New to riding? That is ok, this is what you need to know. As a new biker, I knew that I was going head first on this adventure called a motorcycle. I would love to tell you that no one told me about the tragedies of owning a bike or things that can go wrong. Well, I was warned and guess what it didn’t stop me. I weighed the risk up against the adventure. I decided to have an adventure. Like bungee jumping. There is a risk the rope could snap. Yet, you take that risk to live life to the fullest. If you are a new rider I hope that you were able to take some sort of training to prepare you for the open road. Here is what you need to know about being a biker.
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Motorcycles
Not all motorcycles are created equal. Sorry but just like purchasing a car you have to go test drive. You will need your endorsement before test driving. I am driving this home for a reason. Look for a bike that is going to fit your needs. Do you need a bike just to get you to point A to B? Are you wanting to go on long road trips? For the women can you hold the bike up? Can you touch both feet at the bottom? If you need help looking for a bike check here.
Gear
Gear is just as important as the bike. It is a necessity. Many states require a helmet. Those states that don’t. I can only warn you to still wear one. Your brain is worth protecting. Or let natural selection take its course. Your choice. The clothes you wear are important. Wearing tennis shoes is not protecting your ankles. You need boots that go past your ankles and have threads at the bottom of them. You need to wear long sleeves and a biker jacket with padding. Do not wear shorts. Wear pants preferably the Kevlar kind. They are expensive but worth the money.
Dropping
Yes, you will drop your bike. I did in training and testing driving. It happens. Even the most experienced bikers drop their bikes. Be prepared for this. Learn how to pick up your bike. Ladies I am speaking to you now. Don’t wait for a man to come help you. There are several YouTube videos that can help you. Click here.
Clubs
There are tons of biker clubs. However, they are not all created equal. Look for the 99% clubs. There are 1% clubs. These are the territorial clubs such as the Hell Angels. Word of advice I would ride solo or with a small group of bikers to learn your ropes. Also, many biker clubs require years of experience. If you are not good following the rules biker clubs might not be for you. Lady bikers there are clubs that look down upon women that ride their own bikes. There are also clubs that make women their property. Just keep all this in mind when looking.
Have A Plan
When you get on your bike you need to know where you are going and have a plan. Make sure there is no road construction. Check the weather. I am sure you do not want to get stuck out in the rain. I promise you don’t want to. It feels like bullets hitting your skin when you are going 60 mph. Check the wind. Yes, if you have a lightweight bike wind can toss you all over the road. If your bike doesn’t have navigation then you need to know where you are going. This will prevent accidents from happening to do to not knowing.
Drinking
Do NOT drink and drive while riding your bike. You should not be drinking and driving period. However, when you ride your bike you need all your senses. Things can go wrong fast. People can’t see you. If you are impaired you can’t see them. Riding a bike takes mental thinking. Alcohol impairs that. So don’t do it.
Fun
Have fun. Riding a motorcycle is such a thrill. You can enjoy every day. When I get dressed in my gear I feel like a superhero. When I start up my bike I secretly look around to see if my neighbors are out. Just so I can revive up Black Beauty. She has a growl that is so sexy. When I put my helmet on I feel unstoppable. When I get on the highway or freeway I feel nothing but power. I can conquer the world one pit stop at a time. The wind blows in my face and it is really relaxing and calming. My bike is my therapist. If I feel down, I get on Black Beauty and just ride. It clears my head, my bad thoughts, and awakes me spiritually. Then there are those days when you stop at a stop light and in the car next to you is a young little girl with her hands and face plastered against the window waving at you. You give a smile back and a little twist of the throttle. You just now changed and inspired that child. DAMN!!! it is amazing.
