Is solo ride as a newbie a bad idea?

[Ocho]

After embarrassingly crashing on a group ride (half trying to catch up, half undeserved confidence), healing up and getting a new motorcycle, I want to get back on the road and ride around this beautiful area.

However, group riding seems like a no go since it's mostly for intermediate/experienced riders (or at least the rallies I see -- I think it's my fault they upped their experience requirements haha) and not particularly for guys who just want to leisurely ride and stop frequently to watch the views.

Ultimately I want to gain back some confidence on myself and ride with a group, get some miles other than my daily commute (which is like 5 miles total), and continue gaining more skill and experience.

So I have this idea of riding some of the roads I've tried before, particularly Hamilton/Mines, solo. Is this a bad idea? Is riding around populated areas like the freeway or around the city a safer approach of getting more saddle time? I guess what I want to know is if there are good roads I could try solo near me or if I should totally change my approach. Solo riding ultimately means to me that I can take my time.

 

[Kawikiwi]

Ride at your own pace. If you feel like learning in a controlled, fast and safe environment; go to the track.

 

[Aware]

Nothing wrong with riding solo.

But you may be better off simply riding with only one other rider, or maybe a couple, if they can be sympathetic to YOUR pace. My experience with larger groups is that they typically end up with faster riders buzzing off and slower riders hoping to keep/catch up. I'm very sympathetic to slower riders, but I'm also definitely likely to get caught up in speedy antics at the front when they happen.

With just one or two others on the ride, you have a better chance of learning instead of feeling expected to simply keep up.

 

[budman]

I agree with nothing wrong with riding solo.

Mt. Hamilton has plenty of places where you could go off the road and be missing for hours, days or longer. A SPOT or other emergency response device will give you some level of confidence for doing those more remote roads, but having it on your person and not in a pack on your bike is the right idea.

There are roads in the SC mountains that are easier for a newbie, but they have more traffic. 84 to the coast is a fairly easy ride when just chilling along. Pescadero road is harder and a little more remote, but connects a nice loop.

PageMill is good and is similar to Pescadero, but more traffic generally.

I have seen some barf newbie rides specifically being posted... although not many over this way. Even a post in group rides saying looking for a couple riders to join this newbie for casual twisty experience may get you a bud or two for that.

Good luck.

 

[DataDan]

Unless you're riding with a mentor dedicated to helping you, solo is how you SHOULD be riding (IMHO).

Too much can go wrong for a noob on a group ride. Everyone is focused on their own ride, and all you can do is try to do what others are doing. But they're probably not riding in a way that accommodates your skill level, and--just going on the odds--one or two of them are going to be fuckups you don't want to be anywhere near. One of my gripes for noobs in a group is that you don't learn to use your eyes effectively. Instead of watching that left-turning vehicle, spotting merging traffic problems, or planning your line through a bend, you're mindlessly watching the rider in front of you.

Plan your rides according to the kind of experience you want to gain, and increase difficulty progressively.

Freeways and in-town riding is important experience to have.

My opinion is that Mines is an advanced ride. The road is narrow and dirty in places, and sightlines are sometimes short. For developing comfort on a twisty road, I think 35, 84, and 9 are better.

 

[Pking]

Ride solo=Know thyself :afm199

 

[EvilBunny]

After embarrassingly crashing on a group ride (half trying to catch up, half undeserved confidence), healing up and getting a new motorcycle, I want to get back on the road and ride around this beautiful area.

However, group riding seems like a no go since it's mostly for intermediate/experienced riders (or at least the rallies I see -- I think it's my fault they upped their experience requirements haha) and not particularly for guys who just want to leisurely ride and stop frequently to watch the views.

Ultimately I want to gain back some confidence on myself and ride with a group, get some miles other than my daily commute (which is like 5 miles total), and continue gaining more skill and experience.

So I have this idea of riding some of the roads I've tried before, particularly Hamilton/Mines, solo. Is this a bad idea? Is riding around populated areas like the freeway or around the city a safer approach of getting more saddle time? I guess what I want to know is if there are good roads I could try solo near me or if I should totally change my approach. Solo riding ultimately means to me that I can take my time.

I'm pretty slow myself and new but I try to ride somewhere every weekend when it isn't raining. I'm down ride if you need a buddy. I ride alone sometimes but I like to ride with others it just feels less lonely tbh.

 

[ichabodnt650]

I take less chances when I go out solo. I have the freedom of stopping as long and as frequently as my heart desire. The downside is I get bored being alone too long, start talking to myself, then escalate to arguments, then harsh words, things rapidly spirals downward after that :laughing

Riding with others limit some of that freedom, but has several advantages: people to help when you screw up (we all do, be it getting lost, a flat tire, an unplanned off-road excursion, running low on fuel), exploring roads you haven't known about, learning riding tips from others, camaraderie, and expanding your skills faster than you would practicing solo.

Try different strategies, hop around between solo rides, mellow rides, death races to find your own comfort level and balance.

 

[Slow Goat]

Unless you're riding with a mentor dedicated to helping you, solo is how you SHOULD be riding (IMHO).

Too much can go wrong for a noob on a group ride. Everyone is focused on their own ride, and all you can do is try to do what others are doing. But they're probably not riding in a way that accommodates your skill level, and--just going on the odds--one or two of them are going to be fuckups you don't want to be anywhere near. One of my gripes for noobs in a group is that you don't learn to use your eyes effectively. Instead of watching that left-turning vehicle, spotting merging traffic problems, or planning your line through a bend, you're mindlessly watching the rider in front of you.

Plan your rides according to the kind of experience you want to gain, and increase difficulty progressively.

Freeways and in-town riding is important experience to have.

My opinion is that Mines is an advanced ride. The road is narrow and dirty in places, and sightlines are sometimes short. For developing comfort on a twisty road, I think 35, 84, and 9 are better.

This^^^^^, 100 Times.

Another thing is to try to ride the twisty roads on a weekday. Far less traffic.

 

[bmwbob51]

Buy a dual sport and ride solo in the dirt before riding the street.

 

[Aware]

So I have this idea of riding some of the roads I've tried before, particularly Hamilton/Mines, solo. Is this a bad idea? Is riding around populated areas like the freeway or around the city a safer approach of getting more saddle time? I guess what I want to know is if there are good roads I could try solo near me or if I should totally change my approach. Solo riding ultimately means to me that I can take my time.

Mines/Hamilton is definitely not a beginner ride.

Pick a weekend that is good for us both and I'll be happy to do a 1-on-1 with you at your pace. If you have a Sena or other Bluetooth headset we can chat as we go.

 

[KazMan]

I think a lot of this comes down to you Jorge. Riding alone can be a truly wonderful thing. Riding with friends can create shared memories that will be talked about for a life time. Both can be had with your motorcycle.

From a safety standpoint, it's probably better to have someone with you should something happen. However, from a lifestyle standpoint, sometimes just doing your own thing on your own timeline is just the best.

Something to think about though, whether in an epic group ride or epic solo adventure...you control that twisty thing on the right handlebar. And this is something you have to be completely honest with yourself as to what is safe and/or comfortable.

If you want to experiment with bike handling and controls, a parking lot and repetitive drills are hard to beat. Feel that you would benefit from getting training with a tiered curriculum, CSMP is available throughout the State. There is also people like Doc Wong who is a very established rider who has been giving back to the riding community through his events listed in this community.

And when you feel like you want to spice it up, there are plenty of options for high performance riding or 'taking it to the track'.

Enjoy brother! Whether :ride or :ride :ride :ride, the first rule is to smile!

 

[Maddevill]

Nothing wrong with riding solo. If you don't have a SPOT, always tell someone where you will be riding and the approximate time you'll be back. Check in with them regularly during the ride. That way, if something happens they can direct emergency crews to the general area where you should be.
In the end, we ALL ride solo. It's just you and your bike.

Mad

 

[Ocho]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. And the people chiming in to do some riding together.

I'll look at Budman's routes and plan accordingly. I'm still waiting on my side cases before I go riding, I'll be sure to pm people here if looking for a buddy or two!

 

[tzrider]

So I have this idea of riding some of the roads I've tried before, particularly Hamilton/Mines, solo. Is this a bad idea? Is riding around populated areas like the freeway or around the city a safer approach of getting more saddle time? I guess what I want to know is if there are good roads I could try solo near me or if I should totally change my approach. Solo riding ultimately means to me that I can take my time.

My thoughts might run a little counter to some of the other input you've gotten. Two things stand out above:

1. You have ridden Mines before.
2. Taking your time.

None of us know your skill level, but I fundamentally feel that most riders should be able to navigate Mines Road. Trouble starts when we try to fit too much speed into too little space.

I try to keep myself in line by paying attention to whether I am making errors with my control inputs. In order to monitor that, you do need to have some idea of what correct inputs are. Even if your idea of correct isn't by the book, it's at least helpful to have a plan and see whether you are able to ride according to plan. If your real actions are different than what you intended to do, that's a signal to slow down a little until you can consistently get it right.

Riding in groups can be great fun, but as you have found, sometimes other riders make different decisions about speed than we would. Doc Wong (mentioned previously) has a nice little trick to "take the race out of the ride,” as he says. After a series of corners, roll off a little to let everyone regroup. That way, everyone gets to play in the corners, but by frequently regrouping, you all still feel like you're riding together instead of getting smoked.

 

[Whammy]

Much good advice here today.
When doing a group ride its best when new to only go with people who will stay at your pace and you can get some mentoring from them.
Jumping into a mixed group and pushing your comfort level only ends up badly as you can attest.
Glad you are ok, and healing.

Ive ridden many of these roads listed, and I've found one day to the next conditions change just like on a track.

I don't do the motogp canyon bombing like some do, I pride myself in getting there in one piece and enjoy the ride.
Don't get it twisted LOL I have been known to ride a little spirited but I don't push my limits or luck.

The two roads you mention are a bit higher in the talent level than you might have right now.
Caution is highly advised... take your time and get there in one piece.
There are plenty of us who are willing to take you out and stay at a safe comfortable pace.
Plus I hear The Junction has some mean ass tacos.:teeth

 

[DocWong]

Group riding can definitely be intimidating, especially if you feel inclined to "try" keeping up with faster riders. This more often than not leads to trouble, from just losing confidence because you innately know something's not right or even crashing.

My suggestions are:

1. Where ever you ride, make sure you are not over-challenging yourself. In other words, if you feel you're in good control, you'll usually do fine. For really new riders I advocate going to a big safe parking lot and just practice practice and practice more....until you're just about bored.

2. Maybe post a ride for new riders and get someone more experienced to help lead the group.

The point is, avoid the temptation to ride beyond your skill level. It just multiplies mistakes and will slow down your advacne in gaining skills, confidence and most importantly FUN!

Ride Well!!!

Doc Wong