Riding a scooter/motorbike in the rain/wet

[stupid dogbot]

Well, the forecast for Bath/Bristol is currently for a bit of rain on Saturday afternoon, but not too bad in the morning, so you might be ok.

If you're riding in the rain, you need to remember to take it easy for a bit when you first start - opinions vary on this, but 5 miles is what I was always taught - to allow your tyres a bit of extra time to warm up. Just be careful, gentle with the throttle and as smooth as you can. And remember to try to relax. A death grip on the handlebars is only going to make steering more difficult.

 

[Dvdmike]

Death grip is my issue 100%

 

[stupid dogbot]

The problem with that is, the tighter you grip, the more rigid your steering and the worse your bike control becomes. You could try moving your hands further apart or closer together to try and relax your arms, but if you're going to continue riding, you need to get your arms relaxed otherwise you won't be able to turn the way you want to. You also need to loosen your grip with your hands. A light touch is all that's necessary.

Lots of deep breathing and if you feel yourself tensing up, tell yourself to relax. I don't really know what else to suggest, I'm afraid. It should pass, but the only way to get over nerves is with practice...

 

[mauvais]

^ I don't ride powered bikes but that's certainly the case with both pushbike and car; a light touch both gives you more steering feedback, and lets it flow a bit better. As soon as you tighten up, you end up fighting the steering and create a sort of vicious circle of making more work for yourself. As soon as you catch yourself doing it, back off a little (not mid-corner or anything) and start again.

 

[stupid dogbot]

Yes, absolutely.

 

[Dvdmike]

Thanks guys turns out my big toe was cracked and the ligament in my thumb was torn so I have had to get splints and stuff so its bus for a while...

 

[stupid dogbot]

Ouch. Well, that explains a lot about why you didn't feel too good. Get well soon and try again.