Help For A Rider Who Has Not Been BAck Up On It For Almost 1 Year

[Melissa]

I was involved in an accident last 30 April in which a car sped ahead of me and then slammed on their brakes causing me to crash into their vehicle. Eleven months later I patiently await the rebuilding of my beloved VTR (thanks everyone on BARF who has been working on it!)and I expect to be riding within the upcoming months.
I am still a bit anxious about riding on the streets again. Since my crash, I have had a bit of a hypervigilant response when approaching another vehicle when I am driving my car and eventhough I am imagining and dreaming of riding my bike in a smooth manner I do not know if I will get back on it and feel confident.
My question is this-is there a course that helps riders like me?
Is there a post crash class that might offer riding tips and how to build back ones confidence on the streets?

Thanks for any information and suggestions.

 

[K-dog]

I took the MSF BRC after I had been off the bike for a few years. Not due to crashing, but I felt it was good to get the good habits reinforced, and helped me feel a bit more comfortable getting back into it. Maybe go for the ERC? If I recall you had been riding for a while before that hadn't you? Good to see you back.

 

[Baptistro]

Melissa, considering the amount of time you spent in the saddle prior to your incident, expecially in SF, I would think that you would have no problems getting right back on that horse.

The toughest thing you have going for you is getting over the mental barrier that this asshole has created by taking away your confidence and your self esteem. Remember that what this fucker did was deliberate, and that it was not your fault nor was it your lack of skills that caused your injuries.

On the plus side, you are in a much better place. You have someone who will be by your side every step of the way in Marco, so get him a ride as well and get back into it slowly and steadily with him. Also, you're in Elk Grove for chrissakes :laughing, it's gonna be a piece of cake in comparison to the streets of SF.

My suggestion is to rekindle your love affair with the red beast between your legs and get as much seat time as possible

Love ya, be safe and be strong :love :thumbup

 

[weasel]

I'm with bap, you'll be fine Melissa.

have you done any track days? Maybe a "C" group with instruction would help

 

[Enchanter]

Melissa,

The post crash anxiety will fade with time. Since it has been a year, a MSF basic course can only help you regain/repractice dormant skills and thus confidence.

Please?
(and no, it doesn't have to be here in Mt. View)

Tim

 

[Melissa]

Thanks for your thoughtful responses.

I have never been on the track and will plan to do so when the time and money are in alignment. I fear that I will have a knee jerk reaction on the streets though due to the last experience I encountered in the crash. I have lost my confidence and think that I went from an experienced, safe albeit cocky rider to one who might brake panic brake.

A msf course for experienced riders who are need of reassurance sounds like the right thing for me. Once the VTR is rebuilt and I know when I'll be getting it back I will look into such a class. I don't mind coming to you guys in Mt. View cause working with Enchanter, Deeter and/or Mrtnz will definately assist me in gaining my confidence back.
Are there any classes scheduled in May or June?

 

[elbacalao]

+1 on the trackday. I would think that spending a day in the C group on a track, where you dont have to worry about anything but your own riding, would be a great way reaquaint yourself with the bike.

I bet we could persuade a few peeps I know to throw a "Melissa's back on the bike" party where we could pass the hat around to help accomondate that Track day too! :teeth

 

[JPM]

Don't let some idiot or bad experience crush your confidence. Just take it easy, go slow, and start with short rides in low traffic areas and get your confidence back.

 

[squid vicious]

The best advice I can offer is: Ride it like you stole it.


Glad to hear you're getting back on the horse, so to speak :thumbup Just pretend you're a newbie for a few weeks (or longer if necessary) and follow all the advice you would otherwise give a new rider. It'll come back, and you'll be wiser and safer for it.

Hit me up sometime you guys are going out, Linda's done a very good job of knocking the "street speed" bug out of me (trackdays :banana), I'd love to go for a relaxed ride and catch up!

 

[argh]

Melissa,

The MSF school in Alameda where I am teaching has an ERC coming up in a few weeks. You might want to call and see if there are any openings.

http://www.care2ride.net/

 

[mrtnz]

I will personally attend to Melissa's (and Bullet Love's) every need. :love

...I don't mind coming to you guys in Mt. View cause working with Enchanter, Deeter and/or Mrtnz will definately assist me in gaining my confidence back...

 

[tuxumino]

+2 on the trackday or some secluded twisties where you can let it come back naturally.
take it slow and easy set limits and stick to them for a month or so and you'll be back in the groove.

 

[Melissa]

Again I appreciate your suggestions and feedback and offers!
First things first-get my bike back, insured and registered.
Then, ride around Elk Grove and make certain I sign up for an experienced riders class.
Then, get taken care of by Vicky!!!!!
Then, ride it like I stole it on a small group ride, rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat, then get some type of compensation from the person responsible for my git off and purchase a bike for Marco.
More rides to follow then sign up for a track day if all is well.

 

[RichieB]

Get a supermoto

 

[Chief]

My advice would be to stay out of traffic for a few weeks. Maybe stick to a few weekend rides on quiet backroads(Which we have plenty of up here) until the intial stress wears off and you get comfortable being back on the bike. If you leap right back into heavy traffic, you might find it difficult to shake the fear. It also helps to ride with others(Strength in numbers. I can arrange a mild, and small, group ride when you're ready. And if you need any further help getting the bike back together, myself and a friend are very familiar with the VTR and would be happy to help.

Tom.

 

[Melissa]

Thanks again! I believe that Slowpoke is still waiting to get the tank back-it was dented and cracked up in the crack up. After the tank is replaced I think the fork needs something and the fairings are ok as-a little bit smooshed. Other than that I hope to be back up on her and will definately, definately call a Sac area group ride. I have only ridden in the area when I visited Marco from SF but it way highway riding and not very scenic.

 

[squid vicious]

Some the best riding in the world is right in you guys' backyard.

 

[humbug612]

I spent 6 months in a wheelchair, lotsa pain, broke tib, fib, and a bunch more, before i could walk, i bought a bigger bike, course anythings bigger than that honda 175, get a helmet equal to what your head is worth(broke mine in half, woulda sucked to skimp...), get back on the horse, more time away just builds fear.

 

[Melissa]

true dat!

 

[tiltedworld]

Melissa,

Like others said, fequent, shorter rides in low traffic areas. It's been almost a year since Lorinda broke her collarbone and I can count on my hands how many times she's ridden since. Part was b/c of the injury, part because she's always been apprehensive in "winter" riding and part because she's just scared. As the nice weather comes, the riding has finally started to become more frequent, but she's not exactly falling over herself to commute just yet.

There are some awesome, empty roads up your way. As the snow melts, the Sierra day rides should be calling your name.