My father was a rider, and in later years he often tried to convince me to take up the hobby. The kids were little and money was tight, so I had to say no. But every now and then I would look up bikes on the internet and dreamt a little how it would be.
After finally getting the seal of approval from my wife, I got a course this fall. The driving instructor looks like a homeless Santa with half a mouth of teeth - but he used to do track days and enduro trips through the alps, so he knows his stuff. I looked forward to every session and really had fun, even when I got drenched in rain. And now my exam is tomorrow, and I’m super anxious and excited, maybe even a little terrified. A little bit because of the exam, but more so because of what comes afterward!
Well, how did it go?😃
Everything went pretty smooth, actually! The test was early in the morning, and the roads were still pretty wet, which didn’t help my nervousness. But it all went so fast, I didn’t have much time to dwell on negative thoughts.
I shakily managed almost all the tests on the first try - except the evasive maneuver at 50 kmh. My instructor murmured, “Target fixation! Look at the road, not at the cones, take it at 45 instead of 50!” And after the tests, we had a ride for about half an hour. I managed to not stall the engine, run a red light, or crash into anything. 😆
The examiner (is that the right word?) handed me my new license, but with quite a few stern words. He confirmed what my instructor told me right from the start - my biggest problems are target fixation and not being observant enough in traffic. I guess the second thing is a by product of having had a diver’s license for so long - you tend to get lazy. And that can be pretty dangerous on two wheels!
Great work! The lazy thing will probably solve itself after a while, I was the same. I’m now a better car driver because I’m more aware of my surroundings due to motorcycle riding.
Stay shiny side up🤙
Just keep calm and remember what you have learned. I mean theory part is just learning, the riding part is just riding and you already succeeded with all the exercises before when doing the test. You already did everything you need to do and probably more than once. Nothing new for you happening.
Do you already have a bike? Or looking for one after the license? Or waiting for spring?
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have an old BMW K75S, but it’s going to need a lot of love to run again. During one class we dropped by the local Honda dealership* where I saw the new Transalp and fell in love on first sight. And they just so happen to have their demo bike on sale!
* Somebody stubbed out their cigarette on the tank lock, so we couldn’t fill up with gas. The mechanics managed to clean up the lock again.
Wishing you well on your journey!
