h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've got my bike test booked in the very near furture , so I've got a couple of training days to get through this week.

Having got stranded half way up the side of a very steep side road this afternoon in lashing rain with a very faulty electric starter button and a chuckling instructor I'm beginning to wish my test was in April.

How do you find the biting point when you can't feel anything in your fingers any more because they're cold and tired?

Apart from that, and the fact I keep snatching at the front breaks a junctions I've had a great day.

Mind you, I think I could start a new career as a rain caller - put me anywhere near a bike and the clouds gather to watch.

*goes off to wring out her hair and put her boots in the airing cupboard for tomorrow*

Keep going, it only gets better

Clutch control is one of those things that just takes time, especially when it's effing cold and wet. But you do learn it, honest!

BTW, wet roads + front brake do NOT mix. You should be using majority back brake and engine braking in that situation. Hopefully your instructor tells you this!

But good on ya and go for it. Make all the mistakes this week and then you'll be fine I hope!

That's what he said, the 'it gets better bit' whilst I was attempting to kick start the blasted bike and keep the brake on and not fall over......



As for the front brake I know - it's just that when I've gone and got ready to put the wrong foot down and I'm still crawling towards a junction I'd rather jolt to a stop than not.

Good thing he's got plenty of patiance - although perhaps it'd be easier to do the test in Norflok and avoid some of our 'special' Welsh hilss.....

It's exactly the same as a car Odo!!!

When you feel the car "move" but stationery, you know that's your biting point...it's exactly the same with the bike...Honest!!!


Something I have to add though...125s are not very forgiving...bigger bikes are much easier! Good luck!

We have hills in Norfolk, well, let me think
I'm sure given enough time I could think of one


I took my test in March and the weather for the four days of training was glorious but on test day the temp' dropped about five degrees and it tried it's hardest to get me as wet as possible. I think in the end that was a blessing in disguise as I wasn't so much worried about doing the dreaded U turn as I was trying to stay dry

I hope it all goes well for you and you will soon be a part of the biking fraternity.

Although I've a feeling it may be a while yet. At least its a start though.

VV it isn't anything like in a car, in a car you've got a nice safe handbreak and two feet on the floor.

On the bright side though I don't seem to have a problem with U turns. They just happen magically on their own. So at least that's one less thing I'll need to worry about.

I thought the worst part of the test was every time I looked over my shoulder I had that stormtrooper right on my ass

As for cars the biting point in the clutch is more or less the same though with a bike they are desinged to slip more. So what you need to do is steady the revs and let the clutch out 'till you hear the revs drop a little then you're right on the biting point.

Oh make sure you've got a good grip on the brake whilst doing it

Hi Ood

I remember doing my rider training - we were doing emergency stops at the bottom of a hill in the pouring rain down an old lane. It's a hell to a way for learning brake control!

As for clutch control, I totally agree with what Bedmechanic said. Trust me, you'll get the hang of it! You'll learn how to tell biting point by feel, and sound and just by getting to know the bike.

I hope your boots dry out in time, and good luck with the rest of the week!

By the way - one of the chaps I met at my rider training is still a good buddy 10 years later, and we go to the BMF together with a bunch every year, so enjoy!

Just a tip about the front brake. If the front wheel is turned and you apply the front brake, over you go. If the wheel is straight the front brake can be very useful when the foot is otherwise occupied.



YB

all.

My boots were dry and toasty warm this morning when they came out of the airing cupboard. The first half of the day was gloriously sunny and I had a great time this morning trundling through the Forest of Dean.

Control wise it's been easier today, although I'm still haveing a few probs with slow speed clutch control.

don't worry, most girls do, that's why they leave the big bikes to the boys.



Actually, my friend 'learnt' clutch control on the way to the BMF rally one year. It was her first ride out on the bike after her CBT (test to allow you on the roads with an L plate on a 125 in them days) and we got stuck in a huge queue of bikes (as wide as the road) and she was trapped with Honda Goldwings all round her. She was petrified of hitting one of them so she learnt, very quickly!

*gets out large pointy stick and and wallops Icky round the head.*

So I'll need to find a large convoy to ride through this week then.

yeah, ask if you can go for a ride with the goldwing owners club Although you might have to get a warp drive fitted as most of them seem to think they are riding intergalactic cruisers!