Fantastic Fear or Frantic Panic....

[SpyderMeLucky]

Or am I just a coward? LOL I'm really new to the riding world and have only begun to ride my new spyder around the city. I've done several "in-town" activities, i.e. grocery store, gas station, and the license bureau and then experimented with just riding around to get a better feel of the bike. :clap:

I feel confident with city traffic BUT...I haven't yet gotten onto the interstate. My top speed to date is (do I really admit this?) 62 mph. There is a state road I travel to get to my daughter's house (she lives about 4 miles from me) where the speed limit is 60. When I'm in my car I've gone much faster. hehe

Is there a trick to the highway? Any tips you all can give me? I want to participate in the rides when I get to Spyderfest next month <---can you believe it's almost here?..and not be the straggler of the bunch or either not have the confidence to get out on the freeway and let it rip!!!

Where I live in the St Louis metro area, Hwy 70 is a pretty busy roadway. Traffic is nightmarish in the morning and afternoon. :sour: Plus my DD informed me yesterday that according to the census, our county is now bigger than St. Louis county. Yikes!!!! There are always tons of truckers (the big ones with 18 wheels) tooling down the road at speeds that sometimes unnerves me when I'm driving my car and it doesn't help that we have 5 lanes of traffic just a couple miles from our exit. :shocked:

I know for you seasoned riders, this is probably a no-brainer. Yet for this newbie who LOVES her :spyder:, how do I conquer my..ahem..fear?

At this point, hubby and I are contemplating trailering the bike to Cuba, which is a little over a 2 hour drive away so that I wouldn't have the pressure of HAVING to ride on the highway. :thumbup:

Thanks in advance for any info.:chat:

Terri

 

[SpyderDuck]

All I can say is just put on your big girl panties and give it a go. Use good sense and caution. I was intimidated to get on I-40 for a while, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had thought. Traffic intimidates the heck out of me, even in my car, but I have managed to take Clyde on the 2-hr ride down 40 to my sister's place several times and not get freaked out, even alone. Her town is a lot busier than mine and I am unfamiliar with things there. The first time hubby followed me in the car (he's a fraidy cat and won't ride), being my tailgunner, so to speak. If you do feel a little scared, find a place to pull off (safely) and collect yourself, then continue.

But honestly, only riding time and familiarity with your Spyder will help. I'm sure you will come along faster than you think; the planned rides at Spyderfest will probably go just fine, and remember, you're riding with friends there. I discovered that little fact when I posted about being a little intimidated to ride the Dragon at the event in Maggie Valley, with the same concerns. I got a lot of positive support, and now I am excited.

My complete riding experience consists of having a learner's permit and a Spyder since September, but I was able to do the 2-hr highway trip within a month, and I am one big chicken.

 

[Yazz]

I learned to ride in Houston. Traffic is pretty snarly here too. Took a couple hundred miles of confident riding before getting on the highways.

Remember your first ride? Think how far you have already come...
Get out and ride! Ride within your comfort zone, but push the envelope a little.

Have you thought about ryding a scenic route to Cuba?

 

[gpthree]

I was in the same position as you. I had never rode a bike before I got the Spyder last summer and thought it would take a while before I got on the highway. There are a couple of roads that I was able to get it up to 60+ which built the confidence to hop on the highway. I live in the Philadelphia area and have no problems with getting on the highways now.

I was born and raised in St Louis though and would definitely hop on 70 with no hesitation. Once you do it a couple times, you'll get over the initial shock of it. The only problem I'd have with driving on 70 now would be there's a lot more police with radar there than there is here around Philadelphia.

I really dislike taking long road trips, but I cant wait to attempt my first road trip on the Spyder from Philadelphia back home to St Louis.

Get out and try it, you'll love it.

 

[Firefly]

It's good to ride within your limits, but honestly highway driving is no big deal - and actually MUCH safer than city driving. There just are not as many accidents on highways as there are in cities.

Cross-winds and gusts from trucks are the biggest differences I've noticed. Keep a LIGHT grip on the bars-- if you grip too tight the wind hits you-- you move the bars without knowing it and it seems like your Spyder is moving around.

I doubt many of the rides in Cuba involve highway riding or very high speeds. Group rides never get too wild speed wise.

On the trailering to Cuba--- um-- from 2 hours away? Seriously?

While we're a super-friendly bunch -- if you do that at a bike rally like Sturgis -- you'll be made fun of. Ya bought the thing to RIDE it... :2thumbs:

I'm sure you could find a non-highway method of getting to Cuba --- I take the back roads whenever time allows as I prefer the scenery.

 

[kman]

Practice,practice,practice.Remember to look far ahead as you ride and not straight in front of you,and to relax as much as possible.When you learn to relax your grip and look far ahead the Spyder will almost drive itself.

I had never rode a motorcycle before the Spyder and I had some of the same feelings you do at first but now all I think about is riding the Spyder.
My only regret is they didn't make these about 40 years ago!

Hang in there you will be riding like a pro in no time.:2thumbs:

 

[murphybrown]

Yep I Hear You

OK...I was totally where you are. Memorial Day last year took possession of Ms. Spyder. Had never ever driven a bike of any kind. 70 years old...soooo I would sneak up to WalMart parking lot at 5 a.m. (I live in small town...WM 1 1/2 mile thru town - but no traffic that early)...and spend an hour driving around..heck I think the first days I never got out of 2nd gear...
Just keep practicing...and look for any back roads that you can go slower and then increase as you feel confident.
Now I am this crazy biker grannie!!!! Even started using cruise control last fall .. had her up to 98 (just to feel the thrill) ... no traffic and pretty straight road. But I easily cruise hiway speed + 3-4....pass them slow goers and say :2thumbs:.

You can do this see you at Spyderfest. I leave on the 15th of April and driving all the way...hoping some of those higher elevations I will be going over cooperate...:2excited:

 

[DaGrlz]

You can do it!

From one newbie to another, you can do it. I don't mind the interstates at all but City Traffic :helpsmilie:scares the heck out of me. So you have one up on me in that. Like SpyderDuck suggested find someone to be your "Tailgunner" the first time you drive the interstates. It's helped me knowing someone is watching my back. You can use cell phones to communicate and they can tell you whats happening around you until you're comfortable on your own. :welcome::congrats:

 

[Fly boy]

I decided to just go for it!

Been riding 2 wheels for a while now, and feel pretty comfortable in traffic, on the highways etc. I did a 5 mile test ryde, mixing turns and highway, and thats all my ryding experience. I am picking my Spyder up next thursday and going from Cuba to Cheyenne WY!!! I am nervous and excited at the same time.

Just make sure you are confident in your machine, and ability and you will do fine!

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I too was a little intimidated about the expressway so my first trip was a whole mile from one exit to the next. I did get up to 70 and thought it wasn't so bad. The next trip was 8 miles and I even went past a semi. The next trip was 300 miles round trip in the same day. Those trips were on a GS with the stock little windshield and all occurred in my first couple weeks of riding. (A taller windshield really helps at highway speeds)

I rode the GS for a month then I decided that I needed to buy a RT so I flew to Columbia, MO to pick it up. I rode from their with a friend to Alton, IL and we hit horrible rain and rush hour St. Louis traffic. No big deal. The next morning I got up and rode by myself 450 miles to Michigan through Chicago. Between the 2 Spyders I rode 10,000 miles from June 1st through November 30th. I am 53 years old and had never ridden before. If I can do it anybody can.

Get on the expressway at various times and go for a couple of miles and see how you feel. Good luck.

 

[SpyderMeLucky]

Great advice so far. I've only been on my bike less than 50 miles total since October, which I think is a great sign that I AM making progress. If our weather was good for this weekend, which it isn't, I thought I would try the highway on a Sunday morning when traffic is lightest. I think when the weather does get better, I could attempt late morning, early afternoon going down an exit or two (at least initially).

About going the back roads to Cuba, that's a great idea and one I would definitely consider. My daughter's boyfriend and his sister both have spyders, and they are planning on riding down, but they have tons of riding experience of the two wheeled variety. LOL

I'm super excited about the Cowtown event. I've talked nonstop and now my family that isn't going just roll their eyes when I open my mouth.

And I'm totally excited about meeting others who as equally thrilled with their :f_spider:s.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

As Firefly said if you trailer 2 hours be ready for ridicule. They will call you a trailer queen. We have a crown that my husband received a few years back when we trailered to an event a few hours from home. But in our defense the trailer is a toy hauler and that is what we were staying in at the event.

I'll bring the crowns with me in case you chicken out.

 

[bikeguy]

I've been riding since 1950, mostly dirt bikes until I bought a street bike in 1975. I think I'm a reasonably competent rider but, I'll be honest, heavy traffic still bothers me and I avoid it when I can. Traffic is scary because there are so many potential problems that are out of my control. Still, there are times when I need to ride in traffic, so I do. There are two rules that I always keep in mind. "Ride like everyone else is actively trying to kill you." and "Try to always leave yourself an escape route."

As someone else mentioned, find a scenic, non-interstate route to Cuba and ride. Those backroads are a lot more fun than the interstates anyway and, in my opinion, much safer. Unfortunately, my wife and I will be riding the interstates from Texas to Cuba because of time restraints but, when we head home and aren't in too much of a hurry, we'll be on the backroads. Ride safe and have fun.

Cotton

 

[Bob Denman]

You do what you've got to do to feel comfortable on your Spyder! :congrats: If that means trailering it for what would be a couple of hour ride; isn't it better to show up and not be a nervous wreck from the trip getting there? Friendly jabs for "trailer queens" can be countered by not wanting to get your Spyder dirty on the trip there... hyea:
Don't push yourself beyond your limits... but DO quesiton them on a daily basis! :thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

As Firefly said if you trailer 2 hours be ready for ridicule. They will call you a trailer queen. I'll bring the crowns with me in case you chicken out.

:yikes:WOW!!! Talk'n about POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT:yikes:

:roflblack:CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE? :roflblack:

 

[NancysToy]

Well, the first thing I would say you need is some more miles. It takes a few hundred before the Spyder feels second nature, even to a seasoned rider. Those rural highways and easy city riding are a good way to get some seat time. better yet, pick some easy, empty roads out in the country, and just ride around. You do not need a destination to take a ride.

Other tips would be to:
1. Relax! The Spyder is very sensitive to any steering input. Practice having a very light grip on the handlebars, and letting the Spyder go where it needs to, with minimal steering input. This is especially important in the wind and around trucks on the highway.
2. Look where you want to go. Don't look at the car you are passing, the front tires, a road hazard, or anything you do not want to hit. A vehicle goes where you look.
3. Head on a swivel. On a motorcycle or Spyder you need to practice defensive riding far more than anywhere else, except maybe in a fighter plane. Keep your head and eyes moving, so you are aware of what is out there...and where you have to go or how you might have to react.
4. Maintain your distance. If you allow plenty of distance to other vehicles, you won't feel you have to react as fast, and you will be more relaxed. If necessary, pull over and let the tail-gaters go by.
5. Keep up the parking lot practice. Practicing in a non-treatening environment does a lot to make avoidance maneuvers, tight turns, distance judgement, and control locations feel more natural and instinctive. I still practice periodically to this day, and so does Nancy.

What you are experiencing is pretty normal. My wife felt it when she started riding. I felt it when I first rode a Spyder, too, despite 50 years of riding experience. Give it time, stick to the lesser roads until you are comfortable, and keep practicing. It will feel natural in no time! I don't think anybody feels comfortable in heavy freeway traffic in a congested city, but if the Spyder becomes a bit more natural to you, it won't be as scary dodging the cagers.

 

[ARtraveler]

:agree: Scotty pretty much said it all. Your past the parking lot stage (although a little more practice if needed can help), so you can actually get out there and ride, and enjoy the :spyder2:. I trained two (rookie to motorcycles) ladies to ryde and both were scarred of highway speeds. We took leisure rides on hilly, twisty, but scenic country roads the first couple times we got on the roads. Building speed from the high 30's up to 55--the speed limit there. Then the bravery test. Went out on the highway (65MPH) and just started riding. After a hundred miles, both were more comfortable, and the next hundred miles went much easier. Both ladies put on over 10,000 miles that first summer (May-Sept). The rest is history. Also, as mentioned above--250-500 miles will get you confortable--then you go on from there. Just remember you learning all the time--no matter how many miles you have driven.

 

[medic 1]

Last year was my first on the Spyder and like you I was very nervous about the expressway. At first I was timid due to the wind at higher speeds, over taking and over taken by vehicles caused anxiety. Just relax and hold on loosly and let the vehicle move itself, sort of. One thing that I noticed it was much easier passing a semi if your able to put a lane between you and it, not so much wind. Practice and patience in your abilities also play a huge part. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Well, the first thing I would say you need is some more miles. It takes a few hundred before the Spyder feels second nature, even to a seasoned rider. Those rural highways and easy city riding are a good way to get some seat time. better yet, pick some easy, empty roads out in the country, and just ride around. You do not need a destination to take a ride.

Other tips would be to:
1. Relax! The Spyder is very sensitive to any steering input. Practice having a very light grip on the handlebars, and letting the Spyder go where it needs to, with minimal steering input. This is especially important in the wind and around trucks on the highway.
2. Look where you want to go. Don't look at the car you are passing, the front tires, a road hazard, or anything you do not want to hit. A vehicle goes where you look.
3. Head on a swivel. On a motorcycle or Spyder you need to practice defensive riding far more than anywhere else, except maybe in a fighter plane. Keep your head and eyes moving, so you are aware of what is out there...and where you have to go or how you might have to react.
4. Maintain your distance. If you allow plenty of distance to other vehicles, you won't feel you have to react as fast, and you will be more relaxed. If necessary, pull over and let the tail-gaters go by.
5. Keep up the parking lot practice. Practicing in a non-treatening environment does a lot to make avoidance maneuvers, tight turns, distance judgement, and control locations feel more natural and instinctive. I still practice periodically to this day, and so does Nancy.

What you are experiencing is pretty normal. My wife felt it when she started riding. I felt it when I first rode a Spyder, too, despite 50 years of riding experience. Give it time, stick to the lesser roads until you are comfortable, and keep practicing. It will feel natural in no time! I don't think anybody feels comfortable in heavy freeway traffic in a congested city, but if the Spyder becomes a bit more natural to you, it won't be as scary dodging the cagers.

:agree: Outstanding advice from Scotty. With only 50 miles on your seat, more practice is definitely called for. You will get so used to it soon enough that it will be like second nature, and you will wonder what you were ever afraid of in the first place. :thumbup:

 

[BIKEMIKE]

Not a coward

For now i'm still on two wheels and have been riding for more than 35 years. I still slow down when going into a left curve due to a truck coming over into my lane and running me off the road but I take a right curve with no trouble. You just ride the way that makes you fill good. Only remember too slow can get you into trouble too.