Hi Ladies! As you know, I'm Lucky's wife and I ride on the back of his bike. For a long time, I have wanted to ride my own. I took the course and even got my license, but I'm insecure about it. That's not a good thing to be if you are riding a bike. Can any of you give me some advice to give me the courage to get back on that bike?
Hey Better half,
Lucky has probably already told you this but somehow it seems more credible if it comes from someone outside. I know, I was married.
Having taught an Ex-wife, step daughter and daughter how to ride safely I have some advise. The first thing you have already done, take the safety course. This is VERY IMPORTANT for ALL riders.
Let's separate fear from respect for the dangers. EVERY RIDER SHOULD HAVE RESPECT FOR THE DANGERS OF RIDING!!! AS LONG AS THIS DOESN'T OVERRIDE THE ENJOYMENT. I STILL DO!
If you have fear of injury or maybe fear of failure or embarrasment it can be managed. It is all a matter of becoming more comfortable with your ride and the act of riding. Success brings on confidence. Start with small steps. (You couldn't play Carnegie Hall after one piano lesson) You must have a two wheeler you are very comfortable with even if it is a scooter. It is not what you ride it is that you ride. Go out only with one or two other riders that you trust. They must be very patient and willing to work at your pace. Sunday morning in a school parking lot is a good place to do this. Once you do this for a while you will most likely begin to feel better about the riding thing and be ready to venture into traffic. Again, start slow, SO CA rush traffic is a No-NO for rookies. Find a time and place that is much more laid back. Soon you will wonder what all the fuss was about.
If for some reason you don't overcome the fear then DO NOT RIDE. A scared rider is very dangerous to themself as well as others.
However you do it, try hard and I wish you the best of luck!! Riding is the best thing you can do with your clothes on.
Mike
Here is my 24 year old step-daughters story. She bought her first bike without even a permit. I test drove it and trucked it home. It sat in the garage for two months until she completed the safety course. It was a 250 Shadow and after 6 months she moved up to an 1100. Now she can keep up with me in the twisties. She was very afraid at first, mostly fear of embarrasment. We drove up and down our street at least 200 times before she decided to go past the stop sign. I am proud as hell to say that last year we did a seven day trip from PA to Maine together.
Come on Jason, you have seen her drink. You know she'd be riding down the street naked!