Hello, Mr. Davidson: 5 Things I Learned While Riding a Harley

I'm sitting on my new leather couch; in my new home, on my new street.

It's Sunday afternoon, and the day is gloomy and cold; but that hasn't phased my smile.

As I look down at the keyboard, I realize my left hand is still full of black powder. I love it when a hand-warmer explodes inside your pocket. 

(Takes sip of tea)  

I'm wearing a long-sleeve base layer, 2 thermals, dark blue skinny jeans, and wool socks. There's also a huge blanket covering my legs. I've been outside since 7:30 this morning. I'm hoping to warm up soon.

How many of you think it's important in life to learn new things?

This weekend, I decided to cross something off of my bucket list.

I learned how to ride a motorcycle.

(Brings cup to lip and smiles)

Google defines motorcycle as: a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals. Not the best definition Google, but we'll take it. The three basic types are street, dual-purpose, and off-highway. I'm now a new fan of street. 

Quick side note here - I didn't tell anyone I was taking this course. 

(Insert wide eyes and clenched teeth)

I didn't tell my family & friends because I didn't want anyone else's thoughts or concerns about it in my head. I wanted to do something that wasn't based on anyone else's opinion. I wanted and decided to do something just for me. 

This weekend, I was 1 of 8 students that participated in the Harley Davidson Riding Academy. We were actually the first class going in the entire state! With social distancing in mind, 10 people could be in the classroom and on the course. 8 students, who I now call my friends, and 2 instructors, Rick & Scott. 

If you have never ridden a motorcycle before, I HIGHLY recommend taking this course.

I say this while laughing, but I did not pass the final test today. Definitely aced breaking to a stop and had fun weaving through cones, but still need some work on them U-Turns. 

Hoofda.

(Scott grading my fail)

5 THINGS I LEARNED WHILE LEARNING TO RIDE: 

1) Attitude Is Everything

Just like in anything you do, if you go out there with a negative attitude or an attitude full of self-doubt - you will fail. Or if you haven't mastered tight turns and experience minor text anxiety, you will probably fail too.

2) Be a Beginner

Being a beginner can be hard, but when you learn something new you have to remain teachable. On Day 1, I made love to the clutch the entire day. The clutch removes power from the rear wheel, so if you're going too fast or if you feel out of control, just squeeze in the clutch and brake. As I'm rocking the Grandma pace, I thought to myself, "I am a well-educated individual and I am good at many things. But right now, I have zero skill in motorcycle." And that's okay.

Barbara Shur said:

"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you."

3) All The Gear - All The Time

I used to think it looked cute when I saw girls riding in tight tank tops, cut-off jeans, and white sneakers. After being on a bike myself, never will I ever not wear the appropriate gear. I mean, everyone has their own style, but damn. Road-rash does not sound fun. I'll leave my skin on. Thanks.

4) Have Fun! 

Even though the rain and sleet joined us today, I have not experienced anything this fun in a really long time. My entire body was shaking, and I had 6 hand warmers in my pockets to help keep me warm - but it was still so awesome! Once you finally get the gears down, and you find that rhythm, your confidence starts to build. 

I remember running through one of the exercises that was a continual flow of riding and weaving and I don't think my smile left my face for the entire 25 minutes. I'm not sure why I want to cry right now, but I felt like a kid learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. I almost can't put into words how freeing it was.

5) Community is the BEST

Because of this course, I now have 7 new friends. When you get out of your comfort zone and put yourself in a new experience, you meet new people. You hear new stories, new perspectives, and you learn from one another. I knew these people for less than 3 days, and they felt like family.  

On the first day, Rick & Scott went around the room and asked everyone why we were here. Some said they've always wanted to ride, another said he wanted to brush up on his skills, and my friend Sanita said she is tired of being a "backpack." 

What was my reason for taking this class?

(Sits up on couch)

 Have you ever been on a motorcycle? I've been a passenger many times and absolutely love it. Usually, it's with someone I'm seeing, and after we're done, I say the same thing. 

"Let's do that again." 

I've always had to depend on someone else to experience that adventure.

Recently, as I work from home, I've watched my neighbor ride out of her driveway on her Harley. As she rides out, the sun is usually shining, the skies are blue, and spring is blooming everywhere. 

How fun to be taking all of that in from the grips of a motorcycle.

One day when I was really overwhelmed with work, e-mails, notifications, phone calls, texts, and Zoom meetings - I watched her pull out and zoom away, and I thought to myself, "I want that." 

Not only did that influence my decision, but May 7th marked one year since I put myself back into online dating. I have paid almost $2,000 for dating services this past year. Yes, you're reading that correctly.

(Thinks about Riesling in fridge)

I have been through countless online conversations, phone convos, dates, had a few relationships, then back to dating searches, new profiles, new fish photos, and a new form of carpal tunnel in my thumb from swiping left. 

And trying to date during a lockdown when all restaurants, bars, beaches, and parks are closed?  

SO AWESOME. 

(Gets up to pour a glass)

I've cried way too many tears over trying to find something that fits. And I will tell you this right now - my ass fits quite nicely on a 500.

(Takes deep breath in and smiles)

I'm not in the market anymore looking for a boy. 

Oh no.

After today, I'll be in the market looking for a bike. 

If you found value in this blog, please drop a comment below or share it with someone who needs an adventure. I'm Living Simply Sam. Living simply is what I do.

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