[inspiron]

So, I did it! I am now the proud owner of a Swiss "A" License - I can drive anything with 2 wheels, regardless of horsepower and thrust-to-weight ratio!

The test included a 5-part slow-manuver test (circles, figure-8s, slalom and giant slalom, slow lane and panic stops), which I passed back in July. The second part of the test was a 20-minute ride with the instructor on the pillion seat, riding through residential neighborhoods, city streets, roundabouts, and some mountain twisties. The first time I took this part, I failed because I entered an S-curve too fast and had to break while leaning. This morning, I was scheduled for a second try - and I passed!

There were two things that stick out in my mind about the ride this morning:
First, the mountain road had just been resurfaced and was covered with small stones - the only option was to follow the car tracks and try to save traction instead of riding the ideal line.

Second was the idiot who pulled a left turn in front of me, then wanted to cut back across the street into a parking space. Since I figured that he was going to do something stupid, I was on the brakes and able to stop long before I was in any danger.

In any case, I'm stoked - I can't wait to get out and enjoy the Black Forest from the back of a bike again!