Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Riding tips for someone starting out Riding tips for someone starting out
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 10 Jul 2010
pheonix's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Posts: 308
Jeanie - in a couple of months you won't be able to understand how difficult this felt. Take it slowly and make mistakes - you can only learn from them.

At first, everyone is keen to make the bike go faster and ride into the sunset, but in fact, anyone can go fast in a staight line!
Riding slowly, having full clutch and speed control is the most useful and advanced technique you can master to be applied to all bikes you ride in the future. You'll gain a lot of confidence by knowing you're in control and will be less likely to stall or drop the bike.

Lots of Luck!
__________________
Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 12 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Just got my Motorcycle Permit!
Hi guys,

Thanks again for all your very supportive and encouraging comments. Today I passed my learner permit theory and practical tests first time and am on an absolute high! After a decidedly wobbly start, a combination of having a great instructor (thank you Mel at Ride-Tek, Sandown Park!) and the comfort of the Hubb really spurred me on and all the advice worked!

Before I get out on the road (gulp!), I'm going to have a few individual lessons on a 250cc Suzuki, then take the plunge, get my own bike and start doing some real riding.
I can't tell you how excited I am about the adventures to come...

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 12 Jul 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Templeton, California
Posts: 69
Congratulations! My wife had never ridden a bike (other than pillion) and decided in June to buy her own bike for her 61st birthday. She took a class to get started and we've been riding several times a week since. She experienced frustration and difficulty as you've described early on but the learning curve quickly gets you beyond that and now her riding improves and confidence increases by leaps and bounds each time we go out. Now we're planning on going to the HU meeting in CA in Aug and she's really looking forward to the off-road segment.

Stick with it - the fun is just beginning!
__________________
Sandy & Mike Dimond
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chester, UK
Posts: 137
Nice one Jeanie. Well done
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 16 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Well I tell you what, folks, all your advice is really paying off now!

After passing my learner permit test on Monday, I had an hour's further training yesterday on a 250cc Suzuki Marauder and enjoyed it so much, I've bought the bike! I felt completely comfortable on the Suzy, it didn't feel heavy at all, and I can get both feet on the ground - which is a huge confidence-booster. Gear changing is still a little jerky but I'll work on that. Key thing is that for the very first time, I felt like a proper motorcyclist - and my dreams of two-wheeled adventures, which just a week ago seemed rather doubtful, have just moved significantly closer!

I take possession of the bike next Tuesday and can't wait to spend every spare moment riding it! Oh and by the way, the bike's registration number starts with "HU..." so it's definitely meant to be!

See you out there, guys...!!!

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 16 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Yorkshire,U.K.
Posts: 51
A very big well done to you for your achievement so far
And well done to everyone for providing good advice and encouragement.
As far as learning to ride a bike is concerned,the words of Henry David Thoreau at the bottom of your posts could'nt be more fitting.
Last edited by Starbeck; 28 Aug 2010 at 17:43.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Riding in Colombia any tips? dirtgirl SOUTH AMERICA 13 15 Nov 2009 22:07
Top 14 Riding Tips for China kurisu Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 30 May 2009 12:04
Cold Weather Riding tips Bruno Valeri North America 1 27 Sep 2003 10:49
Bullet tips, mountain riding Ade West and South Asia 3 27 Apr 2003 00:18
Tips for kick starting a tenere Bryce Yamaha Tech 1 8 Mar 2002 17:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top