So... I had the scariest but the best day since I've purchase my little red machine!
Today, Mr C2 came to pick me up and took me out for my 1st night ride around to Bondi, through Maroubra Road and finally to Coffee. It was peak hour going home traffic and riding at night makes it just that bit scarier! Anyway, I made it all the way back to Coffee with shaky hands... but I still manage to do it! And it was the 1st time I parked unassisted at a place other than my shoebox house. Mr C2 also gave me some tips on lane positioning...
1) Try not to ride in the middle of the road if possible. This is because of the oil stains from cars and during rainy days, it can be very slippery
2) Position yourself on the road to be seen and to protect your lane. For example, if you're a 1 way lane going one direction and the other lane in the opposite direction, stay to the right of your lane. That way any traffic trying to turn out from your left has a higher chance of spotting you. And... If you're on a two way lane going in the same direction and you're on the right lane, stay on the left to protect your lane... if a car sees a gap because you're towards the right hand side of the lane, the car sees a gap and not you!
Mr C2 also taught me how to handle my bike while not sitting on it. Always have my hips against the bike to support the weight... that way, there is much less chance of losing control and dropping the bike.
The final and most exciting 1st!!! I told Mr C2 at the end of the night that I was going to give it a shot and ride home on my own for the 1st time!... !!! It was all but a 30s ride... a left, another left, a right, 2 more lefts and a final right! It was an incredibly short distance but still, I did it on my own! YIPEE!!!
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