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I hope to get there early to avoid the crush for bacon rolls! Bronze F800ST- be nice to meet some other bikers. I have no biker friends

I'll be there! My first ever ride out since passing my test in April. Bit daunting as I've only ridden on my own so far!

Just don't mention nodding. Oh shit... Actually since I have had my bike (10 days) practically every biker I have passed has nodded. I probably stood out as a newbie cos at first I was just doing a straight nod but everyone appears to nod to the side! Anyway back to the OP- I hadn't been on a bike for over 30 years and then almost exclusively 50cc. I took an intensive DAS starting on the 28th March and passed my Mod 2 on the 17th April. This was my only experience of riding a big bike (5 road sessions inc getting to and from tests) and I have gone straight to a BMW F800ST. Bit nervous and wary at first but I am quickly finding my feet on it. The only time I rode a 125 for my training was the off road segment of the CBT and remembering what it was like, I wouldn't ever want to ride one on the road that's for sure.

Many more to come!

That does seem quite high. After failing my Mod 1, my Mod 2 was cancelled in case my instructor couldn't get me another Mod 1 in enough time. He told me another full session (4hours, bike hire, helmet and jacket, CDW and test fee) would have been around £130 (fortunately it all worked out and I only had to pay for the Mod1 retake and hire of bike just for the test). On my Mod 2, my instructor spent his time with another pupil practising in a quiet road near the centre- not sure if your instructor does that. Just seems very high to me- just make sure you pass next time!

The hazard part of the test is nowalmost if not all CGI. There aren't lots of potential hazards anymore and I found it pretty obvious what the hazards where. Using CGI the clips can be made rather than using a real life scene where there may be plenty of potential hazards. I was told by my instructor to click 3 times with for what you consider a hazard so if you are too early your next clicks should fall within the marks. My score improved greatly when I took this approach. Like others have said, it's not as bad as you think it is so try to stop worrying about it. Good luck!

I had my cycle stolen a few weeks ago from work- locked up in a school but still nabbed so maybe I am still feeling a little paranoid! I live in a flat and can keep it out in the communal garden area but that brings with it the problem of the kids that play there- don't want them clambering on it or having it fall on them. Out front is a public car park with a metal rail in concrete post around it so could chain it to that. A neighbour has a brick shed that I can use but space getting the bike in and out may be tight and it has a step so looks like it might be a bit of a faff! The local council have garages to rent very close to me but unfortunately there is a waiting list. It's the overnight parking/storage that I am most concerned about really. The dealer I bought the bike from did say that they aren't particularly sought after by thieves.

Thanks guys. I'll do some research into these products

It was during a car ride from Reeth to Hawes last year that made me want to get a bike! Hopefully later this year will be up that way again- this time on a bike

Just passed my test using Camrider Which branch you doing it at? You can get away wearing ordinary jeans as long as they have no rips. As for boots, after my first part of the CBT I went out and bought some RST Adventure boots because I was having great difficulty changing gear with my walking boots but maybe that was just me. I think you just need some sturdy boots that give some ankle protection and the ones you gave a link for look like they would be ok but don't quote me! Can you get to Camrider beforehand to show them? I bought the Alpha III jeans but have yet to actually wear them on a bike. I can't comment on other gear because I have no experience of it.

I shall be getting my new toy soon- F800ST. It has as standard an engine immobiliser. I'm thinking maybe I should get it alarmed and invest in a good chain and/or disc lock. What do people recommend or suggest?

Quite possibly- I'll be looking for an excuse to go out on it. That's a lie- I won't need an excuse! When I actually get her I'll bear Tuesday nights in mind

Didn't hunt for long. I've been looking on the internet and went to look at one I had seen and walked away having put down a deposit on it

I'm leaning toward BMW F800ST but quite keen also on GSX650F- going to look at some tomorrow

So, 19 days after taking a bike on the road for the first time in over 30 years and never having ridden anything bigger than a 125 a handful of times, I had my Mod 2 this morning. I didn't enjoy the ride to the test station, made a few silly errors but nothing major mainly because of nerves and trying to get everything right. Examiner takes me out and asks me to read the number plate on the left of the fence and I managed to read the number of the car parked next to it- great start! Couples of questions about oil and pillion and off we went heading toward a village that I lived in for 14 years up until recently so I really knew the roads which helped. Left the village and examiner told me to do an independent ride and follow the signs for Cambridge. Approaching a roundabout to take the third exit, I did a lifesaver, indicated, and moved into the right hand lane then realised I was going into the right turn for MacDonalds just before the roundabout (stupid place for a right turn IMO) and although I knew the road well I had not travelled in the direction I was going since long before the turning was there. Panicked a little and looked over my left shoulder, indicated and adjusted my position slightly to get where I should have been. I thought "idiot, should have taken the right turn" and then gone from there. Less than 10 mins later we were back at the test centre. I was sure the test only lasted about 30 minutes and thought I had probably failed because of my manoeuvre and we had gone back early! But I did pass and now have a full motorcycle category A licence. I said to the examiner about my almost wrong turn and he said I did it safely so there was no problem and I had a total of 6 faults- 3 of which were undue hesitation. My instructor said did I want the radio for the ride back- hell no! The ride back was sweet despite the Cambridge traffic and numerous hold ups and as we hit the open roads, an old song came into my head called "Motorcycle rider" which I found myself singing out loud as I rode along! Happy days! Now to get some wheels..........

The examiner for my first Mod 1 just seemed a nice guy and we got to stroke his dog which I think helped me relax a little. The second looked a miserable old sod and when I signed the paperwork he said make sure it is all in the box or we have to do it all again. I thought what a miserable sod. He then asked if I was taking my Q test- I hadn't a clue what he meant! After what seemed like an eternity he smiled and said I'm just pulling your leg. I saw the funny side and he probably did it to help with my nerves. After telling what to do with each manoeuvre he asked if I had any questions. On my first attempts at emergency stop and avoidance he told me straight away what my speed was and asked if I'd like to do it again. Despite his outwardly miserable and deadpan appearance he was very nice and think was doing his best to calm my nerves. The only complaint is the look on his face as I walked back into the test centre- I thought I'd probably failed. A little knowing smile would have been nice! I certainly wouldn't want to do it again! But I can only speak for the test centre I did mine at with two different examiners but they did seem that they wanted people to pass

Thanks! I totally agree. The Mod 1 to me is alien- knowing what is coming and what you have to do doesn't feel right whereas riding on the road feels more instinctive and intuitive. I feel more than capable of passing but not taking anything for granted.

Bit nervy on the slalom due to getting it wrong last week but managed it today. Emergency stop and avoidance had to do twice as only 47kmh on first attempts. Finished up and went into test centre not knowing whether I had passed and convinced I hadn't but only 2 faults which where the second attempts but I have passed! Mod 2 is now on Friday morning! Two weeks ago I had never been on a big bike and here I am within touching distance of my full licence happy bunny today!

They are at Wandlebury Country Park, just south of Cambridge. Unfortunately, there are no facilities to allow feeding and stroking unless you are lucky enough for them to come over to the fence- they usually spend their time on the other side of the field they graze. I have given them hay twice now and have not been able to stroke them myself! Minty is quarantined in an area not open to the public and I am not in a position to grant access- I don't have the power I'm afraid I tried to tempt her over to me with a carrot today but she wouldn't come close enough. And also she is wary of females- she thinks they are all vets!

If I were you, I would ring the DVLA on Monday just to make sure. If there is a problem with it they may not let you take the test

So SOOOOOO jealous! And only found out about Highland Cattle in Cambridge after I moved away...lived there for over 10 years!! FFS My first job this morning was to take Minty her carrots and cornflakes with molasses and give her some fresh hay. She's in quarantine because she broke her pelvis. Then fresh hay and water for the other seven. They came galloping over And tomorrow I get to do it all again!

Lucifer Rising- The Flaming Lips

Thanks. My second attempt has now been moved forward to Monday morning