It was awakened in me when I was about 6 years old.
When the kids got older my husband bought a Honda Nighthawk. It was a thing of beauty. I lusted after it like a hungry person lusts for a crust of bread. I fell in love with riding all over again. The plan was that he would teach me to ride. It never happened. We got divorced instead and the dream again went to sleep.
In June of 2008 mom was diagnosed with Lymphoma. She had fought this disease once before and we knew that this time it was not going to be an easy fight. During the course of her treatments I learned a hard lesson about how precious life was and how important it was to pursue your dreams when you had the chance.
I made plans to take a motorcycle safety course and get my license. The state of Illinois offers the classes for free. You register through the local college and take the three day course. They provide everything, the bikes, the helmets and all you have to do is show up and get instructed. At the end of the course you take the written test, the road test, and if you passed both you get a certificate which you take to the DMV to get your certification on your driver’s license.
I decided to get a bike, practice on it and then take the motorcycle course again in the Spring or Fall. I found “Blue” on Ebay. I watched the motorcycle auctions, and saw what the prices were like. I figured if I could find a bike cheap enough(under $700.00) I’d buy one. I had my income tax windfall coming in. Why not help out the economy and spend it foolishly?? I never really thought I would find a halfway decent bike.
I watched “Blue” for 3 days, never bidding. “Blue” is a vintage(used) 1981 Honda CM400C with a beautiful blue metallic tank. She has some miles on her(but so do I) she has a great leather seat(OK..mine’s not leather), perky headlights (no comment). She’s been through some stuff, but she would be good for me to have some adventures with. I can’t explain it, I had to bid on her.
When it got down to the final hour, I made my move. The auction was due to end in 20 minutes and I set a maximum bid of $650.00. I waited and I watched. I was the high bidder. HUH??? SERIOUSLY??!! I kept refreshing the screen – 5 minutes….4 minutes….3….2….1. OH MY GAWD. I just bought a freakin motorcycle for the grand total of $611.00!
Being a modern girl, I sent out email notifications and texts. The response was overwhelming and positive for the most part. Dad was strangely silent on the subject, at first, then he admonished me to be careful and respect the stupidity of other drivers, as well as my own inexperience. I practiced on BLUE and took the course over again. This time I did get my license.
In the meantime, I am currently….(sob) bikeless. I guess I will have to just content myself with being the passenger on the boyfriend’s Victory Kingpin.. oh… the horror.