A female rider's class 2B journey

[nightlights]

Hi, I'm a female and have also recently started my class 2b as well! Totally understand what you're going through hahaha

[RoboTech]

Good luck and all the best for your class 2B journey and beyond.... and that goes for everyone taking the same journey....

 

Live long and prosper.... May the Force be with you....

[cheesedale]

Like what most people said above, fall in school is better than falling outside. I also fell a couple of times in school.

 

You have to take note, different bikes have different... "feelings". I'm sure you don't get the same number all the time. First to check is the biting point. Some is near, some is far, some you open a bit the bike will stall (this one if suay cannot change bike, ask the instructor adjust for you). Once you get the right biting point, try getting used to it. From there, you won't be falling much and it will also make it easier for you.

 

Next you have to have a lot of patience cos sometimes things just doesn't go your way. Maybe your hand itchy, leg itchy, mosquito kiss your cheek until itchy cannot concentrate, other riders cut in your que or never give way, cars taking their own time, etc. Have patience and learn slowy but not too slow la cos later many $$$ fly. Haha.

 

Last but not the list, if not sure, ASK. Don't care whether handsome or uncle or what, just ask them if you need more clarifications. They will feel better rather than just sitting there or standing there getting toast by the sun then nobody layan (talk) to them.

 

As for the stuffs, best you get your personal helmet, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads. Cos sometimes the previous class use then you all no choice pick those sweat wet wet helmet/pads, smelly helmet/pads. If not, it's ok wear headscarf or long sleeve. Just don't faint if smell too strong.

 

These are my pointers and those that I've made friends with during the time when I was taking my class 2B a year +++ ago.

 

I hope this helps you and those taking 2B. Forgot to ask the instructor, you can also ask here if in doubt.

[hannnnnnny]

Please clear your BTE, BTT, PTE and PTT.

 

Don't be like me choing a lesson a day at stage 5 now and still stuck waiting for BTT mid of next month T.T

Can anyone please explain to me why in the world do such tests have such a long waiting time. *Cries

[wyora]

6th lesson: 2.01 ( passed) 30 sept tues

 

was 5 mins late today and my class already on bikes and at the main circuit. quickly caught up and did 5 minutes warm up. first time riding with traffic light involved and had to do a lot of left turns. at first i did a few wide turns, that made me swerve out of lane, cos i was afraid to turn too much and cause the bike to fall. haha but subsequently i improved. cos i remembered one of the commenter here, vampgen, said that the tyres will be good on rough roads and wont fall easily on low speed. and that boosted my confidence and learnt to trust the bike more. haha thanks bro! i do read comments and advises and apply them during practicals, so do keep them coming in

 

the second part was the more challenging part, to go up a slope and stop mid way and slowly go down again. i am thankful that i have a class 3 license, and the knowledge i have learnt to operate a manual car has helped me a lot. the concept is exactly the same. just glad that the bike didnt fall down the slope ( worst case scenario!! oh gosh i am always so pessimistic) the bike did wobble when i am going up slope, admit because i am kanchiong, didnt plan ahead. anyway it went fairly well and i am glad i pass the class!

 

next lesson 2.02 will be this friday! wish me luck...

[wyora]

Hi, I'm a female and have also recently started my class 2b as well! Totally understand what you're going through hahaha

 

are you at bbdc too?? maybe i have seen you around.. haha

[wait4me]

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

 

ladies who sweat at the right activites is a turn on too lol

 

so TS single a not ??

[danielb]

Remember to grip the tank and all will be good.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[nightlights]

are you at bbdc too?? maybe i have seen you around.. haha

 

Yeah taking at bbdc! Do you normally go for lessons at night? i go mainly in the noon!

[wyora]

Yeah taking at bbdc! Do you normally go for lessons at night? i go mainly in the noon!

 

haha i go mainly in the noon too..!

[bunny_hui]

Hope u pass u r 2 n join sg lady rider for ride n meet up

[koolman]

Hi TS, I'm unable to guide u on any experiences as i took my class 2b around 20years ago. When I took that time, we only have 5 practical. There was no outdoor assessment. Just make sure u do all the check when u are at the stop line. All the best

[wyora]

7th lesson: 2.02 ( failed first time) 3 oct friday

 

todays lesson is very challenging. lane changing, checking blind spots, and slope. sounds easy but kinda hard cos you have to have good coordination skills haha. had a short briefing about the route that we would be using, then the instructor took us a few rounds to familiarise with the route and then we are off on our owns to self practice. today's class is the biggest i have been in so far- 6 people. OH YA and when i was on the slope going downwards i suddenly kanchiong and lose balance and the bike fell. anyway my lane changing wasnt good, made alot of wide turns, wobble here and there due to not throttling enough. definitely improved since the last lesson, but not good enough to get to the next lesson! this lesson is really challenging, cos you need to watch out for alot of things and yet coordinate well and fast enough! watch out for oncoming traffic in front, traffic at the lane that you are changing to, check blind spots, on and off signal lights, engage the right gear at the right time. really challenging but i am loving it haha

 

next lesson is on monday.. 2.02 again!! )

[wyora]

Hope u pass u r 2 n join sg lady rider for ride n meet up

 

sure bunny hui.. would love to join the lady riders.. haha

[bunny_hui]

Is ok that u drop the bike during training than after u pass u drop u r own bike. 😊 practice make perfect !!!

[MR BIKER]

3am . saturday . woodland checkpoint towards singapore. saw 3 stunning ladies. 1 on cb4 revo if not mistaken. 2 on scrambler (yellow plate) and 1 haya(a guy). hmmmmm

[swissbake]

Don't muscle the bike. Use your body to guide it. Legs gripping tank is correct. Sit upright , body relaxed, and bum almost touching tank is best because bike will feel lightest and most balanced . Your high and central cg will make the bike easier to maneuver. Always look far ahead to where you are going.

 

 

Later on you'll understand that it's not how fast or well you complete the obstacle courses that will pass you, but rather how you 'didn't' check blind spot, wobble, wide turning arc, etc, that might fail you. Those little 2 points here 4 points there are the true killers. Remember that and don't immediate fail at obstacle and you'll do fine.

Edited October 4, 2014 by swissbake

[swissbake]

Learn to exaggerate your blind spot checks every time you ride. This is to ingrain the behavior for sake of testers seeing you do it. But in real life it is a good practice too.

[swissbake]

For me passing is about skill and behavior. They are very different things.

 

Behavior is about what you do or do not do. No skill or bravery is involved.

 

To improve behavior

I will actually talk aloud to myself when riding in circuit to remind myself what to do. Eg, check blind! filter right! Signal! Cancel signal! Change gear! On second gear! Release clutch! Look ahead! Check back!

 

You do this to build behavior. You want to reduce instances of demerit points such as from wrong gear ( they can hear it if you are on 1 not 2 ) or fingers on clutch during figure 8. Even duck feet or feet kept under gear can demerit. So remember to keep feet on top of gear and pointing forwards.

 

Fyi figure 8 is move off, second gear, turn, cancel signal, hands off clutch, figure 8, left signal, turn, check traffic, turn, cancel signal. If there is on coming traffic you need to down shift, stop, check traffic, check back, check blind before moving off, and cancel signal after ( because there is a left turn in front that you will not be taking )

Never signal, cancel signal, fingers off clutch, check traffic all carry individual demerit points.

This is on top of demerit if too slow figure 8.

 

You may ask what's with all these behavior in real life.

Feet on gear is to allow fast downshift if engine braking

Fingers off clutch is to ensure complete engine brake during emergency, and to make sure riders don't regularly drag clutch.

In an emergency every micro second counts and where your fingers/feet are at when it happens makes a difference because you're at 70kmh not stationary. 70kmh is 19.4m/s. Average Human takes 0.7s to recognize and react. Add the time to move a body part just to get ready could mean a big difference in an emergency. That's why lane 1 is advised 5 car lengths.

 

To improve skill

Skill is about your natural ability to balance and take risks. It's about how well you do something.

I just can't/ don't dare to lean deep or turn fast like some. For this I need to practice to improve.

 

In the future, during circuit practice, you can forsake going the full circuit per test criteria and just keep repeating your weak obstacles over and over.

 

Or practice with a bicycle in a large empty car park. Practice makes perfect, and class 2b needs lots of practice.

 

Many fail because they don't practice enough. They think the prescribed lessons are enough or they just want to save money. This thinking will actually cause them more time and money in the long run if they fail their TP. the 2 month wait between tp is reason enough to practice practice practice before the tp.

Edited October 4, 2014 by swissbake

[swissbake]

Lastly, remember that you DONT have to do an obstacle to their best timing. You CAN afford to have a some demerit points for being too fast or slow at obstacle. Just make sure you are within the maximum required allowance.

Demerit is far better than immediate failure like hit cone or curb because we overstretch our skill limit. This kind of intentional give away demerit is ok because it is your passing strategy since obstacle requires balancing skill that sometimes we just don't have.

 

On the other hand demerit from never check back/blind or wrong signal/fingers/gear is silly to give away because it is behavior we can easily change.

 

I know people who are super fast and can lean really deep on figure 8 but still fail overall because they ram in the circuit and never practice all the safety requirements.

 

Remember TP is not looking for the most skilled rider to pass. They are looking for the rider who is reasonably skilled enough and is safe enough not to be a hazard to themselves and others on the road. Think about it.

Edited October 4, 2014 by swissbake

[dreamer_toons]

For me passing is about skill and behavior. They are very different things.

 

Behavior is about what you do or do not do. No skill or bravery is involved.

 

To improve behavior

I will actually talk aloud to myself when riding in circuit to remind myself what to do. Eg, check blind! filter right! Signal! Cancel signal! Change gear! On second gear! Release clutch! Look ahead! Check back!

 

You do this to build behavior. You want to reduce instances of demerit points such as from wrong gear ( they can hear it if you are on 1 not 2 ) or fingers on clutch during figure 8. Even duck feet or feet kept under gear can demerit. So remember to keep feet on top of gear and pointing forwards.

 

Fyi figure 8 is move off, second gear, turn, cancel signal, hands off clutch, figure 8, left signal, turn, check traffic, turn, cancel signal. If there is on coming traffic you need to down shift, stop, check traffic, check back, check blind before moving off, and cancel signal after ( because there is a left turn in front that you will not be taking )

Never signal, cancel signal, fingers off clutch, check traffic all carry individual demerit points.

This is on top of demerit if too slow figure 8.

 

You may ask what's with all these behavior in real life.

Feet on gear is to allow fast downshift if engine braking

Fingers off clutch is to ensure complete engine brake during emergency, and to make sure riders don't regularly drag clutch.

In an emergency every micro second counts and where your fingers/feet are at when it happens makes a difference because you're at 70kmh not stationary. 70kmh is 19.4m/s. Average Human takes 0.7s to recognize and react. Add the time to move a body part just to get ready could mean a big difference in an emergency. That's why lane 1 is advised 5 car lengths.

 

To improve skill

Skill is about your natural ability to balance and take risks. It's about how well you do something.

I just can't/ don't dare to lean deep or turn fast like some. For this I need to practice to improve.

 

In the future, during circuit practice, you can forsake going the full circuit per test criteria and just keep repeating your weak obstacles over and over.

 

Or practice with a bicycle in a large empty car park. Practice makes perfect, and class 2b needs lots of practice.

 

Many fail because they don't practice enough. They think the prescribed lessons are enough or they just want to save money. This thinking will actually cause them more time and money in the long run if they fail their TP. the 2 month wait between tp is reason enough to practice practice practice before the tp.

 

Lastly, remember that you DONT have to do an obstacle to their best timing. You CAN afford to have a some demerit points for being too fast or slow at obstacle. Just make sure you are within the maximum required allowance.

Demerit is far better than immediate failure like hit cone or curb because we overstretch our skill limit. This kind of intentional give away demerit is ok because it is your passing strategy since obstacle requires balancing skill that sometimes we just don't have.

 

On the other hand demerit from never check back/blind or wrong signal/fingers/gear is silly to give away because it is behavior we can easily change.

 

I know people who are super fast and can lean really deep on figure 8 but still fail overall because they ram in the circuit and never practice all the safety requirements.

 

Remember TP is not looking for the most skilled rider to pass. They are looking for the rider who is reasonably skilled enough and is safe enough not to be a hazard to themselves and others on the road. Think about it.

 

 

Well said, these tips resonated with me too; from my 2B last year to my recent 2A.

 

Just to share my views.

 

Right from the start in 2B last year, I recognise that my riding skill is poor; slow and no confidence to lean with bike in figure 8 course and slalom, fell numerous times during training and these poor riding skill got carried over to my 2A. I didn't own a 2B bike coz my aim is to get a 2A bike ultimately. Hence, I don't get much practise during my first year of riding; only minimum experience since I rode my friend's bike for short period of time as I am the named rider. Meanwhile, I read on the road hazard awareness shared by some forumers here and practise them while riding to heighten my safety awareness.

 

I struggled with my first 2 lessons in 2A and dropped the bike at times.

 

I spent quite a sum of money on my circuit revisions especially my 2A and 2B coz I'm trying hard to get used to the handling, improve my skill and behaviours (muscle memory). And certainly, the more practises I have, the more confidence I gain to do my weak courses (gain skill). I would do my figure 8 repeatedly and reflect on the points where I could do it better and try again till I get it right.

 

At the same time, I'm practising what Swissbake has illustrated; talking aloud during the test routes and negotiating the courses. The only exception was that I do it in my mind during the revision practicals for muscle memory so that physically, my body and limbs reacts accordingly and at anywhere and anytime I feel like it; as a mental rehearsal for my actual test.

 

I have a friend who told me that I'm wasting money on revisions and few rounds of them will suffice. Well, everyone is different; the skill level is different and he is younger and willing to lean further but not me. If you can afford, go for more revisions if you realised that you are poor in your skill and your budget allows you to do so.

 

1 of my instructors shared this with me. When the going gets tough and you keep dropping off the plank or fail to meet timing, think about how successfully you did the previous time. Don't think about the mistakes that cause you to fail but about the basics that keep you to complete that particular circuit successfully. It works for me.

 

Efforts paid off when I passed both tests at my first attempt.

 

I hope this little sharing will benefit those who are in the same plight as me during the initial stage of learning. Don't give up and you will be rewarded with that hard earned licence. You will realise the joy of your learning journey during practicals and beyond the many years of riding thereafter.

 

Enjoy the holidays and ride safe to ride another day.

[swissbake]

Well said, these tips resonated with me too; from my 2B last year to my recent 2A.

 

Just to share my views.

 

Right from the start in 2B last year, I recognise that my riding skill is poor; slow and no confidence to lean with bike in figure 8 course and slalom, fell numerous times during training and these poor riding skill got carried over to my 2A. I didn't own a 2B bike coz my aim is to get a 2A bike ultimately. Hence, I don't get much practise during my first year of riding; only minimum experience since I rode my friend's bike for short period of time as I am the named rider. Meanwhile, I read on the road hazard awareness shared by some forumers here and practise them while riding to heighten my safety awareness.

 

I struggled with my first 2 lessons in 2A and dropped the bike at times.

 

I spent quite a sum of money on my circuit revisions especially my 2A and 2B coz I'm trying hard to get used to the handling, improve my skill and behaviours (muscle memory). And certainly, the more practises I have, the more confidence I gain to do my weak courses (gain skill). I would do my figure 8 repeatedly and reflect on the points where I could do it better and try again till I get it right.

 

At the same time, I'm practising what Swissbake has illustrated; talking aloud during the test routes and negotiating the courses. The only exception was that I do it in my mind during the revision practicals for muscle memory so that physically, my body and limbs reacts accordingly and at anywhere and anytime I feel like it; as a mental rehearsal for my actual test.

 

I have a friend who told me that I'm wasting money on revisions and few rounds of them will suffice. Well, everyone is different; the skill level is different and he is younger and willing to lean further but not me. If you can afford, go for more revisions if you realised that you are poor in your skill and your budget allows you to do so.

 

1 of my instructors shared this with me. When the going gets tough and you keep dropping off the plank or fail to meet timing, think about how successfully you did the previous time. Don't think about the mistakes that cause you to fail but about the basics that keep you to complete that particular circuit successfully. It works for me.

 

Efforts paid off when I passed both tests at my first attempt.

 

I hope this little sharing will benefit those who are in the same plight as me during the initial stage of learning. Don't give up and you will be rewarded with that hard earned licence. You will realise the joy of your learning journey during practicals and beyond the many years of riding thereafter.

 

Enjoy the holidays and ride safe to ride another day.

 

Thanks dreamer_toons, happy to know a fellow biker who thinks alike ! First time passing for 2b, 2a and 2 can't be wrong

 

 

Some additional tips...

 

1. Cram your lessons and get TP date asap.

This shortens TP and 2b wait.

Also, Doing more consecutive days gives you better skill memory and improvement than say lessons a week apart. Muscle memory forgets quickly.

Although I never did 2 lessons in one day. Too tired and hot and uncomfortable for me.

For 2b, theory is a big delayer. Clear your theory asap. Sneak in other people class if you can and try to get attendance. May save you upwards of 2 mths wait for TP.

 

 

2. Stop practice after getting TP date.

Instead, as TP approaches, say 2 weeks, cram many revisions to rekindle memory and skill. Make sure you add a few morning sessions to get the body ready.

But you may feel otherwise. Works for me though.

 

 

3. Got to have some guts to push your limits.

You can't improve if you don't push them.

Go a little faster. Aim to purposely fail (trying too hard) some obstacles just to know HOW things can go wrong. Knowing how you fail is the first step to avoiding future failure. Not knowing keeps you scared and conservative.

Sometimes in trying to fail or too hard (plank/pylon) you may actually discover you can actually do it better.

Another way is set gradual personal goals.... 1/2 plank... 3/4 plank.... To build confidence.

 

 

4. Why do you crash? Because you are out of balance. Because you turn your handlebar too hard or stop suddenly.

Because your eyes are looking down and at the wrong places.

Learn to stay upright and balanced

Learn to shift your body weight to counter tilt

Learn to look ahead and trust your arms to point the bike in the right direction without looking at the handlebar.

Squeeze hard with your thighs to straighten the bike!

You'll crash less when you practice more...

 

 

5 practice practice practice

By that I mean deliberate repeat of certain activities until you feel comfortable and natural.

Change gear, clutch play, signal and cancel. Etc keep doing whenever you can, even when the lesson may not require it.

Lessons are for you to keep trying activities until you understand, get it right and make it natural. Stop thinking about how perfect you have to be and wanting to pass. Focus on improving. You'll pass naturally when instructors see that you can handle what is required.

 

6 talk talk talk.

Talk to instructors and friends to understand and learn new tips. Bikers are nice people !

 

Good luck !

[wyora]

8th lesson: 2.02 ( passed on second time) 6 oct monday

 

this time my class had only 3 people.. a smaller class means more time for the instructor to guide and correct us. did the same things as the previous class.. lane changing, checking blind spot, signalling and the slope. i didnt fall today, but did quite a few silly mistakes. accidentally got on to neutral gear while going up slope, luckily i changed it on time. while going down slope, instead of selecting the signal left button, i pressed the horn. and i didnt realise the horn sound came from my bike, cos there were a few bikes around me, and i pressed the horn button for the next good 3 seconds. and everyone was looking at me and the instructor gave me a stunned face haha.. then i raised my hand and told everyone sorry sorry it was my fault haha. i am still doing quite a lot of wide turns.. mainly because i always use my body weight to lean and turn the bike, not using much of the handlebars. honestly because somehow i dont trust the bike so much yet haha.. i am afraid if i turn the handlebar an angle too much, the bike will fall. but i am working on it still, by throttling more and learning to turn the handlebar just a little more. and most importantly, learning to trust myself and the bike!!

 

though i felt i didnt do really well, i passed the lesson nevertheless. which brings me to worry about my next lesson, the pylon class (!!), as my turning is not really good yet. another challenging one.. guess i will be knocking down many cones haha but hey practice makes perfect..

 

my next class will be later in the day! wish me luck..

Edited October 6, 2014 by wyora

[wyora]

Thanks dreamer_toons, happy to know a fellow biker who thinks alike ! First time passing for 2b, 2a and 2 can't be wrong

 

 

Some additional tips...

 

1. Cram your lessons and get TP date asap.

This shortens TP and 2b wait.

Also, Doing more consecutive days gives you better skill memory and improvement than say lessons a week apart. Muscle memory forgets quickly.

Although I never did 2 lessons in one day. Too tired and hot and uncomfortable for me.

For 2b, theory is a big delayer. Clear your theory asap. Sneak in other people class if you can and try to get attendance. May save you upwards of 2 mths wait for TP.

 

 

2. Stop practice after getting TP date.

Instead, as TP approaches, say 2 weeks, cram many revisions to rekindle memory and skill. Make sure you add a few morning sessions to get the body ready.

But you may feel otherwise. Works for me though.

 

 

3. Got to have some guts to push your limits.

You can't improve if you don't push them.

Go a little faster. Aim to purposely fail (trying too hard) some obstacles just to know HOW things can go wrong. Knowing how you fail is the first step to avoiding future failure. Not knowing keeps you scared and conservative.

Sometimes in trying to fail or too hard (plank/pylon) you may actually discover you can actually do it better.

Another way is set gradual personal goals.... 1/2 plank... 3/4 plank.... To build confidence.

 

 

4. Why do you crash? Because you are out of balance. Because you turn your handlebar too hard or stop suddenly.

Because your eyes are looking down and at the wrong places.

Learn to stay upright and balanced

Learn to shift your body weight to counter tilt

Learn to look ahead and trust your arms to point the bike in the right direction without looking at the handlebar.

Squeeze hard with your thighs to straighten the bike!

You'll crash less when you practice more...

 

 

5 practice practice practice

By that I mean deliberate repeat of certain activities until you feel comfortable and natural.

Change gear, clutch play, signal and cancel. Etc keep doing whenever you can, even when the lesson may not require it.

Lessons are for you to keep trying activities until you understand, get it right and make it natural. Stop thinking about how perfect you have to be and wanting to pass. Focus on improving. You'll pass naturally when instructors see that you can handle what is required.

 

6 talk talk talk.

Talk to instructors and friends to understand and learn new tips. Bikers are nice people !

 

Good luck !

 

great advise.. thank you so much !! tmr is my pylon class and i m rather nervous for it

[haram_j86]

great advise.. thank you so much !! tmr is my pylon class and i m rather nervous for it

 

Good luck for ur pylon class. Always remember that you control the bike. not the other way round.