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first few hours with a bike

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    first few hours with a bike

    OK. TO give a little background, I took a class, got my endorsement about 2-3 months ago. Finally bought a bike - 87 gs450lh.

    So, This was my first time riding a "real" bike, faster than 15 miles an hour. And, not in a parking lot, but on a "road" where people are going to get "upset" if I stick to my 15mph. So, I had to take a ferry out to buy this bike I found. It was 1000$, I think, a good deal. Good beginner bike, perfect size, and runs smooth(except high idle problem). So, I didn't get off of work till 7pm. SO I hop on the ferry and get to this island, ride the bike quickly around the parking lot, I was so excited, it was going to be my first bike! It probably could have been held together by rust, and I would've been just as excited. haha. So, I finally take the ferry back home, which left at 8:55. On the ferry I started to get worried as it was dark outside. I was thinking <!>How on earth will I get this home?</!> I was much more relaxed riding it around in the parking lot then I had thought. So, I figured if I just calmed myself and took it easy that I could do it. So, the bike has major problems starting trying to get off the ferry, but finally it does and off I go... off I go into some dark wild jungle! Where I live, there is an active nightlife so plenty of people where out, and its fairly hilly. I was thinking to take the back roads to my house instead of the freeway. Not that I live far away, only 10 minutes, but the freeway? No way jose! But the problem lies in the fact that I moved to my place 2 weeks ago. I've taken the back roads once, AND! The backroads one way =! the return way home, due to numerous one way streets. So, I just turn where I can and head in the "general direction." What should be a 10 minute trip home, ended up with me in my starting point probably 1.5 hours later. No joke. The funny thing is, I don't know where I got turned or where I even really went. I just ended up back where I started(I was tempted to leave the bike at work, and take my car home(freebike parking at work). But, then I thought. Car = Insured, Bike =! Insured. As I was coming to terms with my "lostness"(not that I was lost, I knew where I was, and I know how to get back via the freeway) I just decided to stop being a baby and get on the freeway. I've spent way to much time out here and I'm getting cold. So, I head towards the freeway, trying to calm myself as much as possible. Let me tell you: Wind feels intense going 60 mph. I'm sure it'll not seem like it later on, but I was really feeling it. I made it home successfully. And felt very relieved.

    Today for my 2nd time on my bike, in the nice weather, I was much "gutsier". ON straight aways I'd see how fast she could accelerate. WOoooo! I've not had this much fun in a while. I'm getting amuch better feel for the bike... Even went on the freeway a couple of times. (short distances) I never took it up past 60mph as it really feels like a lot of wind, and what happens if I go faster? I'll fly off.

    Im actually going to take my bike right now and clean it, and ride it some more ! I swear Im a born again kid again. (funny, as I'm only 24)

    I was very pleased driving today, almost all of my fellow bikers waved or knodded at me. People with bikes of all shapes, sizes and origins. I feel as if Hell's Angels would welcome me in riding a vespa.

    This is my bike, there are many like it, but this one is mine....

    Thanks for reading this far

    #2
    Hi,
    Welcome to the forum and congrats on your first bike and ride. I feel your pain about getting turned around in unfamilier neighborhoods. I still get lost here in Minneapolis and I've been here 20 yrs. Once i get off the freeway, I get turned around so easily. Time to start using my GPS that I got 4 years ago! I too have gotten waves from most people(nods also), except a few crotch rockets. I can't get on the freeway yet as I'm only on a permit now. End of June is my class. Take care and welcome!

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      #3
      I've been lost in downtown MPLS many times. So many one ways. I used to take backroads from N. MPLS to Richfield to avoid the 35W traffic. I get lost in downtown Atlanta too. I just stay away from those places.

      Allen

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        #4
        Congrats on your first bike, and on not going with the bandwagon. It's good to see another young guy who bought a smaller older bike for their first, instead of the hundreds of squids that buy the fastest bikes they can afford and wrap themselves around telephone poles because they think they can drive since they have the machine.........

        Phew, enough of that! Congrats again! :-D

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