I have my first observed ride/assessment on Sunday

Bungy said:
I went out for a decent ride today trying to be self critical and work on all the skills I've learnt over the last few months. My observer has offered to take me out for another ride before my test as well.
Click to expand...

Bungy, try not to put yourself under pressure to pass the test as it not really that important. Whats important is everything you have learnt from your observed rides, I'm sure your already a better ride now than before you started the lessons? If so then you have achieved the objective. The test certificate means nothing.

When I started my lessons I had little interest in getting a pass certificate, all I wanted was to learn how to improve my riding and how to be a bit safer on the road, and improve my planning ahead, which I achieved. But I did end up feeling a bit of pressure to pass the test for the sake of my observer seeing as he had dedicated so much time to me, I kind of wanted to pass for him. Thankfully I did pass, but it would have mattered not to me if I had failed as i had achieved what I set out to achieve.
 
The Bear said:
Bungy, try not to put yourself under pressure to pass the test as it not really that important. Whats important is everything you have learnt from your observed rides, I'm sure your already a better ride now than before you started the lessons? If so then you have achieved the objective. The test certificate means nothing.

When I started my lessons I had little interest in getting a pass certificate, all I wanted was to learn how to improve my riding and how to be a bit safer on the road, and improve my planning ahead, which I achieved. But I did end up feeling a bit of pressure to pass the test for the sake of my observer seeing as he had dedicated so much time to me, I kind of wanted to pass for him. Thankfully I did pass, but it would have mattered not to me if I had failed as i had achieved what I set out to achieve.
Click to expand...

great advice
 
The Bear said:
Thankfully I did pass, but it would have mattered not to me if I had failed as i had achieved what I set out to achieve.
Click to expand...

But you'd have failed to have demonstrated - to an impartial (but presumably skilled) tester like Micky or Giles - that you were able to ride consistently over the relatively - but not unreasonably - short period of the test to the pre-determined level. This might well suggest that you had not set your sights high enough or needed further / better training.

But hey, who gives a feck :beerjug:
 
The Bear said:
Bungy, try not to put yourself under pressure........
Click to expand...

But in a healthy way, that's what the test is for - to put you under a bit of pressure. If your riding, your character, your default setting is naturally ... 'x' (so using Johno for example x would be 'shit' ... :D) then 'x' will naturally float to the surface and show itself under pressure.

That could be 'bull in a china shop', 'overly cautious' 'getting sucked in to the back of vehicles in front' 'reluctance to get nearside on right handers' ... etc etc

So a test is good, and the pressure of the test is will highlight any potential problem areas ...

:thumb2
 
Post 124 would appear to confirm post 123 and run counter to the opinion expressed in the last paragraph of post 121.
 
Going back to the strange sayings at various driving schools, I was taught that 'braking should be like a turd... tapered at both ends so it doesn't hurt'.
Certainly fits the description of strange, but I've never forgotten it.
 
The Bear said:
Bungy, try not to put yourself under pressure to pass the test as it not really that important. Whats important is everything you have learnt from your observed rides, I'm sure your already a better ride now than before you started the lessons? If so then you have achieved the objective. The test certificate means nothing.

When I started my lessons I had little interest in getting a pass certificate, all I wanted was to learn how to improve my riding and how to be a bit safer on the road, and improve my planning ahead, which I achieved. But I did end up feeling a bit of pressure to pass the test for the sake of my observer seeing as he had dedicated so much time to me, I kind of wanted to pass for him. Thankfully I did pass, but it would have mattered not to me if I had failed as i had achieved what I set out to achieve.
Click to expand...

The only pressure I have is that which I put on myself. I can't help it. I started this journey in the new year as a resolution to myself to continue with my learning and strive to better my riding. I really have enjoyed the process and won't stop here whatever the outcome. This process has shown me the weak area's in my riding and no doubt there are area's to improve and practice. If i'm honest I would like to pass but if i don't it will be done again. Onwards and upwards.
 
Talking of turds that hurt, my wife got an 'accidental' text the other day from one of her dog walking clients (who had meant to text her boyfriend but sent it to rosy by mistake). It read 'I've just had a really sharp poo and now my bottom hurts'.
 
... And yes ... Brakes should taper on to a nice firm fat middle and then taper off again ...
 
Giles said:
Talking of turds that hurt, my wife got an 'accidental' text the other day from one of her dog walking clients (who had meant to text her boyfriend but sent it to rosy by mistake). It read 'I've just had a really sharp poo and now my bottom hurts'.
Click to expand...

What a strange text to send to your boyfriend...................unless it's relevant to the previous evenings events:green gri

Oh.......and don't think I didn't see the comment a couple of posts up from this!!
:mcgun
 
Thanks for all the advice on this thread, especially to Giles for taking the time to write a few essays. I've copied lots of this out to send to my lad, who rides a sports bike, in the hope that I can instill some tips to keep him safe and smooth. He can do FAST!

Last weekend we both learned a lot during a 500+ miles ride up north with a dealer-led group and my lad's eyes were opened a touch when he found himself often running at the front with a very smooth and fast 2-up GSA. Not racing or anything silly, just a mutual appreciation of a fun ride on good roads. I also picked up some tips by following some very smooth riders on an assortment of bikes.

Having had a coaching tutorial recently, I tried to put the theory into practice myself, but still have a long way to go to be as smooth and fast as many others. Another track session at the end of the month may help to build confidence to chuck the bike down into a bend - or just grow bigger balls :)

I still find group riding a bit uncomfortable with the "pressure" to fit in. Keeping up! Demonstrating skill to the rider(s) behind!
Early on day 1 in traffic I watched a few brake light displays on cars and bikes as poor overtaking was happening ahead. Luckily things settled down.
 
Well done Bungy :clap

Must be chuffed! :thumb2

Waiting to be allocated my observer from my local group and hope to be able to say the same in due course.
 
danjacks said:
Well done Bungy :clap

Must be chuffed! :thumb2

Waiting to be allocated my observer from my local group and hope to be able to say the same in due course.
Click to expand...

I really enjoyed doing it and will give it a few months and then look at doing the advanced+
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

PhaedrusMC
My Route To R1150GS Ownership, And My First Impressions Now That I Have One
2
Replies
31
Views
10,420
GreatScot
GreatScot
Can I have my cake and eat it please?
Replies
15
Views
4,028
luga00


Back
Top Bottom