What's Sam Serving?

That's Greg in about center of the picture. He and I went to GTCC's motorcycle riding class this weekend, Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Actually, he completed it and passed (YAY, Greg!). I took this picture right after I dropped out, while Brad was on the way to pick me up, just after lunch on Saturday. It was just too much, too fast for me. There were too many things going on and the exercises were so short and then progressed to the next level. Considering that Saturday morning was the first time I'd ever even sat on a running motorcycle, I think I did pretty well. Still, I'm disappointed. I'm happy I signed up for the class, showed up, "got" the bookwork, and actually rode a motorcycle for a few hours and several exercises.

I understand the need to learn to ride a basic motorcycle, but I need to learn differently. Either I need more time to practice the very basics (to get used to adjusting the choke, changing gears, operating the clutch, braking, maintaining the throttle, etc.) or I need to learn on an automatic bike on which I can learn the basics of maneuvering a bike and then learn how to operate a manual bike. I'm not athleticly inclined (read: uncoordinated, need lots of practice on things that are physical) and trying to get my mind to direct my body to do all these brand new things in the correct sequence, at speed, and knowing that the chance of failure to do so resulting in serious pain/injury is just too much for me.

I have several "complaints" about the class, but what they all boil down to is that the class and I are not a good fit.

• The bikes provided are too small for me. I actually got cramps in my hips on it. I had to make my body fit the bike; the bike did not fit my body.
  
• The need to standardize the bikes is obvious to provide low-cost training. The course is only $111.
• The bikes are not in great shape.
• They're community college equipment that's used a lot for training many people like me. Of course, they're going to be somewhat abused.
• The number of students riding on the course caused riding at higher speeds to not happen much. The one time I really had fun was doing the slalom exercise, but I only got to do it fast enough once. All other times, my speed was governed by the person in front of me.
• Class size is what makes the course so affordable. Our class was actually smaller than the usual 12; only 8 Friday, 7 Saturday and 5 Sunday.

Obviously, the course is good and suitable to many folks. Everyone who completed it passed the written exam and riding test. It's also highly recommended by many riders and motorcycle sales folks. It's just not right for me. My desire to learn to ride a motorcycle is not gone; it's a bit damaged, but not gone. I'll be looking for a different kind of riding course and, if I can find it and afford it, I'll take it. Thank you to Steve and Burt, the course instructors. I appreciate the experience of riding for the first time and your respect when I chose to stop.

Time to stop writing on this; I'm already rambling and repeating...