[samgoody]

Hi,

I have never handled a motorcycle before and would like to start. The biggest problem I’m facing now is that the nearest places that offer any kind of training require a 3-hour drive. I live in Saudi Arabia, so the courses don’t seem to be as organized as the MSF ones, but I think it would still be better than taking “lessons” from friends. With that in mind, I can either drive there on the weekends and attend some courses, or I would have to take time off from work in order to get training. The first approach seems to be more convenient and allows me to save my vacation days for a real vacation (i.e. somewhere outside Saudi Arabia, preferably with lush green scenery). However, I’m afraid that by only learning on the weekends and doing nothing during the week that I may not be able to learn what I can learn in a few days of continuous training. I’m a bit torn and would like to hear people’s opinions on either approach.

[Munch]

Take the training you have convenient for you. If you are able to obtain ……whatever Saudi Arabia requires for you to have to ride then do that also so you can practice what you learned. Focus more on the skills ..even in MSF courses here in the states its relatively short sessions. Absorb what your given and go back and practice practice practice. I would save my vacation also. Once you get on your bike, relax and start getting used to it…. you will find that it gets increasingly easier to handle. Anticipation was the worst part for me. Once I got on the bike…learned how to control it via MSF and research… the rest was and is just practice. I just hit the 2K mile mark on my bike today, and notice that I absolutely loath my cage now. So far 38 degree Fahrenheit mornings aren’t to bad with good layers ….. atleast not near bad enough for me to put the bike up. Though I suspect at about the 20’s I will be forced to.

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[samgoody]

Thanks for the advice. You’ve put my mind at ease. I guess I should take things at my own pace and not rush them through.

I guess I should clarify my “doing nothing during the week” statement. I won’t be able to get my license until I pass the test here, which requires lessons in my case to learn the basics of controlling a motorcycle that I will need. Not having a license means, by Saudi law, that I cannot purchase a bike. There is no such thing as a learner’s permit here; either you can legally ride or you can’t. Not having a bike during the week makes it more difficult to practice. … Well, actually I *could* purchase a bike, but I can’t register it and ride it on public roads without a license – not something I would prefer to do.

I don’t know how you can manage to ride in 38 Fahrenheit weather. Aren’t you afraid your nose will fall off? … Just kidding. I’ve lived in Cleveland, Ohio for six years, so I know what 38 Fahrenheit feels like, and I can’t imagine myself riding in that sort of temperature. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying your rides even in such harsh weather. May your rides always be joyful and safe.

[Munch]

Let us know how it goes for ya.
Yea I figured out this morning 32-33 degrees Fahrenheit is about my limit. I ride a cruiser, no windshield but full face helmet. You learn about layering real quick. Unfortunately I am gonna have to back off scooting to work as mornings are averaging at freezing.
Last thing I need to do is wipe out on a discarded drink that froze over.
:^( . But….first time it hits 40+ degrees….. she gets pulled back out.

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[Candice]

I took the MSF course on the weekend and then didn’t have a motorcycle to ride for another 3 weeks after that. You will be fine if you just go for your lessons on the weekend. I am a little afraid that once winter is over I’ll have forgotten and have to start all over, we’ll see how I feel in the spring!

[samgoody]

Thank you for the encouragement. Seems like spring will be an exciting time for you. Good luck!

[Author]

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