Motorpacing Advice, anybody?

[OakLeaf]

The first time he tried he fell bad because he got out from behind his travelling windscreen.

167 m p h !

Yikes! I know what it feels like to just freakin' raise my hand to wave at someone from a motorcycle going a rhumpty ump scumpty mumble miles an hour... I won't try THAT again.

Waving at that speed, I mean

But I don't even want to THINK about what it feels to fall at that speed wearing only a bicyclist's protective clothing. He's lucky to have survived that.

[Cha Cha]

Hi everybody!

Here's an update on the motorpacing. We've been out a few more times (I think 3 or maybe 4), total miles about 500. Results have been mixed. I've gotten better and less anxious - it's coming together, but am still having some real problems yo-yoing. That is, keeping the speed consistent.

East TN is very hilly. Yes, I know to speed up going down hill and to slow up going uphill. That part is going okay. The part that is the most hard / frustrating is transitioning into flats, and figuring out what to do then. (And also what to do when he slows down to drink, eat, or check the map.) It's key to stay close together for safety reasons, but if I speed up too fast we get separated. If I slow down to give DBF time to catch up, then speed up, that doesn't work either. Hence the term yo-yo-ing. Then he gets really mad and it's frustrating and un-fun for both of us. These rides are typically 3+ hours (the last one was almost 5). The last one was six weeks ago and I have been positively DREADING the next one. I've been thankful he's been in Build mode (i.e. building miles with less emphasis on speed right now), but that's not going to last forever.

I've actually become somewhat more comfortable with the scooter, and all there is to do at one time: watch for cars, watch for gravel, keep the pace consistent, keep my eyes on the DBF in the mirrors, get through intersections quickly, stay together, not be so timid and more comfortable with speed.

The best way I can think of to describe it is that it's like trying to follow someone who's behind you. Think about it.

So - in order to reduce the dread factor, I'm trying to gather more information on motor pacing and how to do it. Am coming up with practically nothing, at least from the perspective of the pace-r. I'm hopeful that by posting again, this post will go back up to the top of the queue and maybe generate some help / interest / advice or links to some. If you want to PM, that's cool too.

Help!

Thanks so much, you all are the best! I know I have a reprieve til at least a week from Saturday, but am tired of being so anxious and worried about this.

Cha Cha

[Cha Cha]

Okay, here's the update - it's getting better!!!

The primary point is to maintain a consistent speed. With hills, wind, etc, this takes practice. But - it is possible. The keys are:

1. focus focus focus!!!!! It takes constant focus as the throttle is very sensitive and any change in terrain will change the speed. Even a mental "Hey, I'm doing it, whoo hoo!" is enough to derail your focus. Save the pats on the back for after the ride - they'll keep!

2. Maintain a sense of fun. After all, you're not the one having to pedal! Enjoy the pretty day (if you're out on the scooter, chances are it's not raining at least), and enjoy the good feeling that you're helping someone with their riding. In my case, my DBF. This is something we can do as a team - and it feels great!

3. Don't overthink. Yes, it's a lot to keep track of, and it can be daunting. But overthinking leads to paralysis. Just relax and you will get into the flow.

I'm nowhere near perfect yet - not even close - but 3/4 through the second trip last week, I found myself thinking "Hey, we get to do this again tomorrow!" (as it turned out, we didn't, but that's not the point...) From tears to "we get to" in just over two days - that's pretty kewl.

Will continue the thread as events develop!

Amy

[maillotpois]

You keep coming here looking for resources, and by the time you're done you will be able to write a book on the subject!

Very interesting and useful to those of us who will do one end or the other of it at some point.

[RoadRaven]

Hey there ChaCha, just want to add my thanks as well
Very interesting to read your experiences.

My partner and I haven't progressed any further with purchasing a scooter yet, but it will happen, so your writing is/will be very useful.

And i'll get a copy of that book!

[Cha Cha]

Thanks so much!

RoadRaven - enjoy it when the time comes! When/if you decide you're ready to get that scooter, feel free to PM me and I can give you some pointers regarding what to get if you like.

Haven't been back out as we're in the thick of 'the season' but I"m feeling a lot more comfortable about when we do.

Maillotpois - I'll let you know when the book and the movie come out! Ha!!!


Amy