Waiting for the fun to begin!

by Jenny
(Muskogee, OK)

I am a newbie and trying to get in as much practice as I can. I took the MSF course last November and got my endorsement. Now it's practice time again. I took a week off work with the intend of riding every day. Well this week it has been 102+ every day. So I try to ride for a little while each morning before it gets too hot. The first day, I was doing good and rode for about 45 minutes when my bike stalled and wouldn't restart. Hubby had to come haul my bike home. A new battery took care of that. Second day, I rode to a small community down a 2 lane road with little to no traffic. Did great until I headed home. A car was following me which made me nervous and I attempted a left hand turn going too fast. Went over the curb, through the grass and back out to the street. Yes, I looked at the curb and that's exactly where I went. Looking where you want to go is not as easy as it sounds. Road on home. Third day I rode with my husband to a fast food place for dinner taking the back route to avoid stop lights. Was a total nervous wreck the whole time. Made it there but was shaking when I parked and went inside. Hubby is very supportive and encouraging. Kept telling me how good I had done but I knew I had not done as well as I had been. Started home and had a sharp left hand turn, bike stalled and down I went. A passing motorist stopped to see if I was alright then laughed at me. I know what I did wrong, was still in second gear and should have been in first for that slow a turn. Hubby picked up my bike, I got back on and rode home. Hubby told me he doesn't like making that turn either and next time we won't go that way. But I know I have to learn to make those type turns. He is also going to teach me how to pick up my bike myself. He is really amazing about my wanting to learn and very helpful. I think I was nervous because I wanted to do well when riding with him so he would know I could do this and would be alright when he wasn't there. He reminded me of the times he has dropped his bike and that is going to happen. He also told me he was proud of me for just getting back on and riding home like nothing had happen. This morning, I knew I had to get back on so I did. Only rode for about 30 minutes and did alright. Was a little nervous but not too bad. Didn't think it had affected me that much but today it was almost like the first time again. Just wasn't enjoying it as much. Was hoping by the end of the week I would feel more confident not less. Just want to get to the fun stage. I know, practice and patience but feeling a little down about it all right now.