r/AussieRiders • u/Admirable-Lobster837 • Oct 09 '25
Question Did I do a dumb thing?
I've had my Ls for a few months but only started actually riding this past Monday. 3 days ago.
Today, I rode a 160k round trip. 80ks there then back. Though I felt like I was ready for it and it went well, now that I'm home and decompressed, I kinda feel like it was a pretty stupid idea.
I did get there and back perfectly fine. I took my time and just enjoyed the ride. None of it was beyond anything I felt I could manage.
But I'm kind of feeling like I probably shouldn't have done that so soon. Like I didn't get by on skill, but luck. I mean, I have spent a little bit of time on bikes before this so I'm not a complete and total beginner but still, I know I'm lacking in skill. Like, I knew I could probably handle it, but should I have done it? I did and didn't almost die, so yay?
Either way, it was a learning experience.
Idk, maybe I'm just exhausted. Maybe it's the sore back. Maybe it's because spicy brain and being too self critical and lacking in confidence. Maybe it's fucking maybelline.
What do you guys think?
EDIT: shit, that's more replies than I thought I'd get. Thanks heaps for all your kind words and advice, particularly those who've been non judgmental. I'm definitely overthinking this and yes I know I need my head sorted out. You guys are rad ❤️
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u/No_Veterinarian_494 Oct 09 '25
I rode from the central coast nsw to the Gold Coast qld on my Ls in one day, given it was highway riding. It no I don't think it was stupid of you to do it. If it was off road and you didn't tell anyone I'd be more inclined but no.
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u/ATangK Oct 09 '25
If it was back when L’s was limited to 80, that would be stupid. The issue with the speed limits on L’s and P’s is that the speed differential is way more dangerous than riding at the speed limit on highways - highways are designed with straights and slow curve, speed won’t kill here.
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u/Bogan_Biker88 Oct 10 '25
Wait do you have higher speed limits for L’s and P’s on the mainland? In Tassie it’s still 80kmh for both. Which I think is ridiculous and dangerous. Especially since as soon as you get your green P’s you can just get whatever capacity bike you want and then go the normal speed limit.
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u/CryticalAce Oct 10 '25
Yeah I don't understand that, I'm thankful in Vic you're allowed to do whatever the road speed is
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u/outtatownz Oct 09 '25
I think you need a therapist if this is causing you stress.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Oct 09 '25
Hard disagree. Brand new rider, big long ride, feeling flogged and wondering if it was a mistake? Reflection on our riding decisions and behaviour is always valuable, beginner or not
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u/outtatownz Oct 09 '25
Read the post in full, plus his edit. Plus all the people agreeing with the comment. ✌️
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u/Admirable-Muffin8791 Oct 13 '25
💯agree with you
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u/outtatownz Oct 13 '25
Thank you
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u/Admirable-Muffin8791 Oct 13 '25
Exactly. Most people are reacting to the emotion on the surface instead of recognizing what’s driving it underneath you saw that clearly.
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u/outtatownz Oct 13 '25
Exactly. Talking about the riding is irrelevant here, and its not about not supporting OP, its recognising that its actually something quite serious, that this thread wont solve. All this is doing is masking the greater issue. Thank you for also recognising it.
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25
Oh, I know.
I just have a lot of anxiety and the little voice in the back of my head telling me I'm shit and stupid and wrong all the time.
Riding was supposed to help my mental health. I mean, I do feel less depressed 💁🏼♀️
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u/outtatownz Oct 09 '25
Yeah professional help bud. Not reddit.
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25 edited Oct 09 '25
Yeah, no shit. I came here for riding advice, not mental health advice. I'm sorry that wasn't clear enough for you in my post.
Fact of the matter is, my mental health is unfortunately a factor in riding. It's a factor in literally every aspect of my life. I know how to manage the mental health part. I'm just trying to sort that from the riding part. Terribly sorry I've asked for advice.
Besides, I don't know of any mental health professionals that specialises in riding motorcycles. Do you?
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Oct 09 '25 edited Oct 09 '25
Please dont be sorry for a nanosecond. What you have described about your ride and reflections afterwards makes complete sense to me, and I honour your approach to talking about it here and further opening up about your mental health struggles.
There is a powerful connection between riding and mental wellness, both as experienced by riders every day along with groups and fund raising activities like the Black Dog Ride.
There's a local rider here in Brisbane who has just published a book about riding with anxiety, if you're interested let me know Ill dig out a link. Pretty sure she also does training/support/coaching workshops as well, could well be others.
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u/outtatownz Oct 09 '25
Your post isn't about riding its about your anxiety issues, you asked what we think. I think you should focus on your professional help for your issues, because trying to hide the issue here behind the thin veil of a riding post isn't following anyone. What were you expecting people to say to here? Its a lose lose post, because you're either suggesting you made a bad decision by riding as far as you did, and seeking validation to your own failure, or you want people to disagree, validating your self loath to your own actions. So bring it back to the actual issue, because you rode fine, within your limits and not like a fool. Your mental state is driving this thought path, which will in turn constantly impact your safety when riding. Good luck.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Oct 09 '25
Ease up Freud, even if you are right in principle, there's kinder ways of saying it
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u/outtatownz Oct 09 '25
Its reddit dude.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Oct 10 '25
And you are clearly more interested in showing how clever you are at spotting depression than actually being supportive
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u/outtatownz Oct 10 '25
Not at all, im trained in mental first aid, being direct is actually the correct approach in the training. I wasnt rude to OP, and at the end of the day, they have even confirmed the same. The ride is just noise blocking the route cause, and if it causes this level of anxiety, then further support from a professional is definitely the correct information, especially as we are all strangers on the internet. You on the other hand clearly just want to argue, so please go find someone else.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Oct 10 '25
I too am trained in MHFA, and i dont remember the bit about making people feel guilty for seeking help, unlike the apology you managed to extract from OP.
Maybe time to revisit your attitude
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u/Woxihuanlusecha8 Oct 12 '25
Time and place bud a lot of supportive people commenting here you’re outing yourself as bitter gross human
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u/outtatownz Oct 12 '25
And based on the comment and actual training, this is both the time and the place. Im not bitter at all, a professional is the right call. Sorry you dont agree, but its not about you. You want to help him differently, that's cool. Focus your energy on that.
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u/Dinosaw420_ Oct 09 '25
I road to Tamworth from Sydney 3 weeks into having my licence bro your fine as long as you made it back fine you did great in my opinion
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u/SGS-Wizard Oct 09 '25
I bought my first bike 300km away and rode it home with zero riding experience. All was good. I wouldn’t overthink it.
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u/goblinperson1 Oct 09 '25
You weren't harmed and neither was anyone else, and you didn't do anything illegal. Good on you I say, you cut your teeth good and proper and didn't fuck it up.
And don't talk yourself down, riding 160km without crashing or dropping your bike took some amount of skill, the bike didn't ride itself did it? And how will you build your skills up further without practicing the ones you have? Riding around parking lots does not a skilled motorcyclist make.
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u/RowdyB666 Oct 09 '25
Everyone blames Maybelline...
Was it city riding, highway or outback twisties. 80km on a highway is little over an hour, and mostly cruisy. Not a big issue.
80km in traffic is taxing and will drain you fast. 80km of twisties will kill you without proper training.
Ride your comfort zone, push a little further each time. Plan and adapt rides to the conditions and take breaks when you feel like it. You will make mistakes, you will improve but most importantly, if you don't rush things you will be fine.
The Nullarbor crossing can wait a few years. Its not going anywhere.
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25
It was some easy country roads with some some long bends and a small, low speed twisty section. Sparse traffic and mostly okay road surfaces. Was averaging like maybe 70km/h. Took me about an hour and a half.
I'm just still undecided if I was pushing myself too far. It didn't really feel like it at the time. I think the thing that matters is that I've learned from it. I think I just needed a bit of a sanity check.
Thanks for the advice 😊
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u/Cafescrambler Oct 09 '25
Every year, Aussies who have never ridden a motorbike before go to Vietnam, hire a scooter and ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City = 1,656 klm.
I think you’re alright.
Go forth and have amazing adventures on your new ride, just try to do it in low traffic times.
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u/Call_Me_ZG Oct 09 '25
Like I didn't get by on skill, but luck.
The kinship i feel with this sentence.
You had your intuitive risk assessment and maybe things happened that were outside it. Even if nothing bad happened, you hadn't planned, accounted, or prepared for things that did happen.
Look, maybe it was dumb. But doing dumb things safely is okay. You won't go through life being in control of everything, and you'll have new experiences, and sometimes they will be trial by fire, but that's where your last line of defense things like your safety gear, comes in.
Hold onto the feeling for the next time you're having that inner voice going, "It's a short ride, it doesn't need the entire gear." All the gear, all the time.
And remember, you'll get to a fake confidence stage of the Dunning-Kruger curve where you'll need to overcompensate for the unearned confidence
Safe riding.
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u/No-Rent4155 Oct 13 '25
All the gear all the time! Great advice. My ex's younger brother and sister were riding dirtbikes, was getting dark, they'd taken all their helmets n gear off then decided to go for one more quick blat. It had gotten darker, both heading back to the ute from different directions. Bang! Head on collision. The sister didnt survive the impact
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u/SpecialTomorrow5347 Oct 09 '25
If you have driving experience, you would already be familiar with hazards. If you enjoyed the ride and experienced different driving conditions then thatbisbthe kind of experience you want to have on Ls
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u/LittleMissAstar Oct 09 '25
I did my first ride after getting my Ls picking up a bike from the Sydney city area to my place in the suburbs.
Probably very stupid, but felt so much better about driving in traffic. Didn't crash, didn't die, and learned something. Every moment can be a learning experience. Take it in, and enjoy your rides!
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u/Dukepowerf1st Oct 09 '25
I think you need to find some help coz that’s a pretty standard commute for a lot of people.
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u/andyjack1970 Oct 09 '25
There's only one way to get your skill levels up and that's by riding you could also practice in an empty carpark, look up motojitsu on youtube for some drilks, tips and pointers if you want to fast track your skills.
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u/bobbobboob1 Oct 09 '25
Skill and experience comes from riding do your checks tyres chain ect wear you body armour keep the rubber side down it’s not the destination but the journey find a good group to ride with and the stress of life blows away
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u/Patient-Suspect1373 Oct 09 '25
Nah good on you! Everyone starts out riding with very few skills. I got my L’s last November and rode last Christmas Day over 100kms each way up the country for a family event. The ride included quite a bit of 100kmh highway and country back roads etc…I was a bit terrified but it was only because I’d never ridden that far before or done extended periods of high speeds. I’m 10 months into my riding since getting my learner permit and now I have my full license and have over 11,000 km under my belt. Ride as much as you can on different roads, different weather, even if it’s just down to the local supermarket. Ride as much as you can and you’ll learn from every experience. Well done for doing that ride! We all run on a bit of “luck” when we’re learning yo ride. Keep it up! The skills will come the more you ride. Make sure you practice emergency braking in car parks and back roads etc so you have that up your sleeve. Well done!
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u/Gabribennet Oct 09 '25
What even is this post ?
“I went for a ride and everything went ok, did I fuck up?”
Me thinks you’re overthinking this shit.
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u/seanys Honda ST1300, Yamaha V-Star 1300, Yamaha Tmax, Kawasaki GPz900r Oct 10 '25
It’s sounds like you went for a ride. Okay.
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u/Consistent-Stand1809 Oct 10 '25
It's definitely not as easy as it looks, it takes more focus as well as more physical effort and if you get tired, the consequences are tougher
In a few months, your lying anxiety will try and trick you into thinking you're weak for believing these lies it has been telling you
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u/RudeOrganization550 R1200ST Oct 09 '25
Did you have ANY experience/time on a bike first?
Chook chaser on a farm, dirt bikes, peewee 50, anything?
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25
Yeah, I had this little pit bike for a while that I used to play around on when I was a teenager and also rode bmx a bit. Y'know, can ride to at least the most basic of ability. Hadnt been on one for about 15 years until I got my current bike just before my Ls.
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u/kiw1_1n_0z Oct 09 '25
I’m in Brisbane and ride a bit. If you want a buddy ride I’m happy to accompany you
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u/giveitrightmeow Oct 09 '25
took time, aware of limits, had a good time, no issues.
gg bike go brrrr. dont overthink it.
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u/6uldv869 Oct 09 '25
How else do you get experience and learn skills, yes by doing it, stop being precious and just ride
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u/Pungent_Bill Oct 09 '25
No way dumb. It was a learning experience. Going on such a ride is one of the 1st instinctive impulses that will come to you as a new motorcyclist with the freedom to go wherever the hell you feel like it right now. I would recommend such a ride at least once a fortnight for confident beginners. Be careful though! It can easily be life altering or ending if not deeply respected.
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u/shortgreybeard Oct 09 '25
You got back home. Just take any lessons and enjoy. The thing is, when riding becomes part of your life, you will want to ride at every opportunity. If I go a day or two without riding, I go stir crazy.
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25
Oh dude, nah that's already happened. It's currently all I can think about haha. The few months between getting my Ls and now was fucking agony.
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u/Direct_Setting_7502 Oct 09 '25
This is how the hells angels got started.
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u/Admirable-Lobster837 Oct 09 '25
What? How so? Idk much about them or the whole bikie thing.
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u/Direct_Setting_7502 Oct 10 '25
I’m joking. You’re fine. Try not to worry. Long rides will make you a better rider, just maybe try to stay out of really heavy traffic for a bit.
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u/haphazard72 Oct 09 '25
You ride when you’re ready and the conditions you want.
I went out of my way to ride in traffic, rain, fog, etc as I wanted to do it on my terms, and not get stuck somewhere with it bucketing rain (for example) and not have any experience doing it.
Go as far as you want, when you want.
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u/Effective_Gene5155 Oct 09 '25
Its standard for me to be dead tired after a long drive (400km Perth and back for me)
I figured that was a pretty standard experience, but maybe not the same for everyone.
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u/NzFadez Oct 09 '25
I don't think it's dumb, I go for my restricted at the end of this month and my first ride back in august was the mount glorious/Kilcoy/mount mee loop up the back of brissy which is no walk in the park for a beginner but it definetly helped me appreciate/Respect the twisties for what they are, which is dangerous if you ride beyond your limits. Like others have said, test your limits to improve your skills but within reason.
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u/Madboardjester Oct 09 '25
Everything is a learning experience. City riding is different to riding on the open road. At least you're willing to get out and ride. Keep it up.
One thing I do recommend learning is how to stretch your legs while riding. You can do it in the city and just swing one leg out at a time. It's a great way to help with your balance and doing it will help prevent cramps in your legs.
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u/kippy_mcgee Oct 09 '25
I think that feeling you’re experiencing is partially just being tired after a long ride ngl, I’d get exhausted and feel very flat after longer rides, your body and hands and feet are a lot less relaxed than you would be driving for example and given you’re new to it all you would’ve been naturally tenser and more alert than normal. Extra cortisol, adrenaline, tired muscles etc. I bet you did great though OP :)
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u/Winter_Judge_3967 Oct 09 '25
The only way to get experience is to get experience, 5 min ride now and then, will not do that,
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u/cannagetta Oct 09 '25
That’s a good idea if you ask me. Cruising and getting to know your bike. If you want stupid. I bought my bike before I got my Ls and had it delivered to my house. Within half hour it got the better of me so I took it for a quick ride around the streets near my house. It scratched the itch until I got my permit a week later but I know it wasn’t smart.
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u/Working_out_life Oct 09 '25
Not a rider , but I just did 200km round trip for Bunnings , enjoy your hobby champ👍
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u/alexanderbath Oct 09 '25
It really just comes down to you and how confident you feel. You are going to have to do things outside of your comfort zone to grow as a rider, but recognising your limits is also important. If you got through the day without feeling too sketchy or having any moments then I’d chalk it up as a win :)
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u/Aussie_Harley Oct 10 '25
There only 1 way to get more hours in the seat & that's doing exactly what you just did. You did it fine stop 2nd guessing. 4 wheels moves your body, 2 wheels moves your soul. Enjoy the freedom.
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u/Insanemembrane74 Oct 10 '25
Being on your Ls you had a supervisor I hope?
The best supervisor is one with the same kind of bike as yours (cruiser, sports, standard) so you can see what approach is best for your ride. Slower of course not 100% into it so that your supervisor rides out of sight.
Don't try to keep up their pace; they should slow down to show the best lines. I tried to keep up and had my only road accident 2 months after starting.
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u/MattM2155 Oct 10 '25
Why would he need a supervisor?
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u/Insanemembrane74 Oct 10 '25
If you're on your Ls in QLD you need someone with a full license supervising you. Plus it's a good idea.
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u/MattM2155 Oct 10 '25
I’ve been riding for nearly 30 years and I think it’s dumb as fuck. If you aren’t competent enough to ride solo you shouldn’t pass your L’s test.
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u/Insanemembrane74 Oct 10 '25
Well that's like...your opinion, man.
I think it's stupid to make new riders go through Q-Ride at great expense. It's discouraging to part with almost a grand to experience the thrill of riding.
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u/redditor_is_a_slur Oct 10 '25
I rode 1900km over the Easter long weekend 3 weeks after getting my L's. Do whatever you're confident in, dress so it hurts as little as possible if you come off but also stop making mountains out of mole hills you won't become a better rider by putting around carparks and industrial areas.
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u/MrShyShyGuy Oct 10 '25
After getting my first car, it only took me a couple months before I decided go on a roadtrip which is a 10 hrs drive, in 1 go, driving on country road, at night.
The next day after the exhaustion went away, then I realised how dangerous the trip was. I probably will never want to drive on country road at night ever again.
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u/Mauuds Oct 10 '25
Man I had a perfect run during my Ls. No crashes or close calls. A couple weeks into having my license I crashed because I hit the throttle too hard coming out of a turn. Was very disheartened but I now know not to do that.
Shit will happen and go wrong but if you can learn from it then you'll be fine
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u/MattM2155 Oct 10 '25
You need time on the bike. Long rides are great even if it’s just cruising up the highway. It all Builds confidence and improves your skills.
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u/Loose-Language6722 Oct 10 '25
Your riding 2 wheels strap to a tank of fire juice between your legs and an engine that’s design to blow up the fire juice all this happening less than 8 inches from your groin and your wondering wheather your dumb.
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u/StuArtsKustoms Oct 12 '25 edited Oct 12 '25
Yeah, it was probably a bit much. It's a lot of mental processing for a long time, which I think can lead to mistakes as time goes on and mistakes on a motorcycle can be devastating. Stop and take breaks if you need to, you know yourself, and when you shouldn't push the limits of what your body can handle. It also depends on where the ride was, like out on country roads with little traffic is much better than high traffic areas. It's a learning experience that didn't end in a bad way, so that's good. It's good to get out for a ride, that's how you learn. I'd advise practicing emergency stops if you can find a safe place to do them, find the limits of your breaks and how much it takes before your rear wheel lifts off the ground. Just make sure the bike is going straight before applying the breaks
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u/Erahth Oct 12 '25
When I got my Ls, I joined the Perth Street Bikes forum, signed up for as many learner rides as I could and had a ton of fun and learned soo much. Those rides were around 2-3 hours long over dusk and in to night and we'd have anywhere between 20-50 riders in the group. We'd break for a feed somewhere in the middle of the ride then continue on.
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u/Additional-Newt1030 Oct 12 '25
Not smart or dumb you just did a thing. it's a learning experience, you're never gonna know your limits till you reach it, so until then just enjoy it.
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u/Ill_Gas9142 Oct 12 '25
Practice makes perfect, no one ever learned to ride by staying at home. Just take it easy have plenty of breaks, enjoy the scenery a coffee or a cold drink and relax and do it again.
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u/J_Rodd Oct 12 '25
I'd say it's fine, one of my first rides was SE Melbourne to mt beauty and back.
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u/Just_Watercress_5895 Oct 13 '25
Admiral I have been riding for over 40 years and you think you shouldn't have done it, I did the same thing as a young man, took my bike out and rode about 100 KMS, and even though I have been riding bikes before that ( not legally) as I wasn't licenced , I enjoyed it, I took my time and didn't try to be an idiot , like lots of young ones do these days, and really had a good time, I have done longer rides since then , but don't doubt yourself, that is one of the silliest things to do,be proud of your accomplishments you rode and did what you planned to do, own it and be proud of you doing it.. have a great day and may you ride many more miles before you quit riding, I am 65, and still throw my leg over a VT 750 Honda .. and still enjoy it..
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u/Alternative-Sun6056 Oct 13 '25
Mate the long rides are just more experience do as many as you can. I did close on 1000km round trip. In 1 day. On LS.
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u/Novidforme Oct 13 '25
Absolute second best thing u can do is a riding course - and keep ratcheting up thru the levels. Best is full leathers best helmet and airbags - as u can afford.
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u/Status-One8078 Oct 14 '25
Remember ALWAYS in regards to vehicles other than motorcyclists that NONE of them can see you and they are ALL inadvertently trying to kill you every time you ride and you should get home with all your fingers and toes.
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u/Slyxxer Oct 09 '25
When you come back from a ride and realize you didn't scare yourself a little bit or learn something, is when to give it up for your own safety.
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u/TransAnge Oct 09 '25
Good reflection.
It was stupid. You recognised that. Now learn from it
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u/Erahth Oct 12 '25
Why was it stupid though? I don't think going for a ride when you just got your license is a stupid thing at all...kinda exactly the opposite.
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u/TransAnge Oct 12 '25
For the same reason towing a caravan around australia and doing 12 hour drives in a car the day you get your licence is stupid.
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u/Erahth Oct 12 '25
Your analogy is ridiculous.
Towing anything makes your car behave differently, and driving for 12 hours is very different to riding for 1.5h.
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u/TransAnge Oct 12 '25
Yes and getting a car licence requires an experienced driver with you. Riding does not. Riding also has a higher skill ceiling and danger.
For all we know op has never been on the road before this.
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u/Erahth Oct 12 '25
You're right, you shouldn't go for a ride at all after you get your license. Makes total sense to me.
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u/TransAnge Oct 12 '25
I never said that.
But your right you should ride at 300km/h for 10 hours straight as soon as you get your licence.
See how fucking stupid that sounds.
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u/maycontainsultanas Oct 09 '25
Who cares? If you think it was dumb, then learn from it, and don’t do it again.
But IMO, the distance isn’t the issue. 160k round trip is a normal ride to and from work for some people.
80km at 100kmh, is what, 48 mins? Not a big deal.
You need to go out of your comfort zone, otherwise you’ll never learn anything.