Saturday, April 3, 2010

Only A Motorcyclist Knows

This month marks a year ago that I took the Motorcycle Safety Course at the college. It was on a whim that I signed up in November 2008 for the class- I just decided to do it. My life has changed in ways I never expected since I challenged myself to learn something new. My husband had been riding for a few years and I enjoyed being a passenger. I took a women's only class in hopes of less intimidation. I easily passed the written test. Some aspects of the riding course were difficult. In the end after 4 days, I did not pass the riding test. I was devastated and I cried all the way home. The great news is that I can re-test. I ended up re-testing nearly 6 weeks later. My husband found and bought a 2005 Honda Rebel on Craigslist. We went to Elizabethtown, PA to get my bike. We met the sellers, bought it and brought it home in the pouring rain in the back of the truck. The next day I practiced on the bike. My husband would go to the local school parking lot to show me and critique my figure 8's, quick stop, start and turns. Everyday I hopped on the bike and rode around the neighborhood. I stopped,started, turned, shifted gears etc. I fell in love with riding. I crashed a couple of times--but I got right back on. I know that I made both my husband and son incredibly nervous while I was out riding. Everyday after work and weekends I practiced and as they say practice makes perfect. In June, I went to re-test and passed and I was beyond excited! Next up, I went to MVA to get my license as soon as I could. I was amazed at myself--there is just no other way to say it...I was! Every ride is better than the last and I am in love with riding. I know my limits and I can tell when I am getting tired and it's time to take a break. So this time of year really brings great memories and now I know why a dog sticks its' head out the windows.....there is nothing like it!

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