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The "Gotcha" Moment Happened Today

by Nancy
(Fife, WA)

In Front of My Work, EQC Casino

In Front of My Work, EQC Casino

Today was my "Gotcha" day. I took my MC class last summer. I bought a 1984 Honda Magna V30. 500cc.. First time on it I was really shaky. Totally different from the Suzuki 250 in class. I was comfortable on that bike.

The weather here in Tacoma, WA has been rain, rain, and more rain. I've been on my bike 4 times in 2 months, and only for maybe 30 mins at a time. This Saturday morning was beautiful, my husband left for work, I was up and dressed and out the door, by 7:30 a.m. The casino where I work at, is on the other side of the freeway from where I live. My biggest fear was going over the freeway bridge. Early Sat. morning no traffic, perfect timing to visit my co-workers...

I did it..I didn't even kill it at the light. I made it to my work, proud as a "peacock". When I left there, I didn't go home. I took my very FIRST Cruise. All by myself. My husband teased me, telling me I had to learn to go over 20mph.. Today I did 50mph and it felt wonderful. I was in OD.

My incentive was a flyer for a local Poker Run in June, and being able to ride with the Harley's and our friends. That was my main goal, I like to be in control of what I'm riding in or on. I got tired of being left at home, since my hubby's bike isn't comfy for two.

Now I have my own comfy seat, and won't be left at home again.

Practice, Practice, Practice. First time riders, get the feel of your bike before you have to worry about traffic. Some people didn't understand why it was taking me so long to get use to my bike. This is the 1st time I've ever ridden. I am 51 years old, I'm not about to break a bone now, we've been married for 32 years. Something for us to do together.

Next, I-5, and great rides. Today was great. Pray for sunshine in the Pacific Northwest, for I have lots of places to see, on my bike!

Comments for
The "Gotcha" Moment Happened Today

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Jan 28, 2012
 A couple of tips I wish somone had told me when I was the newbie.
by: LewTN

Position yourself so that you are inline with the drivers head that way both the car in front of you can see you in their rearview mirrors and the driver following you has little excuse for not seeing you.

By riding to the left track in traffic ( different from the left lane) you are more likely to be seen by cars turning left across your path you will not be hidden behind a car in front of you. Just look out for cars pulling out from your right.

Look through the windows of cars and SUVs at traffic situations that may be developing in front of you.

Master the throttle; it is not just an on off switch. Learn to roll on and off the throttle slowly to miniminize surging or too much engine braking. Mastery of the throttle is of utmost importance in long sweeping turns or in an unexpected decreasing radus turn.
Nov 21, 2011
 Good for You!!
by: Nancy

All of your stories match my own so well. I bought my first bike before I took the MSF course. A Shadow 750. And then was terrified to ride it by myself. I put less than 200 miles on it and it sat unused for a very looonnng time. Finally, I bought a smaller bike. The same size used in the MSF course-a Suzuki 250. I took it out almost every single day. If I had only 15 minutes to ride, I rode for 15 minutes. If I had an hour, I rode an hour...with a new challenge every time I went out. A hill, gravel lot, highway, twisty roads, rush hour! I put over 1,000 miles on that summer and another thousand the next. This year, I bought a bigger bike. One that fits my short height, short inseam and my personality-back up to a 750! I was so nervouse when I left the dealer with a brand spanking new m.c. and about to hop on a freeway but before I'd gone a mile, that bike was MINE. The best decision I ever made was to buy a bike that matched my skill level while I built those skills and my confidence. Now, 62 and in my third year of riding, I can hold my own wherever I want to go. Ride safe.
Sep 09, 2011
 dirt bike
by: Anonymous

I am not sure how other people learn but i found that my little suzuki 125 enduro was the way to go. When I tiped over nothing broke. The mirror were up out of the way. On dirt bikes the fall zones tend to be softer (dirt & grass) and safer (NO CARS). I realy have to thank my folks for getting the crew a mini bike way back when.
Aug 02, 2011
 Scared to Death
by: Feebee

I want to ride soooo bad but here is my little story. I tried to take the MSF class but it was pretty intense. I bought a Honda Rebel so I could practice on my own and get the feel of it first then try class again. Well I got brave and took her down the street yesterday and made it just fine. Except I live on a HUGE hill. Forgot about having to go back up it. I made it to my house and then she tipped over when I tried to pull into the driveway. She spun around in the street and broke a mirror off, and all of my pride when with that. Help! I want to ride so bad, but now I am scared to death!
Jul 26, 2011
 Good to Know
by: Lisa

Congratulations! I took the MSC last April and I was the greenest one there. I dropped my bike so many times, I'm sure the rest had a nickname for me. My heart wasn't in it at the time (long story)and it was way to intense for me. Anyway. I didn't even pass their road test, but it didn't matter, cause I had my mind made up that I was going to get my own bike and practice with my BF who did an excellent job. He's a super safe rider and I trusted him completely. So, yeah! I've been licensed since June and I get out as often as I can with and without my BF. Just this week, I went out in traffic by myself for the first time and I am VERY proud of myself. I feel I can go anywhere, now. I do still avoid rush-hour traffic though. I still use the less-traveled streets as much as I can, but I do have to take the main streets a little. It's good, I think, in order to build up confidence. I've yet to ride in a group, cause the instructors and some websites have advised to not give in to the urge to do so. Also, I'm a little nervous to get out on the highway with my Honda Shadow 600. It sounds like I'm racing at 80kmh.
Jul 15, 2011
 Blown Motor
by: ginger

Okay, so I went from keeping my little shadow in the garage, avoiding her because I was still too afraid to get out on her. Well as it happened my husband blew his motor in his truck, so he's driving my car (he works 100 miles one way and I work 20 miles one way). So, now I had to ride something and guess what? Me and my shadow are now best friends. The only problem is I have to ride to work in my nurses uniform, and I have to leave the house at 4:45am so the bugs are crazy here in Texas. And now that it's 106 degrees outside my fear is over come with needing to get the heck home and fast. So, the moral of the story is; everything happens for a reason, if my husband had only checked his oil in his truck and not blown the motor up I wouldn't be enjoying my new best friend (lol, but it sure is hot at 2:00) ;)
Jun 11, 2011
 Men go fast even when on the couch.
by: Yolanda

My husband has been pressuring me go faster as I am on a Ninja 250... yes it is fast but no, I am not. I like to cruise and wanted the Rebel 250 but his comments made me get the street bike. I love it but it is a little machine of it own. LOL i just broke 45 today with a little wind and a lean to the wind and a throttle out of it.
Jun 03, 2011
 Me Too
by: Robin

So cool to see you made it to work and are getting comfortable on your bike! Got my license and first bike this spring. I felt victorious the few times I've gone over 40 mph. I'd like to ride to work, but am super nervous about a stretch where the speed limit is 50 mph, not to mention the downtown traffic and "audience." I say to myself, "what's the worst that can happen?" well, I suppose I could die. That's not very comforting. Just have to climb up the wall of fear and keep practicing, hoping I feel comfortable on my bike soon. When the mechanics of riding become second nature, then I'm ready.
Jun 02, 2011
 Still Creeping Down the Streets
by: ginger

I know exactly how you feel. I got my first bike a month ago, and so far I have only ridden it 6 times. Of course it didn't help matters that dropped it 30 minutes after I got it home. But, no worries just a bruised ego (my husband just happened to be filming me at that very moment lol). So, I tell all my fellow nurse friends at work "yep, I'm a real biker now". Shoot to tell you the truth, I am still scared to death of getting out there and just going for it. I did get it up to 30 mph yesterday, and boy was I flying down the road until I looked behind me, and realized it looked like I was leading a funeral precession. I'll let you guys know when I get up to 40 mph.

P.S. If you see a red Honda Shadow..no one died it's just me creeping down the streets.
May 28, 2011
 You Go Gotcha
by: Rainy

Hello, I no what you mean about taken your time. I myself have the same bike you have. I live on a dead end street. So I went up and down it so many times the road that it was my parents..lol.. I got my permit, did a lot of practice yesterday going through some cones my brother brought over for me and today I went to take my test.....I PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS. I am so darn happy...now I can really get out there with the rest....high five and hat off to you....good luck, Rainy
May 20, 2011
 Slow and Steady Does Win the Race
by: Ashley - Sydney, Australia

Good to know I'm not alone. I got my license about 6 weeks ago and a bike about a three weeks ago. It's coming into winter here now so I'm lucky if I can get out once a week. It's slow going but I don't care. I've pretty much just ridden around a car-park getting to know my bike and getting confidence. I'm glad to hear slow and steady does win the race.
May 20, 2011
 Inspirational!
by: Craig

I realize you're talking about your bike experience, but just to take that on something that you and your husband can do together, is awesome! Then taking off on your own to work, definitely need a lot of side street riding to familiarize yourself, but you know what you're doing and doing it well! Thanks for sharing your awesome story N :)
May 15, 2011
 Great job!
by: Sam

Awesome! We all start somewhere, so don't let the old timers fool you -- they were a bit nervous at first too. You've done well! I hope your weather allows you to get in a lot more practice before that big run you want to do in June.
May 15, 2011
 Way to Go, Gotcha!
by: Robin_uganda

This was such a fun read! So happy you have the guts to take it at your own pace. I headed out to remote dirt (since I have to do a lot of off road) to avoid the inevitable audiences wherever you go in Africa. Worked like a charm. So happy for you!!
May 15, 2011
 Practice, Practice, Practice!
by: Genevieve

You are so right. I didn't practice enough and ended up with a broken collarbone. It's smart to wait until you're comfortable on your bike and ready to roll with confidence. Thanks for your insight!
May 14, 2011
 Right on!
by: Juanita

Awesome! And thanks for the inspiration. :)
May 14, 2011
 Great Days
by: Lois

Praying for sunny days for you, every day we get more confident and ride a little further. Good luck
May 14, 2011
 Awesome
by: sue

You go girl and remember Rome wasn't built in a day!!!!! Have fun!!!

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