This past weekend, I took my first two real motorcycle rides. It's a bit daunting to be on the road, practicing downshifting, upshifting, braking...all on two wheels, going fairly fast and in traffic. I was originally planning on going with just two other riders - one to ride in front of me and the other to take the back. Well, before I knew it, there were two more riders who wanted to join along on the virgin ride. It made me more nervous to think I might not brake quickly enough and smash into one of them. Off we went up and down country roads, through curves and swerves, stop signs, lights...you name it. All my riding companions went slow enough for my comfort level, but fast enough so I had to ride well enough to keep up the pace. Every time we needed to stop for a light or stop sign, I was always asked 'are you ok?', 'do you want to keep moving'? Their concern and camraderie was pretty amazing and touching. The next day, I went out again with just one female rider who watched my back...it was up to me to learn the roads ahead, read and negociate the signs on the road and take on the swerves and curves. By the end of the day, I was riding down the road, doing 55mph, experiencing all the different types of maneouvers I was taught in motorcycle safety school; the wind in my face and blowing bubbles from the bubble gum she gave me. And there she was, riding at my back so no other vehicles would come close to me.
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: You are blessed if you have comrades to help you through the daunting times of your life. Embrace these people and appreciate them. Then, when you are presented with an opportunity to help someone else, do it! Remember, there was someone there for you!
A special thank you to all those wonderful riders who made my virgin rides memorable fun experiences I will take with me to a very old age.
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