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L8DY R1DERR -> RE: Newbie With Doubts... (5/12/2008 6:34:11 PM)
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When I was learning to ride, I was always told, "The more you know, the better it gets." I have found that statement to be quite true. I started on a Honda Rebel 250 last year. When I got it home, I was afraid to even ride it. When I did finally get the courage, I rode around all day in first gear. (Across the road from my house, is a newly developed subdivision. GREAT place to learn to ride.) I was SO afraid that if I tried to change gears, I would pop the clutch and the front wheel would leave the ground. LOL! I don't think that bike is capable of wheelies - it doesn't have any power. Anyway, I just took my time and rode at my own pace. I didn't let anyone talk me into riding somewhere or in situations where I didn't feel comfortable. Eventually, I got bored of riding in the subdivision and wanted to venture out on the the roads. I live out in the country and didn't really have to worry about traffic. I then stayed on the back roads for the longest. I didn't feel confident enough to venture out on the highway because I wasn't riding at highway speed yet and didn't want the others on the road to get pissed because I was going too slow. Slowly, my nerve was built up enough and I was ready to go get into some traffic. I was feeling very comfortable on the bike and I figured the only way I was going to learn was just to do it. I wasn't the least bit nervous and I wouldn't have done it if I was still having reservations. Then, I got to the point where I would ride anywhere. Though, I still do not get on the interstate. I just have no desire. I want to cruise around and enjoy the scenery. I want to take the long way; not the fastest way. That's the beauty of riding. I even got to the point where I ride to work, and to other places, alone. It doesn't bother me in the least.
Recently, I moved up to an 07 CBR 600RR and I love it! LOL! I thought I was SO cool on my little 250! But, hey, I learned to ride on that bike and I don't regret getting it first. I remember when my 250's odometer turned to 1,000 miles. I thought I had really accomplished something. Putting 1,000 miles on the RR took at lot less time. I ride it all the time. It was almost like learning to ride again when I first got my RR. The difference between those 2 bikes is the difference between night and day. Although, I wasn't really afraid to ride the RR on day one and take her out on the road and go through the gears, I still felt awkward and new. I am staring to feel more confident on the RR and I have taken it to work on numerous occasions. Soon, I will be getting it lowered and I think that will make a world of difference in my confidence level.
So, hang in there. Go at your own pace. Don't let anyone talk you into doing something you aren't comfortable with. Eventually, you'll get there and it really does get better the more you know (learn).
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