There are a couple of things I've learned in the passed several days. Firstly, a Pre-MidLife Crisis sucks. The last thing you should do when the economy is this bad is change your spending habit. That much is a fair assessment. So, on to my story...

This is a short story about me and my Suzuki Boulevard M90. How much experience do I have on a motorcyle, you may ask yourself. Well, about two days worth of hands on training. I practiced the throttle control technique that many said I should start off with. Actually, they said that I needed to start off with an ACTUAL CLASS. But alas, what do experienced riders know about me and my ability to learn quickly. I've had years and years of expeirence riding a bicycle. How different could riding a 700 lb motorcycle be?! Poshh, Poshh!!

It was a sunny day in March. It was the 27th of March in a quite neighborhood in Houston. I had left work and headed straight to V's house for a quick ride around the neighborhood. I had decided to wear my helmet to see what it was like to ride with a helmet since the first time I went around the block, I had negleigently not worn it. The 27th was going to be different. It was going to be the first of many safe rides. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between man, machine and horsepower. We blended so well. I pulled out of the drive way and headed north. Down the street. I could hear the vibration between my legs as the engine purred. I followed traffic laws as best as I could. I leaned into turns as best as I could. It was a wonderful day in March. Then, out of no where, there it was. Another left turn. It starred at me. I felt an easiness fall over me as I saw one car go by, then the final car went by. I stood waiting, my hand on the throttle, posed, ready. then, I inched forward and I began my left turn, only this time, I didn't lean into it. I made a wide turn and as the rear wheel caught the wet grass, I felt the bike roll right, behind me. I put my rightfoot down to catch myself, unaware that there was 700+ lbs of monster heading my way behind me. As I felt something snap, I was thrown and tumbled to a stop, the last hit being my head on the pavement. Good thing I was wearing my helmet. My head bounced but no serious damage, except for my foot. To tell you the truth, I've never had broken bones before. Always wondered about them. In fact, I really never wanted to chance it. I broke four toes and I'm hobbling around on a good, weak leg. It could have been worse. Let this be a lesson: Take a motorcycle safety course ASAP! Don't be eager! Be patient! WEAR YOUR HELMET AND ANY OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT ( the scrapes on my arms hurt like hell)! My thing was that I told myself that I was just going around the block, wasn't going to leave the neighborhood. In actuality, I was planning on visiting V at work (a surprise to show off the motorcycle). This incident happened at or about 10 mph. It was a left turn and except for the grass being somewhat wet, it was a clear and beautiful day. I thank God it wasn't more severe. Lesson Learned

END OF LESSON