Crash & Burn

Well, this passed weekend was my M1 exit course with RTI....and of course, it had to rain on both days!! However, the course was well-run and we actually learned how to ride motorcycles!! It was awesome and after day 1, I started thinking that I really do want a motorcycle. It was fun riding them and shifting gears - very similar to driving a standard car - just a lot more to think about - sportier almost.

Day 2 was test day...and also still raining. They showed us some defensive moves and we got to practice for the test. It finally stopped raining by test time. There were 8 tests that we had to do and there was only room for 11 demerit points. The first test was very difficult - I did not complete it once during the practice - and almost cried as one instructor was telling me what I was doing wrong! It was very frustrating!! Anyways, we all lined up and started the testing - one by one for each test. With the first tests out of the way, I was thinking okay, I'm doing pretty good - maybe a few demerit points here and there...but overall, not bad with only 3 tests left - and the easy ones!

So, test number 6 was testing our emergency stopping abilities - get into 2nd gear and drive through the markers (while being timed between the 2 sets) then, do an emergency stop when given the signal by the instructor standing in front of you. So, off I go, started in first, shifted to second, got the signal to stop - applied the brakes and....crashed and burned. I caused a rear tire skid on the wet pavement and the bike went down on me!!! OUCH! And, because I dropped the bike...I knew I failed. In hindsight, I was probably going too fast and slammed on the brakes too hard - my own bad judgement.

The instructors came rushing over to get the bike off me - I moved off the course. And I cried and cried! I was so upset with myself - I knew how to do that emergency stop - I practiced it all day!! Deb (one of the instructors) ensured me that had done a really great job all weekend, and even instructors go down. My injuries....really badly bruised and swollen, and slightly scraped up left knee, a gash with bruising and swelling on my right leg, and a partially sprained left hand that is swollen and bruising more each day, and a little bruising on my left cheekbone! (note to self: get a full face helmet). - Sorry I don't have any pics of my injuries to post...

After everyone else finished their testing, Deb came over to me and told me that I had only incurred 3 demerit points up to my fall - so I would have passed no problem - if I hadn't crashed!! Oh well, now I know what not to do the next time - and hopefully it is not raining. So, I think I may take the retest this Sunday - it's free!! You go after the class has finished testing, they give you 1 hour to practice and then they test you. Wishe me luck and keep your fingers crossed!!!

Anyways, despite the crash, I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is thinking about getting a motorcycle or scooter - it really does teach you to ride safely and defensively!!