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scooterlove
Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Location: Northern Virginia
Buddy Pamplona 2008
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 Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: Dumb Question from a Newbie on Going Downhill |
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I just got my Pamplona yesterday and rode around for about 60 minutes in 30 minutes at a time. I live in a very hilly, curvy area. I notice that of course going downhill I go much slower around 15 to 20 mph, BTW that is the speed limit 25. On the straight aways, no problem going the speed limit but I know when I drive my car I am doing faster than 20 miles on a hill. Obviously, driving a car down the curvy hill is not as intense as driving a scooter. My question really comes WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A CAR BEHIND YOU  Had not had to expericene yet, but was thinking about it all morning in church.
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Dooglas
Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2007
Posts: 1340
Location: Oregon City, OR
Buddy 125, Vespa LX150, Ural Deco w/sidecar
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not sure that I understand your question correctly. You are concerned about being able to go faster than 15-20 mph downhill? Clearly a Buddy 150 can manage quite a bit faster than that downhill. Do you mean you are uncomfortable or not confident riding faster than that? If that is the case, I believe an MSF course and additional experience is the answer.
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scooterlove
Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Location: Northern Virginia
Buddy Pamplona 2008
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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yes, my concern is when there is a car behind me going 30 mph. The road is quite steep and curvy.
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BigColdMartini
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Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Posts: 310
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject: |
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I think that as you get more experience you'll be able to handle these conditions at a higher speed. Remember... you'll need to counter steer and lean.
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Dooglas
Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2007
Posts: 1340
Location: Oregon City, OR
Buddy 125, Vespa LX150, Ural Deco w/sidecar
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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In fairness, downhill curves do hold some danger for an inexperienced rider. Going in a bit fast and braking in the curve can get you in trouble very quickly. If you are unfamiliar with how to lean in a turn, counter steering, picking a line through a turn, going in slow and accelerating out, trail braking, etc - then you really need to be taking an MSF course (and I mean real soon).
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jmazza
Moderator
Joined: 11 Dec 2007
Posts: 2760
Location: South Florida
'07 Buddy Italia - The ORIGINAL!!
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Dumb Question from a Newbie on Going Downhill |
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| scooterlove wrote: | | My question really comes WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A CAR BEHIND YOU |
What you asked right there is a great question (not a dumb one at all), and there's excellent advice in the posts above this one. Any time there is a car behind us that is pushing us, whether from us going too slow or the car just simply tailgating, it's a potentially nasty situation. Obviously, if you have trouble and go down, a car on your tail will not have adequate stopping distance and will make you a road pizza. Not so obviously, a car on your tail can cause you to go faster than you are comfortable going (as you're asking about) and cause you to take too much focus off of what lies ahead.
The general rule I follow is to do my best to never get caught in a traffic situation in which I am not comfortable. This means never going on a road that has a higher speed limit than I am comfortable going and exceeding a bit if necessary, never going on a road that has tighter turns than I'm comfortable negotiating, never going on a road that has a steeper hill than I'm comfortable on, and never going on a road that has too much traffic for my comfort level.
You will eventually get comfortable enough to take a twisty downhill road at a pretty quick speed, and it will become your favorite ride (wish I had hilly twisties in the land of flatness). But on that road with a car bearing down is not the time to practice. I'd suggest doing more parking lot practice, taking the MSF Basic Rider Course, and riding a LOT in areas that you are comfortable with until you feel you can at least go the speed limit (and exceed it if necessary) on these hills. Also download the "You and Your Scooter: Riding Tips" booklet (4th link down on this page.
I don't at all mean to sound harsh; it's great that you are reading up here to find info on how to be a better rider and looking for suggestions. But because I ride in pretty heavy traffic every day, I know firsthand how a car or cars pushing me to ride in a way I'm not comfortable riding can make for a dangerous situation really quickly.
I think you'll get comfortable on it really quickly with some good practice.
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BigColdMartini
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Posts: 310
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject: |
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I'd probably just find a safe spot to pull over and let them get past. I love riding a little slower and just enjoying seeing, smelling and hearing things I miss in my cage. I'm 48 years old and am trying to slow down and simplify my entire life. Turn off the Blackberry and the TV and just enjoy how simple things used to be. Sit on the back patio, float in the pool, have a cigar and pull over when jerks get behind me.
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Alix B
Member
Joined: 10 Jul 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Richmond, VA
Buddy125
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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All good advice, especially that float in a pool stuff.
I am interactive with drivers, it is the to communicate and get your needs across, versus hitting the throttle and letting a cager bully you.
I remember kinda tailgating as a cager, LONG TIME AGO. I'm surprised people don't give two wheelers more room. I'm also surprised that so many people listened to Jerry Falwell, sooooo...
What I do is lightly tap my brakes. When you get comfortable, AND DON'T DO THIS UNTIL YOU ARE, I take my left hand and make a "push back" gesture with my hand. Sometimes I turn on the hazards.
Most people correct themselves and you can proceed to enjoy the ride.
When someone is convinced that rushing home to watch America's Top Model justifies killing me, I do whatever it takes to stay safe.
Including, every random once in awhile, pulling over to the shoulder.
Take the MSF course.
_________________
www.peacescooter.com
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scooterlove
Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Location: Northern Virginia
Buddy Pamplona 2008
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for the advice. I am planning on taking the motorcycle safety course as quickly as I can get in one but of course they are booked up. I am riding as much as possible to get comfortable.
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jmazza
Moderator
Joined: 11 Dec 2007
Posts: 2760
Location: South Florida
'07 Buddy Italia - The ORIGINAL!!
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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| scooterlove wrote: | | Thank you for the advice. I am planning on taking the motorcycle safety course as quickly as I can get in one but of course they are booked up. I am riding as much as possible to get comfortable. |
Cool! Yeah I saw a previous thread of yours where you said you decided to ride your new scoot and I commented on your will power for holding off. Then I realized you were probably trying to not ride until you took the course or practiced or got gear or something, which is commendable.
Like I said, you'll eventually find that the tricky curves, etc are where the Buddy becomes super fun. Just be careful putting yourself in a spot where you're not comfortable too soon!
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scooterlove
Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Location: Northern Virginia
Buddy Pamplona 2008
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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Well, not riding was because the fear sort hit me. Got the scooter home with a friend and my husband and son hoood and ahhh it. Then off they went and there I was saying to myself "okay you this is what you wanted now you actually need to ride it" I had been waiting for 5 weeks to pick up my Pomplona because on Monday I took a riding course and the instructor told me not to ride my scooter until I came for my lesson. Said he did not want to have to break any bad habits. I sort of complained to myself that I paid $420 (yes $420) but it was 4 instructors and 2 of us. Another lady was on a motorcylce and I was on a scooter. I was like it was great but maybe too expensive. After yesterday I must tell you it was worth every penny as I was quite comfortable handling the scooter. So I absolutely look forward to the safety course.
No riding today it's been raining all day 
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jmazza
Moderator
Joined: 11 Dec 2007
Posts: 2760
Location: South Florida
'07 Buddy Italia - The ORIGINAL!!
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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| scooterlove wrote: | Well, not riding was because the fear sort hit me. Got the scooter home with a friend and my husband and son hoood and ahhh it. Then off they went and there I was saying to myself "okay you this is what you wanted now you actually need to ride it" I had been waiting for 5 weeks to pick up my Pomplona because on Monday I took a riding course and the instructor told me not to ride my scooter until I came for my lesson. Said he did not want to have to break any bad habits. I sort of complained to myself that I paid $420 (yes $420) but it was 4 instructors and 2 of us. Another lady was on a motorcylce and I was on a scooter. I was like it was great but maybe too expensive. After yesterday I must tell you it was worth every penny as I was quite comfortable handling the scooter. So I absolutely look forward to the safety course.
No riding today it's been raining all day |
Awesome- it sounds like you are serious about it and that's great! There was another thread around here (and one pops up from time to time) about "the fear." A lot of us have had moments where we think to ourselves, "what the heck was I thinking?!?" but then we start riding and it passes. Some of that fear is good, though, because it keeps us aware when we're riding.
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scooterlove
Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Location: Northern Virginia
Buddy Pamplona 2008
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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I have say I am walking around so happy! Even today had to work then it stopped raining cleared my appointments got in the car to go home but by the time I got home it was pouring again. But when I walked in the garage to enter the house and passed my Buddy she just makes me smile. I have named her "Ruby"
My hubby thinks I am having a mid life crises LOL.
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Dooglas
Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2007
Posts: 1340
Location: Oregon City, OR
Buddy 125, Vespa LX150, Ural Deco w/sidecar
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject: |
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I like your healthy respect for what it means to ride a scoot (a little "fear" is good for all of us). It will ultimately make you a better rider. Too many folks hop on a scooter with no experience and treat it like a new toy. A week or two later they bang up themselves and the new scooter. Then it is not so much fun anymore. You hang in there. Keep practicing. Build your skills and confidence. Take advantage of the MSF as soon as you can.
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Drumwoulf
Member
Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 809
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject: Re: Dumb Question from a Newbie on Going Downhill |
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| scooterlove wrote: | | I just got my Pamplona yesterday and rode around for about 60 minutes in 30 minutes at a time. I live in a very hilly, curvy area. I notice that of course going downhill I go much slower around 15 to 20 mph, BTW that is the speed limit 25. On the straight aways, no problem going the speed limit but I know when I drive my car I am doing faster than 20 miles on a hill. Obviously, driving a car down the curvy hill is not as intense as driving a scooter. My question really comes WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A CAR BEHIND YOU Had not had to expericene yet, but was thinking about it all morning in church. |
Not all car drivers are morons... In fact some will actually respect the rules of the road, and not climb up your bike's butt! So the answer to your question in that case is, nothing. NOTHING happens when there is a car behind you that is being driven by a sane driver!
When it's the other type of immature sicko driver however, the best bet is to find a spot to pull over ASAP and let them get the hell away from you!
_________________
Namaste,
~drummer~
07 Buddy 125
07 Vespa GT200
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Eddy Merckx
Member
Joined: 09 Jul 2007
Posts: 217
Location: Hartford West
07 Buddy 125 Black & silver
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Dooglas wrote: | | In fairness, downhill curves do hold some danger for an inexperienced rider. Going in a bit fast and braking in the curve can get you in trouble very quickly. If you are unfamiliar with how to lean in a turn, counter steering, picking a line through a turn, going in slow and accelerating out, trail braking, etc - then you really need to be taking an MSF course (and I mean real soon). |
I second this statement !
_________________
"Social graces, got any"
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