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.