So, this past
weekend I took and passed my Motorcycle Safety Class, and will be
able to get my motorcycle license in about a month. Woo Hoo! One of the things they emphasize in class--for safety's sake--is the acronym: ATGATT. This stands for:"All The Gear, All The Time." This means you must wear protective gear (most car drivers do not see motorcyclists, and all that is between you and the pavement is your own skin if you are not wearing protective gear). Gear includes full length jeans, ankle high boots, jean/leather jacket, leather gloves, goggles/eye protection and a HELMET. So--I got my gear--and was very careful to wear it at all times. In fact, I was so concentrating on this fact, that I missed the obvious (a rather normal occurrence in my life) and FORGOT TO WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! Therefore, I got a sunburn on my face like you would not believe! It was very overcast this past weekend—and although I wore my polarized goggles... Let's just say I look like a raccoon in reverse! LOL!
I have wanted to ride a motorcycle for YEARS—ever since age 8 when one of my neighbors got a minibike—and didn't share it. :( My father did get me a motorcycle (1968 Honda 90cc) when I was a senior in high school—but I could only take back roads. The gears seized up if you went over 30mph! Here is a picture of what it looked like:
I have wanted to ride a motorcycle for YEARS—ever since age 8 when one of my neighbors got a minibike—and didn't share it. :( My father did get me a motorcycle (1968 Honda 90cc) when I was a senior in high school—but I could only take back roads. The gears seized up if you went over 30mph! Here is a picture of what it looked like:
So, it was high time I got back on a bike--and the course was only $20! It was taught by some fantastic folks (Thanks Ted and Jim!) and had some very supportive classmates. My only challenge was the motorcycle that I was assigned to for class was a Honda 250cc Nighthawk that refused to stay in neutral! LOL! Halfway through the class they finally changed me over to a Suzuki. Overall though, I had a BLAST!
Lets just say the sunburn was worth it--I learned so much! This is a great metaphor for life. When we do new things and take risks, we are likely to get a few scrapes/burns in the process. And sometimes, more often than not, I miss the obvious. But, it is still worth branching out, risking, and growing! I will never forget how to ride--and whenever I do get my own bike--I will be sure to wear sunblock (ATGATT!!!)
