Chapter 2.2

I was SCARED! Terrified! Ready to turn around WALK home!

So after I death wobbled out the dealership, we took the bike to the stadium parking lot. (Apparently that's not allowed), luckily the security caught me after I had done enough figure 8's and circles to feel a little more comfortable.

I stopped, got off and contemplated the trouble I had just left the lot with. At least three weeks without riding didn't take away my balance, slow speed maneuvers were even easier because Joy is wayyy lighter than the 125cc Yamaha I learnt on. The only, (kinda significant) difference was that, Joy is a small displacement bike with big sport bike attitude. So the gear shifter and back brake are angled downward and I have to lean forward to reach the handle bars. But it's not too aggressive a riding position so I got used to it.

My (Thank God for T) very supportive friend was gonna drive all the way home with me, following me in their car. So we chose the corner filled shorter route I was more afraid off.

If I had a dollar for every time Joy cut off I'd have enough to fill the gas tank. The funniest time would be when I accidentally shifted into 4th gear around a corner. (Thank God for my escort, they were keeping the traffic way from me.)

I got home, after cutting off on the steepest part of my hill. And I was done with riding. But a few hours later I'm excited about my next trip. It's a dam drug.

OMG, I have a bike!

9:06 pm Mon 29th March 2021

On my experience and riding ability thus far:

Braking: The back brakes were just as easy to use as I'm accustomed to, absolutely no problem there. I surprised myself by instinctively using progressive front braking to go downhill.

Cornering: LOL. I know how to, I have in the past, did I do any today, nope. I was UPRIGHT. I'll lean when I'm more confident.

The Gears: I fought these. Hard. I was going too slow to settle in 3rd and too far to stay in 2nd for long. So the engine hates me now, I'm sure. Also, I kept putting it in neutral! I'll work on that.

No counter steering, Thankfully no sudden braking needed.

My company/support said I did great. Given that I got home without putting my foot down or falling I agree.