Hi from a novice

[mdawson]

Hi everyone,

I'm Mike, 28 and from Guisborough. I've been wanting to get into biking for ages but have only had fun with the non-motorised 2 wheel variety so far.

With the better weather approaching I've decided I'd like to go out and start learning. 

Unfortunately personal advice is hard to come by, none of my family or close friends are riders! A guy from work said I should come say hello here and start to learn more about the community.

I know I need to start with my CBT, I just need to figure out where to sit one and get myself some gear.

If anyone has some general advice or tips for an absolute greenhorn, that'd be great.

Peace
Mike

[Lee]

Hi and welcome. At 28 years old you can go for direct access.
Firstly though, you will need to do your bike theory test. You can do this at middlesbrough, there are plenty of mock exams on line.

From here, you then need to do your compulsory basic training.
have a look on the site sponsors area, there are a number of local businesses who offer the appropriate training.

Most people your age, do the theory, then take a week off work, do the CBT on day one then follow an intensive course that leads to the test.

My advice is NOT to buy a bike at this stage. Also, many people do the CBT and think "hey a 125 is enough for me, I'll just ride one of these around on L plates"
Do not fall into this trap! those who stick to 125's are missing out on a lot of fun !

Welcome again!

[mdawson]

Hi Lee. Thanks for the advice, I didn't know I had to do the theory test first before a CBT so that's really helpful. I'll make sure to look into the mock exams.

I've spotted in the forum that sadly Ridewell has closed, they were the first thing I had found on Google. Ridercraft in Redcar is local and looks really good so I think I'll go there.

Thanks again for the bike advice, I was thinking it'd be a lot of cash to buy a 125 then get direct access to a faster bike. I think at first I'll invest in some decent gear, again I'll have a look around the forum and see what's available.

Thanks again!

[nickw]

Mar 26, 2015 21:15:51 GMT mdawson said:

Hi Lee. Thanks for the advice, I didn't know I had to do the theory test first before a CBT so that's really helpful. I'll make sure to look into the mock exams.

I've spotted in the forum that sadly Ridewell has closed, they were the first thing I had found on Google. Ridercraft in Redcar is local and looks really good so I think I'll go there.

Thanks again for the bike advice, I was thinking it'd be a lot of cash to buy a 125 then get direct access to a faster bike. I think at first I'll invest in some decent gear, again I'll have a look around the forum and see what's available.

Thanks again!

Hi, welcome to the forum... Yes, sadly Ridewell is closing next Tuesday and I've had the pleasure of managing the scheme for the last 4 years. Unfortunately, with it being a local authority programme there has become increasingly difficult to attract funding for the programme.

Don't get too confused between CBT and your test training.

You CAN take your CBT as a stand alone, but will need to take your Hazard Perception and Theory prior to taking your practical tests. Enjoy your riding and stay safe.

[mdawson]

Hi Nick thanks for the welcome. Sorry to hear about the news, it's a shame I didn't start learning sooner as there's a lot of notable positivity on the forum about your work.

I think I'll get the tests done first so I'm covered. I just took a mock one on-line and there were questions I'd never expected or even thought of compared to the Car theory so clearly there's a lot to learn.

Thanks again,
Mike

[nickw]

Great attitude,

Get the crappy bits out of the way and it's the fun bit that's left.

Just remember that whilst learning to ride has its serious side, it should always remain a fun thing to do. Enjoy it and stay safe.

[M-L-C]

Do yourself a favour mate.

If you pass your test and get a decent size bike after try and book yourself on a post test training session. Ridewell did do one and it really teaches you to be safe, anticipate danger and corner properly. Something you won't full appreciate when you get through your test. It's more than worth the cash outlay.

If you can't find one or are not interested just take your time and ride at your own, comfortable pace and build up your confidence and skills over a good few months before even attempting to stay with the more experienced guys.

Safe riding. Have fun. Stay within your limits.

[Deleted]

Mar 27, 2015 19:43:21 GMT M-L-C said:

Do yourself a favour mate.

If you pass your test and get a decent size bike after try and book yourself on a post test training session. Ridewell did do one and it really teaches you to be safe, anticipate danger and corner properly. Something you won't full appreciate when you get through your test. It's more than worth the cash outlay.

If you can't find one or are not interested just take your time and ride at your own, comfortable pace and build up your confidence and skills over a good few months before even attempting to stay with the more experienced guys.

Safe riding. Have fun. Stay within your limits.

Dayglo said to me on my last outing with the group, that he thought I handled a motorbike well for the number of miles I had under my belt, for this period of riding experience, that I had recently gained. The answer was that I have been riding and racing a push bike for decades. In many ways it does not have to be a motorisd bicycle that you ride, to improve pure handling competence, so you can improve before you get your licence as well as after.

[mdawson]

Hi guys,

An advanced training course is something I'll definitely look into. I appreciate the severity of getting things wrong on a bike, while I've obviously not experienced it yet (and don't want to) I know it's nothing like crashing a car.

I'm also not set on doing a direct access course and then going out and buying something like a 1000 CC supersport, I'm thinking somewhere around 400-500cc. At the end of the day I could easily get something wrong and hurt myself with a 125, but I'd rather take my time and then have more in the bike to progress with rather than opening up something and scaring myself to death.

I've never raced a push bike mate but I have thrown myself around dalby forest a few times on the red route, scared myself silly at one point Hopefully having some previous experience will help to a degree if not as much as with your racing. If anything I might use one once I've started learning to try and build some core strength up, at nearly 30 those big macs take their toll!

Mike

[David]

Mar 29, 2015 20:55:22 GMT mdawson said:

I'm thinking somewhere around 400-500cc.

Yamaha XS500 (click on text to view).