A New Rider: Intiated
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, or if you have read a lot of my blog, then you know one of the benefits of riding is freedom. Heck, just watch a few biker movies, and you will see that the motorcycle is Hollywood symbol of freedom. I think one of the reasons that it is so free is because there are so many ways to enjoy it. First off, think about the different kinds of bikes, from easy to operate scooters, laid back cruisers, futuristic sport bikes, and loungers on wheels touring bikes. Then there are different types of riding like off road, commuter, rural, back roads and highways. Then you can decide if you want to be the solo rebel that always rides alone, rides with a group of other motorcycles, or rides with a passenger on the back. Better yet, you can exercise any of these options whenever you want, and you don't have to stick to just one!
As you have probably read, I lead a lot of rides. There is some stress and responsibility that comes with being the head of a pack. Frankly, there are times that it feels more like work than it does fun hobby it is supposed to be. Well, I am lucky today, as someone else is taking the reigns, and I can relax and be part of the pack.
But before we packed up, I would have some leading duties. I was meeting a new rider, and future member of the Indianapolis Cruiser Club. He was very green, but I also knew our ride leader was also on the green side, especially when it came to leading, so it would be a leisurely ride. I met Mark at the end of my street, and we headed west on Washington Street, went north around the Zoo on River Road to 16th Street, then back west to a Shell Station at 16th and High School Road. We fueled up, and headed to the meeting point.
Five of us grouped together, as Anna, today's ride leader, was joined by her friend and fellow club member Al, as well as an additional friend of those two. After giving ample time for others to show, we embarked.
We started heading west on US 136, then south on Girl's School Road to Tenth Street. We headed further west to SR 267. Four of us turned south, but the friend of Al and Anna's veered north? Al told me over the CB Radio that he was having problems, and decided to bail out. The quartet continued south to US 36, then further west into Danville, Indiana.
After tackling the big hill in Danville, we turned at Wayne Street. Well most of us turned. Mark turned, but not enough to make the turn. The bike wheels curbed the sidewalk, and the bike went over. I pulled in behind, flashers already blaring. Honestly, it was like slow motion in front of me. I could see his helmet perched toward the sidewalk. He fixed on it, and drove right into it. There were scrapes on the fender and turn signal, as well as on his arm, but I think his ego and confidence took the bigger hits. After making sure he caught his breath, and was relaxed again, we headed further along the route.
We went south out of Danville, and meandered our way south and west to the town of Greencastle, Indiana. From there, it was south through US 40, and over I-70 to a little eatery that Anna had picked out. We checked Mark's arm one more time, and headed in for some grub, and some discussion and advice for the new rider.
After a tasty lunch, we rode further south, and into a wooded lane, and passed the entrance to Lieber State Park. We were going to head to Cataract from there, but the floods from the previous year has washed out the bridge, and it was still out for repair. We back tracked, to the Interstate. Mark had told me that he had not every gone at highways speeds, and I was not sure he was ready for that, but her followed the line onto the super slab, and up to speed. It was a short jaunt, anyway.
We took the ramp south on US 231, and made our way into Cataract Falls State Park. We took a break, ventured down to look at the upper falls, and then prepared to begin our way back home. We went back out to US 231, headed north to SR 42, and then begin the journey eastward. This stretch was fairly uneventful, with few curves, and hardly no undulations. Mark was still timid and inconsistent through corners, he just needs some more practice. With our club, he is sure to get that.
Once at SR 39, we followed it north, and Mark and I veered off at US 40 which would become Washington Street once inside the city limits. We crossed through the city, parted ways as each of us went to our homes. Once I got inside the comforts and shelter of my home, the skies let go, and rained poured. I thought Mark had the time to get to his house. An e-mail or two later in the next couple of days would prove me wrong. So in addition to getting initiated with his first accident, first group ride, and first pouring of sage advice, he also gained wet weather experience.
If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, or if you have read a lot of my blog, then you know one of the benefits of riding is freedom. Heck, just watch a few biker movies, and you will see that the motorcycle is Hollywood symbol of freedom. I think one of the reasons that it is so free is because there are so many ways to enjoy it. First off, think about the different kinds of bikes, from easy to operate scooters, laid back cruisers, futuristic sport bikes, and loungers on wheels touring bikes. Then there are different types of riding like off road, commuter, rural, back roads and highways. Then you can decide if you want to be the solo rebel that always rides alone, rides with a group of other motorcycles, or rides with a passenger on the back. Better yet, you can exercise any of these options whenever you want, and you don't have to stick to just one!
As you have probably read, I lead a lot of rides. There is some stress and responsibility that comes with being the head of a pack. Frankly, there are times that it feels more like work than it does fun hobby it is supposed to be. Well, I am lucky today, as someone else is taking the reigns, and I can relax and be part of the pack.
But before we packed up, I would have some leading duties. I was meeting a new rider, and future member of the Indianapolis Cruiser Club. He was very green, but I also knew our ride leader was also on the green side, especially when it came to leading, so it would be a leisurely ride. I met Mark at the end of my street, and we headed west on Washington Street, went north around the Zoo on River Road to 16th Street, then back west to a Shell Station at 16th and High School Road. We fueled up, and headed to the meeting point.
Five of us grouped together, as Anna, today's ride leader, was joined by her friend and fellow club member Al, as well as an additional friend of those two. After giving ample time for others to show, we embarked.
We started heading west on US 136, then south on Girl's School Road to Tenth Street. We headed further west to SR 267. Four of us turned south, but the friend of Al and Anna's veered north? Al told me over the CB Radio that he was having problems, and decided to bail out. The quartet continued south to US 36, then further west into Danville, Indiana.
After tackling the big hill in Danville, we turned at Wayne Street. Well most of us turned. Mark turned, but not enough to make the turn. The bike wheels curbed the sidewalk, and the bike went over. I pulled in behind, flashers already blaring. Honestly, it was like slow motion in front of me. I could see his helmet perched toward the sidewalk. He fixed on it, and drove right into it. There were scrapes on the fender and turn signal, as well as on his arm, but I think his ego and confidence took the bigger hits. After making sure he caught his breath, and was relaxed again, we headed further along the route.
We went south out of Danville, and meandered our way south and west to the town of Greencastle, Indiana. From there, it was south through US 40, and over I-70 to a little eatery that Anna had picked out. We checked Mark's arm one more time, and headed in for some grub, and some discussion and advice for the new rider.
After a tasty lunch, we rode further south, and into a wooded lane, and passed the entrance to Lieber State Park. We were going to head to Cataract from there, but the floods from the previous year has washed out the bridge, and it was still out for repair. We back tracked, to the Interstate. Mark had told me that he had not every gone at highways speeds, and I was not sure he was ready for that, but her followed the line onto the super slab, and up to speed. It was a short jaunt, anyway.
We took the ramp south on US 231, and made our way into Cataract Falls State Park. We took a break, ventured down to look at the upper falls, and then prepared to begin our way back home. We went back out to US 231, headed north to SR 42, and then begin the journey eastward. This stretch was fairly uneventful, with few curves, and hardly no undulations. Mark was still timid and inconsistent through corners, he just needs some more practice. With our club, he is sure to get that.
Once at SR 39, we followed it north, and Mark and I veered off at US 40 which would become Washington Street once inside the city limits. We crossed through the city, parted ways as each of us went to our homes. Once I got inside the comforts and shelter of my home, the skies let go, and rained poured. I thought Mark had the time to get to his house. An e-mail or two later in the next couple of days would prove me wrong. So in addition to getting initiated with his first accident, first group ride, and first pouring of sage advice, he also gained wet weather experience.
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