Fantastic Fear or Frantic Panic....

[SpyderMeLucky]

Again, thanks once again for all responses. I'm so impressed that everyone is so willing to help a newbie like me. :yes::gaah:Awesomeness!!! I know I need more time on the road for sure.

Now if we can only control our weather and get it to cooperate, that would be even better. They (weather forecasters) are calling for 4-5" snow this weekend with something possible for Mon/Tues. Thank goodness the ground is warm so the snow won't stick around like it would in Jan/Feb. nojoke

I do believe if we take the backroads to Cuba, that would be the best solution for getting me more used to the higher speeds plus the benefit of a more scenic ride. :2thumbs: Thanks bunches.

I look forward to meeting you all soon.:clap:

 

[NancysToy]

.....I do believe if we take the backroads to Cuba, that would be the best solution for getting me more used to the higher speeds plus the benefit of a more scenic ride. :2thumbs: Thanks bunches.

I look forward to meeting you all soon.:clap:

Riding the rural highways is a great idea, if you have the time. Much less hectic, varied speeds as you pass through towns, and better scenery. Many touring riders stick to them like glue. I tend to prefer them, if I don't have a deadline.

 

[DynamoBT]

It wasn't all that long ago that I started on two wheels. I think I got the "M" endorsement on my license when I was 56 years of age. Never had ridden a motorcycle before.

To get the hang of highways I would plan a local rode route that took me by the highway one exit away from where I wanted to end up. I'd get on the highway and literally ride to the next exit and GET OFF!!

I did a lot of this. Not just to and from the same exits. But getting on the highway, riding the distance to the next exit, and getting off to local roads.

I probably rode every day for a week doing this. And guess what? It gets easier!!!

And since I didn't have all that much road experience before I got the Spyder, I did the exact same thing with the Spyder when I got it. Now? I may not love highways. But I can get where I need to go. I still kind of hate toll booths! Those would be easier if I could fit a tank bag on my Spyder. But, that's about the only issue I have with highway roads around here.

You can do this. All it takes is time and patience with yourself. Don't overface yourself. I'm a big believer of building on success. If you push yourself too far and scare yourself, that's not "success". Take small steps. Repeat exercises a lot until you are comfortable. Not everyone assumes risks as readily as someone else. Go at your own pace. Push your boundaries gradually. I swear that riding from exit to exit was the ticket for me.

Good luck!! And, ENJOY YOURSELF!!!!! This is supposed to be F.U.N.!!!!

 

[jimclarkf1]

back roads

I read SCOTTY,s info too, and if you go the back roads, watch out for the ANIMALS on the county roads. :clap:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

You might find that you are more comfortable on the expressway than on the 5 lane highways where you have a lot of cross traffic and turning vehicles. Once you get out of the city the expressway gets pretty easy. If you stay at the speed limit it can be rather enjoyable.

And I was kidding about the ridicule. They only ridicule people who have no reason not to ride other than not wanting to get their ride dirty. Practice, practice and like others have said treat everybody like they are out to get you.

We will see you in MO.

 

[capt.jim]

From one newbie to another, you can do it. I don't mind the interstates at all but City Traffic :helpsmilie:scares the heck out of me. So you have one up on me in that. Like SpyderDuck suggested find someone to be your "Tailgunner" the first time you drive the interstates. It's helped me knowing someone is watching my back. You can use cell phones to communicate and they can tell you whats happening around you until you're comfortable on your own. :welcome::congrats:

Please Please tell me your not using your cell phone while your learning how to drive on the interstate:yikes::roflblack:

 

[johnnyg]

From one newbie to another, you can do it. I don't mind the interstates at all but City Traffic :helpsmilie:scares the heck out of me. So you have one up on me in that. Like SpyderDuck suggested find someone to be your "Tailgunner" the first time you drive the interstates. It's helped me knowing someone is watching my back. You can use cell phones to communicate and they can tell you whats happening around you until you're comfortable on your own. :welcome::congrats:

Talk about being DUM I can't believe someone would even think of telling some new ryder to do this. Spyder,or not. cj

 

[7 Decades]

:agree:you have so much info to absorb. I just want to say :2thumbs: :congrats:

 

[COOLMACHINE]

I sent you a PM.

I sent you a PM.

 

[ARtraveler]

If your into communications between tailgunner and new rider, the bike to bike communicators--helmet to helmet (like Cardo 2 or 4's) work very well. Voice actuated, the driver can still do all the functions with both hands. This is what I used when helping the newbies.

 

[SpyderMeLucky]

Please Please tell me your not using your cell phone while your learning how to drive on the interstate:yikes::roflblack:

I DON'T use my cell phone while I'm driving. I put the phone in my purse, my purse is in the frunk. I can use my phone when I get OFF the bike, not while the bike is moving. Safety first. No call is so important that I have to risk my life trying to talk or text.

Also, my car driving is the same. I use a blue tooth with voice commands to talk on the cell. My hands remain on the steering wheel. As for texting, I don't do that too much anyway and then I'll do that when hubby is driving. I can't believe people will actually try to text on cell phones in the first place. Hugs!!

I wanted to also add, I purchased a helmet today that is bluetooth available so I could possibly talk ONCE I have a LOT more experience with bikes.

 

[Spyder Cat]

:agree: There's a lot of good advice here.... just take your time, don't push it. It'll just happen.

Like you, I was not at all comfortable :yikes: on the freeways at first, but as the miles kept rolling past (most of them on back roads) and I became more familiar with the feel and handling of the Spyder, I found myself extending my territory. Before I knew it, I was on the freeway passing 18 wheelers. (okay, with white knuckles at first.) Now I think I'd rather be on the freeway than going thru crazy city traffic!:gaah:

Relax and enjoy your ryde. Don't miss a single opportunity to smile :2thumbs:

 

[3Willie]

Ride with a buddy

I did not start riding any motorcycle until I was 57 and found that riding with a buddy initially helped a lot. If you are riding with another Spyder, it is easy to see how they take curves, etc. It will also help you get more comfortable with the capabilities of this machine. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of riders no matter what so we are more visible to distracted motorists who did not drive well before becoming distracted. Once you are more comfortable at highway speeds, just practice, practice, practice. One day, you will notice you are just enjoying the ride, not thinking about how to actually ride.:2thumbs:

 

[Oldmanzues]

Lots of good advice. Time in the seat and on the road is what it takes to ride. Ride your Ride, not somebody eles. They going to fast, let them.
I would highly suspect you will find other riders that are limited in experience as well in Cuba. Not everybody was :dontknow::dontknow::yikes::cus: to ride the Dragon at speed.
If I am in a hurry (like many others on here), I take the freeway. Otherwise back roads. I have a little more seat time probably then some (no idea on Nancystoy) on here. Sixty two years plus. Any body lusting after a brand new Whizzer or the same brand new HD 125 ?
Ride safe, have fun, enjoy. Hope to see you in Cuba.
OldManZues

 

[Yazz]

Again, thanks once again for all responses. I'm so impressed that everyone is so willing to help a newbie like me. :yes::gaah:Awesomeness!!! I know I need more time on the road for sure.

Now if we can only control our weather and get it to cooperate, that would be even better. They (weather forecasters) are calling for 4-5" snow this weekend with something possible for Mon/Tues. Thank goodness the ground is warm so the snow won't stick around like it would in Jan/Feb. nojoke

I do believe if we take the backroads to Cuba, that would be the best solution for getting me more used to the higher speeds plus the benefit of a more scenic ride. :2thumbs: Thanks bunches.

I look forward to meeting you all soon.:clap:

Looking forward to meeting you too!

 

[GeminiJane]

Sounds like you've given this some thought and have gotten some experience riding before tackling the interstate, which is wise. We live down Carbondale way and make the two hour ride up and through St. Louis several times a month (sometimes several times a week) just to experience the restaurants and shops we miss down here. Frankly I HATE to drive in St. Louis in a car and even riding with my husband in a car or truck makes me nervous. The first time I rode in St. Louis traffic on a two wheeled motorcycle I was very nervous and hesitated to get up to speed (on 270 most were buzzing by in the 70's & 80's) and had to push myself to follow my husband - but that was not a route we often use (mostly use 64/70 and 170) so I wasn't sure when to change lanes and where we would be exiting so I had to try to keep right up with him as to not be caught if he signaled to exit. Since you are familiar with 70, you shouldn't have such anxieties. The other posts mentioned that in town/city riding can actually be more stressful as you watch for side streets, parking cars, open car doors, pedestrians, etc. Once you get on the interstate, just keep track of those coming up on you in your rear view mirrors, signal your intentions and BE SURE to turn your head and look over your shoulder before you change lanes just to be sure someone hasn't crept in. Other than that, you actually have more room in your lane than in a car, can hear other vehicles coming up and have better visuals (even with your helmet) than in a car. You have better acceleration and stopping ability than most cars you're driving with....so all in all you will have a blast after that first trip out. Once you do it, you'll wonder why you ever even stressed about it. So just take a big breath and go do it and get it behind you. You'll be so glad you did so you will be able to ride to Cuba. Good Luck (but you won't need it!)

 

[nsuregal]

:welcome: I have had my Spyder for about 3 weeks. Each time I ride it I feel more confrontable on it. First weekend, I rode 125 miles with my husband behind me on his Harley, the next weekend we went 180 miles. The second weekend we got on the freeway and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Having someone behind me helped me not worry about someone tailgating me. Just ride where you feel confortable and practice. Soon, you'll be a pro. Hope to see you at Spyderfest.hyea:

 

[DaGrlz]

Helmet has blue tooth

Please Please tell me your not using your cell phone while your learning how to drive on the interstate:yikes::roflblack:

Our helmets have blue tooth and the phone is stored in the frunk. No need to touch it. Is this any different then using helmet to helmet communication?:spyder:

 

[ScreaminMeanie]

I'm not the most confident rider ever, and I also hate interstates, even in the car. (Lucky for me, I no longer live anywhere near one!) Lots of good advice here, which I'm soaking up as well. While I feel ever so much more confident on the Spyder after less than 30 miles than I ever did on two wheels after 8 years and ~30K miles, I know there's a learning curve, and I know I need to take my time and get comfortable with it before I push the envelope too hard. City traffic is not that scary to me, since I commuted on the 2-wheeler a lot, but what makes me nervous now is the curvy roads. I still haven't got a good handle on higher speed turns, so I'm just going to ride as much as I can on less populated roads until I get the hang of it!

 

[dancogan]

... I still haven't got a good handle on higher speed turns, so I'm just going to ride as much as I can on less populated roads until I get the hang of it!

I had the same problem when I started riding on 2 wheels. For me the thing that helped the most was taking turns at very comfortable speeds first, then gradually building speed as my skill and judgment allowed. If you're scaring the heck out of yourself on turns and curves then you're going too fast. Ride within your skill and ability, which only you know.