Hi everyone - just started motorbiking (Two weeks)- thought it would be a great hobby to get into. Bought a brand new Honda XL 125 CC Varadero and all the gear.
The first two weeks were fantastic - I took my CBT and then decided to attend the Biker Safe (Scooter Safe Training) - after attending this course I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth - Why ? Well the final presentation depicted the rather ugly side of biking - graphic pictures of bikers who had lost there life doing something that they love.
I have thus not been back on my bike since Saturday.
I would like to know how fellow riders deal with the dangers of biking ? I would like to get back onto my bike and really start enjoying my new hobby.
Hi MotorGP007Welcome I also am new to riding passed my CBT in Feb. Was considering attending a Bike Safe course myself, not so keen now, after your exp. I think it would of put me off too. We know how dangerous it can be out there. I can only tell you I have a brother who has been riding bikes for 40 years and has never had an accident. Not everyone ends up a skidmark on the road. So take it steady and ride safe, keep your wits about you and get on that bike.
new biker myself since March (on a 675). Like you I occasionally get a little freaked about about the dangers and particularly as my hubby had a pretty nasty one 20 yrs ago plus someone we know was killed a couple of months ago on the road where we live.
I’m doing bikesafe on the 22nd and although it shows the grim side I think it will equip me to handle situations better so that I reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. For every accident I am sure there are plenty of bikers out there who have never had an incident.
Shame that Bikesafe put you off. I’m sure that’s not the intention. When we did it they said you could skip that part of the day (and the pictures were pretty gruesome, I must admit).
Biking’s dangerous. But so’s everything. What Bikesafe got me thinking about was how to minimise the risk (training, clothing, etc). And I use the memory of those gruesome bikesafe pictures at times such as when I feel tempted to nip on a short journey on the bike without putting all my gear on, so I find them useful and positive. So I suppose I’m saying that, for me anyway, it’s a question not of the scary pictures but of what you teach yourself to associate those pictures with.
After all, it’s not a shock to anyone that coming off your bike at any sort of speed can mash you up. It’s just that you don’t get shown pictures of it ever day.
Hope this doesn’t put you off your riding. With practise and maybe some training you’ll get more confidence. And then you’ll be happier assessing the level of risk based on what YOU think. Which might put these awful thoughts in perspective. Hopefully.
Still waiting for my bike to come in at the dealers if all goes well it will be the Yamaha YBR custom 125 it is supposed to be in stock early June but am still waiting. I’m actually based just out of London in NW Kent but love this site and hope the lovely London bikers dont mind too much. Let us know how that ride to work goes. It’s good to know you are getting on and having another go. Good luck.
Forget the pictures if you can and judt concentrate on the other things the course taught you. Ride as safe as possible, biking can be dangerous but take as much care as you can and you’ll love it!
thanks for all the support guys - I have arranged for a newbie ride out next weekend from the ACE Cafe 9h00 - please see under the events tab Windsor Ride Out 21 June 2008.
would be great to have some experience riders along.
