riding problem

[LilAbner]

 Last year i did not ride much. about 6 times do to medical problems. I am doing good this year, but
 the problem i am having is, i am little apprehensive or little afraid, about getting on and ride.
 Here in  Colorado the temp is around 70 degrees. has anyone been in this same problem?
 Help.

[f6gal]

My advice would be to head to a deserted parking lot and put her through the paces.  Get comfortable again in a non-threatening situation.

Riding well is largely a matter of confidence.  Lack of confidence can get you in trouble on a bike this size... you have to let her know who is boss.

[Hoovey]

You could enroll in a Basic Riders course. That is always a good way to brush up on your  skills.

[9Ball]

You could enroll in a Basic Riders course. That is always a good way to brush up on your  skills.

great advice...

[Flat6Valk]

I had the same feelings after a heart attack.  My doctor encouraged me to ride, but in moderation just to be sure riding stresses were not too much.  He recommended short rides to start (20 min) for the first few rides.  Then evaluate my own feelings about the experience.  My doctor understood the importance for me to ride since I value the experiences so much.

I did all that and increased my time until I felt that the riding would not harm me.  I use riding for stress relief.  It works for me. 

Everyone is different, so go at your pace. 

Greg

[fudgie]

Best way to beat fear is face it. Posts above me have good advice.

I was scared once.  ??? I use to amature bull ride right outta HS. Couple yrs into it, just prior to signing onto MSRA, I was hit good and took a ambulance ride to the ER. Scared the crap outta me at the site of another brahma. Had my shares of back problems and bruises and even hung up in a rope a time or two, but this scared me. Month later or so after healing up and getting my nerves straight I decided to do it 1 last time to get over my fear. I drew the same bull that knocked me out. Gave him the best ride I could. When my 8 was over I gathered up my rope and headed home, never to do it again. I got over my fear which was my intentions. I do miss it alot tho.  Spurs are hung over the wood stove still today.

[alph]

i'll be honest with you, i have that same feeling every spring when i get the fat girl out for the first time.  when driving in trafic i feel like a canary at a cat house.  it takes about ten miles or so for me to start to get my "cycle legs" back.  just take it easy, relax, have a beer or two to calm your nerves(just joking)  think about the good times you've had in the past.  after about twenty or so miles it'll all come back.  kinda like down hill skiing, jello legs at first, then after a few runs, it's all down hill.....

[Tailgate Tommy]

I agree with Flat6Valk-

I had a 4x heart bypass before I got my Valkyrie. I bought it to help me relax. It seems to be working 9 years later! I to think that you might find that after you do a few rides and build up your confidence,  your apprehension will go away. If you're near Fort Collins send me a pm and let me know if riding with someone would help.
Tom

[solo1]

At 84, I have a bad knee problem. I sold the Valkyrie and went to a lighter bike, that helped (I would NOT suggest that you do that, I miss the Valk!).

My first ride this year, yesterday, was a combo of fear and partial euphoria.  As I rode, I relaxed more. The next ride will be in a parking lot to brush up on my skills ( what skills that are left, )

I'm not ready to quit but I find that my body puts more and more obstacles in the way. To compensate, I ride more shorter 'quality' rides and stay away from heavy traffic as much as I can.

Like everyone else said, ride easy, pick your place, practice at your pace, and it will work itself out just fine.

[Valker]

At 84, I have a bad knee problem. I sold the Valkyrie and went to a lighter bike, that helped (I would NOT suggest that you do that, I miss the Valk!).

My first ride this year, yesterday, was a combo of fear and partial euphoria.  As I rode, I relaxed more. The next ride will be in a parking lot to brush up on my skills ( what skills that are left, )

I'm not ready to quit but I find that my body puts more and more obstacles in the way. To compensate, I ride more shorter 'quality' rides and stay away from heavy traffic as much as I can.

Like everyone else said, ride easy, pick your place, practice at your pace, and it will work itself out just fine.

Just as a slightly on topic thing-I had an 86 year old gentleman in my MSF Basic RiderCourse a while back. ;-)

[Red Diamond]

I get that little apprehensive feeling everytime I ride. At 68 years of age, I will consider it a blessing if I can ride to the age of 84. You got it Solo.

[RainMaker]

Anytime I've been off the bike for more than a few weeks, I have to "relearn" a bit and get my confidence back up.  The "self-preservation" reflex takes over initially, but it drops back after a few miles.

[old2soon]

@67 and counting my time between riding seasons is once in awhile(this year)counted in weeks and most of the time 2 or 3 months. It's normal-kinda like a belch. This to will pass. What most everyone else said-go easy for a little while. If YOU want it to come back it will. I'm not going to contemplate the other way to go-it ain't up to me-it's all up to you. Large parking lots by yourself.  But however this goes-let us out here in Valkyrie/motorcycle land know what you decide. RIDE SAFE.

[Hoser]

I get that little apprehensive feeling everytime I ride. At 68 years of age, I will consider it a blessing if I can ride to the age of 84. You got it Solo.

If I feel apprehensive before I ride , I don't go.  I believe in premonitions, so I don't go.  Doesn't happen often.   ???  Hoser

[Big Rig]

I get that little apprehensive feeling everytime I ride. At 68 years of age, I will consider it a blessing if I can ride to the age of 84. You got it Solo.

If I feel apprehensive before I ride , I don't go.  I believe in premonitions, so I don't go.  Doesn't happen often.   ???  Hoser

Ditto, same for me if I "feel" tired...but I will tell you, once you get out (Try a Sunday Morning) you will get that confidence back. Someone's quote on this board says, I rather ride my Valk and think about God than sit in church and think about my Valk. Sunday Mornings, most people are sleeping in or at church. Get out early and an hour later you will have your riding skills back.

Ride Safe

[LilAbner]

  Thanks guys, i have made plans with a good friend, to do some parking lot riding. this sat. and
sunday. all of you have helped alot. Thanks
  LilAbner

[pitbull]

As you all probably know,in the UK we drive on the opposite side of the road to you(the left),last year I rode the Valk to France,who drive on the right.I'd never been abroad before,I wasn't just apprehensive,I was crappin' myself.
When rolling off the ferry i decided to follow a French car for a few miles,this lasted for about half a mile before I was over taking him and away.
We ended up doing just short of 3000 miles and I loved every minute of it.So much so,we're planning on taking the Valk down to the French Alpes this August.

[Jabba]

I get that little apprehensive feeling everytime I ride. At 68 years of age, I will consider it a blessing if I can ride to the age of 84. You got it Solo.

If I feel apprehensive before I ride , I don't go.  I believe in premonitions, so I don't go.  Doesn't happen often.   ???  Hoser

Ditto, same for me if I "feel" tired...but I will tell you, once you get out (Try a Sunday Morning) you will get that confidence back. Someone's quote on this board says, I rather ride my Valk and think about God than sit in church and think about my Valk. Sunday Mornings, most people are sleeping in or at church. Get out early and an hour later you will have your riding skills back.

Ride Safe

I am with YOU guys.  Happened to me yesterday morning.  It was 51F with a high of 75F.  I was just NOT feelin' it.  Took some abuse from the other bikers at the office. 4/10 of us ride...  I don't care.  Bad vibe... took the cage.

I am on the Valk today though.

Jabba

[larswlvs]

My worst part of the first rides of the season is the NASTY  head cold (upper respiratory infection) that always seems to follow.

[bigguy]

Two wheeled medicine
It took me a while to get back in the saddle.
A real dog
I have a smaller bike. A VF750 Magna. I started back on it. I just puttered around the block and found some parking lots. I started back real slow. No tight turns at first. Just wanted to get the feel of the bike again. If you have access to a smaller bike, I'd really recommend doing that. I felt much better about tackling the Valkyrie once I was comfortable on the Magna. In my case, I had to build back some muscle and stamina. It was easier to start out small.

[Jack]

Nothing gets rid of that bad feeling like a fat girl between your legs! 

[KSDragonRider]

i wrecked one years ago, and i could not shake that feeling for a couple years.  Then I was looking for a bike again, scared of all of them... till a friend let me ride his kawi for a bit.  I decided i was going to get over it or die trying, so as soon as i pulled on my road, i put it to 100, and came back all smiles, now if i get that feeling again, i just remember that, and I know my heart will take over my brain in less than a mile.

I know, not the advise for all, but it worked for me...