New Rider and Proud of It

As most people know I am a new biker and rider when it comes to motorcycles. With becoming a new biker I have learned a lot of things. One of the most important things I have learned is you can NEVER stop learning and practicing when it comes to riding a motorcycle. You see, when I started riding my GL1800 Goldwing (Big Red) on July 1 2004 I was pretty nervous. No, actually I was very nervous. I had been practicing with a small Honda Shadow 700 for about 2 months before jumping on my Goldwing and that was the best thing I could have ever done. I realized that no matter how much I ride or even how many years I ride, I will never get to the point where I feel completely comfortable riding a motorcycle. To me, that is a good thing. It will keep me sharp and on my toes. It will keep me alert and best of all; it will help me from killing me and my wife. I see some many riders that have been riding for years do some of the dumbest things. Many experienced riders speed, take unnecessary risks and worst of all set a poor example for the new riders that want to learn from them (Believe me motorcycle veterans, new riders are watching you). I just hope that I never get to the point where I set a poor example for other riders, family and friends that want to take up the great sport of motorcycle riding. I actually joined the GWRRA for the camaraderie, fun, but most of all safety. One of the best things I like to do is ride my motorcycle (Just ask my wife). I plan to keep reminding myself that I am a new and inexperienced rider and proud of it.

Until next time and enjoy the ride.

Pappy

Coldest Ride Yet!

This morning I decided that I would ride into work because the high was supposed to get up to 50 degrees by the end of the day. So I got all my gear on and jumped on Big Red for a brisk ride to work. It was 19 degrees and my coldest day of riding to date. My body was fine but boy was my hands cold. I am seriously thinking about getting some heated gloves. I am not sure if I want to tough it out since the winter is almost over. Either way, by next winter, this rider is getting some heated gloves. Once I do, I will be able to handle any cold weather. You know the old saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, if you have the right gear". I just need gloves!

Until next time and enjoy the ride!

Pappy

Practice, Practice, Practice...

Today I decided to do a little practicing in the parking lot at my favorite parking area, GTCC. It was a bit nippy for taking a ride today. The high only go 40 with a 10 to 20 gusting winds. So I figured the least I could do is bundle up and practice riding Big Red. I worked on stopping, quick stops and countersteering. I practiced for about 2 hours then it was time to head home and let my finger thaw out.

The bad news is the weather is not going to be good tomorrow either. The good news the high next weekend is expected to be in the low 60's. That is almost perfect by my standards. My favorite riding temperature is around 70. I should have some good riding weather in another month or so.

Until next time and enjoy the ride!

Pappy

Fighting the Winter Blues

Well, I have been gone for 3 weeks and I haven't got to ride in over 2 weeks. I hate that. Usually, winter isn't too bad for me. But, since I now have a motorcycle all I want to do is ride it. Of course, old man winter likes to prevent that when he can.

Today was the first time I have ridden in over 2 weeks. The highs got up to about 45. I took off from home around 1 pm. I decided to go do some practicing at the GTCC parking lot. I needed to practice some of the skills that Greg showed me. I could tell I was a little rusty. But in about 30 minutes I was doing okay. I got a little bored with the parking lot practice and decided to do about a hour drive on highway 62 and 421.

I then returned home to pick up Slick to go get a bike to eat. I could tell I haven't ridden Slick around in a while. I was REALLY rusty and it took be a couple stops to get use to riding her again. She could tell I was a little rusty too. After a while I was okay but did realize I am not the type of person where riding a bike is natural for me, yet. Of course, I will get better in time. Heck, I have only been riding for 9 months. I have a lot to learn and I need to practice every opportunity I get.

Tomorrow the high temperature is going to be around 60 when I get off work. Of course, I will be riding in the morning. I need to get in the miles when I can because on Tuesday, the bottom is going to fall out and we are expecting highs of in the low 30's the rest of the week. There is a good chance I will ride the rest of the week if there is no wet weather in the forecast. Hey, I can always dress for the cold, right.

Until next time and enjoy the ride!

Pappy