Motorcycle? Check. Helmet? Check. Boots and gloves? Check. Armored jacket? Check. I'm either ready to play running back in a football game, or to go to our local community college parking lot and practice my moves on the motorcycle... Parking lot it is!
Never underestimate the value of a large, empty parking lot! To think you will automatically be ready for the road after a two day MSF class is a bit on the crazy side. (although, I know some people do it!). I personally wanted to find my rhythm in a place where I could practice on the motorcycle without cars bearing down impatiently on me.
So on a 100 degree day, (have I mentioned that I was dressed from head to toe?!), I set out to remember everything that my two day MSF motorcycle class taught me.
I turned the motorcycle on with a bit of nervousness, and slowly let go of the clutch to move forward. It was then that my eagerness started to wane, as I felt like I completely forgot how to ride.
It seems the difference between a 650cc motorcycle and a 250cc motorcycle is a bit more than I originally thought
The throttle was tighter, I could go much faster in first gear, and the brakes were really sensitive. I began to get a bit overwhelmed and frustrated, and had to take a break. After watching my husband take my new motorcycle for a few turns around the lot, my sheer stubbornness forced me to get back on the bike and try again.
After a few minutes, I finally got into the rhythm. All it took was taking a deep breath, remembering what I had learned, and assuring myself that I would get it eventually.
Women motorcyclists just look damn good riding.
I think the two key things for me were patience and fun. The minute I started stressing and forgot about why I loved to ride motorcycles in the first place, I started doing bad. Once I relaxed, I was much better. I could then think through what I was doing, but not over analyze every little move. This made the learning curve go a bit faster.
motorcyclemom says:
Congrats! We need more women riders! I've been riding for 8 years and love it. I was one of those who called motorcycles "donor cycles" but we are extra careful: never, ever drink and ride, never ride at night or in bad weather, if we can help it. Stay off the highways and avoid 18-wheelers when possible. I too started with the BRC, and only rode in my neighborhood for three months, then slowly ventured out on the busier roads. Hardest skill to learn was stopping on a hill and having to make a tight right hand turn out of it. Practice in a parking lot is great advice to learn these skills. Best advice I ever got: use your engine (i.e. downshift) to brake going into turns; you will have much better control and can accelerate out of the apex much easier. Ride safe ladies!
Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 10:36 AM
autumnquest says:
I'm a 47 year old female getting ready to take the BRC finally next month. I've put it off too long. Finding this series of blogs while researching all kinds of things pertaining to being a new rider was really helpful for me to feel less intimidated. Thanks!
Mon Jul 28, 2014 at 5:56 AM
DigitalRodney says:
Great Reads!! Thanks for posting!
I have been riding since I was five, so I did my practicing in my parent's front yard. I don't remember too much, but I know at that young, I didn't have any fear!
I enjoy hearing new riders' stories, and listening to the questions they have.
Always have great rides, and keep the shiny side up!
Tue Mar 4, 2014 at 5:19 PM
barbd says:
I'm 50 and have wanted to ride for years.I am signing up for the 3-day Basic Rider Course located in the Bayside H-D parking lot in Portsmouth, VA. I had only looked and sat on the H-D Sportster Superlow; being 5'3", 120 pounds it was the perfect fit. But after reading your article and all the replies I know now to look and sit on other makes and models. Great articles and thank you for sharing your experience. Your viewpoints and comments posted offer great tips and I too want to experience the thrill. Thanks again.
Sun Feb 2, 2014 at 4:53 PM
Cjohnson says:
I love your story. It is wonderful, the sunrise, the sunset, the closeness of the stars and the skyline on a long country road. Is is an exhilarating feeling one that rings freedom! I am so happy for you. I hope you have the rides of your life! Keep safe.
Mon Nov 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM
Breezie says:
Nice write up. You described the feelings and thoughts that go through a gal's head when first starting out. Like the last picture where you are looking where you want to go in the curve. Looking out is probably the biggest thing I got out of the class. Made the figure 8 a breeze. I'm on the petite side so the Honda Rebel 250 that I took the class on was and now is still a good fit for me. (at least for now, hee)
Sun Oct 20, 2013 at 7:13 AM
MamaSweet says:
I'm getting ready to buy a bike. but having a hard time knowing where to start. but your story is giving me a great starting point. Let's go bike shopping. :)
Tue Oct 1, 2013 at 1:47 AM
ruffrider says:
I took an MSF course last year, with no prior experience with the clutch and throttle, and passed it! I now ride my own Softail Slim. What a thrill! :) I too did my little Sunday practices near a vacant office parking lot. It served me well. Still constant practising but now I am more confident going on highways. But I especially love the backroads route. Thanks for sharing your story.
Wed Jun 5, 2013 at 8:59 PM
brooklyn says:
9a.m. Saturday morning reading post about getting over the fear of riding when I should actually be practicing. Thank you for this article it's helpful. I take my MSF course in two and a half weeks. I practiced some a few weeks ago and my confidence was really boosted then I loaned my bike out to my son and missed practicing the following wknd so what confidence I had seems to have shriveled up.
Couldn't get my bike to start this morning and just gave up.It's comforting the nervousness isn't so uncommon.
Sat Apr 13, 2013 at 8:14 AM
rcut6828 says:
Took MSF lessons in September of 12 with hubby and bought our first Hona GoldWing Trike at the end of September 12. We also joined GWRRA (GoldWing Road Riders Assoc) and ride with them every Saturday and have a blast. Hubby takes the GW from the house and I bring it back to the house. We had a 1999 GL1500SE and just today brought home a 2004 GL1800 and absolutely love it. We are both in our 70's and acting like teenager.
Tue Jan 29, 2013 at 8:18 PM
RIDEMYST says:
Just an additional note and perhaps some good advice, my wife and I make a point of taking a rider training course every two years to pick up pointers and improve our skills. Here is the Boss at a Lee Parks Advanced Rider Class: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridemyst/5196758282/in/set-72157625477341778
Mon Jan 28, 2013 at 8:16 AM
RIDEMYST says:
Good article.When I decided to restart riding again back in 1995, my wife said "If you get a bike, I get a bike!" We have been riding ever since. We have covered most of the States and a portion of Europe. She has owned several bikes over the years. Her current ride is a Yamaha FZ6 set up for touring. -JEP-
Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 6:03 AM
nannyclaire says:
I was riding on the back of my husbands bike for about 1 year and loved it, but as I saw more and more women on these huge bikes riding I knew that's what I wanted to do, so I thought for my 49th birthday I would surprise my husband and go get my license. I didn't tell anyone and studied when no one was around and at my birthday dinner I surprised my husband with my motorcycle license,he was so excited we went out and bought my first bike and I've been never been happier. Next year for my 50th were off to Sturgis.
Wed Aug 8, 2012 at 6:37 AM
Vmcdude says:
Wow, this story was insperational. I hope ican get my wife to read it. She would love rideing but I think she is just to fightened. I rode years ago on a honda cb750 (1981) but sold it to move to pa. Now I want to ride again your artice helped me remember way. The unremovable smile the feeling of flight and freedom. Any way I went amd got my permit took the msf course (free in pa.) And im currentlly saving money and shopping. I camt wait to get back on the road. Ty for your essay. Happy trails.
Mon Jun 25, 2012 at 6:00 AM
JenniR57 says:
I just got my first bike. I am a 50 something woman. I chose a HD Tri Glide. Love it! I had never driven a motorcycle before and only ridden as a passenger a few times. I started in a church parking lot. (seemed appropriate place). That was 5 days ago. After riding in the neighborhood and with a friend, I took my first journey onto country roads tonight. I went 35 miles. Who says old dogs can't learn new tricks.
Wed May 30, 2012 at 9:22 PM
felon says:
Scariest moment ever for me, was the day Ragan "Flash" rode her own bike, a 2002 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider I had just bought and brought home. I was running along side her like an idiot and she stops and says "go get your bike"! Then she took off and I had to catch her. 3 months later she left with 5 other women on a 6500 mile trip to Colorado and back. She has been going ever since. Oh she alos took MSF course to get her license during that time.
Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM