Got my cherry popped today!

[Roadrunner1970]

I got my cherry popped today! Met up with a couple of members of my riding club, and went for my first group ride up in the mountains. Learned the fundamentals of group riding. Got the formation down, but not all the hand signals. It was cold but alot of fun! On the way back the lead rider said he was gonna take me on the freeway for my first time. This is something ive been avoiding, and was very nervous about trying. Im not ashamed to admit that when we got on i was petrified, and tense as hell! We were outside of town, had a ways to go, and the speed limit was 75. It felt like i was going mach 10! What a rush! It was the first time ive been up to those speeds on my bike, and it was so intense! Only had a couple of issues at that speed

First issue i had besides being all tensed up, was all these damn little grooves in the road, made my bike pretty squirrely where i kept thinking my wheels were gonna come off. I went over a rather large bump once, and felt for a moment i was about to launch into space! Then whenever i turned my head to check before a lane change the wind felt like it was gonna rip my head off my neck! Despite those issues and my terror, it was a good experience. Im so happy i faced my fears! Thats the only way to overcome them, is to face them head on. I probably never wouldve done it, if i wasnt forced out of my comfort zone. Now ill try the freeway again soon, and i shouldnt be near as scared. Before i know it it wont bother me at all. I tell ya when i finally got off the freeway, i felt like i could handel damn near anything! I felt so alive, and in charge! Im truely amazed at all the progress ive made in the short time ive been riding! My confidence, and skills are improving greatly every day. Im really proud of myself!

Riding is such great therapy! Facing your fears, and overcoming them. Focusing, haveing no distractions, and being aware of all thats around you. When im riding nothing else matters! It really is like when my helmet comes on all the B.S. stops. Im not thinking about all my troubles, and worries at home. Im totally in the moment! Right here, right now. Its so freaking awesome! I shouldve done this a long time ago! Today was a good day,full of new experiences!

[ceemes]

...and that pretty much sums up why we ride. For a short period of time, all our troubles, worries, concerns, and doubt (apart from those about riding) get blown back behind us in the wind. Something few cagers will ever experience or know.

[Islesfan91]

I'm still riding even with the colder weather! Everything you wrote I've been doing and experiencing as well, awesome isn't it?

I can't wait for spring/summer, but that won't keep me from riding again this weekend as long as it's somewhat clear weather!