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Regaining confidence?

About a year ago, I spent a morning with @FoolishMortal just north of the Benicia Bridge. I was very uncomfortable shifting from an adventure bike to a Speed Triple. He and I spent the morning together, and he gave me a lot of good feedback on riding position, cornering skills, and throttle management. It definitely made a world of difference in how comfortable I felt on the bike.

I do wonder whether there's interest among the experienced riders in the community in spending a morning with some of us less-confident riders. I know it can be intimidating to go on a group ride/rally when you feel totally outgunned (I have felt that way sometimes).

I remember about 10 years ago, South Bay Riders did quite a bit of mentoring through newbie days and other one-on-one coaching experiences. Thoughts on some kind of outreach event as the weather warms in April?
 
needles said:
I do wonder whether there's interest among the experienced riders in the community in spending a morning with some of us less-confident riders. I know it can be intimidating to go on a group ride/rally when you feel totally outgunned (I have felt that way sometimes).

I remember about 10 years ago, South Bay Riders did quite a bit of mentoring through newbie days and other one-on-one coaching experiences. Thoughts on some kind of outreach event as the weather warms in April?
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Great idea. Historically we have a few Lake Berryessa Newbie Rides each year. We could recommend simple techniques or suggestions on what to focus on between stops.

Also, a parking lot practice day with cones can help with the low speed stuff...
 
needles said:
I do wonder whether there's interest among the experienced riders in the community in spending a morning with some of us less-confident riders. I know it can be intimidating to go on a group ride/rally when you feel totally outgunned (I have felt that way sometimes).
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I've done it and enjoyed it.

Would motivate me to blow off the cobwebs on the old girl and change the oil!

She's very disappointed with me as a rider.

F800 2025.JPG
 
One thing to add about shaking off the dust. I do think history of riding plays into it.

Using myself as example, because that is all I got.

Veteran rider with many years of riding and miles under their belt.
Time away in this case will likely be in the 4.5 month area. There is a ton of muscle memory built up over those years and getting that warmed back up will be different than for someone that rode for a year and then lost 4.5 months. Different path in ways, but still sort of the same process engaging the brain and working the controls.

Ride that thing Geoff!!
 
@needles, that was a fun time and your Triumph is gorgeous! You’re a fine rider, just needed some adjustment to the new style of bike. I’d be happy to do it again if you want.

Similarly, if anyone wants to ride Napa, Sonoma or Marin with me to get some feedback, just give me a shout. Always happy to put my RiderCoach hat on for a bit.

I have set up a few newbie rides through BARF (and SBR), but seem to get less interest lately, at least from newbs. For some reason, experienced riders want to join…. Anyway, I’ll do a few this year.
 
FoolishMortal said:
@needles, that was a fun time and your Triumph is gorgeous! You’re a fine rider, just needed some adjustment to the new style of bike. I’d be happy to do it again if you want.

Similarly, if anyone wants to ride Napa, Sonoma or Marin with me to get some feedback, just give me a shout. Always happy to put my RiderCoach hat on for a bit.

I have set up a few newbie rides through BARF (and SBR), but seem to get less interest lately, at least from newbs. For some reason, experienced riders want to join…. Anyway, I’ll do a few this year.
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Hey B,

Good stuff :thumbup

We are going to try to up our game in '26. If we can get you to do a few and others to participate in a few we could maybe hit once a month during better weather riding season. I have goals for '26 and need some help from solid members to make 'em happen.
 
I would be interested in helping out should you need or want as Napa area is our stomping ground. I am typically good for leading a few C pace and newbie ish rides a year for another forum and can follow directions from others more experienced than myself or whomever is the leader/coach. Cheers!
 
Like what Andy said, you could take an intermediate (advanced?) moto training class. The advantage is to have feedback from specific exercises and use their motos, so you don't need to worry about dropping it. Even an easy class with a clapped out Grom can add confidence. Pacific Motorcycle training has skills classes in Livermore, but there are other options.
 
I have had several occasions where I came back to a high skill/high consequence activity (track days, high wind windsurfing, skiing) after a few years off. For me the biggest challenge was telling the worry wort in my head to STHU and get on with it. Once I got through that part I have been consistently amazed at how well my body remembered how to do it despite the nagging voice.
 
Lucytriple said:
How about a session with Evan @ Monkey Moto to work in a fairly safe arena on those things? His special skill is preparing the drills you need to tackle the specific issues you’re having, and to identify things you may not be aware of. If you don’t know him well yet, you’ll find him one of the kindest and most open dudes ever.
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Can confirm, he is a sweetheart.
 
I had a crash at the end of the 2011 season that really messed with my head. I was pretty much off of my game for most of 2012 despite riding >15K miles that year, so I'm with Andy that seat time alone isn't always enough.

Two things helped me breakthrough. First, I didn't really understand why I had crashed. It took a conversation with Andy to help me diagnose the crash, and thus how to avoid it happening again. Second, Rich Oliver's Mystery School got it all back for me through doing exercises with the bike at the limit of control, building confidence in my ability to manage it.

That's what worked for me.
 
I normally ride below my skill level and don’t push it too hard. It keeps the anxiety at bay and I can relax and enjoy myself.
Which is the point anyway.

I’ll let it rip once in a while on a straightaway for a shot of dopamine.
 
budman said:
Hey B,

Good stuff :thumbup

We are going to try to up our game in '26. If we can get you to do a few and others to participate in a few we could maybe hit once a month during better weather riding season. I have goals for '26 and need some help from solid members to make 'em happen.
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Happy to help. Let’s chat when you’re ready. 🙂
 
There is some real gold here :hail

TWT has offered to tow me around. Speed is definately not the goal, but too slow seems to add to the issue. There was a time I would start each ride with a series of tight figure 8s and a panic stop before leaving our alleyway. I've been doing this on the bicycle and am just about ready to pull the Ibex out and do this. Just ordered heated grips and hoping to start some winter rides.
 
two wheel tramp said:
We're gonna ride like girls! :banana
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That is the goal! I miss the days when folks would ask "do you always ride like that?" I never realized that elbows up and sliding the rear was unconventional. Berms are everywhere and are kind of like Moto sling shots. Well, those days are behind me but looking forward to making fear my bitch.
 
G, bring the Ibex up to YEP after the holidays and we can do some easy exploring of National Forest roads. I'll join you on the GS to ensure there isn't any temptation to ride stupid stuff. :teeth

Completely understand where you are it. I've been reevaluating my riding these past couple of years due to injuries, trips to the ER, health, and even conditioning..... something I went many decades without an instance or thought of. While moto was never the core of my being, I used to enjoy challenging myself. Those days are going I believe, but my bikes aren't going away....... just may enjoy them on different terms. No need to prove myself, to others, or even what once was. (y)
 
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