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Ive always loved motorcycles but came from a family that was not motorcycle enthusiasts. As a matter of fact, I was forbidden as a young girl to get on the back of one. The boy I had a crush on in high school had a dirt bike and though I didnt ride with him I envied him (sometimes to the point of jealousy that he chose the bike over me).
After hopping on the back of a friends bike in college I was hooked, but never had the chance to ride again after that. Then, at the age of 47 I decided that I wanted to learn to ride. I had been happy enough riding as a passenger for three years, but seeing women riding their own bikes made me feel as if I was missing out on something. Ive ridden horses all my life and thought I should be able to learn to ride a chrome pony just as those other women had learned. I also loved the fact that it was such a social activity. As much as I love being a passenger, being in the drivers seat would give me a completely new perspective.
So, in November 2006 I signed up for the Riders Edge Course, but my journey took a few detours along the way. I had almost finished one day on the range and with only three more exercises to go I dumped the bike to avoid hitting others who were not paying attention (my braking skills were not yet formed for these situations) and wound up with the bike on my leg. I got back up and continued another exercise, but my hands were now numb and I was hurting badly. Even though I would have continued, the coaches and I thought it in the best interest of myself and the others to forfeit the course.
While waiting for the next course opening, I practiced on a 1986 Honda Rebel I owned, which reassured me that I did want to do this. I had to wait until July 2008 to get into another course. I aced the written test, but the first day on the course was not looking good. We had to delay our range work as the sky was ominously stormy. Finally we gave it a shot, trying to ride in the rain, waiting it out in our cars, back out in the rain until it poured so hard with lightening and thunder that the markers were floating away. We had to stop for the day. The next day was rained out, but we were given the option of signing up for the range part of the class at another time. I was beginning to think that this just wasnt meant to be and maybe God was telling me something, or my parents, who by the way knew I was taking the course.
In November 2007, exactly one year to the day I started this journey I questioned what the heck I was doing, but I joined the range part of the program. With each exercise I became more confident and actually started having fun! I was the only female in the group of six males. They thought it was great and, knowing my story, were all coaching me on. At the end of the range exam I had a perfect score and ironically had received the award for “Best Braking.”
I not only received my license by completing the course, but I learned that I had the stuff that dreams were made of. I had the perseverance and will to follow through and not give up.
Today I ride a 2007 Honda Shadow Aero 750. I bought the bike in October 2008, before I finished the course. I guess I knew I was going to do this!Im now 51 and realize that achieving a dream can never happen too late. It only enriches the future.
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