Day 1 of a 50+ lady learning to ride a motorcycle
Am I raving mad?
Clearly, I am not the lovely lady riding in the above photograph. I have multiple years and at least 2 stones to shed, I need to grow at least another 6 inches, have longer hair and dye it black. Nevertheless, whilst riding pillion on our Harley XL883 Iron Sportster, I fantasise that I am.
For years I have always wanted to learn to ride. My dad and brother had a bike, my boyfriend now husband had one, even my younger son had one and putting my mum through the agony of worrying about my safety, wasn't something that I was prepared to do. Now that I'm a much bigger girl (in more ways than one) and my darling mum is no longer with us, I have decided to take the plunge.
Being a lady mature in years, does not preclude me from the latest DVSA laws and I needed to participate in the Compulsory Bike Test (CBT). This was an interesting experience to say the least. Connor, my wonderful instructor was half my age, was extremely patient and took me through all the rudimentary elements required to ride a motorcycle safely. I mastered these well and was later let loose on the driving folk of Folkestone. Little did I realise that certain members of the Folkestone driving community are completely merciless when confronted with an overweight, geriatric wannabe biker chick. One motorist decided that 30 mph was far too slow when leaving a roundabout and proceeded to overtake me when just leaving the exit onto on coming traffic, whilst squeezing between them, me and my riding instructor. A little further on my training journey I turned onto Sandgate road and just reached the brow of Sandgate hill when an Audi R8 decided to do exactly the same manoeuvre. This I forgave as an R8 happens to be my favourite car. The final major incident that occurred during the same journey happened on Princes Parade in Hythe. Not only did this particular driver, in a strange looking pimped up van, try to take me out he almost killed my lovely instructor. Only at the last minute was tragedy averted and the van driver realised that he couldn't pass Connor and anchored on his brakes. He later told me that this CBT ride out was one of the worst that he had encountered, so I took it that things could only get better. Despite these motoring mishaps I had a brilliant time and has not detracted me from my goal to attain my A category motorcycle licence. Can't wait for my next trip out, hopefully it will not be quite so eventful. Watch this space!