Advice from Others1/4/2006
Don't Give Up If You Fail the MSF Class
The month of March marks my one-year annivesary with my own motorcycle. I used my tax refund to buy a 1992 Honda 750 Nighthawk. True, it's only been one year and about 1,000 miles, but I feel great sense of accomplisment because as it turned out these skills did not come very naturally to me. I failed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and dumped my bike three times (very publicly) in the first couple of months. After these humiliating experiences I had no confidence and was so scared and tense while riding that I came very close to giving up. The second time around, the MSF course a very different experience. I passed easily. This made me realize that I had gained the skills necessary to feel in control while riding. I kept practicing riding and gradually my skills improved. Now, riding is something I enjoy and look forward to.
Star Anderson, Atlanta, GA
Getting In Tune With Your Bike
I am very happy to announce that I am finally one with my bike. My Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide and I have formed a bond that is hard to describe. All the patience and practice has finally paid off. If someone told me a couple of years ago that I'd be riding down Main Street at Daytona Bike Week on my own Harley and loving every second of it, I would have referred them to the loony bin! But I'll be darned if I didn't do it! My message to you is this: If you're just starting out or at times you lose your confidence and think you can't do it, I'm living proof that with time, patience and practice you can do it. Just hang in there and don't give up!
Linda Pesheck, Eden Prairie, MN
Perseverance Through the Resistance
I am a 55-year-old married woman who decided for reasons not fully understood to ride a motorcycle. Now, in my family system such a desire bordered on the incredulous; no one I knew -- close friend or family member -- rode motorcycles and the idea of a woman taking up the activity was way out there. Sheer courage and perseverance kept me on the path to realizing my dream. Following the successful completion of the motorcycle safety course, I purchased not one, but two bikes on my own counsel. Along the journey I have met contempt and kindness, but much to my surprise most people are intrigued with my interest in motorcycling. I am still in the process of overcoming the intimidation of this once male-dominated sport, but each time I turn over the engine, I am one step closer to freedom.
Christine Armbrecht, Grand Rapids, MI
To read more lessons learned from riders, visit our Readers' Letters link.
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