Introduction and Newbie Ride Suggestions

[MotoTayCPA]

Hi folks,

Nice to meet you all - I'm a new rider on the Peninsula with a Rebel 500. I'm glad to be here and thankful for the collective body of knowledge everyone has posted.

I'm going to keep practicing low speed maneuvers in parking lots, but I'm also looking for suggestions for a couple solid rides to learn on. I tried riding from Palo Alto over 84 to San Gregorio, but I found that my pace was a bit too slow for the speed of traffic. Something a little gentler would be good for me to build confidence - any suggestions?

For reference, I'm in my upper 30s and my risk tolerance is on the cautious side... for an aspiring rider Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[budman]

Hope you enjoy the barf.

I am drawing a blank on routes but will think on it.

Nice pic!

Good to have ya hear.

Many smiles with your miles.





GOHohoLD

 

[greenmonster]

Welcome.
I’m in Pleasanton so I can’t offer ride ideas but I might suggest going on a ride early on weekend mornings so traffic is lighter.

 

[budman]

Did you go up PageMill?? That road taught me a lot at 15yo. It is twistier, but also slower and the cars are usually sloooowww. 50 years plus later it is still my go to warm up road. Up to Skyline and back is a nice little saunter. I do think it requires a bit more skill, which means you are learning.

I will keep thinking.

 

[Provincial_sweater09]

welcome! Pagemill is good idea but I found it little too curvy - some times comparable to 84.
FWIW, when few weeks ago I went I found the pavement was not exactly top-tier and crumbling in places - perhaps because it is sees less traffic than say, 35 so is neglected?

Anyway, suggesting to use Kruviger app where you can use the App to help plot routes flat->flat& curvy->curvy->very curvy routes. There is always an option to "book a track day" or sign up for a cornering school on GoKart track in Stockton.

 

[ThumperX]

@Cupid's Arrow may have some suggestions in the South Bay and Penninsula

Welcome to BARF have fun!

 

[Enchanter]

Welcome to BARF. Good job acknowledging you would like to improve your skills. Many people do not.

I suspect that you are combining (fairly) unfamiliar roads with the nervousness of being a new rider. You're attempting to learn and practice new skills on roads that aren't conducive to that process. Separate these tasks. Build your skills closer to home, earlier in the morning (less cars), and more frequently, before venturing into the curvy mountain roads.

Whatever road(s) you choose, go drive those roads (in your car) a week before taking them on the motorcycle. This will give you a chance to take in bits of information in a vehicle that you aren't nervous operating. You'll be able to make mental notes of specific turns / areas that you can use when you eventually arrive in that same location on a motorcycle.

Also, bring the motorcycle skills to your car driving. Think to yourself "where should I be looking if I was on my motorcycle?", "What part of the lane is best right now?" etc., etc. Looking farther ahead and turning your head when cornering will help you build confidence and skills more quickly.

If you haven't purchased the book Proficient Motorcycling, Go. Do. That. Now.