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I have been riding for 6 months now, averaging about 100 miles a month, entirely around town. I just passed the MSF (which is good, my permit also just expired) and am trying to fix the issues with my bike while I can't actually ride it. Here are my thoughts:

I thought it would be great riding a bike because of the cheaper gas and easier parking. Now, I am riding a bike because of the freedom when you hit the rode. My first trip to work and back showed me that riding is not about parking and gas: I had a zen moment, if you will, where I felt free - no distractions, just the hum of the bike, the rush of the wind, and constantly scanning for anything that may happen. There is no clock on my bike and I don't wear a watch. As a result, I feel unconstrained while riding. There is something about actually being able to SEE the pavement roll by.

Not to say riding has been all rainbows and care bears. I layed the bike down going around a turn. It was scary. Seeing my bike fly into oncoming traffic and me shortly behind it. Luckily, it was relatively low speed, traffic was rather far off, and there was no serious damage to me or the bike (other than my seriously in check pride). My adrenaline spiked as I hobbled my slightly damaged bike the 3 miles to my house.

In retrospect, this is a new passion. A dangerous one, but no more dangerous than kayaking (my other hobby) and well worth the benefits.

I would have taken the fall again, just to know what it is like. No matter how much anyone describes it, you really have to experience it.

I am glad my bike only cost $500. I don't feel that bad when I drop it (only happened twice) and it has been a great learner. I hope to pass it on to someone else who is getting started when I move up.

Just my .02

mattwells wrote:
I thought it would be great riding a bike because of the cheaper gas and easier parking. Now, I am riding a bike because of the freedom when you hit the rode. My first trip to work and back showed me that riding is not about parking and gas: I had a zen moment, if you will, where I felt free - no distractions, just the hum of the bike, the rush of the wind, and constantly scanning for anything that may happen. There is no clock on my bike and I don't wear a watch. As a result, I feel unconstrained while riding. There is something about actually being able to SEE the pavement roll by.

haha, i know just how ya feel. Same things went through my mind. ITs pretty freakin sweet isnt it? And congrats, 6 months into riding i had 3 drops 2 on the road on one dirt. So having just one is pretty good. Congrats


JWF

mattwells wrote:I had a zen moment, if you will, where I felt free - no distractions, just the hum of the bike, the rush of the wind, and constantly scanning for anything that may happen.

That's the exact reason many of us ride. I know i've never been calmer than darting between trees down a trail through the woods on my dirt bike.

You're lucky, you can takes your on the road. Mine, i can't *coughlegallycough*. Just ahh, don't get so zenned out you meditate in the middle of the road outside your place before you go for a ride.