My first ride.

So today I put in a new HD battery, changed the plug and wires, cleaned the tank and got some fresh gas in the bike. Fired RIGHT up. Sweet! Sounds so good.

I really wanted to see if it would keep running while it was in gear, but honestly up until this point I've been, frankly, too scared to try it.

On a side note, owning a bike for the first time is an intimidating and scary thing. I'm nervous. I really can't wait to get the jitters out and stretch my legs out. I can't wait to twist the grips and get this thing opened up.

So I decided to keep it safe and putter around my driveway (which is pretty darn big). I thought I'd get it into first and putter around...so I kicked it into gear and started moving...hey the yard looks like a great idea...let's coast though the yard. One lap, not so bad! Nerves are high but this is great. I can't wait to get moving for real. Ok one more lap just to see if it stays in gear. Around the driveway, turn to the back yard.

Here is where it gets a little tricky. And a lot embarrassing. I hit a muddy spot in a dip in the yard and there goes the back end...slides right away from me...what do I do? Who knows. Down goes the bike, thank goodness my goofy butt didn't get caught under it. What an embarrassing and silly thing to happen. The bike went partially down and hit the grass. That's why I chose the grass!!

So I stepped back, laughing it off, trying not to get nervous. I pushed my hands under the bars and tried to lift...had my cowboy boots on and the yard was muddy...bad combination. SLIP. Down I go. Muddy knees, dirty boots...bike on the ground. Dork. Got it up though, one last try, not too hateful...at least I know I can get it up if worse comes to worse. So I started it and coasted it back to the drive. Laughing and thankful it was on grass.

The best part my neighbor Jeff, he rides a trick electraglide, was outside and asked how it was going. "hit a mud hole in the back and almost lost her...the good news is that she's running great." He said it sounded really good! Music to my ears.

So get the garden hose and wash the rear wheel. All that mud and grass...I guess soft grass isn't the best idea...what a learning experience. After all that I'm still excited to get it to an open parking lot and try to work on some real riding skills. Another small step down the road...