Safe Riders Course, Day 2

Day 2 went great. I only missed one question on the written test and got a perfect score on the final riding test. On the riding portion you start at 0 and get points for riding outside the lines, forgetting to turn your head before turns, or doing anything else that isn’t correct for the particular exercise. If you get more than 20 points you fail, and they do not go easy on students simply because you paid $250. One guy failed after completing the whole weekend, but he was told he could take the riding test again the following Sunday.

We did sharp turns, weaving through cones, sudden stops, large circles, changing lanes using your head to look over your shoulder and a whole bunch of other things.

Walking back to our bikes after a break for lunch.

It was such a relief to finally end at 8pm. My cough and cold was getting worse and my throat felt like there was a fire inside, but I didn’t complain to anyone. I went home feeling so proud of myself and patiently waited a week for my completion certificate to arrive.

My appointment for the DMV isn’t until May 17th, when I will take my certificate and then get my permanent “M” endorsement put on my driver’s licence.

Safe Riders Course, Day 1

Me learning to ride on a Honda Rebel 250

Today was Day 1 of the Safe Rider’s Motorcycle course at Mt. San Antonio College and I did really well. Class was long but the riding part was so cool! I’ve wanted to ride motorcycles for so long but it was never the right time to take on the challenge before now. Recently the bug bit me and all of a sudden I’m gung-ho about getting a bike and getting my motorcycle endorsement. I’ve had my permit for almost a year without ever having sat on a bike, and it expires next month, so its now or never.

All the practice bikes lined up in preparation for our class.

I’m battling laryngitis and a horrid sore throat, but when I was on my bike today – a Honda Rebel 250 – I felt no pain or discomfort at all. The beauty of the day was the perfect affirmation of a dream I’ve so long held: With the superbloom of mustard flowers growing all over the surrounding hills, the gorgeous sky and clouds, the riders all having bonded by the end of the day, I knew this is what I was meant to be doing!

Here I am in my bright, splashy red printed helmet during a break.

Pros:

  • Small bike to learn on – Honda Rebel 250.
  • Comfy, upright sitting position.
  • Not overwhelmed by size or weight of bike.
  • Felt comfortable with my comfort during turns.
  • Classroom portion teaches so much invaluable info that can save your life.

Cons:

  • I’m not comfortable with shifting. The bikes are very old and finding neutral to even start the bike is challenging.
  • Stalling. Thank God I already learned a stick-shift transmission and know that the only way to get better is time and practice.
  • Getting into 2nd gear and then stopping suddenly in 20ft. Pretty scary.