Rode for the first time ever today...and felt like Superman

**wormburner** · 03-07-2012, 06:23 PM

So RTI is booked for April, but I couldn't help myself today. The sun was shining, I didn't have to go to work, and the side streets around my house were dead empty. I put on all the gear, got on the bike, and HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE!

I can't believe I waited until I was 37 to do this. Yes, I stalled it a few times. Yes, it took some time to get used to giving it enough gas. But the slow clutch release just came naturally.
So after the very first time on a bike, here are my observations....

1) I NEVER could have done this on a 600cc bike. My CBR250 is very forgiving.
2) It's gonna take some time to get comfortable with the foot controls in my SIDI ST's.
3) I'm gonna need to stick to side streets for a couple months until I feel comfortable joining full traffic... 3rd gear is good enough for now.
4) Now I get that "push steer/counter steering" thing.

Wow, it really is like flying.

**tricky** · 03-07-2012, 06:47 PM

haha glad you had fun! No worries about the foot controls, it'll work itself out. Try not to put too many restrictions on yourself, the first week I had the bike I laid down a 200km day with a more experienced buddy of mine. I was a little nervous at first, but had a great time and learned a lot. That was before my RTI course, too... after your course, I'm sure you'll feel like a rockstar and you'll be free and capable of going wherever you want.

**Jampy00** · 03-07-2012, 09:51 PM

Welcome to the bucket list gang, I started when I was 38 and wished for the last 20 years back the moment I started to move. Course is a good move, you'll be riding in the streets with traffic in no time, keep a open mind to things, I was worried as well but once I started I never looked back. Good luck and ride safe !!

**AF4iK** · 03-07-2012, 10:34 PM

I've only been riding one season but man do I miss that feeling of everything being new. I envy you. You'll have a blast during the course, it's a lot of fun!

**conundrum** · 03-07-2012, 11:04 PM

wormburner this is not conductive of keeping me off mine (until the RTI course) as I'll be getting it delivered this Friday :P lol

**ride2rideagain** · 03-08-2012, 12:31 AM

Respect...safe riding sir

**Pedagogue** · 03-12-2012, 11:08 AM

Enjoy your ride and ride safe. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I too started on a 250 and remember that first ride. A great feeling indeed.

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**Gixxer Rider** · 03-12-2012, 11:33 AM

Ahhhh the first ride, glad you have your senses about you - my bike isn't coming for a few weeks otherwise (because I'm in R.Hill) I would have offered to go out with you. Stay safe, and the rewards are limitless my friend.

**rx_se7en** · 03-14-2012, 01:52 PM

Have fun!

**wormburner** · 03-14-2012, 05:32 PM

Today was awesome!
My fourth time out, and I hit the bigger roads around Woodbridge...down Weston, across Langstaff, back up to Teston, and down Pine Valley.

Pine Valley was fantastic with all those huge dips. I was careful to move to the right tire track as I crested the hills, just in case there was a sloppy driver coming at me. But the biggest test of the day was my first left hand turn! From Langstaff, onto northbound Weston. I kept my proper blocking position, made sure I had an emergency exit, and then kept with the flow of traffic. I know I sound like a massive Noob, but it felt great.

Funny part... I was stopped on southbound Weston when a Harley rider came up just to my left. I saw him thru my mirror waving hello. I reached to wave hello, let go of the clutch and stalled it out.

...won't be making that mistake again.

There were a lot of riders out today...some in pairs. I know I'm not ready for that yet. I'm enjoying going at my own pace... and still feeling like Superman.

**tricky** · 03-14-2012, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by wormburner

Funny part... I was stopped on southbound Weston when a Harley rider came up just to my left. I saw him thru my mirror waving hello. I reached to wave hello, let go of the clutch and stalled it out.

...won't be making that mistake again.

been there, done that when I was new

Sounds like you're taking it very seriously, that's good. All the thought and actions while riding will meld together with experience, so it's great that you're focusing on the safety aspect.. it'll become a part of your riding, almost subconscious

**PLau** · 03-14-2012, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by wormburner

Today was awesome!
My fourth time out, and I hit the bigger roads around Woodbridge...down Weston, across Langstaff, back up to Teston, and down Pine Valley.

Pine Valley was fantastic with all those huge dips. I was careful to move to the right tire track as I crested the hills, just in case there was a sloppy driver coming at me. But the biggest test of the day was my first left hand turn! From Langstaff, onto northbound Weston. I kept my proper blocking position, made sure I had an emergency exit, and then kept with the flow of traffic. I know I sound like a massive Noob, but it felt great.

Funny part... I was stopped on southbound Weston when a Harley rider came up just to my left. I saw him thru my mirror waving hello. I reached to wave hello, let go of the clutch and stalled it out. ...won't be making that mistake again.

There were a lot of riders out today...some in pairs. I know I'm not ready for that yet. I'm enjoying going at my own pace... and still feeling like Superman.

Bahahaha I almost did that last week on my 2nd week riding. Biker passing by waved at me and i was like "guh.....how do I wave back while holding my clutch?" lol
I'm a new rider moving back and forth from the woodbridge and richmond hill area (but mostly at langstaff(ansley grove) and weston) Lemme know if you wanna ride around to get some practice in :P

**Roasted** · 03-23-2012, 11:56 AM

Wait till you're in moderate traffic on a highway on a bike that can out accelerate 99% of cars. THe power and ability to pretty much go anywhere and pass any car you desire in seconds is intoxicating. It really does feel like you're superman.