The Many Lessons to be Learned

by Lisa
(Southern Highlands, Australia)

I've had my license for 9 months now and usually ride with my husband, sons' or the bike club we belong to. I have a 1997 600 Shadow, and I'm really enjoying my time on the bike, although slow speeds can be challenging! It was a lovely spring day and I though I would take a ride and visit my old office. Off I went, everything was going great, weather, cornering the bends etc. Parked the bike, reversing to the curb, then it started the road sloped to the curb, the bike was not quite at the correct angle, to parallel to the footpath and my stand had fatigued over time - so as I'm lowering the bike, it's going through my mind that it seems a long way down. Anyway went inside, missed the massive storm that hit town, went to get on the bike. The handlebars had fallen to the left - I'm 47 and 5'2" and have some lower back problems (hence the cruiser - better riding position for me). For the life of me I couldn't get her up far enough to get on, as my toes just touched. I thought I would push up to the flat part of the street, so I huffed and puffed, steamed up the helmet and thought I'll just rest her on her side stand, used the foot to put the stand down, but must have kicked it up a little, so as I lowered the bike I heard the stand catch the road, and up she popped - now the bike's over past the point of no return - I'm not letting her lay down, she's just been painted! Not to say she hasn't rested on the road before (all in the learning process). Anyway I managed to flag someone down and get assistance. One very red faced lady - for more than one reason - got on her bike and rode home - had a really good giggle that night and will avoid that part of town for a while. I've had the stand angle rectified and have learned a valuable lesson on how to park and not to park!! Had a fantastic ride the next day, even managed some slow slippery maneuvering!! The many lessons to be learned!!!