Discussion
I took another CBT (4th one) after just over a year of not riding. My choice training centre no longer operates, so I found another local provider that is highly ranked. Previously, I have also done a CBT Plus scheme and was ranked an average of 4.5/5.
With that in mind, I thought, given the break I had from riding that I would be ok and not quite at the same level I was before. As it turns out, I was way off the mark, the first part in the yard was as if I had never ridden before, complete joke. After a few hours of riding round and being shouted at a fair bit, not aggressively, I was deemed ready for the road. I simply couldn't visualise the 'road' while being in the yard. I should note that I am dyslexic and my trainer was very good for this, he then drew on tarmac the road layouts he wanted practice on which helped tremendously, wasn't perfect but at least acceptable standard.
I remember never being that bad before, I wasn't that bad. It came to a lunch break and after the morning session I had started to doubt my ability and began to question if I should just stick to my MPV and be done with bikes. I stuck with it though and we went on the road.
Wasn't perfect, but acceptable, after 15mins it was as if I never stopped riding. A few minor issues but nothing serious or dangerous that would result in a fail. I had gotten that into the ride that on the return leg I was just riding and missed my instructors command to turn right onto the industrial estate where they are based. A bit of shouting and I cottoned on - I was enjoying riding so much in an area a grew up around that I forgot I had an instructor with me...
The result of this CBT was follows (only listing areas that were in need of improvement)
Emergency stop was poor, not enough brake.
Clutch control was a little shaky (was strongest point on my previous CBT +).
Left turns, was leaving enough space for a bike to come kerbside, need to be closer.
Some junctions went to position 3 rather than 2 upon joining - less gas needed to sharpen turn.
Ejecting from bike in emergencies, never had to do this before but was poor in the mock (they obviously wont let you actually drop, just practice the stages before you would drop and get to the kerb) I'm happy with that result though.
One thing that I was really happy with was my improved U turns, I hated those before but now I find them oddly satisfying.
After this though, it has undeniably left me questioning my ability - I'll be fine when I've been back on my bike for a while. I didn't help riding a different bike though, hated the seating position, mine is more upright (YBR). The problem is motivating myself to ride now which is a shame because I preferred riding to driving and I even nod at bikers when in the car (they do nod back).
Not sure what the aim of this post was, more of just putting my experience into writing and seeing what overs have to say?
With that in mind, I thought, given the break I had from riding that I would be ok and not quite at the same level I was before. As it turns out, I was way off the mark, the first part in the yard was as if I had never ridden before, complete joke. After a few hours of riding round and being shouted at a fair bit, not aggressively, I was deemed ready for the road. I simply couldn't visualise the 'road' while being in the yard. I should note that I am dyslexic and my trainer was very good for this, he then drew on tarmac the road layouts he wanted practice on which helped tremendously, wasn't perfect but at least acceptable standard.
I remember never being that bad before, I wasn't that bad. It came to a lunch break and after the morning session I had started to doubt my ability and began to question if I should just stick to my MPV and be done with bikes. I stuck with it though and we went on the road.
Wasn't perfect, but acceptable, after 15mins it was as if I never stopped riding. A few minor issues but nothing serious or dangerous that would result in a fail. I had gotten that into the ride that on the return leg I was just riding and missed my instructors command to turn right onto the industrial estate where they are based. A bit of shouting and I cottoned on - I was enjoying riding so much in an area a grew up around that I forgot I had an instructor with me...
The result of this CBT was follows (only listing areas that were in need of improvement)
Emergency stop was poor, not enough brake.
Clutch control was a little shaky (was strongest point on my previous CBT +).
Left turns, was leaving enough space for a bike to come kerbside, need to be closer.
Some junctions went to position 3 rather than 2 upon joining - less gas needed to sharpen turn.
Ejecting from bike in emergencies, never had to do this before but was poor in the mock (they obviously wont let you actually drop, just practice the stages before you would drop and get to the kerb) I'm happy with that result though.
One thing that I was really happy with was my improved U turns, I hated those before but now I find them oddly satisfying.
After this though, it has undeniably left me questioning my ability - I'll be fine when I've been back on my bike for a while. I didn't help riding a different bike though, hated the seating position, mine is more upright (YBR). The problem is motivating myself to ride now which is a shame because I preferred riding to driving and I even nod at bikers when in the car (they do nod back).
Not sure what the aim of this post was, more of just putting my experience into writing and seeing what overs have to say?
Disco_Biscuit said:
RemyMartin81D said:
Out of interest, why keep doing the CBT rather than just get a licence. I have a work colleague that does this just to ride a scooter and to me it seems like hassle...
I think the same, but some people just don’t have the £600+ to do a full license.Was surprised at the feedback you got from your CBT. I did mine last year with 4 other guys once we got back from road ride we waited for them to write up out certificates and went on our way no real feedback at all. However this may explain one thing, I have been ringing around training centres to enquire about doing a DAS this year and one if the most highly rated places said they didn't except CBT from the place I got mine and I would have to do one with them or another school they trusted before they would consider taking me.
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