How do you do that? In my case it was the desire to get back in the saddle quickly, missed the wind therapy and certainly needed it for my well being after being cooped up and encumbered for so long. It was the theory of “if you fall off your horse, get back on as soon as possible”. People would ask “why would you at your age want to ride a motorcycle again?” Of course I understand they were only concerned about my safety and you have to appreciate it, but that was not helping me get my confidence back. 🙂
My normal answer was that motorcycle riding was one of the few things in life that I still enjoy. And thinking to myself, life is short so you gotta do the things that you like while you’re still able. Here’s the thing, if you, God forbid, had a car accident, would you stop driving? Not likely, but you might have a tendency to be more cautious and aware now that you know it CAN happen to YOU.
By the way, the motorcycle accident I experienced was the first and only vehicle accident that I’ve ever experienced in my fifty plus years of driving. So YES it CAN happen to anyone anytime and I’m very aware of that now!
Quite honestly, the first few times strapping on the gear and throwing a leg over that Suzuki there was nervousness. Seems though after you gettting on, pulling out onto the highway all nerves settle as you feel you are now in control, just gotta watch out for potholes, obstacles, and drivers in cages that are not paying attention. Thought the best way to regain my confidence was to just get out and ride. Do some practicing, starting, stopping, turning, etc.
As previously stated have watched some online video’s posted by Jerry Palladino – Ride Like A Pro YouTube Channel. Had actually purchased one of his training videos when I first started riding the Yamaha in 2019. He offers some great tips to help you practice and improve your riding skills. Offers his You Tube channel packed with many tips totally free of charge.
Ok, so back to building confidence, just started riding every day possible, weather permitting. Didn’t record all of the days I rode but here is an example of some that I did track on “My Ride” phone app. Feb 28 – 20 miles. March 5 – 35 miles. March 12 – 55 miles first ride. March 12 – 51 miles second ride. March 21 – 120 miles. March 29 – 44 miles. April 2 – 38 miles. April 3 – 61 miles. April 5 – 42 miles. April 13 – 62 miles. April 19 – 114 miles. April 22 – 94 miles. All of these rides are basically back country roads around my area, not much traffic avoiding the major highways. That’s how I’m most comfortable riding.
As you can see, I’m starting to get my confidence back little by little. Of course these rides are not the only riding I’ve done since sometimes just jump on and go to the store, or ride around the neighborhood and don’t bother to turn on the app to record the trip.
Now that you’re caught up to date on my motorcycle riding, there are a few places I’ve been and rides taken that I would like to take you on in some future posts. Some are interesting rides and you might enjoy the experience I’ve had?
If I had some decent camera equipment for recording video and audio while riding would love to share the whole experience with you but as of now that kind of equipment is not in the cards for my budget. I did purchase another one of those Cheap but decent Cameras but haven’t figured out yet how to get better quality out of it without the wind noise etc. Maybe some day someone will feel my pain and gift me one. 🙂 🙂
Once again, thanks for reading/following, hope you will continue. Remember not an “Old Biker” by definition, just an old man (by birth certificate) that loves to ride motorcycles. Biker is really not the right word for me, “motorcyclists” fits better.
Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and hit that like button. Stay tuned, follow to be notified when next post publishes. And if you feel the urge, share this on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Thanks for reading. 🙂
Keep the shiny side UP!
See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.
Tags: #confidence, #motorcycle
Ray's Motorcycle Experience 
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