably experienced rider, or book some training sessions (as others have said).
If you are committed to giving it a go, and you're doing it because you want to, you'll get there, just start off slow and get the basics right and you'll be fine.
'course, this 'summer' weather hasn't helped much!

[deano]

Originally Posted by Reddit

'course, this 'summer' weather hasn't helped much!

that's an understatement Red!
was checking the summer weather records yesterday for where we live - there were only 12 days from june 1st to sept 30th when it wasn't either raining, foggy, or blowing a hooligan

[psbresner]

Thanks for the advice guys, a couple of my mates have suggested I go riding with them but I always put them off.

With the weather as it is, its easy to make excuses not to go.


I don't think I can give up anyway, I'd have too many regrets.

My father has just done a cbt himself even though he already has a full license, just as a refresher I guess. He's also just bought a diversion 600.

Hopefully I will be able to go out with him.

Paul.

[Mickie]

I have to say I felt that way to a certain extent too PSB, although I managed to get out a few times i didn't go far and when I made mistakes ,I felt like I was probably a risk to other road users and myself.
It's different to learning to drive a car where you have to be supervised until you pass your test, on a bike you can just hop on and terrorise the neighbourhood after your CBT.
I wasn't offered a pre CBT where I did my training and both myself and Deano think that even though i got my certificate, looking at it sensibly there is no way I should be allowed onto the main roads without further training.
I lost a lot of confidence when I fell off a few weeks ago, mainly cos even now I'm not sure what happened, and landed face first.
But, on a positive note, I will be booking lessons in the spring when the weather is better, I am changing my bike from a cruiser to a more sports/tourer upright one and I will be thinking positively (I hope)

As long as there is a grin on your face when you are on the bike then its all worth while.

[psbresner]

Thanks Mickie

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Sorry to hear about your off, I think that would be the end for me. Hope your feeling better soon.

Good luck for the spring, hopefully the weather will be much nicer.

Paul.

[Manky Cat]

Hi Paul, don't give up mate. Try going in incriments i.e 20minutes at first then gradually build it up, maybe ride at less busy times when rush hour is over. But definately get some lessons in it will help no end for your confidence, once you feel confidant you'll never look back.