A female rider's class 2B journey

[wyora]

hey all.. i am a 21 year old female taking my class 2b lessons at BBDC, hope to document my little journey here. Here, i will post my honest thoughts and experiences through every class.

 

I too, had many doubt about myself in the beginning. embarrassed that i would fall too many times and become laughing stock, scared of falling down and hurting myself, whether if riding is suitable for me in the first place etccc and the lists goes on.

 

I am only 1.56m and 40kg, that makes me a petite girl. so if i can do it, so can you!

 

I hope to inspire those who are 50-50 about taking their bike license and hopefully inspire you guys out there, whether male or females, to pursue their dreams of riding

Edited September 28, 2014 by wyora

[wyora]

My first lesson (1.01) failed was on: 17 Sept wed

was taught the basic functions of the bike, how the brakes worked, how the lights worked etc. did a few rounds around the small bike circuit. it was my first time riding a bike and i was very scared that the bike would fall on me. i am using the normal height cb125, and on tip toes haha. didnt really dare to put up both legs on the peddle. when i am kanchiong and feel like i am falling, i would press the brake handle too hard. fell 3 times. was very embarrassed because no one fell except me. failed.

 

Second lesson ( 1.01 again, pass): 20 sept sat

went for rounds around the mini bike circuit.. this time more confident and i could put up both legs on the foot peddle. could come quite nicely and go rather smoothly too. however fell 2 times also due to kanchiongness and press brake handle too hard again. but somehow this time skin become thick already, dont feel embarrassed about falling, i figured after all its part and parcel of learning riding. really enjoyed this class because i was so happy i can ride a bike quite successfully for the first time. passed the class.

 

third lesson ( 1.02 failed) on: 24 sept wed

dunno if i suey or what.. it was raining damn heavily.. like super heavy with lightning and all. had to wear a very oversized raincoat and track pants. today's lesson is about learning to change gears smoothly. was very distracted by the heavy rain and i bet the instructor couldnt see us clearly too. i fell down one time only. my class of 3 people all failed.

 

fourth lesson ( 1.02 passed): 26 sept friday

sunny afternoon luckily.. learn about changing gears again.. deja vu. braking still not good enough.. i realise whenever i am kanchiong i cant concentrate and perform well.. and i will end up braking too hard and loosing my balance. fell from the bike 3 times today in the mini bike circuit. but instructor led us out to the main circuit where we did many rounds around the main track. my class had 3 people, including me, and the instructor made me lead the class around the track. i think its because i am the lousiest haha but anyway this class was really fun cos i experience riding together with cars being around me. passed this class

 

today will be my fifth lesson (1.03) wish me luck

Edited September 28, 2014 by wyora

[TsuchimiRin]

good luck, take this chance to fully adjust to the "personality" of the bike, do not rush too much during your class.

[GuiNNeSS]

Not bad. Nicely done.

 

But auntie that I am. Here are my pointers again.

 

1) Bring your own PSB Approved Open Face Helmet. With cheap buffs from Daiso/headscaf and full fingered riding gloves.

2) Get yourself a waist pouch that also holds a water bottle so you can keep your valuables with you as well as refill your bottle for hydration.

3) Long sleeve tees, Comfy jeans and covered shoes is de rigeur, along with plenty of spray deodorant

4) Book your classes, one morning, one afternoon or one night. Squeeze two classes one day. With an hour break in between so your body gets familiar with what is known as muscle memory.

5) Lunch/Tea break/dinner with some instructors, you all eat at the same canteen anyway. Chit Chat, and have them tell you where exactly are the spots you need to turn heads, lower gear and actually stop. Listen. They do this day in day out, they know.

6) You are covered with some insurance. So with injuries, please check with the instructors what is the procedures and possible cures. They do emergency treatment to students day in day out. They know what some works and what wont, and they will be happier to know if some cures do not work so they can help the next student.

7) Be nice, plenty will be boasting about what bike they want, will get or planning to get. Nod your head, listen, but keep that away as considerations and avoid the pitfalls of being in the same gang of people that do not see beyond how riding is about you having a convenience and a new twist to life that brings you confidence.

8) Be hydrated, be sun protected and be injury protected. A cold shower after two sessions of muscle work, is same as after one session of muscle work.

[MR BIKER]

sorry kitty, I am at the side of the fence. As a father figure, I just hope you think twice before getting a bike

[wait4me]

most important in all male riders > TS chio bor??

[Hydher]

most important in all male riders > TS chio bor??

 

 

Wyora nothing beats having a riding buddy.

Find one to give you tips!

 

Try your best and work on what you think is your weak points.

Its expensive but dont try to save on going for revisions or let it be a factor in your pursuing it.

 

Sometimes trying the best is the most you can do.

If the instructor wants you do come back, you will.

[kicson]

Rather you fall in circuit,then you fall on the road.

[Cool79]

Kitty has good points. Anyway bike is a point a to b. Don't rush, better to fall in school than outside.

 

I had friend who is dead, better learn more from school.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[swissbake]

I would suggest riding a bicycle frequently to improve balance and confidence, especially later on for obstacle courses. Also sit as close to tank as possible to improve balance.

[wyora]

fifth lesson: 1.03 ( passed) 29 sept

today is the first class that i didnt fall down. and today is the first time i went the fastest speed on the bike. 45km/hr in 5th gear. did 1 hour of rounding around the main circuit as warm up and practice. then went back into the small bike circuit for half clutch low speed control. basically had to swerve around cones with half clutch gear one and stop every 1 metre. really challenging.. as my sense of balance is not good on the bike yet, and half of the time i was struggling to remain in the track, always going off track. almost knocked over 2 cones, but luckily never. my class had 3 people, and the instructor was always pin pointing my errors. telling me not to paddle, front brake dont press so hard, use foot brake more, eyes look ahead of the direction etc. the instructor didnt really comment much on the other 2 guys, or i was too focused didnt hear?? so i thought die alr sure fail this time. but debriefing time, the instructor passed me but failed the other 2. not sure why, but i felt i didnt do well. nervous for next class (2.01) cos it will be even more challenging, doing sharp turns on half clutch control.

 

my next class is tomorrow wish me luck

[wyora]

good luck, take this chance to fully adjust to the "personality" of the bike, do not rush too much during your class.

 

haha thanks! slowly getting used to the bike already.. didnt fall down today!

[wyora]

Not bad. Nicely done.

 

But auntie that I am. Here are my pointers again.

 

1) Bring your own PSB Approved Open Face Helmet. With cheap buffs from Daiso/headscaf and full fingered riding gloves.

2) Get yourself a waist pouch that also holds a water bottle so you can keep your valuables with you as well as refill your bottle for hydration.

3) Long sleeve tees, Comfy jeans and covered shoes is de rigeur, along with plenty of spray deodorant

4) Book your classes, one morning, one afternoon or one night. Squeeze two classes one day. With an hour break in between so your body gets familiar with what is known as muscle memory.

5) Lunch/Tea break/dinner with some instructors, you all eat at the same canteen anyway. Chit Chat, and have them tell you where exactly are the spots you need to turn heads, lower gear and actually stop. Listen. They do this day in day out, they know.

6) You are covered with some insurance. So with injuries, please check with the instructors what is the procedures and possible cures. They do emergency treatment to students day in day out. They know what some works and what wont, and they will be happier to know if some cures do not work so they can help the next student.

7) Be nice, plenty will be boasting about what bike they want, will get or planning to get. Nod your head, listen, but keep that away as considerations and avoid the pitfalls of being in the same gang of people that do not see beyond how riding is about you having a convenience and a new twist to life that brings you confidence.

8) Be hydrated, be sun protected and be injury protected. A cold shower after two sessions of muscle work, is same as after one session of muscle work.

 

thank you kitty for your pointers.. will take note. so far i am still using sch helmet, will be getting my own helmet when i progress more. so far i dont have any injuries, and i hope i dont your pointer number 7 is good.. i will keep that in mind definitely.

[wyora]

sorry kitty, I am at the side of the fence. As a father figure, I just hope you think twice before getting a bike

 

thank you for concern, mr biker.. i will assess myself after i pass tp.. doesnt mean i pass tp means i become rossi already haha.. will assess myself if i am confident enough to ride on the road eventually. i hope i do, but my life is more important

[wyora]

most important in all male riders > TS chio bor??

 

haha when riding in bbdc all not chio one la.. sweating and in long sleeves and pants..

[wyora]

 

Wyora nothing beats having a riding buddy.

Find one to give you tips!

 

Try your best and work on what you think is your weak points.

Its expensive but dont try to save on going for revisions or let it be a factor in your pursuing it.

 

Sometimes trying the best is the most you can do.

If the instructor wants you do come back, you will.

 

yes, i'd agree.. i am always asking my biker friends for advises and enquiries. have much more to learn! yup, if i failed, i would gladly return for another class for more practice. rather to grasp the foundations well.

[wyora]

Rather you fall in circuit,then you fall on the road.

 

very true.. but today i didnt fall! yay.. haha

[wyora]

Kitty has good points. Anyway bike is a point a to b. Don't rush, better to fall in school than outside.

 

I had friend who is dead, better learn more from school.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

riding is always dangerous. be safe and stay safe all riders!

[wyora]

I would suggest riding a bicycle frequently to improve balance and confidence, especially later on for obstacle courses. Also sit as close to tank as possible to improve balance.

 

my bicycle skills is average.. can go straight, turn and u turn, seldom fall.. thats about it. haha although both are 2 wheelers, the handling and feeling of both are very different.

[Cool79]

riding is always dangerous. be safe and stay safe all riders!

Haha. Ya. Don't be tempted to speed.

 

Now I don't ever date to hit more than 160 already... uncle liao. Haha, but I don't know how I hit 265 last time. :X

[Vampgen]

Riding requires practice. It can't be taught .. During ur free time maybe u like to ride on a bicycle for your daily commute or trip to market . It gives u a sense of balance and change the gears or ur bicycle gives u the feel of how the engine feels when u are at the wrong gear( for bicycle u are the engine).

 

Once u have a better understanding, u will feel that when riding on a motorcycle. U know when to change gear and change smoothly. The balance on motorbike is actually better because of its weight but because of slow speed u tend to lose balance.

 

When cornering rest assured the tyre are good on the rough road surface but speeds of below 60km/h. So dun worry about falling or slipping while cornering. Usually fall occurs when too fast or slippery surface.

 

Just my 2 cents hope it helps

[Vampgen]

Oh I forget . Avoid hard braking. It causes wheels to lock and drop ur speed tremendously then u lose balance

[kaiq]

I fall all the time. Class 2B, 2A and 2 all drop before. Either XJR4 or FZ6 landed on my leg before and had to rest 2 weeks. Drop until learnt how to use body weight to push bike up. Pass already go outside still drop about 3-4 times per year.

 

With every drop you will learnt something. As a trainee you learnt how to recover efficiently. Once pass you learnt more about bike repair and maintenance, plus of course the cost of repair

[TsuchimiRin]

Haha. Ya. Don't be tempted to speed.

 

Now I don't ever date to hit more than 160 already... uncle liao. Haha, but I don't know how I hit 265 last time. :X

 

Hmm....it kind of make me worse, I do not go out during weekends, I only use my bike for transport to and fro work and so far, the highest speed I ever reached is less than 90.... -_-|||

[Cool79]

Hmm....it kind of make me worse, I do not go out during weekends, I only use my bike for transport to and fro work and so far, the highest speed I ever reached is less than 90.... -_-|||

Lol. Mine also for work day only. Max is 100 to 110km/hr. Weekend I am driving. Haha