You're first time on the highway - What was it like?

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Flipper · #11 Unread post by **Flipper** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:01 pm

I'm afraid to go on the freeway. I'm sort of a chicken anyway.
I guess I'm waiting for the day I wake up and want to try it.
But for right now, it looms in my mind as a super scary thing.

I started riding for the enjoyment of it, and even though I have to put up with some people treating me like a total baby because I won't go on the freeway, so be it. I ride for me.

Here is a picture from one of my nightmares.
[img][img]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/a ... reeway.jpg[/img][/img]

flynrider · Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:12 pm

I'd recommend taking some highway rides during non-rush hour periods, just to get used to the environment. When you're comfortable with that, then a ride to work will be just the same, except a bit more frantic.

ceemes · #13 Unread post by **ceemes** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:55 pm

Scared the bejesus out of me. I had to run to Vancouver and figured a quick scoot down Highway 1 out of Surrey be nothing.....Riggghhhtt......I had a well used Honda CB400, stood 6'3' at around 220lbs and only been riding maybe a week....and being a complete and total noob, was learning to ride on my own....hell, I was still trying to take corners by turning the forks instead of leaning into them properly........I survived, and now I love the highways, second best riding going.

JC Viper · #14 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:06 pm

It was like sex, rough but exhilarating. What? The thread title was.... nevermind.

Seriously though the third to last lesson of my motorcycle training was taking the highway using a Honda Rebel 250 and a Virago 535. I had to learn to merge and scan for traffic. The only criticism from my instructor was that I ride like an old lady, slow and wobbly.

After buying my first bike I had to ride it home using the highway but I was well prepared for it so it wasn't too much of a scare.

Grey Thumper · Tue Jul 31, 2007 3:20 pm

I started taking the highway after about a month on the bike. Too many intersections, two-way traffic, jaywalking pedestrians, etc otherwise. I took it one sunday just to see what it was like, then took it really early in the morning to get to work over the next few weeks (I'd take a nap once i reached the city at my girlfriend's place). Getting used to increasing traffic gradually really helped. Now the highway feels pretty much like the safest place to ride.

pigsbladder · Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:55 am

In order to ride a bike home for my wife.

Wasn't the smartest decision, it was my first time on the interstate, on an 11 year old honda rebel I'd never ridden before, oh and it was dark. It went very well actually apart from the constant barrage of bugs.

I completed 80 miles with no problems.

ANDS! · #17 Unread post by **ANDS!** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:46 am

If it makes you nervous, stick to some of the slow highways (the 50 - 55mph kind) and get used to those first.

If you do that speed here - even in the slow lane, prepare for some serious road rage. Riding in the slow lane, if you're not doing 60+, youre holding up traffic - the fast lane, it is VERY easy to get up to 90MPH.

The first time I was on the highway, I had to, as getting where I needed to go on surface streets wasn't an option (for time) - absolutely incredible. However going in the opposite direction, with the wind against me - a pain in the "O Ring", and frightening. Granted I didn't have the proper body gear on, which would have helped with the wind buffeting - going 60-65 felt like I was about to be knocked off the bike.

Now, its nothing. 80 in the fast lane TO work. Using the freeway to get home means lane splitting in 2nd gear the entire time, and an engine at 200 something degree's by the time I get home, so I generally do streets.

Grendel_Sprite · Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:48 am

Easier than I thought, actually.

I'd been riding for about three weeks and I really wanted to ride to work. So one Sunday I did a test run and never looked back. I've been commuting for 3 weeks now and I actually feel very safe on the freeway. I find that it's very different from town riding and I need to scan and plan differently. Things can happen fast, but most times I can see the threats developing and take appropriate action, which for me means slowing down or backing off.

I was surprised by the wind and the amount of buffeting at first, but now I'm used to it. The speed doesn't bother me, but I can't go much past 80mph anyways.

The only scare I've had so far was hitting a huge bump in the pavement. I was following too close to the car in front and didn't have time to swerve when the bump was "revealed".

I hope this helps.