I need some tips on teaching Pam how to ride.
She's got a fear factor that's off the map --- same as I have about getting on horses, since I"ve been thrown off every one I ever tried to ride.
I admire her courage in being willing to learn, but I"m just not sure that anyone that scared SHOULD try and learn how to ride.
I really need your suggestions, ideas.
What I"ve done so far.
In a car, I've followed some good riders in traffic, pointing out to Pam the things they are and are NOT doing --- like "dog paddling" or "Fred Flintstoning" at stops and takeoffs. Riding NOT in the center of the lane. Being predictable. I've described eVERY move they made with their hands, feet, like shifting into neutral at a light, ... (thanks to whoever that GREAT BMW rider was....)
I've ridden her on the BACK of the Vespa and allowed her to give me a reach-around, err, rather, had HER run the throttle and front brake as we went around a parking lot. Saying "OK, I want you to stop on THAT line..." etc.
She literally had no concept of twisting the throttle to accelerate, roll off to slow.
I've had her close her eyes, and described the location of the controls --- horn, turn signal, brakes, kill switch, etc.
She sez "The motor is very loud" on the Vespa and "I don't like to go fast" Well, earplugs maybe, but I've never gotten it above 32 mph with her on the back.
I suspect that putting her on a 50cc scooter IN A PARKING lot is the way to start this. Having her go 5-10 feet then stop smoothly, ten feet hence.
I don't think she's ready for the BRC until she can confidently run a scooter around a parking lot, much less shift a bike.
Or is someone this fearful simply NOT a good candidate to learn to ride.
REALLY. NEED. YOUR. ADVICE.
Thanks!
She's got a fear factor that's off the map --- same as I have about getting on horses, since I"ve been thrown off every one I ever tried to ride.
I admire her courage in being willing to learn, but I"m just not sure that anyone that scared SHOULD try and learn how to ride.
I really need your suggestions, ideas.
What I"ve done so far.
In a car, I've followed some good riders in traffic, pointing out to Pam the things they are and are NOT doing --- like "dog paddling" or "Fred Flintstoning" at stops and takeoffs. Riding NOT in the center of the lane. Being predictable. I've described eVERY move they made with their hands, feet, like shifting into neutral at a light, ... (thanks to whoever that GREAT BMW rider was....)
I've ridden her on the BACK of the Vespa and allowed her to give me a reach-around, err, rather, had HER run the throttle and front brake as we went around a parking lot. Saying "OK, I want you to stop on THAT line..." etc.
She literally had no concept of twisting the throttle to accelerate, roll off to slow.
I've had her close her eyes, and described the location of the controls --- horn, turn signal, brakes, kill switch, etc.
She sez "The motor is very loud" on the Vespa and "I don't like to go fast" Well, earplugs maybe, but I've never gotten it above 32 mph with her on the back.
I suspect that putting her on a 50cc scooter IN A PARKING lot is the way to start this. Having her go 5-10 feet then stop smoothly, ten feet hence.
I don't think she's ready for the BRC until she can confidently run a scooter around a parking lot, much less shift a bike.
Or is someone this fearful simply NOT a good candidate to learn to ride.
REALLY. NEED. YOUR. ADVICE.
Thanks!