Source
r/MotoUK•
MagicZone

New rider looking for a bit of advice for first time out alone.

Advice

Hello, I just completed my CBT on Saturday and I will be picking up my bike on Tuesday after work. I started to feel pretty confident nearer the end of the on the road part of the CBT but the closer Tuesday gets I’m feeling pretty nervous about the trip home. It will be about 30 miles from Glasgow to the west coast of Scotland. I feel okay with the journey as soon as I get out of Glasgow/Renfrew but very nervous about getting to that point.

Does anyone have experience leaving Glasgow on the A8 westwards that can give me any advice? I’ve been spending all day staring at the map and the 2 biggest obstacles I think I’ll face is when the A8 crosses Paisley road in Renfrew and the 2 roundabouts at Braehead and just before Renfrew

Posted Apr 21, 2019, 12:51 PM UTC

1125
Calum23Suzuki DR 125SM•

Just take it slow and steady and keep in your lane when you get to those big roundabouts. Better to go the wrong way and have to turn around than be unpredictable. I’ve done that journey quite a few times, it shouldn’t be a problem if you just keep an eye on the signs and road markings.

18
the_last_registrantTiger 800•

slow and steady

This. Don't be flustered or rushed by traffic. Stop every 5 mins if you need to catch your breath. Look at your map for petrol stations etc, break the urban journey into short sections. Don't stress about what's ahead, just take it one at at time. Ride a click or so, and when the stress starts rising pull over for a helmet off break.

You'll be fine, just go at your own pace and let the traffic go round you.

12
MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Thanks guys this does help a bit

7
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MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Plan is to get on the A8 at Kinning Park and head for Port Glasgow and bypass Greenock town by going through Drumfrochar and then after that it’s easy to get to Wemyss Bay. Not too worried once I hit Greenock, been on the bus there and have driven it countless times.

2
ShortySCO92 Yamaha SR125. KTM Duke 125•

I would avoid going up through Drumfrochar Street and stick to the main road. You can sit in the left lane all the way and traffic is only moving at 30 (few sets of traffic lights but that's all)

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MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Only have a CBT so no M8 for me

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1
SlitheryBuggah07 Kawasaki ZX6R•

Need info on where you're getting the bike from? Renfrew dealer? Hillington? Victor devine? So we know the roads.

Need info on destination so we can advise on best route.

2
FlokiWolfHD 883 Iron•

Picking up a bike on a CBT in Kinning Park he'll probably start at Portman.

Paisley Road W, Edmiston Dr along to Shieldhall. Straight through the first round about, first exit and the second (careful of fast cars from Shieldhall) and onto Hillington. Stick left of centre lane with A8 painted on the ground.

Keep an eye on your right shoulder and use the painted dots on the road to help with your lane discipline. It's a traffic light round about so no need to rush. Second exit before Porcelanosa and if you find yourself looking at a Boxster you went one too far.

You get the big roundabout heading to Renfrew but don't let it confuse you as it's off centre. Treat it as a roundabout and you will be fine.

Been a while since I rode through Renfrew mind but it's usually dotted lanes as well, right?

Is any of this any help u/MagicZone?

3
SlitheryBuggah07 Kawasaki ZX6R•

Sounds good bud. He states west coast tho and not sure if that's Troon, Ayr or Fort William 😊, some good routes in there. I'm off tomorrow and tempted to run that way myself.

1
FlokiWolfHD 883 Iron•

Lucky you. I'm even in work today! Still if you're heading that way maybe u/MagicZone would like some company?

1
MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Thanks, it was those roundabouts I was most concerned about!

1
ZoomBattleXSR900•

Have you tried stepping through that part of the route on google street view?

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MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Yeah past 3 days on the maps looking.

1
FlokiWolfHD 883 Iron•

Done it a few times to head down to Largs and the Harley dealer is also just off one of those roundabouts.

As u/Calum23 get in your lane early and watch the road signs and you will be fine. Streetview should help you plan your route but when you can move might be dictated by traffic.

Remember what you were taught and life saver every lane change at them and you will be zooming home in no time.

Now onto the serious stuff. What bike did ya get???

2
MagicZoneOPF.B. Mondial HPS 125•

Got the Mondial HPS 125. I don’t really know much about bikes and it looked the nicest, should be good till I do my A license later this year. Thanks for the advice as well!

1
30196709I don't have a bike•

Where you headed on the west coast?

1
BlackAndGold56London - XJ6 Diversion F•

Used to live in Greenock.

As u/ShortySCO already mentioned, you're probably best sticking to the coast through Greenock/Gourock rather than going over the hill. Slower roads (the Cloch is only 50 now iirc) and the corner and lights on Baker's Brae can be a bastard at the best of times, never mind when nursing a new bike home. Plus, the coast road's far nicer if you're not in a hurry.

1