Learn, Laugh, Live Is the U3A Motto and I Did!

For decades I wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle. Yes, I admit I did have a Harley –Davidson in mind but one has to start somewhere.
That somewhere was with ‘Leicestershire Motorcycle Training’ in Syston, meeting Karen at Elizabeth Park car park in Thurmaston. My first lesson was how to get the bike off its stand! Phew, even that took some doing. Afterwards I was encouraged to ‘get my leg over’ which was an overdue invitation. Then off I go into the distance and fast approaching kerb and playing field grass. Ooooops, bit of a hairy moment.
My bike may look less impressive than a Harley but boy does it shift.
Next came slow riding technique, U turns (mind the cones) and very importantly stopping. Thankfully I only fell off twice that day and bruises can be seen on request and in writing if you dare (I bet there is one of you who will)! After several hours in full protective gear (see photo) I was mentally and physically exhausted.
My next lesson the following day had to be postponed and boy was I thankful. Having recovered a fair amount overnight my hands, wrists, shoulders, knees and back still ached. The following week and my final session, I was back to awesome and to Elizabeth Park for last two modules of my course before the open road. It took a short time of riding around car park (without incident I may add) and at speed using bike’s throttle and brakes to control this heavy machine and acclimatise myself to motorcycle riding again when used to driving a car. Having completed the training we took to the open road – wow, what a buzz. Despite the helmet and safety wear restrictions, riding a motorbike was the most phenomenal sense of freedom and speed I have known. Traversing through Syston, Queniborough, Barkby, East Goscote through traffic and all the hazards of urban biking I had so much fun and a truly memorable experience.
I am more aware now of other types of road users and their training (or not) which I have incorporated into my daily car driving.
If you see a cyclist of any sort think of me, be patient and ensure you leave as much space as you can between them and you. The motto of this piece is if you want to do it – just DO IT NOW !
My next adventure is in progress so never delay – act NOW and live that dream.
Jill Kempton-Hayes