Time files! I've now had my bike for 3 full months! I've gone from not knowing how to ride to riding almost every night and most weekends. All thanks to some incredible people who helped me with the bike purchase, who taught me important riding skills, who accompanied on every ride and who provided me with all the much needed encouragement! =) This has been my progress over the last 3 months...
AUGUST MONTH
First three weeks of August (perhaps the most testing time):: During this period, it was all about a couple of carpark sessions, trying to ride the little loop in my estate and testing my newly found skills on the main road. It was also trying to learn how to turn within my own lane (yes, I was a big danger to other road users - I'm better now), stopping at traffic lights and taking off without stalling.
Last week of August:: Continued riding on the main roads and in traffic with the unlucky few who volunteered (THANK YOU!!). Conducted my first night ride and being taught how to defend my lane and knowing where to position the bike. Learnt how to do uphill starts on the steepest hill.
SEPTMBER MONTH
Early September:: Did my first "big" ride to the National Park and clocked 154km. Started going on weeknight rides and also doing more and more weekend rides. Rode my bike to coffee for the first time.
Mid September:: Attempted another big ride only to find out I didn't know to change gears according to the situation and hence during uphills, my bike can't keep up. The next weekend, I attempted another big ride and it turned out slightly more successful. This was a 350km ride with a couple of hairpin turns!
End September:: Progressively doing more weeknight rides and more weekend rides through the national park. Rode on my own (return trip) in very heavy traffic due to road blocks, learnt to manage and shift my weight while at a standstill in a wind tunnel, rode on my own (return) for the first time to run an errand. Continued practising gear change.
OCTOBER MONTH
First half of October:: No riding as I was away on holidays.
Second half of October:: Discovered how to control the bike using friction point, throttle and rear brake. I FINALLY understand what people have been telling me. Continued with more weeknight and weekend rides. Started to do more riding on my own. Started practising cone weaving, emergency braking and U-turns.
SPECIAL THANKS!
In particular, a special thank you and lots of credit to Mr M2 who's accompanied me on almost every ride. He somehow managed to convince me to go out riding almost every weeknight which in turn allowed me to practice each newly found skill, who only ever encouraged me to keep riding, for keeping me positive despite all my negativeness and skepticism and who never pushed me beyond my limits! You are one very very patient man Mr M2! and did I tell you You're the Best too!! =)) THANKSS!!
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