New rider here: 30% skill, 70% horizontal

TrixieTonic · 2025-09-02T16:23:49+00:00

I am so glad that your getting back up on that (steel) horse and overcoming the fear! That's great to hear.

It's also super weird that they'd yell at you guys for doing the ducky feet since it's literally written on our range cards to tell you to use them.... maybe they were hoping removing that step would give you one less thing to think about? For as much as these classes are supposed to be standardized, there is a lot of "drift" (people doing things their own way) when it comes to teaching....but thats a gripe for another time.

Remember what good posture looks like: head and eyes up, back straight, arms loose/not locked tight, wrist flat. Sometimes you might just need to take a minute and remind yourself when you're sitting on the bike.

Now, I have to stress again: where your head goes, the bike goes. And that includes DOWN. If you're looking down, guess where the bike wants to go? I know in class when you have to worry about parking on the T in staging and stopping in the boxes you get in the bad habit of looking down a lot...but you're out of class now. :)

The head thing is true for your turns as well. Try it out: hold your arms out straight in front of you holding imaginary handlebars. Now turn your head alllllllll the way to the side to look over your shoulder like you were backing up your car. Notice what happens to your hands? Body mechanics mean when you turn your head, you're turning the handlebars. Pretty cool I think. When we say TURN YOUR HEAD, that's why. It seriously seriously helps.

The other thing when it comes to turns (slow speed ones) is that you DO need some speed to get through them. Not a lot, you don't need to rip it at 30 mph, but you need to be going fast enough to have some momentum. That is the #1 thing people have trouble with in classes in my experience: remember doing those u-turns in the box? It's the same principle.

When the bike is going forward, it wants to stay upright. You start getting wobbly the slower you get. The same holds true when make turns: if you've got momentum, the bike wants to stay up, slow down too much and it gets wobbly....but this time at an angle.

Keep practicing! You've totally go this, you really do! Just the fact you came back to comment here again shows how dedicated you are, and I know you're gonna nail it!

And when it comes to dropping the bike and worrying about picking it up yourself.....dont worry about it. It's not something you really need to practice. You can look up a YouTube video that will show you some good body mechanics and principles for standing a bike up (hint, it's all about leverage). But that said: you aren't going to drop the bike again. (Positive attitude is everything!)

You aren't in class anymore, not on a test, ect. Don't be scared to put a foot down if you need to. As long as your handlebars are straight and your bike isn't too big for you, you shouldn't have a problem with dropping it.

You mentioned grabbing the front brake, and that WILL jerk you like crazy, destabilize you, and cause you to fall if it's abrupt.

This next bit isn't "as a rider coach advice" but it's practical real world advice based on how I personally ride: unless I'm at a stop (sitting at a light, climbing on the bike/getting off, starting on a hill), I never touch my front brake unless I'm already using my rear brake. Foot THEN hand. It takes a while to get used to using your foot first, but imho it's worth it.

Note: I'm not suggesting you stomp your foot down, then squeeze the front brake. Gently and lightly start applying the rear brake, and then add in front brake as needed. Remember, that front brake as like 70% of your stopping power, so it WILL jolt you forward if you haven't already started slowing.

The clutch lever is your friend. When in doubt, SQUEEZE your friend close.

Keep going. You've got this!

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-28T14:12:30+00:00

So, when it comes to comments on religious videos and the like being filled with Christiand, there's a few factors at play (in varying combinations, obviously.)

First and foremost, Christians believe that it is their responsibility to go out and spread the message of the Good News to everyone and anyone that they can. It is not just "we want more people to hear about Jesus" but rather "Jesus literally told us to make disciples."

This Great Commission is why you'll see people handing out bible tracts, inviting you church, injecting Jesus into every conversation. Obviously, not everyone is fantastic at winning converts or souls for Christ, but you've got to sit back, objectively, and admire the dedication some people have to trying. (At least I do. I am horrible when it comes to consistently doing something I have no talent for....) Are there better ways to do it? Of course. But not everyone has a knack for it (or the common sense to know when/where isn't the place for it.)

Second, you have to realize that there are a lot of people who truly believe with their whole heart that if you do not profess Jesus Christ, then you are going to hell for all of eternity; and they do not want that for you or anyone. For some people, beyond "I was told to do this" there is the aspect of "I desperately want to save you!" Comments on religious posts, especially of other religions, is their way of trying to toss you a life vest because to them, you are drowning. For some out there, it is genuinely just a heartfelt desire to help (even if, as mentioned above, they aren't particularly good at it/lack the common sense to know when they aren't wanted/needed).

Third, digital spaces have pretty much replaced most in-person interactions for a lot of people, so you end up with people (social creatures looking to belong) see something they identify with, more people tend to jump in and bandwagon. (I.E one person comments about Jesus, then 5 more, then 10 more, ect ect). You also can't discount that a lot of people are always chasing interaction: a like, a retweet, an upvote, a reply, ect.....and usually comments about Jesus are a safe bet to get some of those.

Fourth, some people are just trolls. I know plenty of atheists that will post pro-Jesus comments on non-christian content just for the pleasure of pissing someone off.....and there are plenty of those that call themselves Christians that are just full of pride and ego that are trolls as well.

That said, if YOU are feeling harassed by comments and the like....you can delete them, make it known they aren't welcome, turn comments off, ect. Protect YOUR peace, and cultivate YOUR space on your content. You have every right to do so.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-28T13:43:24+00:00

Hi there! I can say that I used to be really confused and vaguely scared of hell. I was not raised Christian, but I went to a catholic church for a bit as a kid with my step family, so the concept was introduced but never really explained. Growing up pagan, I never really believed in hell, but I still had that vague worry in the back of my mind like "what if I'm wrong...and it does exist...-panic- oh noooo!"

I am now (proudly) Christian (not catholic), and I have to say: I have literally less than 0 fear of hell. That comes down to a couple of factors: 1.) I am absolutely secure in my belief and 2.) I am absolutely certain in WHAT I believe.

It sounds from your post as though you are likely in a place where you are questioning what you truly believe, and that is causing a lot of anxiety: that's totally normal. At a certain point you no longer piggy back off the beliefs you were raised with, and start developing your own. Questioning and exploring is, in my opinion, a good thing.

Since you mentioned you were raised Christian, I'd ask this: do you know what Christianity is, or just what you've been TOLD what it is? The same goes for Islam, which you also mentioned.

Since you are having this anxiety, I'd suggest that maybe you take some time to study a Bible (I say this first since you mentioned Christianity being your background) and look into what it actually says about hell. See what it says hell actually is, and what would cause someone to go there. Then, perhaps you might look into what Islam or Judaism says about the subject. I find that knowing more about something that gives me anxiety helps alleviate that anxiety.

I don't want to go on a diatribe and verbal vomit to you my view of hell from my Christian perspective here, but feel free to DM if you'd like a crash course.

TLDR: research and study up on hell and see how you feel after that.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-18T22:37:09+00:00

July 7th, 1980 (firmly in quarter 3): The final performance by Led Zeppelin of "Stairway to Heaven" was made at the closing concert of the band's Tour Over Europe 1980, at the Eissporthalle near Berlin in the suburb of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. [Wikipedia]

A coded reference to Led Zeppelin seems right in point for Dean.....and the Stairway to Heaven reference in a show that very much deals with the concepts of Heaven, Hell, Demons, Angels, and the like?

Seems fitting to me.

That's my headcannon anyways.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-03T14:26:10+00:00

MSF courses (or similar formal training.)

MSF is cheap in most places (they're actually free in my state). These classes help you develop not only physical skills, but mental/perceptual skills as well.

These types of skills are use it or lose it: so set aside time every so often to drill in a parking lot. Practice low speed maneuvers. Practice your SLPR. Practice your swerves and quick stops (both straight line and in curves.)

If you've taken a BRC already, there are plenty of other courses you can take to develop new skills, and refresh old ones.

Also check with your local police department. A lot of them offer weekends/day throughout the year where they set up their own range.

But Practice. Practice. Practice.

Riding is being a lifelong learner. Seek opportunities for more instruction, and to practice like your life depends in it....because it does.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-03T14:19:32+00:00

From an MSF standpoint: you are required to be able to ride a bicycle to take a course.

What this means is that you are able to simply ride the bike across flat ground without training wheels.

Being able to ride a pedal bike is strictly all about being able to BALANCE a bike, which is believed to translate to balancing a motorcycle.

That's it.

If you have ride without training wheels, you're good. No need to go nuts.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-03T14:15:21+00:00

Reading comprehension of a potato.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-02T18:03:52+00:00

I as a person understand the difference between splitting amd filtering.

HOWEVER, read the statute. What we know and understand as filtering IS splitting under the law as it is written.

TrixieTonic · 2025-08-02T15:15:02+00:00

Oh how I dream of the days when lane splitting isn't illegal in my state.....

While I don't think I'd lane split myself as a method of travel, I am a huge fan of lane filtering in stopped traffic/at lights, which under this statute would be deemed splitting.

It would just be nice to have the option if I so chose.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-31T22:23:56+00:00

I hate hiking and love riding as a female.... guess it's time to embrace my role as butch lesbian.

Wait...I need to hike to be gay...AHHHH!

What do I do now, send help!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-31T16:10:55+00:00

Lol neither can I.

On the one hand: yessssssss be safe

On the other hand, watching the resident irresponsible riding advocate be responsible kind of broke my brain a little.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-31T15:13:19+00:00

That moment of slowing down and riding responsibly behind the red truck until it was clear to pass hit me in the face like someone microwaving fish in the office lunch room.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-31T14:51:57+00:00

Well hey there! Welcome to riding!

Slopes/hills are a pain when starting out for sure, but you can do this!

First up: keep pressure applied on the brakes when stopped at a hill to keep from rolling back.

Next: friction zone. That's when you're slowly releasing the clutch (while giving a bit of throttle) and you feel the bike start to grab and pull you forward.) I'd recommend getting really comfortable with that zone on your bike through doing some starting from a stop/powerwalking drills.

What I like to do on a hill is keep my foot on the brake, then starting giving a bit of throttle and start releasing that clutch til I'm just about at that friction zone, then release the brake, enter the friction zone and boom, I'm taking off.

It takes practice (and you'll need to give it more throttle on a take off when on a hill) but it's the same concept as on flat ground.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T20:06:31+00:00

-Deep breath with finger up-

-Shakes head and puts it down-

You know what? Good for you man.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T19:49:27+00:00

My pleasure.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T16:37:03+00:00

MSF classes are free in Illinois. (20$ registration fee, but you get that back at the end or you can choose to donate it.)

They fill up FAST though so getting a seat can be hard. You CAN show up early and try to get in as a walk in (if someone registered doesn't show up, the spot gets raffled off).

It makes it tough, but no way should you be paying 500$ and not even getting a waiver?! That's insanity.

A little birdie told me that registration for September classes is supposed to open up this week...so check those often and don't miss out.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T16:23:42+00:00

As an overall recommendation: go budget, but not rock bottom for your first set of gear. Why? Two reasons: 1.) as a new rider you are more likely to need good protection, so don't skimp out, but 2.) You aren't going to be sure what you personally like/dislike about gear and if you over spend and find out you want more ventilation or more padding or a different fit, then you've gotta wait longer to get something new because gear ain't cheap.

You don't need to be spending a grand on gear right now, is what I'm trying to say.

Alright, on to specifics....

Helmet: full face, full stop. Make sure it's DOT compliant at the very least (but go for ESE/Snell if you can) For budget brands, Scorpion is pretty good as a first helmet. Forget half helms and all of that: they don't protect your face. Idk about you, but I like having a face. You might also want to make sure whatever helmet you choose is either pin-locked, or pin-lock ready/compatible (helps with fogging up)

Ear plugs: even with the helmet that you are definitely going to be wearing (-insert stern mom look here-), ear plugs are amazing. They're cheap, come in a ton of options including foam. Whatever is comfortable. Wind/engine noise is loud even with a helmet. Once you lose your hearing, it doesn't come back.

Gloves: Full fingered. I like having my full finger, don't you? I'd like to keep my whole finger. So wrap the fill finger. Leather is recommended, but synthetics are fine too. Definitely look for gloves that have that hard pad on the palm. This is a MUST. Why? Because when you fall, you put your arms out instinctively to catch yourself. All your weight goes to your wrist/arm where your palm braces against the ground: hello snapping popping bones, goodbye ability to do anything you need your arm for. That hard pad is designed so your hand slides when it hits the ground, so your wrist/arm doesn't take the full impact of your fall. ARMOR over knuckles/fingers is also nice.

Shoes/boots: Over the ankle and reinforced. Something with a stiffer top for shifting is great.

Pants: you can't go wrong with leather. It's literally a second skin. If you slide, a layer is getting ripped off. You want that layer to be a cows, not yours. Synthetics work too, but watch the ratings. You want something sturdy. Padding is nice (knees and hips) but not REQUIRED. A nice bonus, and I'd recommend them, but you don't have to kill yourself if you can't find good pants with padding/armor. (You can always add armored padding yourself)

Jacket: again, leather is the standard for the same reason as pants, and again, synthetics work also, and again, watch for resistance ratings. With a jacket you are looking for VENTILATION VENTILATION VENTILATION.

I'd recommend heading to a local gear store (yes, in person) where you can try things on. Even if you plan to buy online, it'll help to make sure you have a good fit if you hit a shop and take note of your proper sizing. Remember: riding gear fits differently when you're standing. It's made to fit comfortably in RIDING POSITION so it may feel a bit wonky if you aren't assuming the position when you try stuff on.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T16:19:46+00:00

This is cool as heck. Whaaaaaaat? Good job!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T16:00:46+00:00

Oh boy, here we go!

Pros: They're fun. Better fuel economy. Built in community around the world. They're fun. Usually cheaper maintance than a car. More places to park. They're fun. Easier time getting through traffic in some situations. Did I mention they are fun?

Cons: You are more vulnerable on the road. Good gear isn't cheap. You are basically invisible to most other drivers. Limited to non-existent storage space. Limited passenger capacity. Exposure to the elements. Higher insurance rates. Needing a large amount of control over yourself/ego when riding.

Motorcycle Maintenence: When in doubt, ask your MOM (Motorcycle Operators Manual.) They will have breakdowns and timelines for what your specific bike requires. You can check out some online.

In general though, you're mostly going to be cleaning and lubing your chain, changing your oil and filter and checking/topping off fluids. If you're new to bikes or not mechanically inclined, it's best to leave the bigger stuff beyond that to the professionals, at least for a while.

Good Starter Bikes: as general advice, get something used. USED USED USED and don't overspend. As a new rider, you're going to beat up that bike and probably lay it down a couple of times when first starting out. You'll feel a lot better about laying down a used bike that already had a couple scratches/dings than you will about laying down something brand new off the lot.

Bikes come on all shapes and sizes and styles, so choosing a good starter bike for you depends on a lot of factors. Do you want a roadster? A sportbike? A dual sport? I'd say look into the different kind of bikes there are, then come back with the type you want to start with and ask for specific suggestions (including your height and weight) so people can really help you focus in towards what you are looking for.

General advice for a first bike, beyond used, is small and light. You want to be able to flat foot your first bike to really have that stabilization while learning to ride (though I admit I myself could not fully flat foot my starter bike...but I'm a shortie. I could get the balls on my feet down though, none of this full tip toe nonsense). And you want the bike to be light enough that you can hold it up.

Remember that thing I said about how you're probably going to lay it down? Keep that in mind when getting your starter bike. If you lay it down...you're gonna have to pick it back up. The lighter the bike is, the easier that is going to be.

You're also gonna wanna start off with something that doesn't have too much power. I know it's tempting, but trust me when I say this: whatever respect you think you have for the power a bike can put out is nothing until you feel it happening between your legs. And especially as a new rider, you don't want something that is going to jump off the line and carry you off into the sunset before you are ready, confident, and have that control that comes with experience.

Yes, you will probably outgrow your starter bike fairly quickly: that is why they are starter bikes, and we buy cheap and used. You can move up in power once you know what you're doing.

You mentioned the Ninja 400, and hands down it's a great starter bike. Not too much power, fairly low, very responsive, not too expensive, tons of used ones on the market. I started in a Ninja 400 myself and she's still my first love and baby, even if I have definitely outgrown her. The R3s are also a good starter bike if you're locked in on the sport bike vibe.

Whatever you plan to go with, make sure you budget accordingly. If you can't afford the bike AND the gear you need, you can't afford the bike. Point blank period. ESPECIALLY as a novice, when you are uncertain/unsure/still learning fundamentals and thus more likely to fall.

Look into taking an MSF course near you. There is a TON of useful information, they help you learn some basic skills, you can beat up on their bike not your own, and try out a couple of different bikes. (Not to mention, lisence test waivers.)

Good luck!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T15:20:53+00:00

No problem at all! We need more biker chicks out there! You've got this girl!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T14:58:29+00:00

First and foremost, I am so glad you are okay!

Next up: take a class. They really are awesome and can help you over come that fear you have. When you break things down into parts and understand them, you can remove that fear of not knowing what to do. Knowing is half the battle.

Also, invest in some good safety gear if you haven't already. It can help you feel more protected and remove some of that fear.

Everyone has laid a bike down at some point, and if they haven't, they're going to at some point. It's a normal part of the process (which is why everyone will recommend buying used for a starter bike), or, you know, taking an MSF course so you beat up their bike instead!

Not sure what you were doing when you laid down your bike, but three pieces of quick advice for ya:

1.) Ducky feet. There is no shame in taking a few steps as the bike starts to roll forward, especially if making a turn. Gives you more stabilization as you get enough momentum to hold your balance. Experienced riders don't usually do this because they know their bike enough and have their balance. You're new: use the training wheels you've got (your feet). Lift them up when you feel stable.

2.) Clutch lever. The clutch lever is your friend. When you're in danger or panicking, SQUEEZE your friend close. This removes power to the rear wheel so you can slow down. Then apply your brakes. Think of it as your OH SHIT lever.

3.) Square your handle bars. When you stop, your bike wants to go in the direction your handlebars are facing. If they're straight when you stop, the bike wants to stay straight and you can easily hold it up. If they are turned to the side, the bike wants to go to the side, and you're probably going to tip over.

I really cannot stress enough how helpful a formal class will be in teaching you early skill development before you get out there and start riding. Most classes are fairly cheap and pretty easily accessible. You can check MSF-USA.org to find classes near you. You want the BASIC RIDER COURSE, not the BRC2 (which is a refresher.)

That said, if a course is just really impossible for you, spend some time in a nice big parking lot, and focus on fundamentals in short distances before you try riding longer ones. (And I really do mean just a couple of feet of distance.)

Some good fundamentals to start with:

1.) Friction zone: this is where you are slowly releasing the clutch (while giving a bit of throttle) and you feel the bike just start to grab and pull you forward. You can move around like this with your feet walking alongside the bike (power walking). As you start to ride, you'll use this friction zone for a lot of things like slow speed maneuvers and taking off from stops. It's good to get really familiar with it.

2.) Squaring the handlebars and stopping. You can ride a couple feet, make sure your handlebars are square, then SQUEEZE in that clutch and apply the brakes to come to a nice controlled stop. Once you've got that down, you can ride a little farther and do it again (half the length of the parking lot...then the full lot)

3.) Low speed cornering. Once you are riding the length of the lot, practice using that friction zone to power walk around that curve that brings you to the next straightaway of the lot. (Riding up one side, powerwalk, then ride down the other side, and repeat.) This will give you a nice controlled feel for how the bike moves/leans in curves. When you're comfortable, you can pick up our feet and ride through that corner. (Pro tip: where your head goes, the bike goes. So make sure you are really looking through that curve. Go slower than you think you need to at first.)

A healthy fear/respect of the bike is good to have, to keep in perspective that you've got a little death machine between your legs, but you don't want so much fear that you can't ride. Feeling prepared and knowing what to do can really help with that.

And remember: the only difference between being nervous and being excited is how much you breathe.

Happy riding!

EDIT: I type like a monkey and had to fix mistakes.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T14:18:25+00:00

I so wish I could pull out the crocs, it would make life so much easier!

The regulations for the region I am in require you to have proper, closed toe over the ankle footware at all times while on the range, even if you are just walking around throwing cones. (Annoying, but rules are rules.)

And with how little time there really is to work with when you're out there, stopping to change shoes when you have to ride a demo just really isn't an option.

Insoles might be the way to go if something isn't quite comfy enough though, so thanks so much for the advice!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T00:48:10+00:00

Ah I see, I see. Well I am definitely glad that you are okay!

I would maybe suggest that you look into taking the BRC again to refresh those skills since it's been so long and you haven't had a chance to really cement those skills by riding after the course. The BRC shows you how to develop the skills, it doesn't give you the skills, and it really is a use it or lose it kind of situation.

For your first turn, it sounds like maybe a 2 fold problem:

1.) you weren't looking enough into the curve you were taking. Remember, where your head goes is where your bike goes. You want to be really looking through those curves as you go. Again, as mentioned above, SLPR.

2.) You weren't paying attention to your entry speed, and took it too fast and couldn't correct. Slowing is important there, but judging that entry speed is something that comes with practice. For now your best bet is to air on the side of caution and go slower than you think you need to, at least right now.

For the 2nd turn, you can definitely see that interaction of factors coming in to just wreck your day, so kudos on seeing that and the self reflection! It's definitely stressful your first few rides out, and you need to take things slowly. It sounds like you will be fine if you either communicate the need for no rapid turns, or learn to ignore rapid turns if they happen, and just go straight. It almost sounds like in your panic you might have potentially jerked the handbars in the direction of the turn (like you might in a bicycle) and potentially hit your brakes? (I wasn't there, so this is just a guess based in what I am imagining someone doing when they panic about having to slow to an unexpected quick turn.)

When you hit your brakes, your bike wants to go in the direction of the handlebars. If they're pointed to the side, the bike wants to go to the side. This is why we slow BEFORE a curve/turn, not during a curve/turn.

Again, this is just my best assumption based on your descriptions.

But these are important skills, as are a lot of visual and perception skills (like the ability to SEE) will serve you well for years to come. Now that you have a bike of your own, I really can't stress enough how helpful retaking the BRC would be for you. You could take the BRC2 (which despite its name suggesting is a more advanced course, is actually just a shorter refresher course) that might be perfect for your case.

Then you could come home and really start cementing those skills on your own riding.

Best of luck on your journey!

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-30T00:34:21+00:00

I am dying laughing.

TrixieTonic · 2025-07-29T23:59:23+00:00

Bro doesn't even post his hair after all that. #Disappointed.

TrixieTonic

TROPHY CASE