The first wave

I got my first wave on Friday! From reading my new favorite forum Modern Vespa, I learned that there is a phenomenon in the two-wheeled vehicle world wherein passing riders wave hello at each other. There was some talk that Harley riders rarely wave at scooter riders. I guess we don't count.

So on Friday I was riding home at lunch time and while I was waiting at a light, a group of Harleys passed. No one waved. I guess I could have waved first to see if they would wave back, but I didn't. Anyway, as I continued on, I passed a guy on a scooter and he waved! I was so excited.

A few seconds later I heard him honking behind me and I stopped. He introduced himself, we compared scooters and he said we should go riding sometime. I said that would be great because I don't know anyone who rides. He told me the street he lives on and said to look for his scooter under the carport. Yesterday, I drove by and left a note with my phone number on the scooter. I was too chicken to knock on his door, and I'm not sure I would have known which one it was. I hope he calls. It would be fun to have a riding partner.

Why do you think you need to tell me that?

I have had a few people, upon learning that I'm riding a scooter, tell me about motorcycle fatalities. Why? Do you think I don't know that riding a two-wheeled vehicle is dangerous? Do you think I've never heard of someone getting hurt or killed? Is telling me that your friend's brother's son had to have his leg amputated after a motorcycle accident supposed to be helpful? Maybe they think telling me these things will make me be more careful. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. For the record, I'm extremely careful, I've vowed to wear ATGATT, and I'm an assertive but not aggressive rider.

It reminds me of the many advice columns I've read where pregnant women write in to complain about people telling them labor and delivery horror stories. Please, people, if you know something awful about a topic related to a person with whom you are conversing, keep it to yourself. If the person asks you for input, go for it. Otherwise, zip it. Thanks.

Vroom!

I did it. Rode the scooter to work today! It was so fun! I woke up at 3 o'clock this morning so nervous and excited. I don't know when I got back to sleep but it was some time after four. Part of the excitement was that I read about a trick to help get the scooter off the center stand which is something I've had trouble with. I tried it today and it worked like a charm.

I got into three sticky situations in the parking garage at work. The two big ones were getting into and out of the motorcycle parking area, but I got out of both without dropping the bike! I was so proud of myself. The third one wasn't really sticky, but could have been disastrous: I nearly walked away leaving the key in the scooter! Both of my "park jobs" (work and home) were superb. Yay, me!

Thunderstorms are in the forecast again for tomorrow morning, so I don't know yet if I get to ride to work again. It's supposed to be sunny in the afternoon, so I'll probably go for a joy ride around the neighborhood.

Rain, rain go away

Okay, it rained. So, for really and for true, tomorrow will be the first day I ride my scooter to work. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tomorrow's the big day

Tomorrow (barring rain) I ride my scooter to work for the first time!

I got in some practice time yesterday and today. Yesterday was practicing getting out of and into the driveway and figuring out how best to park it in front of the house. My student worker, Heather, came over to help. Today was practicing the route my friend/co-worker, Hithia, takes to work. She led the way. My usual route is shorter, but on craptacular roads and crosses a busy street without a traffic signal. Her route is longer, smoother and less busy.

Each time I've had a ride scheduled (MSF class, practice in the neighborhood), I'm so nervous! I have butterflies and almost make myself sick. It starts hours before and lasts through donning my gear. I'm never nervous once I get going, though. I'm hoping the pre-ride jitters will pass once I get a few solo rides under my belt.