[B.B.]

Hi Rob - Welcome to the forum. I'm pretty new at it myself (just took the MSF course in Sept and bought my bike in Oct. - never been on one before the course). It's definitely a GREAT idea to do the course before you take the bike out, glad to hear that's the route you're taking. Good luck with both the course and the purchase - be sure and show it off here when you find "the one". Take care!

 

[B.B.]

Thanks everybody, for the warm welcome!

I'm gonna get the ER-6n. And they think my financing is done too (I'll know for sure tomorrow). I was at another dealer tonight looking at gear. If all goes well, I'll sign the papers Saturday evening after the first day of MSF class, and pick up some gear at the same time (jacket, pants, gloves, helmet, maybe boots if I have any $$ left). Then I'll have them drop the bike off at my house (which is actually an RV) on Monday.

Fortunately I live in a pretty calm neighborhood, so I figured I would just motor around there for a while before attempting any streets with traffic.

Just driving around the last few days I've been trying to "pretend" I'm on a bike and paying even more attention than I normally do (which is a lot, at least compared to most people). I watch the road surface more closely to see where I might want to position myself, I watch other cars more closely, etc.

There's a local Meetup group that does rides (meetup.com) so I've joined that, and they have a "meetup" planned for Feb 21st that I may attend, depending on how my skills and comfort level are by then.

Rob

Looks like things are rolling right along for you! That's great. :mrgreen: I will hold off on the *actual* congrats until you tell us that you own the bike so as not to jinx it. LOL

I spent the first two weeks in my neighborhood as well, it was soooo much great practice stopping and starting and turning with just enough cars thrown in but not too many to scare me so much. Then I moved out to a four lane "square" - still not much traffic but a little more than the neighborhood. I was very fortunate in that as soon as I was ready I had three friends that took me out a little further and further at the time - one in front and two behind and they would gently give me pointers or constructive criticism at every stop. I hope it works out the same for you. I don't have the experience to say this for sure....but be careful on those group rides right away if there are more than a few people or if you don't know them really, really wel....just at first and just my opinion. Other than that - I'm so excited for you!!!! Keep us posted. :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[B.B.]

Hi Rob! Looks like you're moving right along. I have not been on the forum at all for about a week and not much at all for the past couple so I'ml looking forward to going back now and catching up on what everyone has been up to - hope things are going great with the new bike!

 

[B.B.]

Welcome back, Nancy - we missed ya!

Thanks Mike - I've missed everyone too!!! :grouphug:

Sorry to take your thread Rob - so are you LOVING IT now that you're riding?!?! And I think the last time I posted I withheld Congrats on the purchase so as not to jinx it, soooooooo - CONGRATS ON THE NEW PURCHASE!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[B.B.]

Thanks BB!!

Yep I'm absolutely loving it! I've ridden to work two days in a row now. I have to head out in about an hour to run to DMV (I have an appt) so I can turn in my certificate and get my actual license. Then it's back to work. Tonight will be my first ride in the dark. Not a big deal; I have a yellow reflective safety vest, a helmet with a red flashing LED light, and a bicycle light (red LED) for my backpack. Plus it'll be surface streets and late, after traffic.

But yep... this is great!

Rob

Something about getting that "M" on your license - I couldn't wait either! LOL I have only done one VERY short night ride but plan on giving it a shot as soon as it's not so cold at night, so definitely let me know how it goes. Being new at it is such a rush, isn't it?! :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[B.B.]

T Minus 45 minutes and I'm outta here. So it'll be fun to see how the night ride goes! I'll report back.

:toetap: Looking for that report on my desk first thing. J/K :biggrin: :biggrin: