RockMoto

February 27, 2009
I told my parents this morning that I was taking the MSF course. Jess didn’t tell her parents until she’d been riding her own bike for 6 months. Their response? A long pause, then, “Your father and I are going to have to call you back.” Their apprehension has turned to pride over the years though, as she’s turned a pastime into a thriving career – going from the back of a bike, to a rider, to an editor of a national motorcycle magazine, to a coach – in addition to her current position at the Motorcycle Industry Council.

When I told my mom I was doing the course, she thought it’d be a great, life-expanding experience for me.

My dad, on the other hand, gave a pained pause and sighed, “Oh, dear…You know, your cousin Howard (Judy’s husband) showed up at their daughter’s bat mitzvah with his arm in a sling. He was wearing a helmet, but he still broke his arm. I just don’t know why people ride.”

Well, dad. Thanks for the encouragement.

I’m not really that nervous about tomorrow, but I wasn’t able to get new boots yet. You’re required to wear something that covers your ankles, and the only thing I have are some old used cowboy boots. Amanda and Erika don’t recommend them, as they don’t have much traction on the soles. But I tried Payless and they didn’t have anything that fit me. I’ll run out tomorrow and grab something quick and cheap. Real moto boots start at around $100, and I’m not ready to make that investment. The school supplies helmets and gloves, but Jess got me some hi-tech super cool riding gloves as a present. That was super sweet of her. She really wants me to enjoy the experience. They’re tight like ski boots are on your feet. I’m not sure if they’re supposed to be that tight, but they’re XL and I don’t know if they come in a larger size.

We were going to take a few minutes to sit on my roommate’s bike so I could familiarize myself with all the controls, but our time together is so limited we didn’t get a chance to do that.

I’ll be coming in tomorrow cold as can be. Hopefully, I’ll represent.