My First Ride! For Real

I'm pumped! That doesn't describe it...thrilled.
Today we visited a graduate school for my wife and as soon as we got back (we may have stopped by a few bike shops on the way back) it was time to jump on the bike for a practice run.

Mind you, I still don't hvae my license, it's Saturday so don't get too bent out of shape, I've read the manual, looked into the Motorcycle Ohio Basics course and have scheduled my written to get the permit taken care of...don't worry so much.

So this is it, first ride! Can't wait. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. Got my helmet, remember the new helmets? Got some new gloves, remember the stops on the way home? Got my boots on, bike clean, tank full, ready to roll!

Turn the key, set the choke, switch the bike to run, and hit the starter....click. Very funny, I just got a new battery...click. Ok, not funny, click. Pissed. It's ok, these things happen. Get off the bike, check the wires, check the battery, what could it be? Looked like the battery was a little loose and the negative terminal was touching the frame...let's hope that's it and not an electrical issue. Popped the hood on the truck, jump start, good to go.

On a serious note, my wife and I both know how serious this is going to get and admittedly, we're both nervous. So we said a little prayer and a little kiss and I'm on my way...Here we go. Slip the clutch out, roll the throttle, rolling nicely. Rolling down my drive, it's long and steep, approaching a busy road. Stop look both ways...check my mirrors, there's my wife in my Ram...She looks good driving my truck. Note to self, talk her into driving it more often...but not too often, I don't want to drive her Focus. Focus...right focus, all clear, roll on the throttle clutch out first gear is torque(y)...careful. Slowly down the road.

I'm heading for the hospital...don't freak out mom. There is a really nice hospital not two blocks from our house. Nice hospital, nice parking lots. Made it there safe and sound. Realized very quickly how little respect people give motorcycles.

Sarah and I made our way around the back of the hospital. She parked the truck and pulled out a book, her attempt to not be nervous I suspect. She climbed in the bed of the truck on a Bengals blanket and watched me take off. First go, not bad. Find a point turn at it, lean roll the throttle, brake with both brakes...catching on quickly. This fever catches quick.

I spent about and hour tucking in and out of parking lines and parking lights, dodging rocks and practicing turning both directions, no offense NASCAR fans...
I'm loving this. What a great sound hearing that Ironhead wind up and scream out the pipes. I can't wait to really open her up. Not today, but soon hopefully. Not too much too soon, especially without a license or permit. I can't wait to get that taken care of and start stretching my legs.

Time to head home...Sarah following. I can get used to this. Sarah said it sounded great and I even managed to look decent on it. Watch out road, here I come...ok that was a little cliche, how about this. Finally a chance to twist the grip, and farther along my journey with HD...