Sportbike!

[Lindsey]

For as long as I can remember I wanted a motorcycle. My dad used to ride but sold his bike while my brother and I were young. His brother (my uncle) kept his though, and my dad would take me for rides on that every so often and I LOVED it. Then I got the idea in my head that I would get a sportbike, but never really thought it would actually happen. Then my brother got one, and I really wanted one! Then my ex had one and I went everywhere on the back of his bike. I finally worked up enough courage to try riding his and my brother's last year but I was so scared of dumping one of their new bikes that I didn't really get far.
Sooo fast forward to this year... before we broke up, my ex was like "Don't just get a sportbike because you think i'll like it, because I'm going to do my own thing anyway when we're on group rides and if you want to hang back I'm not going to always hang back with you" and i was like "It's not for you, and I doubt I'll be on group rides. I just want to ride for me!" But he never believed it. Now that it's over, I'm still going for it! I will be getting my learner's as soon as possible, and I've been scouring for bikes because it's just before riding season and they're cheap right now. I'm looking for something older, so it's not going to be a huge deal if I dump it which is pretty much inevitable while starting out.
Tonight I found this one http://usedsportbikes.ca/_image.php?...976&original=1 Aaaaaand I might take a little trip next weekend to check it out! I am so excited right now I don't know if I can sleep tonight!

[Mandy]

That IS a neat bike!!

[rivermom]

We call those types of bikes "crotch rockets" here. My husband and I ride. Well, let me rephrase that. I ride on the back. We love it and it's a free feeling out there on a windy countryside road.

I grew up riding dirt bikes. Our family would camp every other weekend and take dirt bike rides that would last for hours. We loved every minute of it.

Worst fall I ever had was hitting a large hole and flying over the handle bars. Broke a couple ribs but I survived. (Thank goodness)

Our rule then and now is to ALWAYS wear a helmet, safe shoes, and pants never shorts or sandles.

I hope you decide to wear a helmet too Lindsey. My Dad's neice fell off the back of a bike a few years ago by a vehicle hitting the bike. She rubbed most her face off and has never been the same. She has had endless plastic surgery to try to restore her face. The helmet I use now has a full face sheild.

The dangers just go along with owning a bike just as do the pleasures. I am guessing that goes w/ any activity in life.

Enjoy your bike search and when you get one, please do post pictures. I think it's great you are following your passions.

[Lindsey]

I'm glad to see someone else here enjoys it too!
It feels so liberating to be able to do this on my own without any guy pointing me in the direction of which bike to get. I've asked my brother for his opinions on certain bikes, and I'm taking him with me to look at it because he knows what to look for, but in the end it's my decision.
I am definitely all about safety. I already have a protective jacket although it was a hand-me-down and I'm going to go find another that will fit me better, as well as a helmet and protective gloves. I also have a pair of steel-toed boots I'll wear, with the laces tucked in! I've heard from a few people that they've had their laces get stuck on the pegs and they've fallen right over!

[rivermom]

Originally Posted by Lindsey

I'm glad to see someone else here enjoys it too!
It feels so liberating to be able to do this on my own without any guy pointing me in the direction of which bike to get. I've asked my brother for his opinions on certain bikes, and I'm taking him with me to look at it because he knows what to look for, but in the end it's my decision.
I am definitely all about safety. I already have a protective jacket although it was a hand-me-down and I'm going to go find another that will fit me better, as well as a helmet and protective gloves. I also have a pair of steel-toed boots I'll wear, with the laces tucked in! I've heard from a few people that they've had their laces get stuck on the pegs and they've fallen right over!

Lindsey, I am so glad you are keeping your safety in mind. We have a bunch of "bike riding" friends and most don't wear their helmets. It's not my place to give them a hard time about it, but it clearly fills my heart w/ dissapointment when I hear my girlfriend say "the helmet messes up my hair". UGH!

This is a picture of my hubby and my Mom on his bike. My Mom has been riding on the back of motorcycles for gosh I don't know how long. ( many many many many years. Just recently she stopped because of hip/leg issues. She says it sucks to get old!)

Let us know Lindsey when you get your new bike. And...don't forget the pics!

[Tink]

Greg and I used to ride with a group of a couple dozen other bikes. We had a 750 Honda with a fairing, windshiled, etc. It really was fun! We've been talking about getting one again now that the kids are grown and we have the chance to do things without worrying about them.

I too think it's great you're doing this for yourself. We all need to have some fun in life, and it sounds like you'r e heading in that direction!