This is not a joke thread and I hope this isn't a very bad introduction as my first post! I am genuinely pleased about my accomplishment. I learnt to ride last year and soon after got my bike - a Honda cb600f. Unfortunately I'm quite a nervous gentleman and haven't been using the bike nearly as much as I should; only ever venturing to roads I know and never more than 10 miles from home
But today I took a ride out to a place called Matlock Baths, which is a beautiful little town where bikers seem to love going! I got about 2 and a half hours of seat time and feel like I have learnt so much
I have recently decided I want to take a trip - probably just for a day or 2 - and I feel like this little 2 hour round journey was the start of that adventure. It feels tiny, perhaps insignificant besides the journeys I know a lot of people here take, but you know what? I'm proud of myself
Unfortunately I didn't stop in Matlock, as quite frankly I'm still intimidated of parking my bike up somewhere unfamiliar, especially where lots of other bikers can see me! I have promised myself I will stop at the next destination I ride to though, if it is of a similar distance. On my return journey I was starting to ache and I could feel my judgement was not as sharp as it should have been. And I will take pictures that I can share!
Again, I hope this post isn't a waste of space. I feel like it shouldn't be because I feel very accomplished, and I hope somebody else agrees

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

We all have our own definition of adventure. If it feels like an accomplishment to you, then it is one. Well done pushing yourself just a little beyond your comfort zone (my definition of adventure). Who knows, maybe some day you'll add a few zeros behind that 26 ...or not

Nice one.

Come up to Yorkshire next. Squires Cafe at Sherburn-in-Elmet. Similar buzz, nice flat dedicated bike car-park, so chance for a cuppa.

Andy

One step at a time, I understand your thoughts on being intimidated by large gatherings of motorcyclists at "popular biking stops" Usually full of power rangers offering nonsensical opinions, they don't "intimidate" me I just cant be arsed most of the time.
Keep building it up and you'll quickly see how addictive it gets

Enjoy

Good on you Ramsy and your post is not a waste of space! We all start somewhere and some are more nervous than others.

You have done the hard bit by passing your test! Go enjoy the riding at YOUR OWN pace. You will find that other bikers are really friendly and most are not at all judgemental.

Looking at the map you are not that far from some great riding places. I love the Lake District as it has a bit of everything. The Dales are also on your doorstep as well

Have fun

Bones

Even flatter parking at Fimber and, in general, less power rangers pulling wheelies.
Seaways cafe at Fridaythorpe is also better than Squires, all as my own view of course.

I agree with the OP, Matlock Bath gets crowded with bikes parked up very much on top of each other and lots of "people watchers" hanging around.

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Dave

Big bike, small bike.
Big journey, small journey.
They are all worth while, good for you, i love your post. It epitomises what riding any PTW (powered two wheeler) should be about.
Been riding 50 years plus and now get most of my pleasure on a 110cc bike.
Different ages, different experience, different desires, different egos all go to make up what floats your boat.
BTW been to Matlock Bath on the tiddler, great riding around there. Dam sight more interesting than Kent

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Honda Wave 110i (2014) Maxsym 400i (2013)
Sterling 125 2017.

After i got my licece my first trip was from Germany to Mallorca to visit some friends http://adventure-travel-experience.de/?report=mallorca
I even carried spare tires for this 1500 km long trip HAHA everybody is different

Well done on your first trip!
What a great 1st post!
Just keep chipping away at the miles, the more you ride the shorter, long distances become and the more you become one with your machine. If you can find a local biker to ride with a few times it may help boost your confidance, most are nice people You may even be able to go on a 2 day trip to the Lake District or Wales when you are ready.

Tell you what - If you can't find someone to ride with, contact me I will ride out with you for a day ( or more) . I'm only down in Essex 3 or 4 hours away I will come to you and go from there one weekend. Never know,maybe some others may join in? It's a serious offer.

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Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway

Yeah I stopped there once, parked up with a mate, when we returned our bikes were blocked in by about 30 other bikes! Managed to move a few and some how got out, but geez what a arse that was. Boy did people glare at us for moving stuff

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Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway

I can't speak about British biker bars, but in the US most of the people at biker bars very seldom go more than 50 miles one way-maybe once every couple of months. There is a big national Harley rally in Sturgis every year. You can tell who plans to go-quit shaving, getting hair cuts, etc so they look like big time bikers. A majority use a trailer take their bikes to within a hundred miles, then ride in from there. Big Whoo. When they sale their bikes after 3-4 years, most have under 4000 miles on them. You probably went further to get to that bar than most of the people there. Continue to ride, don't feel a need to go past your ability and experience, and soon you may be riding in Tibet.

Oh wow what a nice response from everyone. Thankyou! I'm so glad you guys seem to approve of my little trip! It has certainly sparked something inside of me and I cannot wait to get going somewhere again! I don't think that my - usual - 30 minute pootles around town will suffice anymore. I'm thirsty for more than that

What an exciting offer
I don't actually know anyone to ride with. My wife is totally against the idea of getting on the saddle herself, and none of my friends are the least bit interested!
So, I will have a serious think over your offer. It sounds like great fun. A group of folks would be amazing too, so long as I don't get left behind as I'm taking it all at a steady pace right now (even though my bike is capable of more!)
I'd love to make a trip to the Peak District and find somewhere to stay the night. A good pint of ale is my first love, so good pub facilities are a must for any overnight stays!

You ride therefore you are a sound geezer, end of.

You shud've stopped the fish n chips is yummy...go mid week, avoid the crowds.