Are These Good Enough Reasons to Want to Ride?

Are These Good Enough Reasons to Want to Ride?

by Julie Van Dyke
(Dover, PA)

Last month, I got my motorcycle learner's permit. My b/f rode 20-some years ago, and the last few months, we'd go to various dealers, learning and looking at the bikes. We ended up purchasing a 2008 HD XL1200 Sportster, and it's beautiful! Since we just missed the motorcycle classes until March, we bought some learn to ride videos and books, and my boyfriend has been driving it around the neighborhood. I bought all the motorcycle gear and started duck-walking the bike around the driveway, and practiced putting it into first gear, and getting used to the clutch and the brake.

That's all good, and that's only as far as I've gone so far, but my reasons for wanting to ride are:

- because my b/f does it and he says that it's fun

- because I'm intrigued and I want to try and learn something new...

BUT, here are the reasons against it:

- Afraid of accidents.

- I don't have that 'gut' instinct that other women get about wanting to ride, I'm just curious.

- I think it's a whole lot easier to hop in a car and go somewhere and not worry about the weather and being so vulnerable, then having to suit up and be vulnerable and brave conditions and variables on a bike...

I don't know if I'm kidding myself, and just want to do it just because my boyfriend wants to do it. I'm wondering if the reasons I listed above are good enough for me to continue to pursue little bike 'exercises' in the driveway 'til I take the beginner's course in March. You may suggest that I'm the only one who can answer this, but I was wondering if there were any others out there who felt ambiguous, but ended up liking it?! Thank you!

Comments for
Are These Good Enough Reasons to Want to Ride?

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Feb 10, 2011

Scared Sh!%less
by: Anonymous

I was certain that I wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle. I got the last seat for any of the state safety courses in my area for the year and I registered about 8 months in advance. The entire time I was in the class I was scared, and ready to vomit. With every new exercise I was ready to quit. Everything clicked the second to last day to where I was comfortable and although I haven't ridden since because of the winter weather, but I wound up with the best test scores in the class and am totally hooked.

My suggestion is to go to the class and push yourself to finish even if you are nervous or not sure. If anything you will have pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone and learned something new. Plus just taking the class makes you a better driver all around.

Dec 02, 2010

Reply to Your Comments
by: Julie Van Dyke

Hey, thank you for all your comments! I really enjoyed reading them and thinking about them, and the more we have the bike around and I have access to it, whether it is sitting on it, walking it, starting it or whatever, the more excited I get about the class in March. I think this is such a cool thing, considering I was so against bikes before I met my boyfriend, but you know, you only live once! Thanks again for your comments - it's good to know there are other women out there who feel similar things that I do!

Nov 17, 2010

Agree
by: Helen Wheels

I agree with Rita, only ride because you want to, not because the boyfriend or anyone else thinks it's a good idea. It is a dangerous sport and can be expensive as well. You can't drive a motorcycle like you drive a car. You have to drive like everyone is out to get you because mostly they are. Most people drive like idiots, so you have to expect the unexpected. I have to say the worst was the first year. I was so scared shi##less thinking about all the things that could happen that I didn't enjoy myself much at all. Since then it has been the best part of my life.

Do what you want to do and don't let anyone talk you out of your decision. You ARE the master of your destiny.

Nov 13, 2010

I've been there.
by: Anonymous

I had always ridden pillion until my husband suggested I get my own. I had no clue as to whether or not I could ride. I wasn't even sure if I really wanted to! I took the Rider's Edge class just to find out if I could, and also if I would enjoy it. I had a ball! The instructors were awesome and the training they gave me was excellent. It was the beginning of a new lifestyle. Granted, the training was just the beginning - I needed more practice after the class before I actually got on the road - but it was all I needed to get on my own bike and ride.

You seem to want to ride, but are just unsure of yourself at the moment. Take the class, see if you enjoy riding, and then make your next plans. I still think about all the thing your are concerned with right now. I think that because of those concerns, I have become a more defensive driver and it has saved my butt a couple of times in the three years that I have been riding. From what it sounds like, you really want to ride.....so go for it!

Nov 09, 2010

Take a class!
by: HarleyVal

I was also one of those women who was a bit curious, but not really sure about it. After all, I'm 48! I had ridden on the back of my husband's bike for about 12 years, and just decided one day to give it a try.

Once I took the class, I was hooked.

Take a beginner rider's course. I would suggest doing a separate one from your boyfriend, but that's just my opinion. Then you'll have a better idea of whether or not you want to pursue it, without any pressure from him either way.

Nov 09, 2010

I agree!
by: Anonymous

I agree with everything Rita said! Excellent advice. Taking the class will help you decide whether it's for you or not! I too am a "timid" new rider (I took the Rider's Edge class), but I absolutely love it and I am working hard to master my skills!

Nov 09, 2010

Reasons to want to ride.
by: Rita

You should ONLY ride because YOU want to!!!

Not because your boyfriend or anyone else rides...It's gonna be only you and your bike against all odds, meaning your butt, not anyone else's out there to protect you. I highly recommend the class, it will help you decide if it is for you. It will give you the feeling of it, but remember it's a class without any traffic. Always wear your gear.

Good luck and ride safe!!!

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