My first real ride today!

[cwalmsley]

So, I finally completed the M1 exit safety course, got the safety and insurance for my bike, and rode for the first time today I was riding solo through Paris, Brantford and Cambridge and put on about 110 kms. Riding my own bike through the country was one of the greatest feelings! Better than I could have imagined when I started this venture I am still a little nervous riding in the city, and haven't quite got the smooth gear selection down, but I am assuming that will come in time? Any tips or thread suggestions would be great! I am hoping that the more I practice the more I will improve, until everything comes second nature I find I am still thinking a lot about what my hands and feet are doing.

PS - No newb bashing, please I am excited and enjoying myself, and I am learning just like all of you once were

[djdaredevil]

Congrats
Just like you said practice practice practice
and ride like people cant see you or want to run you over

[KatanaGSX92]

Congrats! It will take a little time to get everything in sync but it will happen.

[rexazz2]

dont worry about the guy behind you
concentrate on the person in front of them !! YOU BTW

I find that car as well as bike riders worry to much about the vehicle behind them and sometimes it can effect the their forward judgement

[cwalmsley]

Thanks, guys. I am so thrilled! I was definitely cautious today. I can't wait to get more practice time in and keep improving my skill and confidence levels. What a great feeling of elation and freedom!

[DarkFury]

Congrats

[zuma]

I think I'm moved to say, "Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a gas, gas, gas!"

[indianboy7]

Can't remember where I heard it, but "ride like a bunny rabbit". Stay focused, and always look out for ANYTHING that could get in your way and cause a problem. Keep practicing the basics, and maybe take an advanced riding course if they have them up there. The other piece of GREAT advice I got when I was new is to simply slow down. The time you get from slowing down 5 MPH could mean the difference between crapping your pants and 6 weeks in the hospital (especially in traffic).

Other than that, enjoy it! I think EVERYONE here has had the same feeling you have. It's what keeps us coming back.

[stittw]

Nothing like being on two wheels. Congrats.

[Bauds]

Congrats.!!

[mammut89]

grats Christine ! , first ride is always great

[biggles]

just remember enjoy the bike and ride within your comfort zone, make everything as smooth as possible and the rest will follow.

[cwalmsley]

Practice, practice! I feel kind of funny out riding around by myself with no place to go, but I guess that's the best way to learn!

[Slofuze]

Practice, practice! I feel kind of funny out riding around by myself with no place to go, but I guess that's the best way to learn!

Pretty much......it's a learning curve, and you never stop learning.

[scooterholic]

Congrats!!! Sometimes a ride with no place to go is the best kind of ride.