Let’s just dive right in, shall we? I was 37 when motorcycles first grabbed my attention. Before that year, motorcycles were just part of the background, outside of my purview. But in 2019, two friends of mine in completely separate conversations and unacquainted with each other, both recommended that I take the beginner MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course.
At this point in my life I had never even breathed in the general direction of these two-wheeled monstrosities. Right away I could see how I could benefit from taking this course. First, they provide the motorcycles and helmets. Second, and more importantly, by taking this three day course I could learn something about myself that at the time I didn’t already know: Would I enjoy it?
So I booked an MSF course to coincide with the trip I had already planned to my mom’s in Hawaii. The course was taught at Leeward Community College. It cost $250 and the price of a bandana from Target and some gloves I got from Cycle City. Long sleeves, pants, and above ankle shoes were also required.
I already knew how to drive a stick so that helped with the shifting portion. My U-turns needed work but at the end of the course I passed. They said when I was ready I could use my MSF certificate to get a motorcycle endorsement on my driver’s license. No DMV riding test! And the best part? I LOVED it. Riding that little 200cc Suzuki Van Van was entirely foreign to me and it took all of my focus to operate. Each movement, seat position, or twist of the throttle was a fascinating sensory experience. I left Hawaii in Feb 2020 refreshed, tanned, and ready to buy a motorcycle.
It took a year to actually buy one. Shortly after I got back from my trip COVID was running amok, the country was shutting down, and there was not a roll of toilet paper to be found. By the end of that year I had needed and luckily found a new job, which brought me to Las Vegas. I found and bought my first bike about a month after I moved.
A 2007 Ducati Monster 695 for $3500 that I found on the Cycle Trader app. As a brand new motorcycle owner I had no idea the trouble I got myself into by purchasing a used Ducati. My best friend Paul warned me about the trouble with used bikes and even worse, used Italian bikes. But I’m stubborn. After riding 2500 miles it was leaking oil from the engine. The layshaft seal to be exact. Diagnosed by the Ducati dealership in town, they refused to work on it because ”It would cost more than the bike is worth.” I was heartbroken. What was a girl to do?
So I got another bike! With hindsight being 20/20 and all, I decided to get a brand new 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 to avoid further maintenance issues. It hasn’t disappointed. I’m about to break 7k miles.
The first year of riding was stressful and uncomfortable, more work than fun. Learning the most basic of tasks and trying to be proficient at them. Nothing is second nature, there is no muscle memory yet, and thought process is pieced together haphazardly instead of seamlessly. Sometimes I wondered if I made the wrong choice. Like I said, I’m stubborn.
Three months ago I told myself I wanted to get over this awkward phase. So I became obsessed with road time. Going through my favorite local twisty road 3 or 4 times in a row (Red Rock Canyon) almost every day. It was during this time that I realized a few things about body position and repetition. I could feel myself getting exponentially better. After about 2 and a half months of the Red Rock diaries I was invited to ride to Tahoe with a group of experienced riders. Roughly ten hours of hard riding for 4 days. It was perfect for someone like me who wanted to soak up knowledge and experience. By day 3 I was in the zone. By day 4 I didnt want to stop. In three months I had put 3k miles on the Ninja.
And thats where I’m at now, always looking forward to the next joyful ride, because now it truly does bring me joy. If I had given up when I was having second thoughts, I would not know how wonderful it could be. I still have a very long way to go, and I look forward to the challenge. If you are curious about it, take the course and see what happens. I turned 40 this year. Its never too late.