Curves (Sunday Scribblings)
01. June 2008 | en
I noticed some blogs I like and that I frequent outside of the Journizer community participate in Sunday Scribblings, and this weeks title is “curves” and since it fits right in there with yesterday, I have decided to jump in and give it a try!
Learning to drive on Betty meant giving up the idea that a big (bigger depending on who you are, as my instructor was adamant that the 650 was not a big bike, however coming from a tiny 125 Honda, this thing was HUGE to me), was no different than riding a smaller bike. Attitude was the most important factor.
To fear my bike was to create problems, and sure enough it did. In my second lesson while doing figure 8’s I was just not feeling like I was in control. The bike however was. And I dropped her and unceremoniously broke off her clutch handle. My second lesson ended 20 mins in (and they are only 45 mins anyway) with my instructor screaming and yelling at me in German (for his benefit) and English (for my benefit) while he attempted to get her driving again. Needless to say the lesson was over and I felt like crap.
And so Patrick took me to the ADAC compound to practice a bit. At first there was no change, I dropped Betty twice, and despite feeling in my bones she was the bike for me (and anyone who has ever met the bike of their dreams you know I am not being a cheesy idiot here, you really can adore and love your bike) I wondered if it really was a wise decision to buy a big bike after not driving for almost 2 years, and then only having one summer behind me.
Me: still letting Betty ride me:
But then something clicked. Motorcycle driving is suppose to be fun, AND the curves are the best part.
And then it clicked. And once it clicked it stayed so. A 650 is only different in your head. And when you love your bike and forget that your 5”1 and you start to work together, then it no longer matters if you can get both feet on the ground or not. I don’t even want the seat lowered anymore. I just want the right to drive her on the road by myself. Which if things go right in the paperwork department – should be in 2 weeks!
Now I just need to deal with going into a curve at 80 km/h comfortably. 70 – 75 I have no issues, but when my instructor pushes me into 80 – 90, a tad iffy. :-P
Tags:
Sharingain's Lair
Germany
Sunday Scribblings
motorcycle license
Map:
N 48° 72.720
E 9° 143.371
Created at: 01. June 2008
Comments:
Wow—nice entry and nice pics!
Thanks for stopping in at my Scribble.
You look great on Betty – Congratulations for meeting the challenge of a bigger bike.
Have a wonderous week.
