LADIES - First ride today-- I'm on my way!

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bluemonkie99 · Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:50 pm

OOh, I definitely would like to hear your view of the class. I am taking it 2 weekends from now and I am slightly nervous. Speaking of taking the class, what do they do if it rains. There is a chance of rain in 2 weekends, although this will undoubtedly change. I realize this is a silly question for all the hardcore riders out there, but for those with less experience on slick roads?

#12 Unread post by **jct** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:33 pm

Success!!! I passed with flying colors.

I completed the 2-day course a few hours ago and everything went great...except the weather. What a misery, all but 2 hours of the 8-9 hours spent on the range took place in a chilly often heavy downpour. I was so miserable, cold and sodden when I got home after the first day that I really had to convince myself to go back this morning. But I did...and I'm glad. . My classmates were a classic cross-section of urban NYC, I was the oldest but it was fun and everyone was pulling for each other.

My instructors were awesome-- supportive, reasonable and professional. The range was half flooded at times, but we still felt safe and frankly, it was probably a good experience to see that we could lean through turns and stop safely even with so much water on the "road" . Right before the final evaluation the skies opened up and our instructors gave us the option of re-scheduling-- we all said "no way!" , brushed the water off our seats and "went for it".

I am still pretty apprehensive about riding on the road -- but I do feel that I have a good set of basic skills to build on. So now the Virago is really mine with a promise of a more substantial bike in the spring if I really enjoy the riding. I'm going to practice with my husband on Sunday and he has promised to take me on a gentle neighborhood ride later that afternoon. Actually, I think he is more excited that I passed than I am!

Thanks to all for the support and looks like I'll be sticking around!

JT

cherokeepati · Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:59 pm

So glad to hear you passed!! You will have a lot of help on the forums here. I've only been "on the road" since June and have gotten some very solid info and support here. Some of the best lessons are from mother nature (rain) and we all get our "bike baptisms" sooner or later. I wouldn't trade it for anything!! Welcome and CONGRATS!!

Shorts · #14 Unread post by **Shorts** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:06 pm

Congrats on getting the class done!

I think that's a nice 'benefit' of completing it in the rain - you have learned skills in an intimidating environment and you can build on that. Good stuff.

MicheleZ · #15 Unread post by **MicheleZ** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:04 am

- congratulations!!

I just passed recently myself - also in an all day rain - fortunately it wasn't cold too.

Loonette · #16 Unread post by **Loonette** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:04 am

Yay!! So glad that it all worked out for you. Now it's just practice, practice, practice. Everything will become second nature before you know it (or, if like the rest of us afflicted with the addiction of biking, it will become first nature!).

jct wrote:...it was probably a good experience to see that we could lean through turns and stop safely even with so much water on the "road".

No doubt about it. Annoying as it must have been, you're actually lucky to have learned those exercises in the rain. It takes away a bit of fear for you if you happen to be out in the rain in the future. You done good!!

Cheers,
Loonette

#17 Unread post by **jct** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:02 am

Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement!

My husband's first comment when he picked me up was that I now had far more experience riding in the rain than he did! Given the changeable NY weather, at least now if I get ambushed by inclement weather I will not be too freaked.

Oh, and Loonette, the female member of my teaching team has a "Mean Streak" and absolutely loves the bike. She was great, very small like I am, so I took the opportunity to quiz her about bikes she has been comfortable on, etc. Interesting how both instructors actually owned several bikes. And she was wearing some really nice riding pants (or so I thought) so I asked what they were -- hah! They were snowboarding pants! She commented that most women's motorcycle pants were terrible.

I went with my husband to pick up his bike from the local H-D dealer this morning and he was very cute, proudly told everyone within earshot that I had just passed my MSF. My instructor had recently demoed the 2007 883 Sportster Low and really liked it, so I sat on it this morning and it sure fit beautifully. We know the owner, so he promised me a demo when I'm ready. Should be fun.

First road ride tomorrow! Though since the weather has cleared early my other half has said he wouldn't "mind" an extra ride today.

Jil