My CBT Experience :-(

[Guest]

I had did my first CBT last week and, after reading some of the other posts here, felt compelled to share my experiences. Apologies in advance for the lengthy post!

Prior to last Thursday, I had never taken driven or ridden anything other than a pushbike. I arrived at the test centre embarrassingly late but was welcomed warmly and introduced to the three other CBT students for that day. They were all young lads with previous riding experience but I didn’t let this deter me – I had already informed the instructors that I had no experience whatsoever.

We first had a lengthy chat about safety equipment (if you’ve not heard this before do pay attention – even if you think you know about all the precautions you should be taking you might be surprised). After this we had a look around the bikes. The instructor pointed out all the buttons and switches and explained what they were all for. Again, sounds basic but really useful stuff.

From here we walked the bikes around the training area. I found this to be far more difficult than it looked! Even a 125 weighs a fair a bit. I managed to keep the thing upright and all was going well. We then did some ‘pulling away’ while standing next to the bike. Just letting it pull forward slightly before stopping.

After this it was straight onto the bike. “Just pull away gently, ride up to the line and bring yourself to a gentle stop” the instructor said. And this was where it all went wrong. I never made it to the line, which must have been about 50 feet away. Almost as soon as I pulled away I lost complete control of the bike. I heard the engine scream, the handlebars went a bit crazy and within the blink of an eye I was in an undignified heap on the ground, sandwiched between the bike and the concrete wall that enclosed the test area. With blood gushing from my right knee and bruises already making themselves apparent through the holes in my jeans I knew I had two choices: walk away and forget the whole experience or get back on and try again.

I pushed the bike back to the starting line, a feeling of dread in my stomach. All the lads on the course had seen my crash the bike – I was so embarrassed. I apologised profusely – to them and my instructor. The fact that they were all so supportive really helped. I’m not sure I could have carried on otherwise. We had a good giggle about the £250 I could have made had it been filmed and I nervously climbed back onto the bike.

The instructor then took me right back to basics. – walking alongside me as I crawled along at a slow speed, not feeling comfortable enough to put my feet up on the pegs. Eventually I managed to go it alone and did a whole circuit of the test area!

A few more of these and we moved on to some of the trickier things. Slow speed control, U-turns and figures of 8. These went reasonably well, I only put my foot down a couple of times doing the figure of 8s. Then it was more circuits – this time using first and second gear. This I struggled with. The instructor said that no-one was to overtake – we would all go along at the pace of the slowest person. I wanted the ground to swallow me up as I led the convoy around the training area at a giddy 15 mph. I just couldn’t go any faster. Crashing had really knocked my confidence and every muscle in my body felt tense. I felt like the bike was controlling me and that I was tagging along for the ride.

I was overcome with relief when we stopped for lunch. My instructor and I agreed that I shouldn’t go out on the road. I took some time to evaluate the events of the morning. Could I ever really ride? Was I just not made of the right stuff?

I needed to come back to it with a clear head. And that’s just what I’m going to do – this Sunday. Do wish me luck - there’s a brand new CBF 125 in my garage!

[Ash]

Nice write up! Well done on getting straight back on after crashing, that's the best thing to do to avoid ending up dreading the thought of it! Don't be too embarrassed, im sure the instructor has seen much worse!

 

We first had a lengthy chat about safety equipment (if you’ve not heard this before do pay attention – even if you think you know about all the precautions you should be taking you might be surprised).

 

Do you mind me asking what you found suprising?

Ash

[Guest]

Hi Ash,

A few things surprised me (I am a total newbie!). I knew that you had to wear protective clothing but I had no idea that there were so many different types and the pros and cons of each one. I didn't think about visibiliy and I also hadn't considered waterproof kit. I didn't know that a helmet was the only bit of kit required by law either - seems crazy to me! It has helped me make some informed decisions on my kit - dragging jeans and knox armour for Sunday for a start

x

[Guest]

Do wish me luck - there’s a brand new CBF 125 in my garage!

 

Nice write up Gloria

Best of luck!!

[Guest]

hi ya gloria and welcome to the forum. Fantastic write up and you should be proud of your self for getting back on the bike after your accident. It takes a strong willed person to do that. Well done and the best of luck for sunday. Im sure you ll be fine

[Susieque]

Well done for sticking at it!! You can bet you're not the only person who has had this sort of experience - by a long way!!!

You'll get there eventually and don't let anyone push you into doing more than you feel confident with, or trying to compete with others. Take as long as you need - you'll be a better rider for it!

Why not introduce yourself in our Newbies section?!

[Jixerman]

Well done you for sticking with it, getting back on and booking up to have another crack at it

 

Why not introduce yourself in our Newbies section?!

 

AND place a pic of your bike in

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... =3&t=23986

AND post a pic of yerself in

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... f=4&t=1328

[Sean1986]

Hi Gloria like the others say good on ya with getting back on, I know what its like. On my Cbt last year I had a small crash and grazed me knees a bit but got straight back on and hav'nt looked back. Just busy with me mods 1 + 2 now already failed mod 1 once but have got re-booking tomorrow.

[dimmers]

Glad you got straight back on the bike! best thing you could have done.

as for the draggin jeans, great idea! i wore kevlar lined combats during my lessons, and also some knoxx knee armour

buy as much gear as you can, and don't feel silly wearing it just cos you're doing your cbt.

and just think, in a few weeks time all this will be behind you and you'll be enjoying your new 125

[mojobanana]

Excellent write up Gloria, and welcome to the forum!

So glad you stuck with it and got back on, I can imagine a fall like that would have really knocked your confidence. I know it would have destroyed mine!!! Good luck on Sunday and let us all know how you go.