Newbie - first 500 mi reflection

[Izzy]

I have now broken 500 mi and should break 600 in the next day or two. I am hooked! I really like riding. I find myself taking the long way just about anywhere. I am feeling much more confident. In fact I now find that I need to remind self that I am just a rookie and should back off.

I am developing what I call a "considerate aggressive" riding behavior. In an attempt to give myself space, I tend to accelerate away from traffic and/or make my presense aware to all traffic around me. Its also fun to do this simply because I can This tends to make me ride in a somewhat aggressive manner, but not in a careless manner.

Registered for MSF class. Classes at a local college are booked approx 3 weeks in advance, so I am scheduled for classes the weekend of July 24.

Riding gear, after reading many posts and articles I decided to allways wear gear. At least for now anyway. I purchased a mesh jacket with armor for the summer and allways wear my riding gloves. Also picked up a pair of SIDI Escape light weight riding boots http://host113.ipowerweb.com/~metric...;ppinc=search2 I really like these. They are very sturdy yet light in weight. Provide much better footing and shifting than the hicking boots I was using. I can tell these boots will be very comfortable to wear on a daily basis.

It is time to consider the 600 mi maintenance. I plan on doing some of this myself probably next week as I hope to spend the weekend riding. I at least plan on changing the oil myselft. I am considering taking it into the dealer to check the valve clearance and anything else I don't think I can handle yet.

I had an opportunity to ride a Harley Superglide Sport. Very powerful bike. However, it was nowhere near as nimble or smooth as my little Intruder 800. I did not feel comfortable riding this larger bike and switched back before I got myself into trouble. Though I'm sure with some practice time on it I'd be fine.

I'm ooking forward to my next 500 mi.

Hope you all have a great 4th of July.

Keep safe!

[98G]

The word you're looking for to describe the riding style is "assertive".

Be careful. You're no longer scared to death. You're more likely to do something that will kill you in the next 5k miles than you were in the first 500 miles.

98G

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by 98G

The word you're looking for to describe the riding style is "assertive".

Be careful. You're no longer scared to death. You're more likely to do something that will kill you in the next 5k miles than you were in the first 500 miles.

98G

Hey, wait a minute. I thought I read somewhere that if I make it past the first 500 miles then I'm home free, Indestructable, why even invincible! {BG}
While I might be "assertive", I know damn well that flying off in any direction can be deadly. No matter how assertive I might ride, I absolutely think safety first. If I can't see around a vehicle, curve, or hill, I cautiously approach. But if I have some road, well then its PARTY TIME!