Well with this turn in the weather I can feel the end of the riding season soon approaching. Now don't get me wrong! I will ride up until my knuckes freeze to my handgrips (maybe longer if I buy heated ones) and plan on riding for the ABATE toy run in November if the weather isn't too crappy. But having received my endorsement on 7/14/09 I thought why not post a few of the things I learned in my first season of riding. 1. I am hopelessly addicted From the second I hopped on (1st 2 wheel ride in 22yrs) I had no desire to ever be on 4 wheels again. The freedom is like a drug. 2. If the lady from the BMV giving the endorsement test yells at the others for going too slow, don't do 30mph on the obstacle swerve. I got cocky. I didn't want to get yelled at so my testosterone got the better of me. But at least I passed on my 2nd try. 3. Truckers are our friend. Except in the rain. Thanks to all the truckers who give me ample room to ride. I know it's mostly because you want to see where I am. Now to the one that paced me in the rain the other day... thanks for the extra shower. 4. Cigarettes thrown out of a car ahead of you have guidance systems Nothing like a hot lava rock smashing into your visor as you enjoy a relaxing ride at night. Especially when you feel like the burning ash is coming in the vent below the visor. 5. When on surface streets and a car comes over on you, wearing boots affords you a great chance to meet people. Had a guy try to come over on me just south of OSU campus in his new Lexus. With no escape route, my right foot made a great dent on his left rear quarter panel. Too bad a cop was close behind and saw it all. When we pulled over the officer explained to him that we could swap info. But that basically he was screwed for not paying attention. 6. The wave... I ride a sportbike. I wave if I can do it safely, otherwise you get a nod. But I've found that more cruisers will wave than sportbikes. Just an observation. But my girl can't get enough of being able to wave and get one in return. Half expect her to hop up and down and clap every time. 7. I ride better when I have another bike with me. Maybe it's that I am concentrating more on holding my line? Maybe I Feel more at ease that I will be seen by cars? Who knows? But I do tend to ride better, shift smoother, hold my line easier and generally have more fun when I am not alone. Whether I know the person or we just happen to be in the same area and partner up. 8. I don't seem to notice getting tired until I'm off the bike for an hour Which I hope continues. That way I'll be able to make longer trips. 9. It's true what they say. Riders look out for other riders. 3-4 days into my time on 2 wheels I had a issue with my transmission. I forgot to downshift while I was slowing to a stop and my super duper chinese bike didn't want to go into 1st. Simple solution? Start in 2nd. Not for me, didn't gas it enough and died. As I sit on the shoulder I have a Road King pull up next to me and ask if I need a hand. I explain my problem and he says "O.K. we'll wait with you" as I look back I see 10-15 other Harleys blocking Stringtown Rd. @ Gantz so I can get back out on the road. Thanks guys. 10. Motorcycle riding is kinda like being with a woman Wear the right clothing, don't be too cocky, don't let yours get stolen, make sure you have good rubber and plenty of lubrication. Don't try to go too fast. When you are a rookie, go with an easy one, then move up to one that you know will rock your world. You always want a hotter one but you know the one you have is the one you can't get rid of. and finally, you never want to be without one. *ADDITION* Don't trust someone who says they have a free bike for you, cuz they probab;y owe someone for chicken wings
