SCgurl's First Big Ride Out

[SCgurl]

So, after 2 weeks of practicing in a parking lot (from the MSF practice guide), I got kind of stuck in a rut. I was just terrified of getting out in traffic-we still have a ton of tourists out on the beach, and they drive on the single main road out of my neighborhood. So after two weeks, I had a whole 22 miles under my belt.

Then a friend showed up on my doorstep yesterday on his Road King. After much grief-giving (from him to me) for not having put more miles under my butt, we went for a ride.

First, through some back roads to a gas station. Drank a bottle of water. Then, the grand leap of faith: getting on the main road. I took a deep breath and dived in. I just kept my head up and eyes scanning. I rode lead so he could keep an eye on me.

By the time I got back to the neighborhood, I had exercised every gear and had cruised for a couple of miles at 55 on an open causeway across the water.

By the time we called it a night, it was 5 hours later and I had gained 70 miles!

I know that's not much for the seasoned folks, but for a newbie, that's a bunch of riding and a whole lot more confidence. We're going out again after work. I was just so excited I had to share.

And my boyfriend? He failed his permit test today. I told him to take the MSF class first. But did he listen? Noooooo....

[Dragonhawk]

And my boyfriend? He failed his permit test today. I told him to take the MSF class first. But did he listen? Noooooo....

Good. While your know-it-all boyfriend is failing, another guy comes along and takes you out riding with him. I so love that!

Congrats on your progress. With riding AND relationships....

[RockBottom]

And my boyfriend? He failed his permit test today. I told him to take the MSF class first. But did he listen? Noooooo....

Well, I flunked the "skills test" following the MSF class and passed the regular test at the DMV.

[SCgurl]

I have to make a big ol' retraction...

BOYFRIEND PASSED!

He was pulling my leg until he could come to my office and slap the permit down on my desk.

I still don't want him riding my bike-he needs to get his own....

[dr_bar]

I still don't want him riding my bike-he needs to get his own....

Cute dog, and what are you wearing in your signature pic???

[RockBottom]

I have to make a big ol' retraction...

BOYFRIEND PASSED!

He was pulling my leg until he could come to my office and slap the permit down on my desk.

I still don't want him riding my bike-he needs to get his own....

Geez, now I feel even worse! And I'm a fellow Low Countryer.

[SCgurl]

I still don't want him riding my bike-he needs to get his own....

Cute dog, and what are you wearing in your signature pic???

That's my puppy-all 70 lbs of fluff He is intrigued by the bike as it is a vehicle-but he hasn't tried to jump up on it yet.

I am wearing jeans-you can see my leg in the right of the reflection. The BF was wearing a tan t-shirt, which looks more like a muumuu in the reflection He's the one who took the pic. The reflection of the dog was too cool to pass up.

RockBottom-you should NOT feel bad! BF had a full motorcycle license that he let lapse about 15 years ago. This is not new to him-I still want him to take the MSF BRC.

[RockBottom]

RockBottom-you should NOT feel bad! BF had a full motorcycle license that he let lapse about 15 years ago. This is not new to him-I still want him to take the MSF BRC.

It's largely ego--I haven't failed at anything for as long as I can remember. And I had about 600 miles of riding at the time.

The problem is that even with a regular license, I can't ride on the military base where I work without the MSF card. I'm giving it another shot this week. I now have 1600 miles under my belt. I'm off to find a parking lot and practice circle 8s right now.

[SCgurl]

RockBottom-you should NOT feel bad! BF had a full motorcycle license that he let lapse about 15 years ago. This is not new to him-I still want him to take the MSF BRC.

It's largely ego--I haven't failed at anything for as long as I can remember. And I had about 600 miles of riding at the time.

The problem is that even with a regular license, I can't ride on the military base where I work without the MSF card. I'm giving it another shot this week. I now have 1600 miles under my belt. I'm off to find a parking lot and practice circle 8s right now.

Just keep at it-when I took the course, I fully expected to fail the skills test, but my thinking was that even if I failed, I was still better off than trying to learn on my own. Once that pressure was off my shoulders, everything was easier.

I get that you need the card to ride to work-but it sounds to me like you're putting way too much emphasis on getting the card as opposed to letting go of the fear of failing and just taking in the material.

Also keep this in mind-you have 1600 miles. I have a grand total of 102 after last night's ride. I spent the first 20 miles or so in a parking lot. I'm doing a lot of escorted riding now. I still make a lot of mistakes -but I know how to correct those mistakes now (and I have someone helping me think through those mistakes); I just need to be consistent and it'll be all good.

[Shorts]

Going out for a ride with a buddy is a great ice breaker when getting out on the road for the first miles. It's comforting to know that if you need help or get wigged out there's someone there with you.

Little by little, you go out for rides. Before you know it your rides are lasting longer and you're covering more ground than before.

Great news your BF passed his MSF as well - you guys will enjoy getting out. O totaly agree - he needs to get his own bike!