Olliee Posted January 1 Posted January 1 (edited) Hello, So, I'm soon to be a 44 year old person going through a separation and contemplating more and more about riding a bike - is this called a midlife crisis I've driven a car since I was 18 and although I've briefly ridden a moped a few times, not on a road, I have been a pillion before and wasn't particularly phased but that was over 20 years ago....I do like bikes but my knowledge is poor to zero. I know more about and have a greater interest in cars, however, doesn't mean I can't learn, right? I'm Derbyshire based so it's fairly hard to avoid bikes. I've briefly looked into CBT tests and getting a 125 but this is pretty much foreign territory for me! I wonder if I should go to like a cafe and speak to people without coming across as a complete weirdo and a tit!? The thought of speaking to random people also scares me somewhat! Or would speaking to instructor/s at a test centre be slightly easier? Anyway, that's enough of my waffle! Whatever advice and help you can give, would be most welcomed, so thanks F Edited January 1 by Olliee Quote
Shepherd Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Most bike schools will do a short introductory course for not a lot of money. Go down to one near you and have a chat, they won't bite - they want you business Welcome to the forum, and the world of bikes. 1 Quote
Olliee Posted January 1 Author Posted January 1 Hi Angela, thanks for your kind words. Just a slow process in the chapter coming to a close but, it's a new year so hopefully things look up and will be better....I don't think I'll dislike it but riding and being a pillion are 2 different experiences but yes, there are plenty of schools locally so I'll go round and ask/do research, thanks for that option and idea, which would make sense rather than the CBT cost and then turning out it's not for me.That is true of bikers being a friendly bunch from experience, not sure that'd help me with my random approach to one but I like the idea of going to a test centre, somehow slightly less nervy. Thank you Quote
Olliee Posted January 1 Author Posted January 1 Hi Shepherd, ha yes that's true with wanting my business/money. Sounds like that's probably the best action, thanks. Yes the world of bikes is very ooh and ahh especially if I do take this step, I'll be like a kid in a sweet shop and that's just for looking for a 125 ha ha Quote
Fiddlesticks Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Hi The CBT is a good way to start - fairly low pressure, not much emphasis on "pass / fail". If you need more time they'll book you in for another day/half day. If you can already drive and ride a bike then it shouldn't be too hard. Then it becomes a question of whether you go straight to the Direct Access, or whether you're happy on a 125 for a while... 1 Quote
Simon Davey Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Welcome to the forum @Olliee Can't add any advice to the above, because I'm ancient, and passed my test when the certificate was carved in stone. There are older people than me on here though, so you'll have to speak up...... 1 Quote
Olliee Posted January 1 Author Posted January 1 1 hour ago, Fiddlesticks said: Hi The CBT is a good way to start - fairly low pressure, not much emphasis on "pass / fail". If you need more time they'll book you in for another day/half day. If you can already drive and ride a bike then it shouldn't be too hard. Then it becomes a question of whether you go straight to the Direct Access, or whether you're happy on a 125 for a while... Hi Fiddlesticks, I can ride a push bike ha ha but when I rode a moped, I've been okay on it, a little wobbly on the initial set off/stopping but I didn't over throttle it, fall off or topple it so that's a start and bonus! Hmm Direct Access, I was thinking build up my experience and confidence via a 125 but I guess and assuming I like riding and do well on the cbt, if I feel comfortable and confident enough I guess I can jump straight to a 'normal' bike I suppose. Will see what test centres advise and potential costs depending which path is taken. Thanks for the heads up to das though 1 Quote
Olliee Posted January 1 Author Posted January 1 31 minutes ago, Simon Davey said: Welcome to the forum @Olliee Can't add any advice to the above, because I'm ancient, and passed my test when the certificate was carved in stone. There are older people than me on here though, so you'll have to speak up...... Hi Simon and thanks for your greeting. Age is just a number and I'm sure your advice can be shared in other experienced areas 1 Quote
Bender Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Welcome, CBT and see how you get on, that will get you hooked or scare you off 1 Quote
Olliee Posted January 1 Author Posted January 1 Yea think that's the best plan of action. Will be scoping the internet for local schools. I don't think I'll be scared off because of who I am/my interests, but you never know! Somethings aren't for everyone.... Quote
RideWithStyles Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Hi, yeah sorry for the change of life but hay Ho that’s life? To be kind- be the best person you can be be right by the kids first and foremost. anyway about the bikes- learn how to ride with a good school. Get better then sign up with advanced training - many are about and as much as I don’t agree with some of the normal coppers but their motorcycle dept and riders DO NOT IGNORE THEIR ADVICE OR TEACHING! try to gain knowledge from trusted sources, now not to say a guy at a biker cafe that wants to share what they have to say isn’t right or wrong but just to say that is to their experience or point of opinion with what ever knowledge they may or not have but you might need to means test it, including our own! now for starters, research kit you think you’ll need to use the bike - do not bother with Chinese or other names Chinese made foreign or British names bikes -no ifs or buts- doesnt matter if is a 1-25yrar old jap bike compared to a new Chinese made one , avoid the Japinese or what ever crossover shit is about. as to -good weather or all year kit, search what you need and want from a kit- not everyone on here needs or wants the same as you… Quote
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