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Serk
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« on: August 05, 2018, 12:05:27 PM » |
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Did something today that terrified me, shook me to my very core. Took my eldest spawn to a local high school parking lot, and put her in the driver's seat of my Standard. (I've had the bike longer than I've had her!) Few rough starts, but she was running around the parking lot running through the gears (Up to 3rd), back down through the gears, stopping, starting again, in no time. The whole time I had a lump in my throat, terrified something might happen to my baby! Of course, I was worried about my daughter as well...     With any luck she'll be getting her 250cc and under motorcycle license shortly and will start getting herself to the places she needs to be on the scooter my dad gave her:   |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2018, 12:15:44 PM » |
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She looks like it comes naturally to her. She should do well
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2018, 12:16:35 PM » |
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They grow up so fast, don't they ..
At least she isn't scared to get out there..
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cookiedough
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« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2018, 12:23:08 PM » |
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that takes some cahoney's to let her drive the near 800lb. beast for a spin even if around the parking lot. I would be worried as well for BOTH the bike and daughter. It almost looks like the Valk fits her better than the barcalounger/lazyboy honda helix that looks just too low but am sure is so comfy.... funny you bring the honda helix up. My son, age 17, who started off age 16 last year on the 1997 honda magna just upgraded recently to the yamaha fjr1300, recently saw a honda helix and said he wants one now look so comfy with that big seat on them. He had no idea what that thing was or who made it since they quit making them BEFORE he was born....  |
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Serk
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« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2018, 12:34:54 PM » |
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It almost looks like the Valk fits her better than the barcalounger/lazyboy honda helix that looks just too low but am sure is so comfy....
Well, the Helix definitely fits her better now than it did the first time she sat on that very bike!  (We tend to hang on to vehicles in my family for a very very long time...) I did have to dig the old stock seat out of a box for the Valkyrie, since she's "only" 6'1" or 6'2", my custom Hartco seat lifted her up too much to be able to flat foot the Valk. But once the stock seat was back on she had no problems with the Valk at all... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Beardo
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« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2018, 12:40:58 PM » |
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Good job Kali!  |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2018, 01:04:10 PM » |
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You are braver than I. I don’t think I could have watched.
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Serk
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« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2018, 01:09:43 PM » |
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Hehehehe, I went looking and found a picture of the first time Kali rode on my Valkyrie... Tarynn was technically piloting the bike, but she was pregnant with Kali at this point...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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f6gal
Administrator
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #8 on: August 05, 2018, 01:31:19 PM » |
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I knew she would do great! Good job Kali. Maybe I'll have to personalize that youngest rider award. LOL!
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sandy
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« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2018, 01:55:42 PM » |
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Serk: When folks are learning, foot dabs to correct slow speed mistakes are common. Please get her a good pair of over the ankle boots. She's a great looking yungin'. Keep her safe. I hope she's on the high school volleyball team.
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Robert
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« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2018, 01:59:15 PM » |
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That is really awesome and really scary. What a great time of sharing. You are a man that has made a real mark that will outlast him. |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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Leathel
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« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2018, 02:03:15 PM » |
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Yup I have been there, not on a big bike like the valkyrie but out on the open road with cars coming the other way..... and her running wide close to the center line a couple of times......got the heart pumping  She wasn't cornering well so I changed her handlebars to dirt bike bars to give her the same feel as when riding off road and it changed her riding instantly..... we did lots of riding together on her little 250, even on plenty of club rides She has a little 500cc cruiser now and I am very confident in her riding skills  You will love riding together  |
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2018, 02:49:09 PM » |
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Boots over the ankle and a mesh jacket at least Dad. Great that she wants to ride though.
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2018, 02:53:22 PM » |
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Looking good Serk Enjoy while you can Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: August 05, 2018, 03:42:30 PM » |
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Long legs and better than average strength (for her age) can make up for a multitude of sins. Everyone I ever taught was about five foot three/four, with short legs. And most had never been on a standard transmission in their lives. It was often two full days on the the friction zone in first gear alone. With a lot of jerking, stalling and occasional falling down.  IF she's going to ride it, can she lift it off the guards? PS, rookies always do better with hard tires (higher PSIs than you might want) in the parking lots. So when does the jumping and wheelieing practice start.  |
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« Last Edit: August 05, 2018, 03:44:12 PM by Jess from VA »
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DGS65
Member
Posts: 440
Time enjoy wasted is not wasted time
Nanuet, NY
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« Reply #15 on: August 05, 2018, 06:56:34 PM » |
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"With any luck she'll be getting her 250cc and under motorcycle license shortly "
I this a local thing? I have never heard of having a different license for different size bikes in the States I know this is how it is in Japan were my brother in law lives but I never heard of this here.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #16 on: August 05, 2018, 07:14:04 PM » |
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"With any luck she'll be getting her 250cc and under motorcycle license shortly "
I this a local thing? I have never heard of having a different license for different size bikes in the States I know this is how it is in Japan were my brother in law lives but I never heard of this here.
I think every state has its own laws. At 14 my MC license was limited to no more than 11 hp. At 16 it was not limited. |
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Serk
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« Reply #17 on: August 05, 2018, 07:17:25 PM » |
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"With any luck she'll be getting her 250cc and under motorcycle license shortly "
In Texas you can get a license to operate a motorcycle 250cc and under at 15, but have to wait until you're 16 to operate a motorcycle of larger size. (The one for 250cc and under automatically becomes an unrestricted one when you turn 16 from the way I understand it.) |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #18 on: August 05, 2018, 10:13:23 PM » |
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Oh, and nice head turn here. |
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baldo
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Youbetcha
Cape Cod, MA
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« Reply #19 on: August 06, 2018, 06:18:13 AM » |
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Outstanding! I'd be a basket case..... |
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henry 008
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BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2018, 06:41:52 AM » |
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she does look like a natural to me!  |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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old2soon
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« Reply #21 on: August 06, 2018, 07:08:49 AM » |
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Little late to da party but Happy to add my concerns-as a Dad to three of the female persuasion-for yer Spawn to have More gear on when riding. Armored mesh and over the ankle boots. I myself prefer a lace up boot. My riding boots I had on in Aug 16 when I unloaded STILL bear the scars of That particular encounter.  I Remember and KNOW how difficult it was to watch my oldest-Daughter-to drive-first my 454 Chevy Suburban automatic then my Chevy pickup with the 4 speed and finally-BIG sigh here-my 76 Oldamobile Toronado. Guess here watchin ANY of yer young uns on a motorsickle has to be an Extremely High factor of difficulty. My Daughter Loved to ride but showed no interest in taking the controls. Hope and PRAY she becomes an Excellent Rider! RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Serk
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« Reply #22 on: August 06, 2018, 10:24:15 AM » |
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And for the record, she has proper boots and an armored riding jacket she usually wears as a passenger, we were in a hurry to get her out to the parking lot and get some practice in, and it was extra hot yesterday. Part of the reason for the hurry was that mommy wouldn't approve the $$$ for MSF class until she could show basic proficiency with the clutch in a parking lot, and I wanted to get her signed up before all the slots were taken. Having said that, she is spending today and tomorrow in MSF class... (That was her on the far right at orientation this morning.)  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
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« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2018, 06:33:36 AM » |
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I can literally name the people that have ridden my bike. My Dad (original owner), Myself (2nd owner), and Willow! Wait, Willow! While at an InZane and plotting out a day ride course in Billings, MT. Willow surprised me letting me ride his awesome custom Valk that he acquired from Hot Glue. I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
So have a new rider on your bike.. I can totally understand the lump in your throat. How awesome it is to say you learned to ride on a Valkyrie. Great post!
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2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263  |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4117
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #24 on: August 07, 2018, 07:01:35 AM » |
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Serk,
Takes lots of courage for parents to 'let go' and let 'em grow! Good on ya, dude!!! Looks like you'll soon have a riding bud and not just a traveling bud... Looking forward to updates followed by actually seeing her ride in the future...
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Serk
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« Reply #25 on: September 26, 2018, 03:22:25 PM » |
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One more small step today. The most terrifying trip I've ever made to Wal Mart. Kali rode "her" bike and I rode one of my Valkyries. Her very first time on a bike on the road. Her very first time in control of any vehicle on the road without an experienced driver in the same vehicle. I followed, keeping a close eye on her and protecting her 6. She did great! But of course I'm still terrified. ...she takes her driving test Friday. *Gulp*  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #26 on: September 26, 2018, 03:25:37 PM » |
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One more small step today. The most terrifying trip I've ever made to Wal Mart. Kali rode "her" bike and I rode one of my Valkyries. Her very first time on a bike on the road. Her very first time in control of any vehicle on the road without an experienced driver in the same vehicle. I followed, keeping a close eye on her and protecting her 6. She did great! But of course I'm still terrified. ...she takes her driving test Friday. *Gulp* You are doing good Dad. I don't think I could do it. Tell her we are pulling for her on Friday ! |
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Bighead
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« Reply #27 on: September 26, 2018, 03:26:25 PM » |
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She seems to love it Serk! She will be fine (not that you wont worry ) but you have i structed her well,and her being on the back seat many a mile with you helps her know how things are done.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Leathel
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« Reply #28 on: September 26, 2018, 03:51:18 PM » |
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I followed, keeping a close eye on her and protecting her 6.
She did great! But of course I'm still terrified.
...she takes her driving test Friday. *Gulp*
It's been 4 years since my daughter had her first road trip...... and while she is a very capable rider I still prefer to follow than lead, that way I am not always checking the mirror to make sure she is going well Last Sunday we did 200 miles of back country roads with a couple of other big bikes.....and she surprised the other riders as they stopped a few times to let her catch up only to find her already there  I did have one moment a car got between us (pulling out of an intersection) and to close to her 6 so I forced my way in and made a gap..... he kept back after that....got the message I think. I hope you enjoy many miles together |
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Willow
Administrator
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Posts: 16643
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #29 on: September 26, 2018, 05:46:39 PM » |
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You are doing good Dad. I don't think I could do it. Tell her we are pulling for her on Friday ! Go ahead and tell her today, Serk. |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #30 on: September 26, 2018, 05:53:38 PM » |
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You are doing good Dad. I don't think I could do it. Tell her we are pulling for her on Friday ! Go ahead and tell her today, Serk. Do you know Mrs. Gault, my 3rd grade teacher ? |
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Serk
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« Reply #31 on: September 26, 2018, 05:55:18 PM » |
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You are doing good Dad. I don't think I could do it. Tell her we are pulling for her on Friday ! Go ahead and tell her today, Serk. Do you know Mrs. Gault, my 3rd grade teacher ? I'm still wondering who is John Gault? |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Pappy!
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« Reply #32 on: September 26, 2018, 05:58:07 PM » |
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Outstanding! I'd be a basket case..... So would I ! Bet most Dads would! Way to go, you are more brave than I am. |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #33 on: September 26, 2018, 05:59:53 PM » |
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You are doing good Dad. I don't think I could do it. Tell her we are pulling for her on Friday ! Go ahead and tell her today, Serk. Do you know Mrs. Gault, my 3rd grade teacher ? I'm still wondering who is John Gault? That's because you threw in a u. Man, I haven't read that book in decades. I probably should read it again, I've forgotten everything. It would be like a new book. |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #34 on: September 26, 2018, 06:28:28 PM » |
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once she passes, it will get easier with time to let her go out on her own.
best to still take her out and about going with her though as much as you can and keep drilling into her head that speed is NOT your friend. Been there, done that!
4 months after my then age 16 son got his car license, I bought a 97 honda magna 750cc not telling him 4 hours into IL in 38 degree March bone chilling weather riding that home on interstate at night - BRRR!!!. Got a pic of him sitting on it all choked up a few minutes coming home right after we got home ourselves that night, me still not able to feel my fingers were frost bitten having to stop every 1 hour to get the feeling back in my hands.
Now, age 17, he has 1 year and over 6000 miles of riding experience on cycles and finally get over with him going out on his own. He even has ridden the 98 Valk blue/cream such as yours although now he has bought a faster/newer 2005 fjr1300.
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6959
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #35 on: September 26, 2018, 06:43:04 PM » |
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When I taught my son to ride, I told him to ride like he was "Invisible" not "Invincible" .
This theory has saved my hide a time or two.
It wasn't easy to ride along with him at first, but it did get easier.
By the time we took a trip together to Daytona and back I found myself worrying very little about him.
Some of my favorite memories are of some of the rides that we took together.
It's well worth it!
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #36 on: September 26, 2018, 07:22:11 PM » |
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This talking about leading or following a trainee, reminds me of teaching my wife.
I very much wanted to follow her, not lead. But she never had any idea where we were or where we were going (after a few miles from home)(and a very busy major metropolitan area). You must understand the cultural thing that she did not know how to drive when we married. Before that, overseas, she got in buses and taxis and they took her where she wanted to go. I taught her to drive cars first, and her first few years of that was March AFB and the small adjacent town only. She had no real experience with land navigation with maps or roads in the US. Once in VA, she taught herself how to get places by landmarks and memory.
This proved an insurmountable hurdle, so I had to lead. And I spent so much time in mirror, I became a hazard to myself and others. I asked her to stay with me (and always went easy), but not too close. So she settled on about 50 yards, and cages continually got between us. So then I had to maneuver to fall back and get in front again.
During that year of training, I was afraid if we became separated, I might never see her again. Neither of us had C-phones (and I still don't), but that would have been little help. Where are you? I have no idea, come and get me.
The other thing that happened all the time (like almost every ride) was that women and girl drivers (or carloads) noticed her blond braid to the waist, and were simply interested in watching a female motorcycle rider (it's still not all that common). So they would follow her, or tandem her in the adjacent lane just to watch. There was no bad intent, but that also became a regular nuisance and occasional hazard.
It would have been so much easier out in small town America.
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« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 07:29:06 PM by Jess from VA »
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16320
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #37 on: September 27, 2018, 03:30:54 PM » |
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Serk,
So, now that you've seen the light on Mick O Pegs, I would urge you to consider some for the eldest spawn. With her height, I would think they would be beneficial to her longer distance riding.
Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Serk
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« Reply #38 on: September 27, 2018, 05:40:59 PM » |
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Serk,
So, now that you've seen the light on Mick O Pegs, I would urge you to consider some for the eldest spawn. With her height, I would think they would be beneficial to her longer distance riding.
Rams
I don't think they make Mick O Pegs for a 250cc Honda Helix... She took her first tide to swim practice and back tonight, with me following... About 30 minutes each way in heavy rush hour traffic... Great job, so far..... Test tomorrow, optimistic, but trying to keep my expectations realistic too... This is government, they'll find SOMETHING to delay and cause us issues... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #39 on: September 27, 2018, 07:47:59 PM » |
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The DC DMV had a racket going on for many years. They like to fail people over and over.
This all came out in one (of a thousand) DC expose with hidden cameras.
The number one trick for failing people, was the testee's failure to turn around and look over his shoulder (in addition to using the mirror) before backing the car out to take the driver's test.
Don't forget one iota of the required gear.
When my wife failed the CA DMV in busy Riverside, the private tutor we hired said that was crazy. After only two more days of refresher training, they drove way out in the desert to a little burg called Banning, and she passed with flying colors.
I've heard it confirmed that getting out of any city to a small town is always worth the trouble to pass DMV driver's tests.
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