MSF Day 2, I'm in Love!

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 05/26/2018 at 21:21 • Filed to: Two Wheels Good

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I think I found the one thing that I may find more fun than smarts...

At first, I was doing horrible because of heat exhaustion. I mean, I nearly passed out due to the heat (90+).

I had a comeback by realizing what was killing me: My crazy thick hair.

So I wet my entire head and put my helmet back on, then I was back in the game and quickly rose to being the instructors’ favourite! When it came to leaning into turns at speed, they said I made it look like a Harley-Davidson commercial. :3

My steed is a blue Rebel 250, like this one!

I have to say, I’ve never felt so alive while operating a vehicle! I was laughing pretty much the entire way.

Exams are tomorrow, wish me luck! This is what I wore yesterday to the classroom portion. Idk what I was going for with this look lol

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:30

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I think what your outfit says is that you need a leather riding jacket. Sometimes the armored ones can get a bit expensive but keep an eye out for end of season deals and closeouts. A good one will be stylish but still have some ventilation and armor pads. I’m still loving mine and it’s nearing 5 years old. I’ve replaced everything else but my jacket still wears well. It was the most expensive piece of gear but it was worth it imo.

Mercedes Streeter > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/26/2018 at 21:34

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I do! My cheap jacket is thick as hell, but I’m dying without ventilation. It got so bad that they told us to take off our jackets and roll with the long sleeve shirts we were advised to wear underneath.

jimz > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:37

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yes, it definitely is fun. and motorcycle training will help make you a more attentive driver as well.

just a heads-up, when you do the practical test, it won’t be just repeats of the exercises you did during the class. the test exercises will be similar but just different enough where you can’t rely on rote memorization.

I first took the basic rider course at my county community college, but I have a bad tendency to psych myself out and didn’t finish the class. the next time I took it I trained on one of these:

and passed. but I know I’m old and don’t lern so gud, so the first thing I bought was a cheap one of these off of Craigslist:

cute little thing, but 15 horsepower ain’t much. gained enough confidence where I now have these two things:

And now I want one of these:

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:38

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miss merc bad ass biker lady

nailed it says me

jimz > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:41

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honestly, get a textile/mesh jacket with either built-in armor, or pockets to add armor to the shoulders/elbows/back. I hate leather; not for ethical reasons, but just because I find it uncomfortable. some have enough mesh to give adequate ventilation, others have unzippable vents. My current “go to” jacket is a Rev-It Airwave 2:

breathes nice, has elbow and shoulder armor and a pocket for a back protector, and matches my FZ-09. and doesn’t look too out of place on a Harley.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:42

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Since you have a thing for impractically small vehicles, you should get a Grom. They’re a hoot to ride.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 21:47

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I went in full riding gear. In hindsight it was a bit optimistic to get the gear first but I managed. I was the only one there in full gear and it was awkward, but made it easy to transition to street riding. I got used to moving the bike, and moving ON the bike in heavy gear. Was a definite confidence booster. You’re doing great right now. Keep it up! Join the 2 wheeled side in a safe and legal manner!!!!

XJDano > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 22:31

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Wen I took my MSF course it was only 2 days. Although I had about a season and half under my belt illegally (no endorsement) I was a good rrtider for the class from the get go.

Where I messed up was an accelerate, then brake and sweeping U turn. I had gotten the pattern of accelerate, brake , downshift in my head from earlier, I downshifted on the U turn. So, don’t do that.

Get to know someone with a dirt bike. When you are so used to street riding, dirt adds the ability to loose traction and maintain control. It’s really hard to describe, but standing on the Pegs and letting the rear end slide out even a little bit under throttle is pretty exhilarating.

atfsgeoff > Mercedes Streeter 05/26/2018 at 23:48

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When I took my first MSF course, the the first day on the bikes was POURING rain. Incredibly, every single registrant showed up and rode for four hours straight. I loved every moment of it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Mercedes Streeter 05/27/2018 at 00:02

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Congrats! Glad you’re loving it! Just wait until you actually get out on the open road!

Cycle gear has a memorial weekend sale going right now. Might be a good time to get a cheap mesh jacket.

AdverseMartyr > jimz 05/27/2018 at 01:58

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This is good advice.

AdverseMartyr > Mercedes Streeter 05/27/2018 at 02:03

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I suppose looking like you are in a Harley Davidson commercial is a complement... if you like HD bikes... I guess take it at face value from some guys in Illinois where every factory worker has a HD.

CRider > jimz 05/27/2018 at 02:59

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You really have to break in leather before it becomes comfortable. And in a skid, it’ll still protect you better than a textile jacket.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/27/2018 at 06:29

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Glad to hear it’s going well!