Rider training Sunshine Coast

Returned back to riding about 3 years ago (pretty casual and only occasional rides) after a good few years off from 2 wheels. I know I love riding and recently invested in the GSX1250fa and love it. Now I'm older and far more cautious than my younger days and seem to have lost some of that confidence at speed and particularly highway riding. So, interested to know if anyone has experience on Sunshine Coast of a good riding instructor for some one on one confidence rebuilding. I know time will get me there eventually but some coaching would help to make sure I'm riding the best way I can. With a recent dress code change at work, I'm now able to ride several times through the week even if only a short distance (gotta love Qld weather) and this will help the confidence grow. Anyway, any feedback on a good instructor up on the Coast would be good. 

Cheers

Nothing beats roadtime  . Half an hour here and there isn't going to work but a good 300kls ride will . Ive ridden all my life and I still get a bit nervios
the night before I set out on a week trip .It disaperars about 1kl into the trip normally but i still hate city riding .
I'm from Sunny Coast what area are you from ? I think you owe me a coffee in Kenilworth .
Not a chiropractor are you .?

Hey gus. You are right about the time and particularly longer journey's. I'm already using the GSX more than the V-Strom as it feels much more stable. I'm in Caloundra and have done the Kenilworth stretch many times. I do ride with a few friends now and again and happily act as guard at the back!!

Still think a small amount of basic instruction and lots of K's would eventually do the trick, although I have had this extra button in the head with caution in it for almost 50yrs, it's just been allowed to take a bigger hold for a few years without a bike to ride.

I'm sure I remember that coffee now gus.... must pay you back one day

I think a sunshine coast ride is well overdue

holdenman wrote:I think a sunshine coast ride is well overdue

John ( Tractor Tom )  and I were only talking about going up that way to visit Gus.  When ?

Road time is excellent.  But, you will learn more, more quickly and develop a better understanding with the aid of training.  Returning riders are statistically significantly more vulnerable and that is why in the ACT we have a special Stay Upright course called 'Masters' that is heavily subsidized by the government as a road safety initiative.

Speaking from my own experience, modern bikes are a world apart from the bikes I learned to ride on and offer vastly improved levels of traction that are difficult to access without practice (on a track) and tuition.  But, you now have a wonderful opportunity to hit the 'Reset' and learn how to do it better, and be a safer and necessarily more competent and confident rider.

Suggest you have a look at what Stay Upright offers in your area, I think Bernie Hatton (Tony's nephew for those who recall the heydays of the Castrol 6 Hour), does stuff in your area (his company is called Top Rider), and California Superbike School is also excellent, (don't be put off thinking it's a racers school, the curriculum at the lower levels is totally applicable to road riding).

Again, yes get out there, get kms under your bum, but its easier to establish good habits early on than un-learn bad ones, (provided of course they don't get you into such trouble that you are discouraged from riding altogether).

Who was it that has just qualified as an instructor? would be edifying to get his perspective.

Your not getting my scone . 

 

gus wrote:Your not getting my scone . 

 

looks like I may need to bring a shotgun and a sack.   .  Are you free on any given Saturday Gus ?

Dekenai wrote:Road time is excellent.  But, you will learn more, more quickly and develop a better understanding with the aid of training.  Returning riders are statistically significantly more vulnerable and that is why in the ACT we have a special Stay Upright course called 'Masters' that is heavily subsidized by the government as a road safety initiative.

Speaking from my own experience, modern bikes are a world apart from the bikes I learned to ride on and offer vastly improved levels of traction that are difficult to access without practice (on a track) and tuition.  But, you now have a wonderful opportunity to hit the 'Reset' and learn how to do it better, and be a safer and necessarily more competent and confident rider.

Suggest you have a look at what Stay Upright offers in your area, I think Bernie Hatton (Tony's nephew for those who recall the heydays of the Castrol 6 Hour), does stuff in your area (his company is called Top Rider), and California Superbike School is also excellent, (don't be put off thinking it's a racers school, the curriculum at the lower levels is totally applicable to road riding).

Again, yes get out there, get kms under your bum, but its easier to establish good habits early on than un-learn bad ones, (provided of course they don't get you into such trouble that you are discouraged from riding altogether).

Who was it that has just qualified as an instructor? would be edifying to get his perspective.

Thanks Dekenai. I did a 3 hour session of very basic items with Stay Upright in Brizzie and that did help. I am thinking of doing there advanced day on the Mount Cotton Track early next year. Race training and me def wouldn't be the way to go. Went for a great ride early this morning and was quite happy to let other riders pass whilst I build the confidence. I do take your point though about the basics being relevant for road riding. Will look at To Rider as I've heard of the Bernie Hatton guy but just thought that was racing stuff... Thanks for the info.

Dekenai wrote:Road time is excellent.  But, you will learn more, more quickly and develop a better understanding with the aid of training.  Returning riders are statistically significantly more vulnerable and that is why in the ACT we have a special Stay Upright course called 'Masters' that is heavily subsidized by the government as a road safety initiative.

Speaking from my own experience, modern bikes are a world apart from the bikes I learned to ride on and offer vastly improved levels of traction that are difficult to access without practice (on a track) and tuition.  But, you now have a wonderful opportunity to hit the 'Reset' and learn how to do it better, and be a safer and necessarily more competent and confident rider.

Suggest you have a look at what Stay Upright offers in your area, I think Bernie Hatton (Tony's nephew for those who recall the heydays of the Castrol 6 Hour), does stuff in your area (his company is called Top Rider), and California Superbike School is also excellent, (don't be put off thinking it's a racers school, the curriculum at the lower levels is totally applicable to road riding).

Again, yes get out there, get kms under your bum, but its easier to establish good habits early on than un-learn bad ones, (provided of course they don't get you into such trouble that you are discouraged from riding altogether).

Who was it that has just qualified as an instructor? would be edifying to get his perspective.

Mpottsy

Just PM'd him thanks Paul