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My first ride...

by Yummmy
(Georgia)

So I took the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge BRC last October, got my license in January and really haven't ridden since then. But I have been dreaming about riding and coveting the skills and bikes of other riders. Kept stalking the dealership, looking at bikes, talking to friends who ride and saving my money. Well, last Thursday night, the dealership had a Ladies' Garage Party and the bike I had been eyeing had dropped in price. I bought it, had it delivered on Saturday. I tried to take baby steps with it in my subdivision...not a total failure, but not a roaring success either; but my confidence was a little shaken. Had I made a mistake buying this bike? Would I ever get used to the weight? Why do I keep stalling out? My best friend offered to come and let me practice in a parking lot while she watched and gave pointers. It was really good!! I am proud of myself! I'm still a bit apprehensive about the size and turning, but I'm confident I'll get better with practice. I stayed in first gear the whole time and boy it felt great!!! I found this site a few days ago and have been devouring every bit of information I can find! Thanks so much for the encouraging stories and awesome reminders and pointers!!

Comments for My first ride...

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Sep 19, 2011

Thanks Ladies!!
by: Yummmy

Thanks so much for the encouraging words and thoughts!! By the way, I was chewing gum and was pretty Relaxer the whole time!!! Melissa F is the bestie who gave me the parking lot pointers...thanks MissyPoo!!

Sep 19, 2011

iron mtn
by: yvonne - nc

Dottie, I too rode the Iron Mountain Rd. this year. It was the greatest, a ride I'll never forget. Next is the Dragon Tail. Looking forward to it, hopefully next month. Keep the shiny side up.

Sep 19, 2011

Congrats
by: Dottie

You didn't make a mistake. You started the exact same way I did. I had the same thoughts you are having but despite starting on a big Harley (2011 Heritage Softail Classic), I am doing great 2500 miles down the road from where I started a few months ago. Baby steps and parking lots helped me to learn also, as did the MSF course. I rode Iron Mt Road yesterday in the Black Hills, it was the most fun I have ever had and I am so proud of myself. Keep up the good work and ride your own ride!

Dottie

Sep 18, 2011

Congtats to you!
by: sassy2731

First I'll say yeah for you! Baby steps are always best. Keep increasing your skills each time you ride. And don't forget your chewing gum. It really does help you to relax while you are learning and even after you are more confident in yourself. I've been riding for over 5 year now and still chew my gum. Keep up the good work!

Sep 18, 2011

go slow
by: Yvonne - NC

Congratulations! It really is a big step. I'd ridden in my early 20s, many yrs ago. I started riding again last yr. I'd been in a scooter wreck when I bought my bike, I had my husband ride it to check it out because I was still using a walker from the wreck, so I couldn't even get on it yet. lol Had it about 6 mos before I even sat on it. Started riding in a parking lot, slowly went to 2nd gear, got to 3rd, 4th & 5th on the roads in SD. Celebrated my 60th bday riding the Black Hills. What a ride. We've put over 5000 miles on our bikes since and still going. Keep going, the confidence will come and the bike will seem much lighter. My bike is a 2000 Honda Shadow 1100. The secret is to take your time, don't push yourself too hard, it will come. Enjoy!

Sep 18, 2011

I'm proud of you!
by: Melissa F

Bestie,
I am so proud of you. Each day you are going to get more comfortable with your new Bike.
"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."
Arthur C. Clarke

:)

Sep 18, 2011

First Ride
by: Melissa

Congrats on the purchase of your first bike! Baby steps...you are doing it right. I actually rode in the parking lot for over two weeks before I decided I was confident enough to hit the streets. Practice does make perfect. Just spend as much time as you can on it and you will love watching your confidence soar.

Ride safe.

Melissa

Sep 18, 2011

First ride
by: Joan

Congratulations on purchasing your first bike! It appears that you bought a Harley Davidson...which model did you get? I have a 2011 Sportster 883 Superlow and love it! You did the right thing by going to the parking lot to practice and should keep doing that for awhile.

Good luck and ride safe!
Joan

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