new girl "soon to be" on the block!
 

Dear bikers’ community:

Here is my situation: I dream of driving one of those mean machines, I actually have my eyes on the Honda Interceptor or maybe the CBR1000RR.
BUT: I have absolutely NO experience in driving a bike , I am so scared of the auto drivers not paying enough attention to bikers on the roads , I am also questioning my abilities to handle such a machine (I am thin/skinny, and not much physical strength there) . [Although I realize that I may have to start with a smaller bike 1st to keep training while keeping it as safe as possible]. Also, I live near Boston: potholes and damaged roads worry me: “what will I manage to avoid all these?”.
It is however my dream…. And I have been pushing it away for at least a year because of all my fears and doubts. Then finally yesterday, I booked a 2hr class with an instructor at “training wheels” for September. It is a beginner’s class, to test my abilities and see if biking is still what I want to do. I am very excited, but also quite nervous.
When I talk to my friends or people about my desire to get a bike, I get a few encouragements, but a lot of them remind me of the dangers and risks that bikers face all the time. I know their negativity reflects more their concern than their disparagement… and I try not to let it discourage me.

I would like to hear your story, what you went through, how do you keep yourself safe? Any advice will be greatly appreciated: from where to buy outfits, to what I should read, which school to go to (i am in Mass), where to train outside of the school system, are there bikers’ communities that I could join? Which bike(s) to get 1st?
Anything really that I should know before embarking in this great adventure of mine. 
Thank you!

Sam

test

I posted this on Biker Virgin POST
but maybe it will help you too
Take the motorcycle safety class!!!!
I have been riding since 1980
I have been down BAD 4 times
and I am always defensive
last 4 months ago( I AM BACK RIDING ALREADY)
when I was forced into a guard rail
I have a lot of scars,a piece of rib removed,new pins in my knee
and 20 YEARS AGO lost most of my teeth when a cager turned infront of me.
BUT... I LOVE BEING IN THE WIND!!!!

its about freedom
( though the ones that don't ride keep trying to pass laws
to prevent that)


Rule #1 whatever you think the cagers are gonna do THEY WILL!
they will turn right or left in front of you.
they will change lanes into you
they will pass and head right at you
they will come around a corner on a twisty and be on your side

Don't out ride your bike or your experience,
being in the wind is a great experence!
So remember its the Journey not the destination
slow down & enjoy the ride!
and welcome

check out this site might help or have a link for you
http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadrid...ider/index.asp

Renegade

I agree with xaxer. Take a MC safety course by all means. Start small and get used to riding on different surfaces, slower of course. Keep the eyes and head moving to watch for oncoming problems ahead. Look further ahead than usual. People will leave driveways, sidestreets and parking lots without thinking about anyone else. Cagers are going to do what they want whether they see you or not. Be especially careful of the big trucks. Get the jitters out by riding when you can, just be extra careful and you'll get more used to the cagers and everyone else around. :D

I have been riding since I was 10. I started out on a minibike living on a farm.
I have been down a couple of times but they weren't bad (thankfully). If I were you I wouldn't buy anything until I went through the safety course, unless you intend to ride no matter what. It sounds like you have a lot of issues that you need to confront and I know you can do it. Try to focus on the fun and enjoyment not the negativity and horror stories. Just remember, you hear more of the bad things than the good things.

When you go to buy your new bike make sure it's something that feels comfortable to you. You will be able to handle it better and when you are confident and relaxed.