First Bike - 2007 XL1200c Sporty

by Jenny
(Oklahoma)

2007 XL1200c Sporty

I bought a 2007 XL1200c Sporty in April. This pic is the day it was unloaded from the trailer. I was so excited to have my very own bike. I am still in the learning process and it is going slow due to having tennis elbow all summer. But, I am not giving up. The weather isn't being agreeable here in Oklahoma either but plan to practice on every sunny day all winter so that next summer I can actually start riding. My dream bike is a HD Deluxe and plan to get one as soon as I have mastered the Sporty. Men tell me the Deluxe is too big for me but I loved it from the moment I sat on one. 11 grandkids think it is pretty cool that Nana is learning to ride a bike. One said "At least we know she won't be sitting in a rocking chair knitting." I want to show my 9 granddaughters they can do anything they want. Even ride a bike like the big boys.

Learning to ride at an older age is harder, I think. Maybe because when you're younger you don't think about the pain, you just do it. At an older age, at least for me, you think about if I drop this thing, it's gonna hurt. Wish I had done this years ago but I see lots of post by women my age that have learned and it encourages me to go for it. I have taken the MSF course but did not pass due to troubles with the quick stop. Plan to go back and retake to get my endorsement. The instructors I had were not the most encouraging and really hurt my confidence but I've always liked a challenge and don't EVER tell me I can't do something. This is another opportunity to teach my kids and grandkids, you don't give up. You keep trying until you get it right! And age and gender are not a factor.

Thank you to all the women that post on here. You may not realize how much your comments and admissions of the trials you have had help others to continue to pursue their dream of riding. You are all my constant encouragement and have helped me to regain the confidence that I too can do this. Thumbs up to all of you I see on the road, you too encourage me to be a part of what you have achieved and to one day enjoy the ride.