It's been almost a week now since I've completed the MSF Basic Rider Course. I went to the DMV and got the motorcycle endorsement on my license the very next day after passing the skills course (which, wasn't easy since the computers were down state-wide for about 6 hours).

Yes, I passed. Was there any doubt?

If you have never ridden a motorcycle before, don't worry. It is an excellent course, with a very strong focus on throttle control and safety. Within the first hour of the very first day of practice, everyone was riding without much fuss.

I'm sorry if I don't sound as enthused as as I did before in my other posts. I still love riding, being on two wheels, yada, yada, yada. It's just that the single shared sentiment from all the experienced riders I've come across, is that the most dangerous part of motorcycling is the other motorists on the road.

I need to perfect my quick take-off skills, so I can get out of the way if a cage tries to rear end me while I'm stopped at a light. Until I can do that reliably I'm staying away from traffic.

I currently have 44 miles on the odometer. I have made a personal commitment to continue practicing in the parking lot until I get it up to 250 miles before I start touring on the neighborhood roads (no lights). At 600 miles I'm going to have to ride it out to the dealer to do the first maintenance. I went back to the store and exchanged all my black gear for a more brightly colored helmet and jacket. Yeah, I know I'll still be invisible, but the bright colors can't hurt.

I've been riding a couple laps around the block every day focusing on different things each time. Yesterday, it was the quick take-off from a dead stop. Today, it was smooth downshifting (without the bike lurching, or the rear wheel hopping). On the weekend I'll set up a course again in the parking lot and practice all the moves.