Pillion and Rider

Spent the whole day with my guy. Rode together on his bike, all over town (Since I'm still a wuss about riding in rain. I was tired and decided I wanted to see the world as a passenger (aka pillion)). Saw SO many other motorcyclists riding taking advantage of the lovely break in weather...made me antsy

We spent the day riding together ignoring the bad brunch incident. We laughed and rode. Got new improved mirrors for my bike. Ordered boots or high top riding shoes for me. Saw my dad and broke the news about me riding...he took it pretty well.

Came home and installed the mirrors (awesome), and inspired by riding with him and trying out said mirrors I found a parking lot not too far from my house to practice and ride in, especially those slow, tight figure 8 turns. I really enjoyed the freedom to practice at my pace in a good place. My guy stood by letting me go at my pace, keeping an eye out for me. He drives me insane on occasion, but he really is amazingly wonderful. So many reasons to love him...

I'm skipping over the little moments, the joyful moments of riding, of being with my guy. But I cherish them even if I don't describe them here.

One step closer...

I got my permit. Once I receive the little piece of paper that proves I took the MSF course I'll get my license.

With a permit I can only ride sun up to sun down, no passengers, no freeways. No problem...I'm not ready for that yet..

I went back to DMV (and honestly I think if you go to hell to work off sins, part of that is to work there or be stuck in line...) after waking up WAY too early this morning to read and study. Must have paid off cause I passed no problem both my motorcycle and my renewal test for my car driving! Apparently second time is the charm!

WOW.

No more anxiety when I practice about being caught without papers! I'm official.

To celebrate we went to brunch. Then hung out with my brother and his family at their house to see their upgrades to the house and watch the Blue Angels perform for free since we were in their flight pattern. We avoided the thousands of people and the $15 fee plus we joked, laughed had a REALLY great time. Blue Angels are FANTASTIC and some of their moves, how close they fly the awesome sound of jets roaring by moments after they pass....so close to the house we can read the wings see the landing gear...Fantastic! We waved and hollered as much as anyone. Blue Angels are amazing to see finesse the skies...I highly recommend them.

Then I came home and rode with my guy so fun....

Now we're watching Motorcycle Diaries, then Audition and True Romance.

What a great day!

The best modifications cannot be seen from the outside...

Ok.

Given how much riding is on my mind (maybe it's the rain, or the snow, or whatever the weather feels like being). All I'm thinking about at work in between projects is when is the weather going to flipping get straight? Cause I'll learn to ride in the rain, but first I need to learn how to ride in the flipping sun.


Tonight I registered my bike and signed up online to the DMV to get my permit/Driver's License.

I go Saturday to retake the written test after flunking today. Yeah, I'm 'fessing up I flunked. Didn't study thinking, "These are all common sense questions...I'll get it must be the same as the class right?" Well yeah..kinda. But what I didn't anticipate was my test anxiety. Or the fact that the question were asking about things that weren't super focused on in class. Or that every time I second guessed myself I failed a question whereas if I didn't think and went with my instinct...no problem. But I freaked a little.

Generally I'm good at tests I like the pressure. Forces me to focus and be straight. But today..besides being unprepared...or perhaps not as savvy as I think about driving laws I was also antsy. And tired. Excuses or not I'm going to try again in a week. At least I don't need an appointment I just go and show up.

But the bike is recognized by the state of California as mine. Soon I'll have my license officially to ride around on. Called for insurance tonight. Then I grabbed my guy and we rode for practice, just around the neighborhood to dusk. I was again a bit shaky for the first 2 min, just over-doing the throttle in my rush to get going. But then I was fine. We rode up and down blocks, practiced stops, turns, curves, swerves.

At some point the ride was just fun. My jacket kept me super warm. My helmet secure. And my control - while I probably lack a hell of a lot of grace, was less burdensome to maintain. I loved it. When we came in for the night I was beaming. So fun to ride, to feel the sense of accomplishment from just being able to coordinate it all. I drive a manual car so perhaps that does help me think of how to approach it all a bit better, but still I love when everything synchs and the shifting is seamless. The purr of my motor. The feel of the road. The laughter.

Tee-hee. My motor. My bike. The terminiology...boggles my mind...and it's veracity even more.

It's fun.

***
There was a show on last night that talked about Ridley Motorcyles - automatic motorcycles. None of that shifting stuff just get on, turn it on and go, brake and slow down when you want to stop. The custom jobs (some lovely some ...wow what is that?) and the fact they can hit about 700 to 750 horsepower using a belt and not a chain is pretty impressive. And from the show the roar or purr was pretty healthy. It's a cool option for someone who isn't sure they want to ride at all (like I was) but still..

I told my man, "Honestly babe, I'm glad I took the course and am learning the hard way.I do have a feeling of accomplishment satisfaction as I improve slowly but surely."

He grinned and said he was proud of me. Shocked and proud.

And the cool part is I meant it too. I really do. I am nervous a bit still, and I do still get frustrated at parts, but I'm learning. It's coming together. I'm proud of me too.

****
Fantasies are coming into mind of days off work early morning rides to orchards, through wine country, along beach coasts and mountains. Rides to deserts and forest settings. Through mud and dirt.

Nothing has changed about me in a sense. I'm still allergic to everything. Nature is still trying to kill me. But I want to ride. I want to see more. Want to feel the wind and just enjoy it. Share it with friends and my guy. Or even alone.

This is not me. Normally I want to read. I want to play video games. Be social. Hang out with family. Hang out with my guy. Entertain at our place. I want to be inside, warm.

All I can think of right now is going to destinations and just enjoying the getting there as much if not more then the arrival. Or picking a direction and riding it someday.

***

I drive to work and I see someone on a bike riding by me (experienced more than I, I presume since the bi-polar weather is too much for me to work out yet) and I'm so hyper aware of them. What are they wearing for the weather conditions? What are they riding? How are they riding?

When I drive I'm looking at the road with my driver's experience, but I'm also using my "motorcycle eyes" too. Seeing it as if I was riding. What third of the lane would I be in...oh that twerp cut me off, now on my bike...would I have been able to anticipate or stop in time?

Wild.

**
Did I mention I bought new gloves, black leather cruiser gloves as gear? Along with my KICK ASS motorcycle leather jacket that I feel NO cold over my torso when I wear ( and has removeable liner for summer). I'm complimented by the fit how it tapers to my frame in a postive way which...doesn't hurt the ego. Now I just have to decide if I want chaps or leather pants or some kevlar lined Draggin Jeans to wear. OR...perhaps just get some padded undies or some under armor for under regular clothes. I don't want to dress in some certain stero type style, I hate to fit into any stereotye....I just wanna be me and want to ride well, safely.

I can see where my money is going to go for a time...*sigh*

I should read a while and get ready for another very busy work day.


**
I have to prepare, next week I'm going to a work conference for the week and then the following weekend have commitments for friends, hang out time. I am willing to bet cash that it stops raining and is perfect weather..right up until I return..

Optimistic about that, before you think me pessimistic :D

Ah well... summer has to begin officially sooner or later...right?

Alright off to read and rest.

Today I....

Fell in love with my motorbike.

Is that...a break in the rain?

A break in the rain?

A sun shining brightly?

Practice riding time!!!


YAY!!

What made this week cool...

1) Got my new motorcycle -- excellent for learners as the reviews I found noted and fun to ride. My 2005 Yamaha Virago 250. It has such a nice purr too. During researching, I saw a site that said Virago means "Ill Tempered Woman". Directly from Latin it means "Maiden Warrior." Either way, it's mine and likely me for now. :)

2) I am not a biker mama. I am not a fashion poseur. Nothing is wrong with either of these identities if you choose them. I'm just a woman who discovered that riding a bike is fun. You won't see posts about me suddenly joining a biker gang...nor do I think I'm likely to join a motorcycle club. I just like having the options to ride with my guy...or ride my own.

3) The woman who sold me the bike and I connected instantly. Her boyfriend and my man got a long well too - so now we have riding friends :D

4) Work has been crazy. I came in with a new attitude. And while everyone around me is freaking out. I keep my head. That made it a lot more fun...and funny. Hope I can maintain it. Thank Heaven for vacation.

5) Started working out again. Forgot how much I hate going...how good I feel after.

6) Got my work bonus and it was solid. Got a raise that let me hit a financial goal for myself. Go me!

7) My mom was very supportive about motorcycle. Surprise, surprise!

Some other good stuff too...good day.

I Got A License To Ride....

"The greatest glory in life, lies not in never falling but rising everytime we fall." -- Nelson Mandela

Sunday, I earned my motorcycle license.

I have always been sorta impressed with motorcyclists. The prowess, the risk. Ok that's not entirely true, on one level I have been but mostly I've talked a lot of BS about those who choose to cycle. Pretty badly. I have been a passenger before on bikes in my youth and while I did not understand all the dynamics involved with riding, I liked it in general, but was acutely aware of my mortality most of the time. But a rider...noooooo. I did not have that bug. Aside from certain daydreams of wearing a hot racing outfit and riding in the wind (Hey, it was good daydream fodder). But really, not serious right?

Years pass I grow older and more conscious of the risks. My guy decides he wants a bike about a year and a half ago. We go back and forth with this desire he wanting me to be supportive, me expressing I'm nervous about it. He is yearning but I know with his history of riding, while never officially in an accident (he has a perfect driving record for bikes and cars) it still sets off warning lights as he is accident prone with bikes. But in the end...it's going to make him happy and happiness is worth pursuing. I support him. Reluctantly, but without guilt for his choice.

He's got a kick ass motorbike -- A blue Suzuki V-Strom 650 - A dualsport, solid and very nice performance. And he wanted me to ride with him places be a passenger. But inside I had the fear of riding. We go back and forth and with his encouragement, a few months back I told him I would take a Motorcycle Riding Class. At worst I'd learn more and become a better passenger...at best maybe I'd get "bitten" by the bug and want to ride. But not very darn likely.

So this weekend I went through Motorcycle Safety Foundation DMV approved, CHP sponsored beginner's motorcycle riding course. Three days intense learning (a weekend), they provide a motorcycle, helmet and work books (since aside from helmet I have no gear) in the field and class room instruction. Two tests at end one written and riding evaluation that are accepted by DMV as your riding test. You have by the end of the course, your license.

Friday evening was all classroom but Saturday was riding at day then classroom at night very intense. We learned about bikes, technique and maneuvers in baby steps during the day and by the end I was performing exercises and riding shakily, if not competently. Our in the field instructors while technically competent were pretty much assholes to everyone the first day that they didn't feel an immediate kinship to (i.e. anyone who wasn't a die hard enthusiast or flirting with them (they were obviously making fun of those who weren't picking up automatically). One kept calling me girl the other by another learner's name which considering we look NOTHING alike and both our names only have an R in common is pretty damn funny. As one of three "girls" in the class, conferring with them we agreed all of us who had never driven before felt part of the targets and pissed off. And I definitely did some LAME ass moves in my nervousness and excitement, some probably deserving ridicule. But it was just lame. We did tons of repetition for which I was grateful. Also not to be forgotten weather wise, it was also VERY cold and muscles were tired from holding up my bike. Finally, had a fast break and did classroom in the evening then took our written exams and I got 48/50. Hurdle one solved. I went home mentally and physically exhausted, angry and wondering what the hell am I doing. Those bastards kept yelling "it's fun people!" but damn if I could believe it. I just kept thinking did I pay these guys for abuse or was I just overly sensitive? No. They were being asses.

Sunday before class, my husband took me riding, and with different eyes I was his passenger and the things I learned started to gel together. It was early and very cold but it was fun. It was fun to feel the wind, to negotiate the curves. Fun to ride and just enjoy the road. We took back roads to a little french cafe and had breakfast. Talked about what kind of motorbike I might want as my starter. About the difference in experiences he had had these classes years ago and loved it had very cool instructors. By the time I left to go to the second part of class and for testing to get my license, I was feeling much more positive. I wore my beanie with flames joking I'd come home as a phoenix or in a blaze of glory for going down. If I didn't pass I'd come back as they offer retesting and I'd get it. Sooner or later. With a goodnight's rest, and my confidence and ego no longer dragging I went back to pass.

Praying the rain clouds wouldn't produce rain till after testing (they didn't!), the second part of our exercises were focused on more advanced riding techniques than yesterday with emphasis on fine control, fast stopping, swerves and curves. I was doing fine during practice until "The Box". The box is an exercise of controlling your bike and staying seated through a series of 2 very tight u-turns, in opposite directions all while staying contained inside painted lines on the ground, limited space like rectangle (I'm horrible at measurements was roughly about 3 car park spaces in length, and 2.5 across - not a lot of room!). You do this, in first gear basically making a figure 8 between the lines, learning to refine control of your bike. My first try and I go down bike falls on my knee. I'm so pissed at myself and shaking angry. The instructor...is cool, supportive and makes me get on the bike right away and practice again after making sure I'm ok ( skinned knee under my jeans I'm fine). And try as I might I can't get this figure 8. We move on and do other things. I can swerve very well apparently :). Someone must have told them they were acting like asses yesterday, cause today they were much more supportive and less yelling and cajoling all the way around.

We finally take the riding evaluation tests which are based on a cumulative score of points on all the advanced techniques we have learned. "The Box" is one part of four. I biff it. But it's ok. At this point, the three "girls" are cheering each other on we are laughing and encouraging. We are getting it done and pass or fail we finally are having some damn fun and excited the end is in sight. And to my amazement I nail the rest of my tests, not perfectly but enough. I passed. This is especially poignant since two of the more experienced beginners the instructors seem to take for granted would do well, didn't (toe touches during the box not allowed and one guy totally went down during the test which is an automatic fail). But somehow I did it. Made a new friend too and she and I will be riding partners as we both seek to improve. We waved good bye and good luck to those three who didn't they had another shot to try before the sun went down.


I have a lot of practice ahead of me (the box will be my bitch :)) and I need a bike of my own but...I'm a rider. As my confidence and knowledge grows, I hope to be less of the concerned and more a confident, safety conscious fun loving rider.

I would, despite my mixed experience passionately recommend that anyone who wants to ride and can take a course like this beforehand, do it. People in the course some of whom who were riders on permits for a long time, some returning lapsed riders all said they learned new things and got a lot out of it. I know I did. When I've been riding a while I think I'll go back for their advanced course too. In the end, I did learn an awful lot...I can drive a motorcycle.

I got my license to ride!!! :) Wow!! Considering comments that I have made...I'm going to have to eat a lot of crow for a while too...

:) Work tomorrow, reality returns. It was a good vacation.

Baja report to follow.

The First Post

I have a blog elsewhere but I'm thinking of using this one for something different. This actual post is later than the date listed but sine this is the date I stated this blog...I wanted to keep it posted.

This will be my motorcycling blog. Keeping track of my thoughts and experiences as I go from ridiculously novice rider to...more experienced rider. I'll place my thoughts here and as the experience grows so hopefully will I. And perhaps I'll meet a few other enthusiasts along the way...