Afraid of Motorcycling? So Am I!

[@Petehcs100]

As an old wrinkley, at 67 years young tomorow I have my bike test. The desire to do things never stops, but hey dont wait as long as I have to get your test. Enjoy and live your life. Keep chatting to yourself too. Have a great week.

[@steve5772]

Get on it! and if it doesn't pan out, get on it again! Took me three goes to do mod 1 because the voice in my head was going "Don't ride towards that wall at 50kilsomething-per-whatever it is even if you are going to spin a U-turn"

[@regk9077]

Coming from an old weirdo, not a 90 yr old weirdo but a weirdo who makes fun of himself everyday(coping mechanism). You Saffy are an absolute GEM! The honesty, excitement and enthusiasm you bring to your followers is infectious. Showing the ups and downs of your journey's allows us mere mortals a glimmer of hope.

[@alipayne5139]

Its amazing how your mind controls the things you are doing. I am 45 and all my life I have talked myself out of adventures. Massive regret for it but I am not going hard on myself. After all I have tomorrow and the next day. This Easter weekend I have six days off and I am away. Going up north. Not sure yet but I dont care. Thank you, thank you and thank you. ❤

[@chema1546]

Ok 👍👌 Saffy

[@stephenpotts8170]

High Saffy, It's funny because I'm hurtling towards that ancient old wrinkly stage , but I have loved motorcycles all my life, and in fact still tour on my 1250 GSA, and all my life if I face any adversity I will always have a talk to myself, and like you say 99% of the time it achieves a positive outcome, and when it doesn't you try to learn from your failings. But I have to say you are a very wise and courageous young Lady. Keep on biking, and making your very entertaining videos . Thank you.

[@royevans4581]

I can assuage some common fears. If the road temperatures are over 10 degrees C, your tyres will grip. When the roads are totally wet at above 10deg. C. your tyres will grip. Just be smooth as always. Modern road tyres are designed to operate optimally above 10 degrees C, albeit giving them a bit of time to warm up. They contain silica which vastly improves wet weather grip. Be careful with roads when a slight drizzle has just fallen on them. It can be slippy as the road may now have a mixture of water and road muck so just take it easy. When I was getting used to the bigger bikes what helped me enormously was I spent a few sessions with a really confident mate who knew his local roads very well, with the same tyres, same bike even (fireblades), and stayed on his wheel, even though he had the much faster Urban Tiger paintjob lol. I had total faith in my tyres after that. A track day will do that if you don't have a faster mate to help. Don't try too hard. If it's difficult to keep up, just relax and treat that as your first step. The main aim is to be rubber side up! You will be surprised how far you can lean a bike over on a track. It's awesome. Yes and practice. Just go out and ride, slowly build confidence and although this sounds a bit contradictory to above, go at your own pace until you can feel it's time to turn up the wick a bit. A good drill is to ride along roads you know, and turn it up in small increments. You know the turns, you know where the potholes and manhole covers are, you know where the junctions are. So you can just concentrate on riding fast and smooth. You are 'cold' and stiff when you first get on the bike, give yourself a few miles to dial in. The bike needs this too. Tyres need to warm up, and the suspension gets more supple when it warms up meaning it's more responsive. A tip for roads you do not know. To gauge if the corner is tight or open, watch for where the nearest kerb or edge of road is converging with the farthest kerb or edge. If that point comes towards you, the corner is tightening up. If it stays the same the corner is going to be constant. If this point moves away from you, the corner is opening up. Not my tip, was from a great book called 'Twist of the Wrist' by Keith Code.

[@somersetlevellersmtb5564]

When I got back to motorcycling after 45yrs completing my DAS course, I must admit that I had serious Anxiety when riding on my own and talking myself through a certain task helped, it was like having my observer with me telling me what to do, is that weird or what! Thanks for addressing this, I think it will help a lot of riders, and knowing that they are not alone, it’s good to talk, wether it’s to yourself or to a friendly biker. Ride safe Saffy.

[@retrogore8545]

I will be going on my first solo motorbike camping trip this month! Super inspirational watching your journey! Keep up the good work

[@ericrandolph8628]

I hope you never change who you are. That's why we love you.

[@EmeraldExplorer1200]

"Accomplished lunatic" 😂😂😂😂 love it. Keep it up. You're sweet, every day is a learning curve, every curve is a new skill. We all learn something new everyday. Just remember to stay calm when things go wrong, panicking will only make it worse

[@SaffySprocket]

So true!

[@EmeraldExplorer1200]

@@SaffySprocket which part ?🤣😉

[@williamnethercott4364]

It is very good that you speak openly about your anxiety and coping strategies. It helps me to know that its not just me. I got back into motorcycling after a gap of more than 3 decades. It was a very anxious experience to start with but it is gradually improving, although I have a long way to go before I feel as relaxed on a motorbike as I did back in the 1980s.

[@SaffySprocket]

Motorcycling works on momentum:D

[@ericgardner3020]

My Self talk in the helmet is I always remember what my Dad told me waaay back in 1971 just learning to ride " If your tires are not Rolling you are no longer Riding, Momentum is your Friend" So when I'm in the hard stuff..I'm I repeating out Loud.. Momentum..Momentum! Plus a little Pink Floyd or Willie Nelson streaming in! Great video!

[@SaffySprocket]

Love that!

[@Zoknz1]

Saffy, closing your eyes works... It does come with it's own risks though. ;-)

[@SaffySprocket]

ahahahaha

[@vetworker]

My problem is my brain has been fed with negative thoughts and I know I have to pack that in. I’m going to make an effort to put more positivity into my brain. I love your positivity and your determination! ❤️❤️❤️

[@BlueHippoMoto]

Saffy , riding a motorcycle is very much a learning curve , some people learn to ride the same roads everyday and know where every pothole is. This doesn’t make you a good rider , your brave enough to take on a challenge of a new road and explore & ride up hills and go off road and down narrow trails. Yes talking to yourself helps & trying to overcome some fear and anxiety by telling yourself positive things like “ you got this” like I did all the way up your favourite hill Hardknott Pass! Hills never have been my comfort zone on a motorcycle because I don’t normally do them, I’m glad you inspired me to go and adventure. Keep inspiring people…

[@gormbrain]

You are an absolute inspiration and so totally real, brave and honest. Keep up the fantastic work Saffy and thankyou.

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@johnniel8116]

I get nervous weeks before a tour or break, but as soon as I get on the bike ......it's OK anything happens , you deal with it , and you 're stronger for it ! nice one Saffy . Hope to see you at the ABR

[@muhammadedisantuso1375]

the important thing is to keep the spirit, continue to work very well, high quality and always think positively, I am very happy to see you

[@SaffySprocket]

Well said!

[@leifiseland1218]

Just found this clip, & it's good.👍😎 Ohh.. & I see the channel is growing steadily.👍

[@SaffySprocket]

Welcome aboard!

[@bullaschonken521]

your laugh is so addictive dont worry girl you are doing fine love watching your bike rides. if you dont try you will never know

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much 😊

[@bebok1234]

yesssss you are coming back with the original color of your gorgeous hair xx

[@SaffySprocket]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bottycoff]

You do great, reason is you try, if you don't push yourself it's pointless, enjoy your riding, I'm 64 and just bought another bike, a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 to go with my Harley Street Bob, the Triumph is almost run in now and it's real good fast fun, go for it girl.

[@Rockout52]

Hi Saffy, there is a flip side to this, having no fear, riders that have no fear are likely to ride too fast, corner too fast and take unnecessary risks, eventually the talent will run out and it will end badly. Recognising what is natural fear and what is anxiety is something you need to learn from yourself, normal fear is your natural warning system telling you there is danger and to go careful, that certain level of fear will keep you from making some catastrophic mistakes and possibly save your life.

[@rossseed1451]

Every credit to thee, Saffy; forge on!

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you :D

[@mikelamuraglia5645]

You're doing a great job, just keep moving forward

[@SaffySprocket]

Always!

[@barnsrodsandheavymetal8439]

Fascinating Sprocket! Well done!

[@bundiq]

Saffy! You’re a beast! 👊 I’ve just PASSED my Motorcycle license! 🥳 Riding Gladius I feel how pretty stiff that bike is and heavy, and even hell more heavier with all the stuff you mount on it! And you’re riding thousands miles on it! You’re incredible love 😘

[@nealeburgess6756]

Well done Saffy. Much good advice there. One thing I would take exception to. You said you are not experienced. Well, I reckon you have completed your aprenticeship and can now be regarded as a fully fledged "Motorcycle Adventurer". One thing I do that you didn't mention is, I talk to my bike. We have been through a lot together over the last 15 years, and talking to Belinda (my bike) seems to help. Belinda and I are looking forward to our next adventure booked for May/June. (Spain, France, England and Scotland, then back again home to Spain).

[@markchristianson8178]

Yes the mind is very powerful tool . I understand you about riding i have been riding for 5 years and i still get nervous in strange places and elsewhere you are doing great job Anxiety takes over and hard to deal with . Thanks for ur story !!

[@lifebypalmer]

I'm thinking of doing my CBT this year and my dad watches your channel and recommended it to me because (as he said) 'she's real and honest and doesn't take out any mistakes. She is as she is"

[@SaffySprocket]

Did he happen to be at ABR? I had a dad come up to me talking about his daughter doing her CBT!

[@lifebypalmer]

@@SaffySprocket ah, no he wasn't

[@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y]

Great video Saffy, great topic. 😊

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much!

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

Hi Saffy you have done a very good video and it's very useful because you gave lot of information

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

@@SaffySprocket it's my pleasure😌

[@MauriceTarantulas]

I always try and break rides up with a nice stop so am looking forward to seeing something or having a nice cup of tea. I did get the fear when was pissing it down in Wales and forgot waterproofs. So I prayed and it worked! Sun was out by midday. But that aside planning is another way to overcome anxiety. If you are fresh, have a backup plan makes life a lot easier. Travelling tired, wet, hungry, stressed is a recipe for disaster. Fear is the mindkiller😉

[@thecivvie]

Fear is the biggest thing we have to get passed. I had real fear when I went to Mongolia solo across Russia. By the time, I reached Moscow, I realised the fear was taking away from the enjoyment. So I started to enjoy the trip and it was fantastic. I have since returned to Russia several times and love the country. And at 60, just started doing some off road with 2 mates.

[@Yangvar]

Practise is the most important part IMHO. I'm also a fairly new rider, and remember when for the first time I rode the motorway during a real windy day I was bricking myself when I felt wind pushing my bike under me. It got me into getting off from the motorway and finish riding home in the dark of night instead of continuing the motorway. After a little reasearch I realised its a normal thing, and after having that experience, it isnt as scary as it was. I wouldnt say that straight after I got used to it, but at least I knew what to expect.

[@SuperGizzzmo]

Well, I’m picking my new Kawasaki versus next week, never done anything like that. Would love to. Love the channel by the way x❤x

[@SaffySprocket]

Welcome aboard!

[@mikep.9371]

Always be positive and enjoy every day. Hope you survived April 1st's pranks Saffy. My friends don't like it when I say on the first day of spring "fall is only six months away".

[@Merc-Rover]

Grabbing the bull by the horns works for me. I'll either fly or crash and burn. After which I'll dust myself off and start again!!!

[@SaffySprocket]

Ahahha that's one way to do it!

[@The_Arby]

Good to be scared...Keeps you safe Saffy...Hope all is well with you 😀

[@spikeccx]

Lol you still got it Keep it , keeps u sharp on the road. Dont take this wrong But lose the tacky back ground lighting thing Re play the hard knot....lol makes me nervous and i live there

[@gasman6163]

what a great video. Well done missus. Mad as a box of frogs but inspirational

[@SaffySprocket]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gasman6163]

Always do, but that one in particular

[@SisterCompany]

I'm learning with every new hotel stop atm.

[@steve5772]

Thank you for this. I'm big on talking to myself as well, I was working through loading the right materials onto a van at work the other day, someone looked round the corner and said "I thought there were two of you in there" 🤣

[@SaffySprocket]

ahhahaha it helps so much!

[@rogerandroid2186]

Interesting quote from a YT channel, whilst in Ireland (at 6pm, after a day's riding): "I kind of forgot what day it was. ... and my ferry is tomorrow", "... 400 km". I really don't know how that person turned around and rode into the night, Ms Sprocket, but they showed some real determination and lack of fear to "get to Dublin Docks by 2am". However Saffy, I think that you do owe us a YT video-short on how to pick a good calendar-app for your phone! ;-)

[@SaffySprocket]

ahahaha Life on the road runs at its own pace ~ It just have to keep up sometimes

[@twist_of_the_wrist]

I picked up my 1st adult bike yesterday. Need to do Mod1&2 yet stress levels on overload.

[@SaffySprocket]

You got this!

[@guypotter2301]

You're so inspiring ❤

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much 😊

[@guystevens162]

Good video. Yes it is good to keep a mental balance and it keeps you going. Also Feel the Fear and do it Anyway.😊😃

[@PetrolJunkie]

Practice until you are confident. Take small steps while you are practicing, master each and every maneuver. I can't say this enough, parking lot skills matter because that is your foundation for building confidence in what you can handle at higher speeds or on trails. Good planning is a really big deal. If you have a solid plan and things are working out according to your plans you feel more confident about what you are doing. Take small bites out of bigger things you want to accomplish. If you want to go on a 1000 mile road trip don't go from your twenty minute daily commute to trying to ride 1000 miles in a day. Plan that trip out for a three day ride, find places to stop every hour or so for at least fifteen to twenty minutes to walk around. Make sure you have plenty to eat, drink, and the proper clothes. Double check your tool and spares kits, your first aid kit. Do any maintenance that is due or close to due. Book your hotels in advance. Plan your routes, plan alternative routes, save them in your GPS. Write out turn-by-turn directions just in case, take a paper map with you. All of these things are not there to make you feel like a million things can go wrong, it's so you feel like you're prepared if any one of those million things you planned for goes wrong. Keep reminding yourself that it's okay if things don't go according to plan. Adventure starts where the plan ends. The most memorable adventures I've had is when everything, I mean everything, that could possibly go wrong, did. I was scared, I was anxious, I was worried and sometimes injuried and I even wanted to give up. That is all perfectly natural and it all goes away when you get through whatever is happening. Those things are the rushes of emotion that a lot of people that live life out there on the edge are actually looking for, it tells us that we are pushing ourselves and we are defining our limits, that is something most people are unwilling to do, that puts us a cut above them. You can't master what doesn't challenge you.

[@bebok1234]

you drive those really remote roads in Poland even I will never go true them I am Polish but you are amazing and I am with you all the best

[@GSHants]

Saffy you are in inspiration to so many and don’t let anyone tell you anything else, you always show us your warts and all ups and downs, thank you.

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@julianwaller3198]

Great vlog as always and I suffer from anxiety as well❤

[@SaffySprocket]

It sucks doesn't it! But you got this!

[@julianwaller3198]

@@SaffySprocket yes riding my bike helps me forget about my problems

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

I always cheer myself up with the phrase........"At least l don't wake up in Mogadishu everyday"

[@rikrob]

I know when I did my BikeSafe, the observer said he could tell I knew I'd messed up by the way I shook my head. I kept it to myself about if he knew about the full blown conversations I was having with myself too, he'd have took me to be committed immediately! It does help me cope though. It's just good my helmet bluetooth is only used for music, not conversation, as I'd soon get disconnected if others could constantly hear my 'thoughts'! 😄

[@Pete_jh21]

Hi Saffy, love your channel and how far you've come with the channel and also your riding and adventures. How do you plan your riding routes when doing a trip? Thank you

[@SaffySprocket]

I can make a video on this if you like :-)

[@Pete_jh21]

@@SaffySprocket that would be fantastic if you didn't mind.

[@Dean.martin.93]

Past 2 days ago, only thing I am abit careful with is when it's wet 🤣 luckily my mod 2 was the only dry sunny day this year 😂

[@palstuart6891]

Good timing Saffy …. I had a bit of a virus 🦠 during march and it’s left me with bike fear . Should l sell or wait ? 💙💯🙏😎

[@SaffySprocket]

Why not test ride something and see if your excitement comes out?

[@palstuart6891]

@@SaffySprocket gr8 idea SS 💡 perhaps a ktm 990 has been or any sports bike 😱👍and thank you for the tip 💯🙏💙

[@SisterCompany]

I get scared due to vertigo sometimes, not the bike and also if I approach a bend too wide at higher speeds, which I'm not used to doing, I end up pulling up awkwardly at the roadside.

[@matt-zr6zs]

this has so really helped me i.e. long bike journeys , bike test etc! going out but don't no how far the petrol stations are lol when I used to commute always used to panic of running out of petrol is this normal lol

[@cliff1551]

I talk to myself 😊🎉 but when you start arguing it's a different matter

[@paulselway2553]

Love and respect to you staffy. And thank you for sharing your feelings and helping us.

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much!

[@paulselway2553]

I will admit now that I do talk to myself when I out riding and a bit nervous or scared . And it does help me through it. Because at the end of the day you can only help/believe in yourself 🙂

[@projectclark123]

Really nice bike

[@SaffySprocket]

It sure is!

[@nozza1666]

Some good advice I'm starting to wonder if I'm letting fear hold me back I've ridden motorbikes all my life but I've never actually been anywhere I always say it's because I don't want to go solo but is that just an excuse 🤔 last year I made it to the sea in Wales and that was a big mile stone for me but I want to go so much further guess it's time to embrace the solo way 😊

[@dob1662]

I have been around long enough to know you're on point, but you forgot to mention the dough nuts 🤗😋😘

[@SaffySprocket]

aahahah

[@SisterCompany]

I speak to myself in the 3rd person most of the time.

[@scottdiver36]

Saffy sprocket i do all that now and go miles if i put my gear on i go all day talking to myself lol 😀

[@deangoodall7497]

❤saffy I like 👍 your dance 💃 I great 👍 ❤

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you 🤗

[@bigmuller1]

Sufferd with it for years..I take sertaline...plus weekly jaunts of the peak district

[@Normanskie]

Sitting on the top of Win Hill above Ladybower with a hot coffee and a packed lunch watching the world go by.

[@bigmuller1]

@@Normanskie I dont live to far from peak district...castleton is my favourite

[@amglover4361]

Love your candidness Saffy

[@SaffySprocket]

Thanks :D

[@lyndonevans8033]

I suffered from confidence and got stressed until I found out in my forties I had dyspraxia and dyslexia

[@middleagedshred]

I took way too long to realise that you should never let fear stop you doing things you want to do

[@leswatson8563]

Right on Denis. But isnt controlling fear overcome when you have handlebar mounted bazooka? 😂😂😂

[@MrPete81]

It's been great watching you and your channel grow, Saffy, and some of the crazy adventures you've been on so far! Sounds daft but I'm proud of you and everyone who's doing similar 😅 Here's to our next adventures, no matter how far, how high, or however! Cheers Saffy 😊

[@stevetaylor8698]

I found not being 70 helped a lot. I am 70.

[@SaffySprocket]

ahahahah for sure!

[@RideToHistory]

I (try to) sing when I'm scared on the bike, great advice saffy x

[@SaffySprocket]

That's also a great one ahahaha!

[@charlottejet4338]

A Sprocketier and a lunatic! Now I get it! Joking aside, the past two years were horrendous for me. I was at an all time low. It's hard to remain positive when all around you is falling apart. I got the help I needed and I set firm goals focusing on where I want to be. There were good and many bad days... I was only thinking this past week about how far I've come. I then realised I'm happier now than I've ever been. Roll on the summer and new horizons ☺️

[@bikesncameras]

You’re my favourite type of crazy.

[@alanbentham5625]

If you have no fear you have no intelligence. Fear keeps you alive and makes you feel alive.

[@royevans4581]

You are my biker sis and I'm very proud of you. As I am of all my brothers and sisters. Thanks for the vids. btw, you WON'T catch me out in the wet on my 'busa. No fun in that for me! 🤣🤣

[@SaffySprocket]

Thank you so much :-)

[@SisterCompany]

Be your own pet!!

[@shaywelch]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️

[@ClassicRider]

Dearest - its always Okay to talk to yourself as long as you are listening - I love your video - I hope infomercial producers discover you ! But Dearest, why to you have to be all by yourself where half the men in the UK would love to court you I am sure !