What I’ve learned in 3000 miles

I bought my motorcycle in late February, and began riding in March. Since then I’ve managed to put over 3000 miles on it and am having a ball. I have yet to get a speeding ticket or dump the bike, but I’m realizing that its time to take less chances and slow down a bit.

These are a few things I’ve learned:

A lot of people ride with shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt. Yes, its been very hot and its very tempting, but I try to wear my jacket with protection, long pants, gloves and a helmet every time. (I’ve been wearing sneakers lately but am buying shoes that are a compromise called Kickers, made by Shift)

People have asked me if I am hot in all that gear. So far I haven’t smacked anyone or even screamed at them, but  even a fall out of a coffee shop with beachwear could be a bloody mess so fuck em.

I’ve had several close calls with people pulling out in front of me so now I do a few things I didn’t do before. I look both ways at lights and wait a second rather than try to beat the turning cars.  I try to slow down approaching blind curves just in case. And when I do play Evel Knievel and go 80 or 90 miles per hour, I pick the roads carefully.

I was watching a young couple practice in a park the other day and suddenly the girl fell. Turns out they had just come from The Motorcycle Safety course and wanted to get in some practice. She was riding a very old, very large Honda and got overconfident. She was just shaken up but I hope they paid more attention on the second day.

Really its a matter of riding within your ability and recognizing the risk. If you are crazy enough to speed past 3 Harley’s doing 80……uh, never mind that. Yes, its dangerous. Unlike a car you are not belted in, have no big shatterproof windshield, and are riding on 2 very small tires. A sudden stop for a dog in the road or an asshole cutting across lanes at even 55 mph can be fatal.

But do I let the threat of permanent disfigurement, paralysis, broken bones, or brain injury stop me from enjoying a fantastic sport? NO! There are many things in life that are dangerous and most can be made safer with training and awareness.

I don’t want a pickle, Just want to ride on my motorsickle. And I don’t want to die, Just want to ride on my motorcy…cle

The Lady Rides a Suzuki!

What I’ve learned in a month-yea, that’s the ticket! (bad choice of words)

I’ve learned that wearing a helmet on every ride, even a full face helmet is not such a big deal. It was a little claustrophobic in the beginning, but I like my face and plan to keep it intact.

I’ve learned that a motorcycle jacket can be comfortable, and is also worth wearing every time. I rode in 80 degree weather the other day and my mesh jacket with the liner removed is still cool enough,  gives me a feeling of security and also looks great!

I’ve learned that all the bikers that have been putting their left arm out as I pass are not telling me to slow down, that seems to be the biker wave. I just nod.

I’ve learned that helmet hair is not the end of the world. I was pretty worried about it, but found that the easiest thing to do is put a hat in my pocket for when I go into a store or pull over and take a break.

I’ve found that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course was well worth taking, and although its just a beginning primer, I still remember and use many of the things I relearned there.

I’ve learned its very easy to do 80 miles an hour and more, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I have no windscreen, I’m sure I would be driving like all the people I used to call idiots in the past. I’m trying my best to ride smoothly and have fun rather than crash and burn this early in the game.

I’ve learned that putting gas in without spilling it and embarrassing myself wasn’t hard at all. Like everything else its a matter of trial and error. I watched some guy with paper towels who looked to me as if he was performing surgery rather than simply filling his tank. After I saw that I pulled right next to him and just did it. You let it drip out first on the ground, pump slowly, and take your time pulling it out. (interesting choice of words wasn’t that?)

Boots are good, leather gloves are good. Pulling up at lights and revving the engine is good. Deciding to pursue a hobby or sport, even if it requires some expensive equipment is good, and I’m so glad I finally did it.

Riding a motorcycle is definitely not for everyone, but for me it fills a need. The challenge of something new, the speed, the escape, all help me put things into perspective and relax.

Buy yourself a toy! It doesn’t have to be an expensive toy, just something that gives you pleasure. A kayak? A new camera? A bicycle? A Ducati? A cigarette boat? A Porsche?

How about a wig, new dress, and killer heels? Life is short-Play hard!

Learning To Fly

I just completed a Basic Rider Course given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation this weekend. It isn’t  mandatory but not only is it a great way to learn and practice on someone else’s motorcycle but you also get your license once you pass a fairly easy test at the end.

A couple of nights were spent watching videos and discussing safety, then a written test was given based on sample questions that we studied at home. (I got 100%).

Saturday and Sunday we got to choose a motorcycle that we felt comfortable on, and starting with the very basics rode around a huge parking lot for about 4 1/2 hours each day. I had some experience on a friends bike but there were several people that had never ridden before, including one woman who never even drove a stick shift. The only thing that made it hard was that it was really hot, especially with a full face helmet, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. I felt like Kenny from South Park when I tried to ask a question, so I ended up just following the people in front of me that seemed to be doing it right.

Sunday afternoon it had rained in the morning and by my 1:30 class it was dry. We all knew it was only a matter of time until another thunderstorm, but it held off almost all day. Around 4:30 it was getting very dark, and the instructors sort of rushed the rest of the training. We were briefed for the test which involved quick stops, cornering, swerving, and a figure 8. They kept saying that if you fall you fail, which was not very comforting to any of us but no one did, and by the time we finished it was just starting to rain.

Everyone passed, and as we stood under an awning and watched it pour they handed out our license and congratulated us. It was a fantastic feeling of accomplishment and except for being exhausted like everyone else I felt great!

I highly recommend this to anyone considering getting a motorcycle. The bikes are small enough to handle safely and you get to learn from professionals. One girl in the morning class decided this was not for her and she went home. Better that then buying one and then realizing it. Now all I have to do is make sure my helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves all match. For some reason that wasn’t covered in class.