GETTING BACK ON THE HORSE…ER…HOG.
By Marian Merritt

January 14, 2004 I enrolled in the Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course offered by Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling. The scheduled course was eight weeks away so I had plenty of time to psyche-up for the event. This may sound like a minor feat to many of you “hard core” bikers, but for me this was a true act of faith and overcoming fear.

Growing up with “anti-motorcycle” parents who saw little need to ride or own one, I had not been exposed to motorcycles.
 
At 17, my first experience on a motorcycle proved to be one of joy and sorrow. I rode with a friend on a small grass, airplane landing strip. I still remember the coolness of the wind blowing against my face and how my long hair flew out behind us.
 
Fascinated by the bike, I enjoyed the exhilaration of “flying” down that airstrip. Later the same day my friend asked if I wanted to learn to ride. I had not yet come down to earth from the earlier bike ride. So feeling pretty cocky, I immediately said YES…

Ten minutes later I lay on the ground under the motorcycle. I thank God I had not been physically injured, but my confidence had been shaken to the core.
 
That was 26 years ago and I have not attempted to learn to ride a motorcycle since.
  
It's been an ironic twist of fate that I married a man who's owned motorcycles all his life. Riding has been an integral part of his life and he’s enjoyed sharing his love of riding with me. My husband’s confidence in me has always been greater than I have in myself and his support has been instrumental in getting me to take this leap of faith.

In the 17 years we’ve been together, I’ve always been content to be a passenger and enjoy the scenery on our rides together. Any thoughts of owning and riding my own bike have been quickly dismissed. The memory of my first “fall” comes back to haunt me and I’ve allowed the fear to control my choices.

This commitment to ride is about overcoming that fear and “getting back on the horse” even if it has been 26 years, a few more pounds, and 8 inches less hair. It’s about accomplishing something that I never thought I could and about not wanting to leave my teenage daughter at home alone while my husband and I ride.
  
As the course date approached, I diligently worked on the questions in the assigned workbook and completed the study guide. The workbook overflowed with information and I learned a great deal from the study guide.
 
“THE” day finally arrived and I walked into the classroom at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Baton Rouge, Inc that Thursday evening with butterflies in my stomach. Of the eleven students present, three of us were female. The instructor began with general “getting to know” one another exercises which helped ease the anxiety in the room. The main focus of the course he informed us would be on safe operation of a motorcycle and having FUN! This helped to settle the butterflies, but I still felt some apprehension.
We were given a roadbook to journal our thoughts in throughout the course. At each break, the instructor asked a question that we were to answer in our book. This was a great way to capture our thoughts and view our progression over the weekend. Friday evening the butterflies were in full swing by the time I left the classroom. We would meet out on the range at 8:00 am the next morning to begin riding.

After having slept very little the night before, I arrived at the course on Saturday morning. Out on the range were eleven Buell® Blast® motorcycles lined up awaiting riders. What have I gotten myself into? More butterflies.

The instructors wasted no time in getting us on the bikes. After a thorough review of the controls, we began pushing the bikes around using our legs. I knew then I would be sore the next morning. This was not what I signed up for. I silently prayed that I had a good supply of pain tablets.

Less than an hour later …I actually picked my feet off the ground and rode a Motorcycle! It felt really great to be controlling the bike. I began to understand the lure of this sport and why so many are addicted.

With four attempts at shifting into 2nd gear with three successes (neutral got in the way), I felt great. I actually turned the bike and maintained balance.(I still thank God for small favors.)

As I became more comfortable riding I pulled back on the throttle just a little more than I should have while shifting and hadn’t had that kind of adrenaline rush in a long time. Took a while for my heart to return to regular rhythm. Let’s just say, the Lord knows how to keep me humble.
  
As we continued with the exercises, I did things after three hours that I would not have imagined. We weaved in/out of cones, learned basic turning techniques, and most importantly, adjusting speed with the throttle. We were given many opportunities to perform each exercise and given the necessary feedback after each attempt. The curves were fun and it felt great to roll on the throttle through a curve.

  
Saturday night I was exhausted. I’d used muscles in this course I’d forgotten I had. Doubts about going back on Sunday crept in. Why? Who knows? Maybe that old fear sneaking in…

Sunday morning turned out to be enjoyable. We worked on swerving to avoid an obstruction, driving over obstacles, sudden stops and slow tight turns. These exercises were fun, except for the slow tight turns. Those were a real challenge for me. Making a “Circle Eight” in a ten by twenty foot box was the objective and there is something about looking behind you when you’re turning that is still difficult to grasp. Oh, that counterbalancing technique…more practice needed with that one. But, I’m not too macho to put my foot down if need be. I do know that I can stop the bike quickly without locking the brakes. Grin.

As evaluation time approached, the anxiety level kicked up. I still had not mastered the slow turns and felt frustrated. The instructors were great at reinforcing the positive and kept encouraging me to do well. They reminded the group that making mistakes was part of the learning process.
 
I sighed with relief when the evaluation ended. Although I’d made mistakes, I passed.

Sunday evening brought both mental and physical exhaustion. It had been a long time since my emotions had run the gambit from exhilaration to disappointment, from fear to feeling like I was on top of the world. There were times during the exercises when I prayed to get through them and times when I couldn’t quit smiling.
 
What a weekend. And it wasn’t over yet…the written evaluation loomed ahead.

Upon entering the classroom on Monday evening, a white and orange cake with RIDER’S EDGE® written in black, awaited the returning 10 classmates (1 person decided motorcycle riding was not for him). Our instructor completed the remaining instruction and we watched the necessary films. This was done with an element of fun when possible and seriousness when necessary. The written exam went much better than the course evaluation.

Upon reflection, I’ve learned a lot about riding a motorcycle safely and a lot about myself. This experience with learning to ride was quite different than my first one. Riding a motorcycle is more than hopping on and figuring things out as you go. It’s not something to take lightly and requires a commitment to safety. Riding proficiently requires practice and is an exercise of mental clarity and visual acuity.

Being safe and knowledgeable ensures that the experience will be one of joy and not sorrow. I’ve learned the basic skills to operate a motorcycle and have just enough fear to remember to be safe and not do anything that is beyond my current skill level. That 17 year-old cockiness…long gone.

The skills taught in the classroom and on the range have increased my awareness of motorcycles while driving my vehicle. I actually look and listen for them.

I’m thankful I’ve completed this course and would recommend it to anyone thinking of buying a motorcycle. The course is a great way to determine if riding is for you. It’s much better to discover you’re not the biker you thought after a small investment in the course versus a large investment in a motorcycle, or worse, a mishap on your bike. It’s also a way to embark on a journey of fun that can last a lifetime.

Having overcome a fear and done something that I never dreamed I could, feels great.

I’m currently increasing my riding skills on my 2004 Road King® Classic Harley Davidson, while my husband and daughter ride on his 2004 Road King®.
 
 How did it feel getting back on the hog after 26 years?

I wouldn’t suggest waiting that long, but it’s nice to know that’s it’s never too late and you’re never too old to accomplish what you set out to do.

  

Copyright © 2004 by Marian Merritt