Currently a resident in Freeland, MI and have been riding
solo since 2003. Have had a lifelong love affair with
motorcycles, starting as a passenger on the back of my
cousin Gary's bike, and later on watching from the sidelines
as my brother and his friends took off on their dirt bikes,
leaving me in the dust! Let's just say the seed had
been planted at a very early age and I yearned to ride as
far back as I can remember...
The summer of 2003 I signed up to take the Motorcycle Safety
course at Delta College. This was a HUGE step for me, as I
never actually rode a bike by myself before. When we were
assigned our bikes the morning of our first session, I sat
there scared to death! I was all worked up because I never
learned how to shift a car, let alone a motorcycle! The
instructor told us to sit on our bikes and get a "feel" for
it. Now we were to open the petcock. When ready, start our
bikes and friction-clutch across the parking lot. Everyone
was on their way.....except me. The instructor came over
and asked if I was having a little trouble. "Is your fuel
on?"
Yep. "Did you try your ignition?"
err....uhh.....mmm....Where exactly would that be?? "That
would be your key; it's right here, go ahead and turn
it." And after several stalls, I managed to creep across
the parking lot and join my classmates!
I tell this story because it illustrates how ANYONE can
learn to ride a bike. Through sheer determination and
yearning I managed to accomplish a lifelong goal. It was
one of the most challenging and exhilarating moments in my
life...and I passed the class!!
A few weeks later, I purchased a 2003 Dyna Low Rider
Anniversary Edition from a private owner. I was too afraid
to ride it, so I asked the guy to bring it to my house. He
dropped it off and it sat in my garage for a week before I
had the courage to start it. My legs were shaking so bad
that I only circled the block. Gradually, my confidence
grew, and I started riding further and further. Eventually,
I rode to work. And now, I'll go just about anywhere!
As a final note, when I got the tag for my bike, I ordered a
vanity plate. "4TTUD" (fortitude) Very fitting, I must
say!
I have one son, Graham, who is fourteen years old. I am
hoping he takes an interest in riding so that we can see the
country and camp along the way. It's a great way to travel
and enjoy family time...you just never know what you're
going to find around that next bend.....
