Monday, August 06, 2007 12:14 PM
Riding Away My Fears - In Style
I've had my motorcycle license for just about three years now and we have a bike that I'm just too afraid to ride. Between the gear shifting, front and rear breaking, the fear of stalling, the power of the bike, and having to be hyper aware of everyone else on the road -- it was just too overwhelming. I really want to get over my fears and ride -- it's something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.
So, we decided to get a Vespa. It's a Vespa GTV, 250cc engine, green metallic with brown top-stitched leather seat with fantastic vintage style reminiscent of the 1940s. We picked it up on Saturday and took it to a parking lot so I could practice and get a feel for how it handles.
It's so much easier than the motorcycle! The Vespa is an automatic, so I don't have to worry about shifting gears or stalling. It also has anti-lock breaks, located on the handlebars. The weight distribution is different too, making it easier to maneuver and turn. I felt so much more confident on it that I was able to ride it from the parking lot back to our house -- my first trip on an "actual road" with other cars. I was trembling, but I did it!
Is there something you have always wanted to try, but haven't because of fear?
And I want to name my Vespa, but I haven't found a good one yet -- any suggestions?