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THINKING ABOUT RIDING!

by A.D
(New Jersey)

Hello Ladies,

I have looked through out the various forums and must say you all are absolutely fabulous! I am strongly considering learning how to ride. I have been a passenger before and loved it! Every time I see someone in a bike I just get this feeling I can't explain. After this past weekend while outside at my son's soccer game I saw a group of bikers riding past and I was so excited inside almost wishing I was with them. That's when it hit me, the light bulb came on for the first time, why not learn to ride!? So I have done some research and found a riding class not too far from my house. I want to ride however I must admit the idea of learning is exciting and a little scary. While I love the ride I have heard some tragic stories as well. So I guess I really just came here for some support I'm also afraid I may not pass the course. Any words of encouragement and wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Comments for THINKING ABOUT RIDING!

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Apr 23, 2012

Update
by: Anonymous

Well I submitted my registration form on friday. I have to wait until July because all the courses are filled for May and June...WOW! I can't believe I am really going to go through with this. Thank you all for your comments I will definitelt keep you all posted as well as ask some questions from time to time.

Apr 19, 2012

Go for it!
by: Nana

I had never driven a standard transmission when I took the course last June. I was more than a little nervous. But through trial and error I got my certification. It was an exhausting 2 days for this 50 year old, but I did it! Right before I took my test, I decided that if I failed, I would just practice some more and then try again.

After the certification I was coached by my SO - a wonderful mentor and VERY patient. I dropped the bike almost every time I road. I cried, I second-guessed myself. I stopped trying for a week or two and then started up again. I spent nearly two months just practicing in the parking lot, then graduated to some city side streets, then finally the highway. What helped the most was a couple of weeks where I rode every single day. It just takes practice to build confidence.

Good luck!

Apr 19, 2012

Thinking about
by: Tammy

The saying goes if at first you don't succeed try try again. All I can say is don't give up. I got my endorsement in Sept.11 and I am so happy I had a b/f who encourged me to go for it. I had never driven a stick before in my life. I was really nervous taking the riders course. htere was only me and another woman and 8 men most of them had ridden before. I was so happy when I passed. I now have a beautiful Vulcan 1500 yes its a big bike but i am a big girl and that is what i feel comfortable on. So get your endorsement and find the bike that is right for you. Goodluck on your journey it will be well worth it. Keep us posted.

Apr 18, 2012

Thank you All!
by: A.D

Hello ladies thank you all for your comments I have to say they were helpful my only thing now is the gears, one of the previous comments said something about being able to have the cooridnator of changing gears like in a stick shift. I have never driven a stick shift a dsy in my life. Ha! I plan to submite my registration form tomorrow. All May and June classes are booked so I have to go first week of July. I just really hope I pass.

Apr 18, 2012

Thrilled
by: Maron

The class is the best thing that you can do. I have had my liscense for almost 2 yrs. now. I will be 54 yrs. young (LOL) For me it was the best money spent, but the real education will be out in traffic. After my class, I stayed in the neighborhood with little traffic until I felt I was ready to tackle more traffic. As the ladies have said, know your comfort level and stay there until you are ready to move on. I have a vulcan 500 and I am happy with it.
I was also a passenger for a long time. I wanted to know what the big fuss was about. It is wonderful. Just take what you learn from the class with you on the road. I never leave my house without my equipment: helmet, jacket, gloves and boots.

Good Luck and let us know how you are doing!!

Apr 18, 2012

Re: Tragic Stories
by: Gypsy Spirit

There will always be tragic stories; about motorcycles, cars, airplanes, bicycles, hitch-hikers, etc. Just remember that for every tragic story you hear there are countless wonderful stories you will never hear because they were NOT tragic! It skews our perceptions.

The 1971 racing movie "On Any Sunday" has a section on crashes that can be almost brutal to watch. Most of those guys walked away with only minor injuries. Knowing this helps take a little of the fear out of falling. We all fall, sooner or later. I'm grateful every time it's just a "dumb drop" leaving only a bruised ego and a bit of embarrassment!

Use the right gear, a modicum of caution, and don't worry about "keeping up" with others. They'll slow up and wait when they realize the group is no longer together. You are off to a good start with taking the course!

Apr 18, 2012

Thinking about Riding
by: Blondie

Sounds like you have the right idea. Get educated....take a riding course. Practice your skills. It's not like riding a bike. You will hear time and time again......turn your head and above all else never ride beyond your comfort zone unless you have to and assume they don't see you.

Don't get a bike that is too big for you. Be smart and wear your helmet....and above all else. Enjoy the Ride.....ain't nothin' better!!!

Apr 18, 2012

Encouragement!
by: Dawn

If you're not scared you're probably cocky and that leads to crashing (spoken from experience here ;) ).

Take the course. If you can ride a bicycle, and have the motor-coordination for a stick shift, the class will be a breeze. Yes, you will be nervous. Yes, you will be a little scared. The class is in a closed off parking lot usually so no fear of traffic. Just learning how a bike moves and what YOU need to do to keep you safe(r)!

I got the bug myself back in 1997/98. Got my license in 2002. I learned on a 500 sport/touring bike. Relatively light, not TOO much power in the beginning. Respect your bike, ALWAYS assume the morons in a cage are out to get you, and remember to ALWAYS look where you want to go. Where you look, you WILL go. So keep looking there. (again spoken from experience!) Keep in mind that while learning/just starting out, you will want to keep to a smaller bike. I still recommend a 500cc or smaller to start. Keeping in mind that (depending on how much you ride, and how quickly you feel comfortable) after 6 months to a year you will probably be ready to move to something bigger, faster so don't invest too much into accessories. When you find that final bike you know you just love and don't think you'll ever move up from, then accessorize to your hearts content! As I said before, I got my license in 2002, went through 3 other bikes before I fell in love with my bike I have now (2010 Stratoliner Deluxe 1900). I thought with my last bike that I was done too!

Good luck and remember, never outride your abilities! Keep the shiny side up. See you on the road!

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