Yes, I Laid It Down
Now that I’m “street legal” I’m motorcycle shopping for the TRADEOFFS ROAD TRIP.
Here’s a little video of me doing the “quick stop” exercise in this past weekend’s course.
Tamela’s “Quick Stop” from TamelaRich on Vimeo.
Let the shopping begin
Yesterday I drove a sweet Triumph Bonneville. I felt sort of like I’d moved from a Shetland pony to a Thoroughbred race horse in the course of a weekend. I’m no gearhead, but even I know that 865cc means a LOT of engine.
It didn’t necessarily get off to a great start. Pulling out of the dealership, the ultra-responsive throttle on that big engine got ahead of me and, horrors, I laid it down.
Dealing with adversity
You can judge a person pretty well by the way they deal with adversity. Having survived childbirth, teenagers, three tours of duty in corporate America and closing down an unprofitable business, I’ve had plenty of experience. I picked the bike up (by myself, all 495 pounds of it), apologized for the lapse and waited for the berating to begin. Thankfully it was not forthcoming.
The owner of the dealership was concerned about me and shrugged off the broken clutch handle. Nary a raised eyebrow. He pushed the bike back to the shop, got a technician to replace the handle, and off we went for my test drive. This bodes well — if I buy the Bonnie it will definitely be from Mark Engle.
What I like about the Bonnie: it’s a bike I can grow into without growing out of. I like the sweet purr of the engine — don’t try to sell me something that grumbles or whines. Both my feet touch the ground when I’m astride. I know I can pick it up by myself (!) and it’s pretty. There, I said it, “it’s pretty.”
I’m also planning to test drive a BMW G650, a CAN-AM Spyder and a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
Any other suggestions out there, bikers? Remember, I’ve got a 28″ inseam and a cruiser is bad for my back. It’ll have to be a standard or touring bike.
Oh goodness… Well maybe that was your one.
I used to tell new riders no matter what your confidence level at some point you will lay it down. We all have, we all will, it’s a part of doing something that has a higher risk. It’s all in how you handle it.
Glad you’re alright. Hey you know the rules too, if you lay it down you owe us all a beer.
Having ridden horses as a kid (when my parents footed the bill!) I know how important it is to get back on after a fall. I suppose in the scheme of things it was good to “get it out of the way.”
Don’t broadcast to Mothers Against Drunk Driving that bikers have a beer rule!
There are two types of people in the world: Those who have laid their bike down, and those who admit it. Glad you’re OK! Kudos for getting back up and on the iron horse.
I think you’ll like the Bonnie (although admittedly, I haven’t ridden the others).
As for my beer, I prefer Guinness.
Ah, that makes me feel like part of the club! Got my initiation over early, eh?
What a trooper. Get home, I miss my friend.