It's official. I passed the motorcycle school class. I got a few points off for not turning tightly enough in the u-turn box, and not going fast enough in the turn test. But here's why: the bike I'd used the day before started up and just didn't seem to get warm. I kept the choke out, I tried real hard, I revved the engine. I tried to keep a positive outlook but it started to suck more and more. I spent all my time trying to keep the bike running and no time paying attention to all of the turning exercises. It is the worst to be one of the only girls and be the one who can't manage your bike. It does not give a good name to girls, and it does not get the best treatment from all your male classmates. I stalled at every start. One instructor just kept telling me to pull out the choke (it was fully open) and the other gave a pause and said "that piece of shit is only firing on one cylinder!" He said he'd see if we could get a different bike out at the break.
He did, and then I could finally pay attention and ride the thing. The clutch lever wasn't as far a reach for my little girlie hands either… neither was the brake. I could find neutral. What a difference. So I passed. We all passed. I can't believe they unleash us on the roads like this. There is no way most of us are good enough to go out into traffic. I need to practice. I also need to ride my own nice little light bike. There will be some working on it this week, and then hopefully next weekend, a little practice run. Very exciting. Also very dangerous.
Posted by allison at April 24, 2006 03:43 PMCongratulations!
Posted by: sonia at April 25, 2006 07:26 PM"I can't believe they unleash us on the roads like this."
It is not unlike the folly of giving a license (auto) to a 16 year-old. Even so, it seems to work out, most of the time.
Four wheels, or two, it's usually the decision making that gets people in trouble. If you (as you said that you would) practice, and plan, you'll get good; nothing to do with gender. "Dudes" who are overconfident after that class will go to the hospital.
Congrats, and continued good luck.
Posted by: at May 6, 2006 12:56 PM