Modern Vespa

Since having my wreck a few months ago. I have been riding quite a bit. Of course it has mostly been commuting to and from work but I've noticed I have been afraid to lean too much into turns. I keep seeing my self fall again. OAD just put a new City Grip on and I know it is better than the Avon I had but I'm still afraid I will lean too far and lose it again. Regardless of the tire, I have found a way to fall when it is new. I'm just chicken I guess. I need to just fall so I can get it over with and ride like I used to...aggressive.

Think how I'll be when I get back to riding. Mine happened in traffic area ... I wonder if I'll ever ride again through Dallas, although that wasn't where this guy blind sided me.
But the best way to get over it is .... just do it. Like you did before. But with newer tires, this time.

Good Luck.

what the ??? Did you low side again?

Do we need to sched some lesson time?

I understand how you feel. Last October I low-sided my Concours (totally operator error): 5 fractured ribs and a torn spleen. Was in the hospital for 5 days but kept my spleen.

This May17th was the first time I was on a bike since the accident and it was theraputic. I've definitely been not as aggressive, whether on the MP3 or the F800GS (the Concours is still in restoration mode).

I say No, you don't need to fall again just to get it over. I figure just take things easy and build up confidence. The body may heal (relatively) quickly but the mind takes time.

No I didn't but I noticed I'm scared to lean too far because I may low side again. I start counter-leaning instead of leaning into the turn. I slow down a lot too.

That statement is indicative that you need some OAD lesson time. Indicates that you don't really know what countersteer is. Avail yourself of it.

I would suggest that you do some riding with other riders to regain some of your confidence. Take OAD up on his offer if you can make time. Maybe see if you can meet up with TN_Sooner and ride some medium-intensity local roads. You don't have to jump right back into the most difficult and technical roads. It might help you to work your way more gradually back up to the more aggressive riding style.

Good luck. As Yogi Berea might say, riding is 80% half mental...

Mark

Mental? Everyone already tells me I'm mental, so I should be there.

actually closer to 90%.

Crud. Just looked it up, and you're right. I didn't even misquote properly

I just hope the humorous "quote" didn't take away from my point. It's natural to be a little apprehensive after wiping out. That's why it's good to ride with other riders, especially ones as experienced and as good of teachers as OAD.

After my crash in Alabama I got right back on and rode the rest of the day with the group. When I got home I was a little tentative at first but it went away quickly. Conversely, after my low speed drop in Florida it took me awhile to regain my confidence. Probably because I was injured in that one. But it did go come back with time. I do still take that turn I crashed on like a little old man in a mobility scooter though.

You'll get it back.

Emt - you know I'll always go for a ride. Agree with others that riding with someone else is a good tonic.

I'm stuck in OKC for a few more days, but hoping to be back at home (and in the saddle) by Saturday or Sun., latest.

Not an easy thing to do. You either muster the willpower or you don't.
Be aware that excessive timidity is just as likely to cause an accident as being overbold. So - you need to find that middle ground quickly. Ask yourself which is more fun.

Now, that is NOT what you are going for. Sure, redefining your confidence is part of the process after a fall, but a bunch of negative thinking isn't the solution. Think of this as an opportunity to more clearly define your boundaries and ride to them (not past them ). Long time riders really don't go from crash to crash. That tells me that we get progressively better at understanding our limits (and lose some of those crazy urges that were never a good idea anyway - kinda like growing up). You know the saying about old pilots and bold pilots - fits just as well for bike riders.

I was more in the mindset that if I go ahead and do it then the fear would be behind me. Anyway, went out riding today. Semi-agressive. These City Grips are definitely nothing like the Avons. I'm feeling a little better about leaning into turn but not ready to let me knee touch or scrape any pegs for that matter. I think I just have to get comfortable with it again and trust both myself and the bike. May the Force be with me.

What was the surface you were riding on when you had your accident of leaning too far over?

I can't wait to get back to riding again. Trirol from Plano said I lean over in corners more than he does. Maybe it is from 18 years of riding a mountain bike. Which probably helped ... feel better about leaning in corners. But I feel myself through a corner.

Like I know how fast I need to be and after the lean, when to give it some gas coming out of the corner.

I'd say don't worry about leaning the bike - worry about ridding smoothly.
Concentrate on technique and critique each corner.

Well, the more you lean over, the less the bike has to. It's the whole center of mass thing. That's why you see MotoGP guys (and OAD) leaning so far off one side and dragging knees...

smooth is best for sure.

Maybe take an intermediate (or advanced) riders course.

After I had a fall (in the first month of having my first bike) I had a lot of nerves about riding again.

I took an intermediate riding course, and it helped restore a lot of confidence in riding.

EMT ... how you doing now with your previous leaning issues?

you like those new tires?

I'm doing much better. Thanks for asking. I have a short road only about 4-5 miles not far from my house with several hairpin turns/curves. I've been riding them every chance I get both ways so I don't get too used to the road. I'm leaning more and more each time and decelerating less. I'm really liking these City Grip tires. If I make it out to the gathering I think I'll be able to keep up with some of you guys.

that's wonderful. Now that didn't really take long. Must of been scary in the beginning.... so one day we can ride again together?

You betcha!