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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on February 02, 2025, 03:25:31 AM
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I last rode a scooter on Dec 29, 2024.
Found myself feeling slightly anxious as I prepared to ride a full month later.
The ride was going to be uncomfortably chilly, wet and dark - but my unease was more that I hadn't "ridden" in weeks - rather than the conditions.
We all know what is involved in riding on two wheels - balance, alertness, judgement, etc.
I very much enjoy riding - but it is a kind of work for me.
Maybe it is because I'm up at 5AM to ride.... :-) but it is more than that.
Your thoughts?
Do you get a little anxious if you haven't ridden in a awhile?
Are you tired afterwards? Even a little?
Stig
(https://i.postimg.cc/G2zHzQH6/20250131-074553.jpg)
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The only thing I get nervous about these days Stig are all the crazies on our streets. The level of impatience seems way up and, of course, there is distracted driving. Sometimes I feel I'm taking my life in my hands just to go for a ride. I've told friends and family that I wish I didn't love riding because it is just so risky. OTOH, I also believe you can't stop doing things you love just because something might happen. Of course, a lot depends on where you're riding and I imagine the risk goes up with the volume of traffic. Road rage can also be of concern. A couple of years ago, in a rural area actually, I was passing a car and he swerved over to keep me from passing. I hit the brakes and fell in line behind him. Then, I got stupid and thought, surely he didn't mean to do that? I tried again to pass and he very violently swerved to force me off the road but I was able to once again brake and fall behind. Of course, that meant I was close behind and he hit his brakes, I suppose to cause me to crash into his rear. Thankfully, my brakes and response were good enough to avoid that. At the next opportunity to escape, I simply took the other fork in the road to get away from this crazy person trying to kill me. Maybe that's why we often think to say to other riders, ride safe!
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I understand, Stig. In previous years when I'd take 3 months off from riding in the Winter, the first ride would be a little odd. My riding route always takes me first through a back part of my neighborhood, about 1 mile at 25 mph, before I get to a main road. I use this to get the bike warmed a bit and to do 1 or 2 very hard stops to start warming the brakes.
So yes, a little apprehension before 1st ride after a long layoff...but it all comes back, quickly, like riding a bicycle!? :D
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After every winter yes I'm pretty nervous when riding first time. Very stiff, hypervigilant and scooter feels to behave oddly. Need to consciously relax myself and get to rhytm.
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The only thing I get nervous about these days Stig are all the crazies on our streets. The level of impatience seems way up and, of course, there is distracted driving. Sometimes I feel I'm taking my life in my hands just to go for a ride. I've told friends and family that I wish I didn't love riding because it is just so risky. OTOH, I also believe you can't stop doing things you love just because something might happen. Of course, a lot depends on where you're riding and I imagine the risk goes up with the volume of traffic.
I have not ridden mid-day in 9 years. That was for my work commute. I will no longer ride in traffic.
After retiring I went looking for the best pavement, the best route and the best time of day for my frequent scooter rides.
My answer was certain rural roads, with good pavement, little traffic, and just before sunrise!
The only thing missing was a destination of interest! I used to wander about - then I found a destination with friendly faces and good coffee!
I've only been riding 12 yrs, this time, but I think I am safer when riding in the pre-dawn dark and rain, through deer country on nearly empty rural roads - than I'd be if I rode any other time of day in city traffic.
Stig
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No doubt about it Stig we're all rusty after a lay off. The skills kick back in quickly, but always as well to recognise that you need a little time to get back into the "zone". Maybe longer as we get older? Answer? No lay offs ;)