I did my first solo ride today, and it was awesome! We've had such incredible weather all week, and I've been sitting at work, pining to get on my bike, so last night I decided I was going to take it to work. (I've also been dying to show off my bike to all my co-workers who have been following my progress with this whole adventure.)

Once I made the decision, I could hardly sleep last night because I was so excited/anxious about going it alone. Also, I'm not yet licensed to ride alone, but I thought, hell, it's only a fine if I get pulled over.

On the way there, I took a nice back route (very scenic) and was completely relaxed most of the way, until I hit a construction zone where there was gravel on the road. I took it slow, but the bike fishtailed ever-so-slightly when I stopped at the stop sign. No big deal.

On the way home, I opted for another nice scenic back route, but a portion of it involved me cruising down a very busy highway section. I managed it no problem, but my bike wouldn't trigger the left-turn traffic light when it was time to get off the route, so I had to go through the red. Again, no big deal.

There was a lot more traffic on the road that I'm used to when my husband and I ride on the weekend, but I got through it all OK. It was particularly a challenge for me to have to do all the stops on my own and check for traffic before proceeding. I'm used to my husband getting there first, making the check, and me cruising through with him, often without having to come to a complete stop.

I'm also used to timing my downshifting to his, so it was good for me to have to figure it out all on my own.
I still enjoy riding more with my husband, but I'm happy that I succesfully faced one more challenge (only stalled the bike once - on a slight inclince - and only kicked it into neutral a couple of times) on this journey. My husband said that the next time we got out together, I'm going to lead. You know what? I think I'm up to the challenge!

Vikki

Vikki wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


civil disobiedence, our country was founded on it. you go girl  

great ya got out on the road, congratulations. me i'm doing a solo three hundred mile trip to mt spokane and back in the morning.

it's so refreshing to see new riders be so excited about riding.  bikers know why dogs hang their head out the window.

i offer only one tip,  YOU ARE INVISIBLE,  other than that anything goes, (see sluggos burn out video).  8) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4pnqtSfqcM

have fun
enjoy
sluggo

you go girl! debby used to ride on the harley with me, now she gets really bent outta shape if she cant ride her own bike. she started out exactly as you are, riding along side of me, then out on solos. it is exciting for the rest of us too, to be able to share in your milestones.

good for you, love!

bummer about bikes not tripping red lights - even my much heavier/larger BMW doesn't. Sometimes I sit on Savage, edge it forward but still stay out of junction & wave behind to the guy in the car behind me to move up to trip it. think people think I'm crazy - they just sit there & it rarely works!

Even after years of riding I'm so leary of jumping the red & usually turn right (we can turn right on red in CO) & take next left into side street so can do U-ey out of traffic.

By the way, I bought one of those "traffic triggers" (forget what they are really called) years ago for the BMW - just a powerful magnet that has never worked for me, so unless anyone contradicts this I advise don't waste your $$. (think they were also given thumbs down in a bike mag but many outlets sell them so...?)

I could say lots about taking care but seems most have said it (or will) - I'll just sort of paraphrase Sluggo's comment about being invisible with what I always jkeep in mind - assume everyone else is out to kill you (except other bikes, though it used to get hairy with bike messengers in London). I've advise Kathe of this so she is better prepared when she takes/passes MFS course & gets a license that way & rides off into the sunset.


in the meantime, Vicki, happy riding (alone or with hubby!)

george

Yep, took a course - I wouldn't have dreamed of learning to ride without it – although where I live (near Vancouver, Canada), it gives you no exemption from the road test. (See the thread on "licensing requirements" not far down from this one.) There is a "skills test" as part of the course, but if you pass that, you still have to take the road test through the motor vehicles branch. I took the skills test twice in my course but, alas, failed it both times. Sigh.

Vikki

I"ve been riding a "Thumper" for a year, turned about 4 grand on it. Amazing how the bike begins to anticipate your moves and where you want to go. Begins to sound better and smoother. Or I began like you said to enjoy the ride and not think about what I'm doing so much. Not forgetting that there are plenty out there that will not watch out for you.
Enjoy the road, Ride safe.

thumperclone wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:

Because we don't want the new rider tries to catch up with the  more experience rider in front--trouble in the making So it is best to let the newbie in the lead and ride at her/his comfortable pace with the skill he/she have--safe practice I think

I agree with magicfairy - ridden for almost 30 years but literally only ridden with another guy twice. both are nice guys & certainly would welcome riding with them again but I like riding on my own.

Can go as fast as I like, as far as I like & stop if I like (or not).

not antisocial or selfish & know many love group rides, but some of what makes riding for me is the solitute you can't get in a car & I'd even question my having it riding with other folk.