First Month Memoires....

[Jadien]

Well, I've been riding for a little over a month, now. And I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned:

1. Gloves go on last.
2. Wind is scary, but not as formidable as it first seems.
3. Fast is fun and sary! ("Woohoo 80, baby!! ... OH dodo, 80!")
4. Blinkers are annoying; both mine and the dumb-a$$ in front of me.
5. I truly despise soccer-moms in HUGE SUV's talking on their cell-phones with one foot hanging out the window. ("No, I can talk: I'm only driving. :bubble-gum pop:)
6. I also hate a$$holes who think we should race.
8. And, lifted trucks with NO frickin' dirt on them.
9. "Chicken Strips" means those parts of the tire that haven't touched the pavement yet. "Blipping" means to quickly turn the throttle.
10. Driving is boring.
11. My bike probably isn't goint to get stolen within the five seconds I parked it. (3:00 am = "Is my bike still there?!")

Share yours....

[Scoutmedic]

The things I learned in my first year:

1) I still need to practice the slow maneuvering.
2) Rain isn't that scary.
3) Riding at night can be incredible.
4) Group riding can be fun but, at the same time, nerve wracking.
5) Don't underestimate an "old guy".
6) Listen to your instincts!
7) Saddlebags aren't a luxury.
Carry extra gear (rain gear, cold weather gear, extra gloves).

I didn't see any sense in repeating the things you'd already mentioned...

[KarateChick]

Jadien, sounds like you are having a ton of fun. Stay safe!

1) Ugh, take the freakin sunglasses off before trying to pry that helmet off.
2) I am invisible.
3) I am less invisible if I have at least one other rider with me... and if it's a big looking guy, no one messes with me.
4) If you don't tie up your hair you end up ripping out good handfuls of it getting the knots out.
5) Gravel is do-able but I still don't like it.
6) Deep gooey mud is do-able too... just keep thinking "this really is a dirt bike you fool" not "why the hell did I go this way?"
7) You cannot take a swig of pop from a bottle when you have your full face helmet on unless maybe you are Mordeth.
8 ) Those rocks flung by rigs on the highway HURT when they strike your leg.
9) Wave at other bikers. Don't get mad or upset if they don't wave back. There are probably good reasons.
10) Keep on enjoying the riding.

[darsek]

1) If you must lay your bike down, do it in sand and at 0 miles per hour...but make sure the neighbor isn't watching next time.
2)The MSF was sooo worth it
3) Reading both of David Houghs books over a few weeks time is too much information
4)FogCity baby!
5)Earplugs make the wind both less scary and less fatiguing.
6)The wind won't actually blow me off the road...even in Marin and San Francisco
7)Learn how to turn the petcock to "reserve" while riding
Doc Wong and his riding clinics ROCK!!! (Lucky us in the bay area)
9)The handlebar death grip does not improve maneuverability...and it makes my freezing hands cramp!
10)Leather is waaayyy more sexy than textile
11)It just keeps getting more and more FUN!!!

[IcyHound]

1) The throttle turns down not up
2) You don't fall off if the bike leans

I'm still working on it, only been able to ride about 10 times in the last month since I took my class thanks to the weather and schedule.

[Tower18CHI]

11. My bike probably isn't goint to get stolen within the five seconds I parked it. (3:00 am = "Is my bike still there?!")

OMG hilarious. I'm trying so hard not to do this, but I still check it like 3 times between sunset and bedtime Sigh...

[Dragonhawk]

2. Wind is scary, but not as formidable as it first seems.....

Don't underestimate The Force.

[Ceaton]

11. My bike probably isn't goint to get stolen within the five seconds I parked it. (3:00 am = "Is my bike still there?!")

OMG hilarious. I'm trying so hard not to do this, but I still check it like 3 times between sunset and bedtime Sigh...

Wow, yeah, that is number one on my list, I get so nervous when I'm away from home worrying about it, every time I go anywhere I check before I leave, and the moment I get home.

[PatArmyRet]

1. There are two brakes for a reason
2. Counter steering is lot easier to understand at 30 mph on the road, than at 12-18 mph in a parking lot

[RideYourRide]

Wow, yeah, that is number one on my list, I get so nervous when I'm away from home worrying about it, every time I go anywhere I check before I leave, and the moment I get home.

You guys are out of control. Mine is parked out side with the keys in it at the moment.