A rebel with a cause. Getting started with motorbikes in the ACT?

OP, Felix and Dilandach are correct.

Relax, follow the instructions of the people running the course, use the techniques, and most of all, ride at your own pace. Dont rush anything and you will be fine. When wearing your L’s, believe it or not some people on the roads do understand what that means, and will give you some consideration.

As long as you are careful, are respectful of other motorists and the road itself, you will have an enjoyable experience.

If you try and rush yourself, dont anticipate traffic or other cars, go beyond your limits, then you may not enjoy the experience.

Worst case if you find it challenging, ask them for private lessons outside of a group environment if that helps.

When on your L’s pick the time of day that you go out initially. Ie. low traffic times, not in peak hour. Slowly build up to peak hour traffic when you are ready.

I can say that if anything, doing the course will make you a better driver of a car if anything, it really reinforces and teaches you good roadcraft that seems to slip the minds of people over time.

Have fun, and dont stress. If I can get my MR licence, anyone can (if they follow the above, and the comments in this thread).

Hey Paul0075, best way to get an MR licence is to join the SES or RFS. You do something good for the community while at it.

Mysteryman said :

The whole system is designed so that everyone, including people who’ve never ridden before, can get a licence.

I think the course is pretty good and you’ll find out in no time if riding is for you or not.

Does anyone know if there’s a similar kind of “try before you buy” before you shell out quite a lot of money to upgrade your drivers licence to MR standard? Would be good to see if it is the right way to go or not. I have been putting this off for some time, because I don’t want to shell out anywhere between 1500 and 2500 to train and upgrade then find I don’t like driving a bigger vehicle.

Told you all traffic is the enemy – http://the-riotact.com/rider-down-on-the-cotter-road/100561

Dilandach said :

Felix the Cat said :

Treat all traffic like the enemy. They are all out to kill you. At intersections they haven’t seen you and will pull out in front (and side and back) of you.

Pedestrians will walk out in front of you while they mindlessly stare blankly at their smartphone screens instead of watching where they are walking or what colour the traffic lights are.

If riding behind trucks and buses ride to one side and not in the middle where they can see you in their mirrors. Good practice to ride to one side anyway as the middle is generally where oil gets dropped.

In winter watch out for black ice on the roads.A place where you get this is on Parkes Way around the side of Black Mtn just on the Civic side of the Glenoch Interchange.

Don’t get your abilities mixed up with your ambitions. If you want to ride like Casey Stoner than go on a racetrack. Public roads – even ones out the back of the Cotter or other semi-rural areas – aren’t the place for it. Stuff can happen (and does) like rocks/gravel/other debris on the road and wildlife (also sheep and cattle) can jump/wander out on the road suddenly. Watch out for Kangaroos. Especially at dawn or dusk.They are the worlds most stupidest animal and have less road sense or sense of self-preservation than a 6 month old baby and WILL do the most unpredictable things at the worst possible moment.

Wear your protective clothing ALWAYS. Even on 45 degree days. Even when popping down the shop just to buy a carton of milk. Better to be a bit hot than have no skin left – or worse.

Good idea that someone posted earlier about learning to ride in a paddock first.

Black ice and oil from trucks / cars?

…I’m starting to re-think this. I’d love to ride but not if I’m playing russian roulette. The hours I’d be riding would be around 6am and around 4pm going along parkes way.

I would absolutely wear the best protective gear I could get but I’m a little freaked out now.

I rode a motorbike for several years and stayed alive (obviously) but I was an extremely cautious rider. I never got my full licence, as in those days you could endlessly extend your learner’s licence, and I had a 250cc bike. I am not at all a brave person, and I think that being a bit wimpy is actually a good thing on a bike.

I miss it in terms of the feeling of freedom, but I couldn’t do it again now. I gave up when I was pregnant, and never took it up again.

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this, but don’t even have a single drink when riding, as it does slow your reaction time.

Dilandach said :

Felix the Cat said :

Treat all traffic like the enemy. They are all out to kill you. At intersections they haven’t seen you and will pull out in front (and side and back) of you.

Pedestrians will walk out in front of you while they mindlessly stare blankly at their smartphone screens instead of watching where they are walking or what colour the traffic lights are.

If riding behind trucks and buses ride to one side and not in the middle where they can see you in their mirrors. Good practice to ride to one side anyway as the middle is generally where oil gets dropped.

In winter watch out for black ice on the roads.A place where you get this is on Parkes Way around the side of Black Mtn just on the Civic side of the Glenoch Interchange.

Don’t get your abilities mixed up with your ambitions. If you want to ride like Casey Stoner than go on a racetrack. Public roads – even ones out the back of the Cotter or other semi-rural areas – aren’t the place for it. Stuff can happen (and does) like rocks/gravel/other debris on the road and wildlife (also sheep and cattle) can jump/wander out on the road suddenly. Watch out for Kangaroos. Especially at dawn or dusk.They are the worlds most stupidest animal and have less road sense or sense of self-preservation than a 6 month old baby and WILL do the most unpredictable things at the worst possible moment.

Wear your protective clothing ALWAYS. Even on 45 degree days. Even when popping down the shop just to buy a carton of milk. Better to be a bit hot than have no skin left – or worse.

Good idea that someone posted earlier about learning to ride in a paddock first.

Black ice and oil from trucks / cars?

…I’m starting to re-think this. I’d love to ride but not if I’m playing russian roulette. The hours I’d be riding would be around 6am and around 4pm going along parkes way.

I would absolutely wear the best protective gear I could get but I’m a little freaked out now.

Felix the Cat tells the truth, but don’t let that put you off. It’s not as bad as it sounds and Stay Upright do a good job of teaching you the foundation for safe riding. Yes, many drivers/other road users are idiots and don’t look but that can be anticipated and dealt with. With the right techniques and awareness you’ll greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. You’ll also become a better driver once you’ve spent time on a motorcycle and realised how lazy an inattentive many drivers are.

Do the course. You’ll enjoy it and you’ll know by the end if you want to continue with motorcycling. There are some amazing rides to be had in Canberra’s surrounds.

Felix the Cat said :

Treat all traffic like the enemy. They are all out to kill you. At intersections they haven’t seen you and will pull out in front (and side and back) of you.

Pedestrians will walk out in front of you while they mindlessly stare blankly at their smartphone screens instead of watching where they are walking or what colour the traffic lights are.

If riding behind trucks and buses ride to one side and not in the middle where they can see you in their mirrors. Good practice to ride to one side anyway as the middle is generally where oil gets dropped.

In winter watch out for black ice on the roads.A place where you get this is on Parkes Way around the side of Black Mtn just on the Civic side of the Glenoch Interchange.

Don’t get your abilities mixed up with your ambitions. If you want to ride like Casey Stoner than go on a racetrack. Public roads – even ones out the back of the Cotter or other semi-rural areas – aren’t the place for it. Stuff can happen (and does) like rocks/gravel/other debris on the road and wildlife (also sheep and cattle) can jump/wander out on the road suddenly. Watch out for Kangaroos. Especially at dawn or dusk.They are the worlds most stupidest animal and have less road sense or sense of self-preservation than a 6 month old baby and WILL do the most unpredictable things at the worst possible moment.

Wear your protective clothing ALWAYS. Even on 45 degree days. Even when popping down the shop just to buy a carton of milk. Better to be a bit hot than have no skin left – or worse.

Good idea that someone posted earlier about learning to ride in a paddock first.

Black ice and oil from trucks / cars?

…I’m starting to re-think this. I’d love to ride but not if I’m playing russian roulette. The hours I’d be riding would be around 6am and around 4pm going along parkes way.

I would absolutely wear the best protective gear I could get but I’m a little freaked out now.

Treat all traffic like the enemy. They are all out to kill you. At intersections they haven’t seen you and will pull out in front (and side and back) of you.

Pedestrians will walk out in front of you while they mindlessly stare blankly at their smartphone screens instead of watching where they are walking or what colour the traffic lights are.

If riding behind trucks and buses ride to one side and not in the middle where they can see you in their mirrors. Good practice to ride to one side anyway as the middle is generally where oil gets dropped.

In winter watch out for black ice on the roads.A place where you get this is on Parkes Way around the side of Black Mtn just on the Civic side of the Glenoch Interchange.

Don’t get your abilities mixed up with your ambitions. If you want to ride like Casey Stoner than go on a racetrack. Public roads – even ones out the back of the Cotter or other semi-rural areas – aren’t the place for it. Stuff can happen (and does) like rocks/gravel/other debris on the road and wildlife (also sheep and cattle) can jump/wander out on the road suddenly. Watch out for Kangaroos. Especially at dawn or dusk.They are the worlds most stupidest animal and have less road sense or sense of self-preservation than a 6 month old baby and WILL do the most unpredictable things at the worst possible moment.

Wear your protective clothing ALWAYS. Even on 45 degree days. Even when popping down the shop just to buy a carton of milk. Better to be a bit hot than have no skin left – or worse.

Good idea that someone posted earlier about learning to ride in a paddock first.

suggest you take your own helmet and gloves out to Stay upright. In my view, the only flaw in the system is the communal helmet scheme. If you end up with one that doesn’t fit you will have an uncomfortable time of it.

Dilandach said :

tuco said :

Obey all signs. All of them. Be sure to stop and point out every sign to other riders. They’ll secretly admire your dedication. They might also give you a secret one fingered signal, and that means you’re cool.

Still butt hurt over that? Like a child sulking in the corner after being scolded.

I get 10 points for that. Booyah!