To think back, to the day I graduated from Trident Technical College’s Motorcycle Basic Rider course, it was a hot, humid, beautiful Sunday day. What I learned that day, was, I really wanted to buy a motorcycle and see what would happen. This past Sunday, around the same time I graduated from the BRC at TTC, and about the same weather conditions, I reached a major milestone in the art of motorcycling, I completed my first 500 miles on my motorcycle! I feel this is a huge accomplishment because the past four weeks have been a journey that really IS transforming me, for the better. One notable thing is, I have lost almost 20 pounds. Wearing about 20 pounds of gear, riding in the heat and humidity of the Lowcountry for hours, and add to that spending a few hours before each ride doing my MSF training really makes you sweat. I mean a lot LOL. Sitting at stoplights mid-day, in the sun, surround by other vehicles, is something only the few can survive on a motorcycle. Add to the fact you need to be mentally sharp and prepared for about any traffic situation or nature obstacle, really takes a toll you.
The first 500 miles taught me new and exciting things about myself. Not only do I love motorcycles; the design as well as the way each motorcycle is built, but there is something that occurs within me that leads me to believe that riding a motorcycle might be one the best experiences you can have. Just this last Sunday, as I was riding down Bohicket Rd to Kiawah, I couldn’t stop smiling. Heading to Kiawah on a motorcycle really allowed me to see the beauty of the Lowcountry and that has been a reoccurring theme throughout my motorcycle rides the first 500 miles. Just how amazing the Lowcountry is, from the view of riding on a motorcycle.
The lessons I am learning over the last 500 miles is amazing. At the core of my completing my first 500 miles is how to properly shift gears, using engine braking to slow the bike down, throttle control, using the friction zone, countersteering, full lock turns, figure 8’s, quick stops, surviving rush hour Lowcountry traffic in the AM and PM, allowing a good space cushion, and finally, understanding how to maintain your bike for optimal performance. The slow speed maneuvers are something I really enjoy before I start any major bike ride. Learning to control a 500-pound machine moving less than 10mph is a challenge. Yet, this is where the Art of Motorcycling really shines. For me, it’s the slow speed maneuvers that give me a world of confidence and the ability to be agile on the Moto Morini builds a foundation for my future. Sure, everyone can ride a motorcycle at high speeds. Motorcycles actually handle and perform wonderfully at high speeds. Yet, the slow speed stuff gives you a better idea of how your motorcycle responds at a speed that must be managed completely.
Some of the highlights of my first 500 miles include, visiting Folly Beach for the first time, riding around Downtown Charleston on a busy Friday night, riding across the James Island Connector on a windy day, commuting to my job in North Charleston from James Island during rush hour traffic, riding down Highway 61 to Summerville at 66mph, riding my bike during Tropical Storm Debby, my first crash, and riding through River Rd on Johns Island were all very memorable. This first 500 miles I will remember forever. Praise God!
TOTALS PER 1ST 500 MILES – Quick Stats
TOTAL RIDING TIME (SEAT TIME): 43 HRS 5 MINUTES
TOP SPEED: 66
AVG SPEED: 50.31
AVG MILEAGE PER RIDE: 40.08
REPAIRS: FRONT BRAKE LEVER / BRAKE LIGHTS
CRASHES: 1