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This afternoon I finally registered my bike, slapped on the license plate and went for a ride on the streets around my neighborhood. I had been pretty much a riding virgin before today, I did take the MSF course in July, but it sure is alot different driving on the street than it is driving around cones in an empty parking lot!

First of all it was a cool feeling to drive past groups of little kids and see them get excited as they watch you go by. Maybe its because it was my first real ride, but doing 30mph felt more like 60mph. Guess you gotta get used to it. I did practice everything they teach you in the MSF course, and now I realize how valuable that course is. The only thing that was a pain was remembering to switch off the turn signal after making a turn. And my right turns could use some more practice before I feel comfortable on really busy streets.

Got any tips for a brand new rider?

Glad you enjoyed the first time out on a 'real ride' I still haven't done that yet - I haven't graduated from the parking lot yet lol I imagine its kinda wild and exciting and scarey all at the same time.

If it was me, remember MSF and leave yourself plenty of room and escape and time to perform manuevers. Look ahead and stay alert.

Have fun!

Shorts wrote: Look ahead and stay alert.

Yea I remembered how much emphasis the instructors put on looking ahead of turns. At first I had to force myself to to look out ahead instead of instinctively looking down in front of the bike while making a turn, but after a few times I got used to it.

The ride was a combination of being nervous and jubilant at the same time. But the nervous feeling passes after a few minutes. I cant wait to get back on the bike this weekend.

Congrats.... and good luck in your firsts trips.....

congrats!

i remember my 1st street ride like it was only yesterday.

Wow Verm. Making it seem like your a crusty ole rider full of experience eh?

storysunfolding wrote:Wow Verm. Making it seem like your a crusty ole rider full of experience eh?

i was expecting somebody to say that... "Verm... IT WAS only yesterday."

Ian522 wrote: Got any tips for a brand new rider?

Enjoy it

Stay safe

Make sure to do some parking lot practice from time to time to help sharpen your skills. If you get bored with the exercises you have... or don't have any PM me and I'll scan my book. I also try and make them harder and harder.

Keep learning. BRC is a first step, ERC is a decent place to go next then Lion Lady recently did some killer course but I can't remember the name of it. Track days will teach you some stuff about riding too.

Make sure you keep up on your bike maintenance. Check your tire pressure every week.

The Crimson Rider® wrote: i was expecting somebody to say that... "Verm... IT WAS only yesterday."

Yeah, but I have to wonder how much time you devote to the bike given this

Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Total posts: 5312
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Holy crap man? Almsot 4% of all posts here were made by you!

storysunfolding wrote:
Yeah, but I have to wonder how much time you devote to the bike

hmmm...

as of this post...

8 months of riding, 4848(current bike) + 2200(1st bike) miles, mostly canyon joyrides, and 1 trackday.

i don't think it's bad. what do you think?