Can you pick up your bike?
Now I know that the Lord blessed me with a father that made me work hard as a youngster loading bricks for pocket money and all.
But what concerns me is the fact that guys are ridding around on bikes that they just simply can't lift up off the ground should it fall over.
I have some video footage of three of my friends lifting a 1200 ADV that fell over in a riverbed. The thing that amuzes me and why I'm posting this is that each one of then had the ability to right that bike on their own.
What made it seem impossible was the approach they took to lifting the bike. I mean one of then was actually standing at the back wheel pulling on the racks at the back.
What I would like to see is every person take their unloaded bike out on the lawn, lay it down and workout how to find the best leverage to lift the bike.
I honestly believe with the correct technique most people will be able to get it right. What I also believe is that the second or third time will be near impossible or a fully loaded bike too.
This is when experience needs to come in, if you need to lift your bike a second or third time or if it's fully loaded. Then first stop unload if necessary rest and regain your strength. The bike has fallen, it's not going anywhere but you only have one lift in you so make sure the bike is lying right and ready to be lifted e.g stand is out, bike is still in gear, you are not downhill from the bike if possible. Only then should you attempt to lift the bike from a point that will give you the most leverage. e.g A turned out handle bar etc.
Practise this at home with a friend and I'm sure you will amaze yourself. 
Fallen Bike
I can attest to the fact that you will struggle to pick up a bike more than 3 or 4 times in a day, even with a proper rest before attempting it.
There are 2 techniques to pick up bikes as far as I know - both were shown at the country trax beginners course.
I've only ever been able to do the one where you site on the seat, grab the handlebars with one hand and the luggage rack with the other. Look up. Stand up.
Anyone who does an intro course with CountryTrax, Hamman or the BMW Club gets taught how to pick up the bike in the first hour of the course.
It really pays to do training.
In fact just go on a trip with Pete and you will get plenty of practice ! He may even show you how to drop other peoples bikes to practice on !!!
The simple answer is no I can not..............I have tried the techniques that we are taught but to no avail.
If I fall I have to muscle the bike up immediately before the adrenalin has gone!! If I wait there is no chance.
These old legs, arms & back just aint got it no more.
And when we weight train, we incorporate as heavy as possible dead lifts and squats which keeps the right muscles in tune for picking bikes up. 
Neville practiced
Pete's technique was suspect
and John jnr from Johannesburg wondered why the "Capies" tried killing their bikes by dropping them when it was quicker to drown them !
As this was the second time in a space of 10min that I had to pick my bike up, I first turned it on the right cylinder (as this was probebably scratched already and the bike was actually lying whith it's wheels facing up hill). Then I used the end of the bar to lift it.
How I lifted my loaded bike.
I personally find the method of putting your back against the bike to be twice the effort. 
Great Thread Charl
Yes I can with a Fair amount of huffing and puffing.
Problem is Often we are away for the weekend and its the Extra 15kgs that makes it impossible.
PS We miss the Red Adventure...
Ride Like the Wind
The simple answer is no I can not..............I have tried the techniques that we are taught but to no avail.
If I fall I have to muscle the bike up immediately before the adrenalin has gone!! If I wait there is no chance.
These old legs, arms & back just aint got it no more.
I was told to wait until the adrenaline wears off... but I agree with you.
Get the bike up as quickly as possible.
you must smile while lifting the bike - this makes it much easier.
Take a pillion along - Adrienne can pick up my 1200GS on her own.
I know this how you ask - because the pillions were taught howto and then demonstrated their new "skill" on the Pillion Training course!
Picking up a road bike is SO much easier. You are so busy swearing at yourself, convinced you have scratched a panel (the gods forfend!) that you have the bike up before you know it.
Then the next day when you get out of bed, you find your back has left voicemail... :-)
Down to nothing less than common sense really.
Never attempt to pick up the bike in a hurry.
Case you have sustained injury, adrenalin may be masking you will only exacerbate that injury.
If there is bikers in company, then wait for them and use the assistance.
Fact: the bike develops 30 kilos in weight after every fall., lest it feels that way as it really drains energy picking up a bike.
And you always take the terrain and slope into account and drag the tail around to orient the bike in the best position,
Either technique works, as long as you never bend your spine and keep the spine erect all the time.
Anne picks up her own bike if she is on her own.
t the intro to off road riding makes you drill this a few times and it is workable.
Take a pillion along - Adrienne can pick up my 1200GS on her own.
Two things come to mind, always ride with people stronger than yourself and for Geoff, there is a pill for everything.
Good one! 
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