Took first ride today

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KarateChick
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#11 Unread post by KarateChick »

Great Shorts! Sounds like you are on the right track and know what you want to do so good luck and go for it! Best wishes!
Ya right, :wink: there are only 2 kinds of bikes: It's a Ninja... look that one's a Harley... oh there's a Ninja... Harley...Ninja...

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Shorts
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#12 Unread post by Shorts »

Thanks everybody :) All my friends have been real supportive, and I really appreciate it, both my online buddies and local buddies. Finally doing that on my own, especially now relearning everything, I've got a fresh zen-like respect for you folks and riding, it's nice.


DH is wondering how long it'll take before I'm taking off without him. While not a while, it's the spirit of it all that makes me chuckle. He knows me all too well.

Maybe next, when DH doesn't have to run along side to catch the bike and me, he can man the camera and get some action shots.
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Beach
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#13 Unread post by Beach »

Wow, I was not aware of the totality of your circumstances. Kudos to you for not giving up on riding.

I wish you the best. I am guessing that DH is your husband or signifigant other. He is one lucky guy to have such a strong woman in so many ways.
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Z (fka Sweet Tooth)
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#14 Unread post by Z (fka Sweet Tooth) »

Just take it a day at at time Shorts, it takes determination and alot of practice. I applaude you for the effort, keep it going and like you said if you don't feel 100% and start getting tired just put it away till the next day. It's not good to practice while your exhaisted or not at 100%.
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Life looks alot better through a set of handlebars!!
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#15 Unread post by codex5 »

WE WANNA SEE :kewl:
Shorts
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#16 Unread post by Shorts »

Hey folks, I put up a post in 'Everything Else' forum with pics and descriptions. Nothing real fancy in my dark garage, hopefully next time out.
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#17 Unread post by sharpmagna »

Shorts wrote:Maybe next, when DH doesn't have to run along side to catch the bike and me, he can man the camera and get some action shots.
Some wheelies or stoppies would be nice to see 8) :laughing:
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#18 Unread post by GrandGT »

keep up the good work shorts.

I know a couple guys stationed in the base a couple towns over who took the course with me cause the free MSF was so popular and had like an 80 person waitlist into next year. I think theyre not allowed to ride on base with just a permit either, which prompted them to go for the course as soon as possible.
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bok
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#19 Unread post by bok »

hey Shorts, first off, congratz on your first time out.

can you fit the bike in the back of the truck? maybe you and DH can load it up before he leaves and you and one of the instructors can unload it at the range? or do you know anyone on base that you can leave it with right before the course?

don't give up on taking the course this time out just because of a little thing like DH being out flying :)
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Shorts
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#20 Unread post by Shorts »

bok, the bike won't fit in the truck. Both are actually suvs, I'm use to calling them trucks :o

I called in yesterday and rescheduled the MSF to the Sept 7-8 class. DH will have just gotten back so he can get the bike up there for me. I'm hoping to practice the rest of this week and the several days before class. I'm still trying to figure out how or if I'll be able to practice the three wks while DH is gone. I don't feel comfortable asking friend to ride the bike now (to the parking lot a mile down). We'll see what we can work out. No one has a truck truck. They are actually scarce in this area. We'll see. When I go to MSF class I want to really knock their socks off and do well, rather than go in struggling. Its not about retaking the class, its about them possibly putting up barriers to me riding if they do see me that one time. If I do well there in front of them, they can't say I can't handle it. So, a month off is ok. I'm not pushing to ride more than I'm comfy with. I've kept my sessions short and when I get unfocused, I let DH take a spin on it while I catch my breath and get a little water and shade.


:) We went out to practice yesterday. This time I did turns. It was interesting. My throttle control is needing some work :P Its just a new dynamic to hold throttle and move smoothly as I'm also pulling or pushing on the right handlebar in a turn. On my bike, I just have to initiate the turn and the wheel wants to go right or left, so I just neeeded to control the push or pull and let the bike work. I kept repeating to myself "push ___, go ___" and "look through the turn". That stuff really works. From all the curb fixation threads I've read, I didn't dare look at any curbs! lol

I definitely need to practice stopping smoother. I'm not very consistent. I don't want to get going faster (and into 2nd haha) until I feel better about my stopping. Next time out will be a good extended stopping session.

Just going out this second time I can feel the difference from the first time. I wasn't really nervous (my hands weren't shaking this time), but I was still very focused. I got my feet up quicker on take off. And the bike's movements/behavior didn't surprise me. I even had a couple of good saves from goofing the levers or throttle. I'm glad I got the save, but kinda "eh" it was at the expense of a mistake.

Anyhow, lots of work to do and I'm pleasantly surprised learning where I am in this whole process. I'm almost shocked at how quickly my muscles and mind have picked up on some of the smallest details. I just need to keep working.

Ohhh, video. The cam was in the truck but batteries were dead, so we've charged it up for next time. I'm going to have to start beating DH off my bike with a stick. He's riding it like a bat out of hell. When I asked him about it he says "sweetie, your bike is fun! I can just flick it around and go!" :roll:

I told him to get his own naked bike :mrgreen:
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