Three years ago I surprised my husband, Rick, with a '92 Shadow VT1100C for his 50^th birthday.  It took a few two up rides to discover the bike was way too uncomfortable for both of us, so he graduated to a '02 Electra Glide Classic and I took the MSF course the following summer.  I didn’t complete it, but I did limp away learning never use the front brake on a sharp slow corner to stop: ended up in the hospital the following week.  BUT I did get my permit that riding season!

I practiced on the Shadow, decided it was too big for me and bought a 1986 Nighthawk CB450. That bike taught me the necessity of looking through a curve and counter steering (a story for another day). I also discovered the windshield on the CB450 is tiny and useless.  When I rode I did have bugs in my teeth (hair, glasses).

I took the MSF course the following year: passed without incident!  
Last Christmas Rick surprised me with a 93 Heritage Softail.  I really didn’t think I would ride it; it looked so big compared to the little Nighthawk. When the weather was warmer, of course we went right to Cablea’s parking lot to practice. I was totally surprised by the way it handled, I actually shifted into 5^th gear first time out!  I was so impressed with myself!

I managed to put a 1,000 miles on my Softail last year.    I discovered as with anything, the more you do it the better you get at it.  I haven’t ridden to far from home, once alone and twice on the highway about 50 minute’s total.   SO I have a lot to look forward to.  And I’ll never forget when it first hit me  when I was riding and I realized, hey this is fun and I’m having a great time – and now I actually look forward to riding again and again not like in the beginning when I was looking for any excuse not to ride.  I love the way air changes temperature when you hit those hidden cold pockets that only bikers feel and you’re more aware of your surroundings, it’s wonderful.