Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

while my Sporty is sitting in my garage.....

Was in safety class on 4/26. Bought myself a taxi ride via ambulance to hospital. Backboard is so comfortable.Needless to say I am fine and my class will need to be rescheduled. I had eye, hand, foot coordination issues. Can't find neutral well. Learned that riding a motorcycle is more than just jumping a bike, starting the engine and going like bat outta hell. I let off the clutch too fast I surged. That creates a chain reaction, I forget where the foot brake is, forget where the hand brake is, and forget to reapply the clutch. All of this happened in what seemed like a split second. I hit a light pole with my head after I hit it with the motorcycle. I was going at the most 10-15 MPH. The helmet saved me from traumatic injury of my head. My quad muscles and knees are sore cause I tensed up. As I hit, I hit the gas tank with my pubic area and I have some bruised bone there. I had an x-ray of the pelvis/pubic area - all is fine. Got tested and examined - everything was clear. No broken bones, no blood clots, no blood in urine. All I have is bruises and sore muscles.

Kept replaying things in my mind, thinking about what happened and what I did wrong. Besides my body being sore and bruised, my ego was incredibly bruised. Not telling any of my friends, co-workers, or friends - don't need them throwing this in face and saying "I told you so" and other BS. You would not believe the grief I have been getting from people since I purchased OZ and got him home. Just don't want to hear their crap.

So, after much consideration and seeking the advice of my seasoned motorcycle riding friends I got my learner's permit - even tho Connecticut will charge me again for a full license.

I found a used 1987 clean Honda Rebel on Craigslist. I am learning on this first. Although I am dying to ride my Sporty, I am not ready for that big boy yet. My rescheduled Motorcycle Safety Class is slated to start June 5. I have slowly been practicing in town. My miles travelled have increased with each day. My confidence is increasing. I refuse to let a 600 pound machine defeat me.

This is why the Honda Rebel 250 is my training wheels for my OZ. I am taking my time and not rushing things. Each day is easier and each mile is contributing to my skill level, self confidence, and one step closer to riding my Sporty.

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

The important thing Carol, is that you only have minor bumps and bruises. My big bike sat in the garage for two months until I could take the class on a 250 kawa. When you finish the class getting familiar with the big bike will come relatively easy. Be patient. The big bike will be waiting.

Ride Safe.

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

After all that and you're still determined to ride, you're gonna be fine. Who cares what you learn on. Have fun with the class and ride safe.

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

Thank you Coastrider....

I love my Harley. You see, my dad always had one. This combined with the fact that I am finally doing what I *WANT* to do and not what people *EXPECT* me to do. I eager to put that beautiful machine between my legs...but I am not ready for that big boy yet. He isn't going any where. I know that. I close the garage door every day knowing he is safe, while knowing I am going to be safer learning on something smaller before I ride that bronco. Thank you my new friend...thank you....
Carol

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

I agree it does matter what you learn on. Glad to see that you weren't discouraged. Welcome from Florida.

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

mjmangus

thank you for your encouraging words...yes at first I was discouraged. For a bit after my crash I had the hardest time walking past my Sporty. Of course in hindsight, it was a good thing that to access my house I go through the garage and I *HAD* to walk by him. As my sore muscles got better and my bruises faded, I began to hold my head higher. I was able to proudly walk past my Sporty, saying to myself that I am not about to let him - that 600 pound machine beat me...I am going to dominate hiim - of course respectfully - but dominate him....

Carol

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

Jim34744
thank you for your encouragement....
Darlin', where are you in Florida? Lived in Greenacres for 22 years.
Also, it looks like we have the same Harley's....cousins.....
Carol

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

Carol,

I have always said that there are two types of riders; those that have gone down, and those that will.
Not a pessamist, just don't trust cagers. Bottom line, there is no shame in getting up close and personal with a light pole and your determination to get back in the saddle speaks volumes about your courage and spirit.

Good luck, and ride, just ride.

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

well glad you are doing ok you got determination you will be fine congrats and good luck

RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
 

Way to go Carol......practiced on a Buell Blast while my FLHTC sat in the garage

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...t2/flhtc_3.jpg