- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 15 years ago by LanceD.
New rider in NC
-
AuthorPosts
-
April 20, 2009 at 2:38 am #2728BuddhaDogParticipant
Hello everyone,
Want to take a minute to introduce myself. I’ve been visiting this site for almost a year, trying hard to learn as much as possible before getting a bike. I’ve wanted to ride for many years, and just lately been able to get started. Without this site, I had thought I would get a bike and learn to ride; after such good advice from Ben and all the members and guest on this site, though, I realized I needed to take the BRC first, move down a couple steps in my idea of a “first” bike, and just take my time.
I live in the Charlotte area, which has great access to mountains, country roads and the beach, but the traffic through town can get scary; I guess it’s the NASCAR influence — everyone’s just racin’. Had thought of a 250 (looked long & hard at a really nice Virago 250), but in the BRC, I thought the 250s were slow in accelerating. I decided I wanted something a little quicker off the line, to help get through the multiple-lane intersections around town. I chose a gently used 2001 Suzuki Savage. Lots of giddyup but still mild enough for a beginner. That year still had the buckhorn handlebars, giving it a little chopper feel. The typical backfire is there, of course, but I’m getting used to it. I’ve already realized it will take a good long time before my skills are beyond what the bike is capable of.
Just been riding for a few weeks, exploring the roads near home. As luck would have it, every weekend when I’m free to ride, it rains. Going to take my time, build my skill and work my way up to longer rides. No hurry for the iron-butt all-day ride yet.
Ride safe.
April 20, 2009 at 4:30 am #17868MunchParticipantWelcome! you a native or….well non… anyway…you come out to central NC around Raleigh let me know.
Smart of you to take your time and learn everything you can. It’s been probably about 15 years since I been out your way but I can only imagine what Charlotte has gotten like. Also side note… check the legal section in the forums.
Keep us up to date and have fun!April 22, 2009 at 4:01 am #17950LanceDParticipantCongrats on the new bike, I’m a new rider too. I had the SAME experience (first couple of weekends, the weather was crappy). If I may give one bit of advice: take a look at the ‘Ride Like a Pro’ DVDs and do LOTS of parking lot practice. I’m trying to get as much practice as I can (highway, parking lot, bad weather, etc…), but practicing tight U-turns and cone-weaves in a parking lot have given me a lot more confidence and made me a lot more comfortable with the size and weight of the bike…
Just my $0.02.
Again, congrats!
Lance -
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.