her-motorcycle.com

Just Turned 40, New Hobby

by Robin Riding
(St. Louis, MO)

Hello! Just turned 40 and I have found a new passion in my life. I've ridden a scooter for almost a year, "training wheels" as my husband called it-he had one too, so I could keep up. He has since bought a Yamaha Raider S, 1900cc (1900? Really? I thought he was joking-it's a bit faster than my 50cc Metro). Well, I was certainly not going to be left behind! I bought an '08 Yamaha V-Star 250, Black Cherry. Named her Lucky.

Started the MSF course last night, just classroom work. Next weekend is riders' course, 7a-5p Sat & 7a-3p Sunday. I already have my permit, so if I pass riders' course I'm legal! I've only driven my 250 around school lots, and around the subdivision... one mishap when I was trying to come around (slowly) to rear entry garage, hit front brake while wheel was turned, started going down, and in my infinite wisdom tried to hang on, subsequently grabbing the throttle, and rammed it into post between garage doors. Hubby right behind me, saw whole thing. Serious bruising, and scared the heck out of me, but bike was ok.

Since then, I've gotten on again, just for school lot riding again and I did feel more comfortable. Comfortable enough to go out on main roads around town? No. So, I guess my question is WHEN will I feel that comfortable? I tend to get "object fixation" where I can't take my eyes off what I don't want to hit...like light posts at school parking lot. No, didn't hit one of those, had to force myself to look away from it. I want to ride, but I don't know when I will be confident enough to hit the big-girl roads.

Comments for
Just Turned 40, New Hobby

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 12, 2010
New Hobby
by: Anonymous

Your eyes need to be on the road in front of you, then you won't notice the light post and other such things. Look down the road, to where you WANT to go and the bike will go there.


Apr 12, 2010
Keep Riding
by: Emma

Robin,

I hear your story and I feel like I wrote it.... I took the class bought a Virago 250 which I think is a great bike. First time I rode it I tried to make a turn into a parking lot going to fast, grabbed the brakes turned the wheel and down I went. NOW I never, never, never don't wear gloves!!! road rash HURTS!!!! :) Of course after that I was scared to death to brake. I spent HOURS & DAYS in the school parking lot. I found areas on the roads that had slow speed zones so that I could ride in traffic and get use to stop lights and stop signs but not at a high speed. It took HOURS of riding for me to even think about getting on a busy highway. Just keep riding every chance you get, each time you get on the bike you learn a new skill and every process becomes more natural.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Her-Motorcycle Forum Discussion Topics


Kat Thomas from Krome Cosmetics

Theresa from Theresa Lovelace Designs

Gerri from Wrap-id Motorcycle Toll Pass Holder

T.J. from AngelHeart Designs

Community
Her-Motorcycle Forum Bikes Women Love To Ride Helmet Hair Motorcycle Advice Motorcycle Questions Riding 2 Up Why Do You Ride?

Motorcycle Pictures
Your Bike Pics Biker Rally Pics

Just Ride!
Learn to Ride Best Bikes Sport/Touring Bikes New Bikes Used Bikes Bike Values Insurance All About Roads Great Roads Commuting Night Riding

Seeing the World
Touring Long Distances Camping Trips

Gear & Gadgets
Apparel Comfy Seats Motorcycle Gadgets Motorcycle Helmet Motorcycle Jackets Motorcycle Riding Gear Luggage Trailers

Motorcycle Articles
Guest Articles Tips for Lowering Your Insurance Premiums Organizations Safety History Security Maintenance
Subscribe To This Site
XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines
| Home | About | Contact | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |

Return to Top
Copyright© 2007-2012 Her-Motorcycle.com. All Rights Reserved.