Ferchrisakes, you are 20 odd years old and a five year girlfriend, are you serious about her or what, your living in London which I think is more dangerous than riding a bike, your going to get stabbed, shot or ran over by a red bus, I'm knocking on 60 got a licence 4 years back never regretted it, now on second Harley, spent 28 year in a job which was a grind, now want to go on a long tour but still in a sort of rut. Looking back at you, you have one go at it, do it while youth is on your side, read these posts and bloody well go and do it. As the Aussies say 'Just shoot through.

Last year I rode from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego (Blog at www.simongandolfi.com). This month I pick up my bike in Ushuaia for the ride north to Duchess County, NY.
Against are my ex of 27 years who argues that the journey is too dangerous for an old man.
My present wife of 25 years is delighted to have me out of the house for a few months and favours the ride.

Hey Bro, got to do it while you can.

Not a simlar quandry as in a girlfreind in tow. But had to convince my mother that it was a good idea! I am 37 she is past he 60's. But then I rememberd that when my mom & dad were young, 60's I guess. My dad used to travel 300 - 400 miles every weekend to court her on a Vespa in India!

She did not have a problem then so why should she have a problem now, with her mature! Ha Ha ! son going travelling. And now she is convinced.

Do it Bro, somethings are in you genes.

Cheers Mojo.

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If life gives you lemons then make lemonade & find a friend whose life gave then Vodka & have a party. Mojo

Come on Toby, we are all waiting - did you do as the advice quoted here or are you now married/mortgage/perhaps a kid (and no bike!!!)?

Dave

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Dave

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Hello all,

Many thanks for all the advice, it's been great to read about everyone's experiences and views and opinions.

Here is an update:

It took a long time but my girlfriend eventually realised that my motorbike interest was going to be more than just a fad and has now accepted it!!

I make a point to email her when I get in to work so that she won't worry I have had an accident :-)

I am still riding a Yamaha YBR-125 and absolutely love riding it, despite its reputation as a dull bike. I have been commuting with it for almost a year and still look forward to the end of the day so that I can go on my 30 min journey back home.

I passed CBT in June (if I remember correctly) and am currently deciding between going for a DAS course or just get a restricted license (doing the test on my 125cc). Cost plays a big part in this, as the DAS would set me back at least £500. I am planning to get my license before summer is over.

Last week I handed in my notice at work (mundane office job as a marketing manager), I have saved some money that will cover the mortgage for a while and will take it easy for as long as I can... I definitely am looking to travel and have been inspired by both German touring magazines (less speed-centric than the general UK bike magazines) and of course the Horizons DVD.

Now I just need to decide on a bike, I guess it all depends on which license I end up with. I've been thinking of a shorter European trip to begin with, probably riding from London to Sweden to see my parents.

So as it happens my girlfriend has come to accept my new interest and the plans I have for the next few years, and in the end she has proven very understanding, being fine with me "just taking it easy and doing my thing" for the next year or so.

Best,
Toby

Hey Toby,
That's great - good news indeed and glad that it has all worked out for you!!!

Keep riding with the rubber side downward and you won't go far wrong!
Good luck with all your plans for the future.

Cheers,

Dave

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Dave

Thanks for the update, sounds as though things have worked out very well.

Just want to add this; I'm not sure how it works at all in the UK, but I think it would pay, i.e make sense/be beneficial, to have the fullest version of a bike license that you can get. Mostly just for travel insurance purposes - I've found it seems to be cover for full licence, or no cover at all.
But others can correct me on this, it's just my thoughts.

Best of luck

do it, mate, get your licence and go somewhere.
if you love it, if motorcycling's in your blood and heart then you'll know, and you'll want to do it forever.
if it's not in you, you'll know that too after a few rides, and guess what the answer is then?

others' opinions have no bearing on this. it's you, yours. if they want to share it, great. if they want to can it without knowing what it's about, different story.

one more thing: if it is in you, if you're a motorcyclist, then ride every time like you want to ride when you're seventy.

keep it upright! (except when cornering...)

andy.

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www.outforaspin.blogspot.com

I am now a happy and proud holder of a full motorcycle license. I did a three day DAS course and this morning I passed my practical at Pinner Test Centre with 2 minor faults.

Time to start looking through those motorcycle ads!!

Don't know if this thread is still running or being viewed, but just wanted to put in my two cents worth, (or 0.08 pence if you're a brit)

Sounds like the bikings in your blood, but I don't think anyone knows until after their first accident. Some stay on (if possible) and learn from it. Others give it up. Not for everyone I guess. Lot of good advice here for first time bikers, I just had advice for the Mrs.....

My experience,

Age 16.5 start biking (after 1st lesson - bought a bike, rode around on my learners permit, 2nd lesson - licence) of course my Mum hated it and said I should quit.

Age 18 started rock-climbing. Mum hated it said I should stick with the bike.

Age 20 started skydiving. Mum and girlfriend hated it and said I should stay with biking and rock-climbing.

Age 23 started B.A.S.E. jumping. Girlfriend left me, (well actually told me to choose, HA! bye bye) Mum, begged me to give it up and asked me when it would be enough.

I've now been travelling Europe, Russia and Asia for 4 years (working along the way). My Mum loves my bike and is proud of me, (although I miss B.A.S.E a lot) and has even seen me skydive a couple of times.

De-sensitize...... that's the key!

Keep the rubber side down bro, and join the the world of travel only truly experienced on 2 wheels.

Congrats Toby - nice going!

From that badge thingie that you are showing with your name, it looks like you will be getting a Honda of some sort!

Keep trucking,

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Dave

Hi Camtracey,

Yep, I reckon they all get read by someone!

Nice post BTW - it all makes perfect sense to me.

Cheers,

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Dave

Now Kelly, she was dead set against riding motorcycles. Her first ride was, I'll say, quite an experience for her! After some thrilling straightaways and a few good hairpin turns, we finally got back to the house. I got off the bike and asked her how she enjoyed the ride? Before she could answer, of course, I had to uncuff her and pull the sock out of her mouth.

Yes, I got a Honda CBF500 in the end, and I'm very happy with it. I have proudly put a Horizons Unlimited sticker on the top box but have yet to make it out of this country . Hoping to cross the channel for the first time come spring