"Pearson Hurst" (phurst)
09/15/2016 at 12:14 • Filed to: None
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"Pearson Hurst" (phurst)
09/15/2016 at 12:14 • Filed to: None | 3
| 5 |
As of yesterday, it’s been 1 month since getting my motorcycle license. During that time, I’ve ridden to work every day. I’ve also ridden everywhere else I had to go that I could ride a bike, so if I wasn’t dropping a kid off somewhere, buying something not easily transportable on 2 wheels, or traveling on the highway, I was riding. It’s been an absolute blast, and surprisingly, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! has performed flawlessly (except the one time I ran out of gas).
I drive a reasonably economical 2007 Toyota Matrix, which runs me about $120 per month. In the past month of riding my baby Honda, I’ve spent less than $20 in gas for the bike, and about $30 for the car. Man, I’m going to be sad when it’s too cold for it to be practical to ride to work every day. Yeah, yeah, I know, there are guys who do it year round, but I’m not that hard core.
As the time has passed, I’m more and more comfortable on the bike. The first few trips to work in rush hour traffic were a little nerve wracking, but once I had a few trips under my belt, it became really, really enjoyable. Certainly more fun than the same mindless, boring commute it was in my car. The only thing I miss is being able to listen to podcasts. Maybe one day a Bluetooth equipped helmet will be in my future, but at least for right now, I feel like listening to something would be a distraction while I’m still very much a beginner.
Speaking of distractions, It’s AMAZING how acutely aware of other drivers and what they’re doing around me now. I’ve (as an adult) always been a careful driver, but if anything, I think spending some time on a bike has made me a better car driver. More defensive, for sure.
For an old guy who never even considered a bike until one fell in my lap, I’m in love.
Rico
> Pearson Hurst
09/15/2016 at 12:45 |
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I envy you! If NYC wasn’t a terrible place to ride I would consider getting my license as
A) You save on gas
B) Finding a parking becomes WAY easier
C) Traffic? What stinking traffic? *zips to the front of all traffic*
I am ALWAYS aware of people on motorcycles around me and will move over within my lane when they lane split to give them more room to pass me out of respect/safety.
jariten1781
> Pearson Hurst
09/15/2016 at 13:03 |
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I'm an audiobook junky and I tried listening to them back when I used to commute on a motorcycle. It doesn't work and I imagine it'd be the same with podcasts. I was way too focused on riding (aka not dying) so I'd miss comprehending large chunks of the book and I'd have to go back and figure out where the hell I actually remembered it well enough every time I got home. Music wasn't too bad since there's not really a lot to miss.
timstewart91
> Pearson Hurst
09/15/2016 at 17:16 |
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I too have recently aquired two-wheel motorized transportation and I’m in love. South Florida is a wonderful place to ride as well, even if it’s just on a little scooter. Also, had to paint it the most Jalop brown I could find, now I need some oppo stickers to represent. The scratches are from the last guy, don’t judge me.
Manny05x
> Pearson Hurst
09/15/2016 at 19:37 |
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I couldn't agree more with the fact that driving a bike has made me a better car driver. I get really pissed off also when drivers do asshole stuff like even if I am not on my bike. You should look into getting a sena com system.
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Manny05x
> Rico
09/15/2016 at 19:37 |
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Thank you for this. NYC is very crazy for anyone driving.