jclax01
Saint Louis
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Joined: 10/24/2007
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Just wanted to introduce myself.
James out of Saint Louis mo.
I just got into riding (at 41 years old no less). Got my first bike about 1-1/2 months ago (1983 Kaw 550 ltd), loved riding but needed a bigger bike. The following week, I traded the week old purchase and bought my current bike. 1997 Virago 1100s.
A little funny story about me learning to ride and getting my M endorsement on my liscense.
I took the Iron Horse training class (excellant class for those in St. Louis Area at any level of riding experience). Anyway I took the class about 2 weeks after getting my first bike. Now I had never rode a motorcycle in my life, but I "taught" myself and had over 100 miles or riding experience prior to taking the class. Anyway I took the class and got through it pretty well. I decided to get my M endorsement road test after the class since it was fresh in memory. I was taking the DMV test with this guy who prior to taking the test was bragging that he had been riding for over 20 years. You may guess the rest, I passed and he flunked it.
Anyway I will be posting a pic of my ride after I upload one to the net.
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Vstar-Guy
USA
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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Welcome to the world of biking! I started riding when I was 62! That was 5 yrs. ago. I figured with the kids all grown and gone....now it was my turn to indulge myself. Getting past the wife was tough. Once she agreed ..... the rest is history. Turned out I really like it. I always advise people to take the state sponsored MSC, but DON'T TAKE IT IN THE SUMMER. Even in CT, July and Aug. are the two months one wants to avoid. I flunked the first course I took. I took it in Aug during one miserable heat wave. Didn't drop the bike, just screwed up on some of the exercises like the "figure 8". The following May I took it again and had no problem. Enjoy the board and riding.
Ride Safely
In order to Ride Safely you must Expect the Unexpected!
The RIDE is the Destination!
Always Remember: Stupid Hurts!
VStarGuy
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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Welcome to a great group, looking forward to hearing more.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
-Doug Larson
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Z50a
not where I want to be
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Joined: 07/08/2006
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Welcome to the 2 wheeled world !
Get Some Good GEAR - ATGATT (All The GEAR, All The TIME)
Ride Safe !
...may the wind be in your face and the Lord in your heart"
- FTW
-- It's about the Ride!
For those who have experienced it, no explanation is necessary; for those who haven't, no explanation is possible.
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Vstar-Guy
USA
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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Forgot to mention that this is a great board to be on. There are a lot of good people that will share some good information. I like to spread good tips so if you are looking for some leather check out Leatherup.com.
Ride Safely
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arthurn
Beltsville, MD
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Joined: 11/29/2005
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Sorry I'm Johnny come lately. Welcome to the forum and to the world of cycling. I started late myself. Rode mini bikes as a kid. Didn't ride a real bike until I was 47. Been loving it ever since. I got about 27000 on my bike and can't get enough. Looking forward to taking off some time and seeing the country. Anyhow, didn't mean to ramble. Happy riding.
Arthurn
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kzgb
Lake Effect, Indiana
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Joined: 03/30/2003
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used to ride a 97 virago 1100, traded it in for my victory. the virago is a great bike. welcome to the sweet addiction.
1976 Kawasaki KZ900LTD
2004 Victory Vegas
Only a Motorcyclist knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window
too see my bikes click here....
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buddman54
Manchester, NH
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Joined: 11/25/2007
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Welcome to the Group. Took the MSF course a couple of years ago and flunk it the first time by 1 point. Re took the ERC course two months later and passed. Am 53 this December and just getting back into riding.
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4-Bike Dave
Michigan
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Joined: 07/03/2007
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A little funny story about my cycle endorsement riding test...
Back in 1977, MSC courses either did not exist, or I was unaware of same. I bought my first road bike after 4 years of riding dirt (which I strongly would recommend, BTW) - a twin cylinder Kaw 750. My previous bike was a Suzuki RM250 tricked out for racing, which I thought I would try. I never raced, but I practiced hard. Hole shots, of course, are an important part of MX racing.
Anyway, I rode the 750 to the Secretary of State office to take the written and riding test. They promised they wouldn't ask how I got the bike there for the riding test. I passed the written part and joined the instructor in the parking lot for the riding part. They didn't have the famous "figure 8" requirement back then, or much else of a formal nature. The instructor told me, "Do a quick start and a quick stop". Say no more!
I idled the bike to the other side of the parking lot and lined up facing the instructor. I pulled in the clutch, bumped the gear shift lever into second, leaned forward until by chest was on the handle bars, opened the throttle all the way and popped the clutch - a proper MX hole shot. I shot across the amazingly short parking lot in record time, and got on the binders in time to come to a stop right in front of him. I was pretty proud of myself! Never even had to shift! I turned my head to see how I had done, and the instructor looked scared to death! "I didn't mean THAT FAST he yelled!" (like it was MY fault).
The gods were with me though, and he granted the endorsement. 30 years later, the smiles keep coming.
Ride safe. Ride often. Welcome to the club (have you learned the biker wave?).
Dave
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arthurn
Beltsville, MD
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Joined: 11/29/2005
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I would have loved to have seen that. Way to go.
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