Whoever else loves motorcycles - please post your weight loss/more fit lifestyle story here! and how motorcycles fit into your life.
My motorcycle was a big motivator for me to try to lose some weight and get in shape. In winter of 2001/2002, I was overweight, tired, uncomfortable, miserable! I found the 3FC site, and hooked up with the "Doing It The Old Fashioned Way" (counting calories and exercising) thread. As I (slowly) progressed, I needed something to work towards...and learning to ride a motorcycle was what I decided on.
I had always loved to ride behind my husband, but once the children started arriving, we didn't keep a bike anymore. As my children got older (at that time in 2002, 21 and 13) I felt that it was time for ME.
I researched and found that most states offer the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginner's course, for a nominal fee. I called in early spring, but the courses fill up quickly, and I couldn't get a spot until early August.
On Mother's Day 2002, I was presented with my gift, an '02 Honda Shadow VTX 600 (I had some estate money from my departed dad to play with.) I was so afraid of it
it looked huge! I really, really wanted to start on something small, like a Rebel 250, but we couldn't find anything like that.
In our state, to get a learner's permit, you study the booklet, then go to MV and take the written test. If you pass the test, you're issued a permit, which allows you to ride the motorcycle during daylight hours, on public roads, only in the state, and no passenger.
On my first try, in a school parking lot, I promptly dumped it
The weight took me by surprise, when I gently braked, I wasn't prepared, and we tipped over slowly
good thing I had heavy jeans and over-the-ankle boots on, no bruises or scrapes. We picked it up off me and I went at it again.
Over the next few weeks, my parking lot circles got bigger, and I progressed to public roads, going so slowly it was laughable. But I was going at my own pace. The first time I went into town, I was so nervous! But each trip gave me more confidence.
In July, I felt confident enough to ride to my work, which is at the end of a 2 mile dirt road. I was super-nervous, but I did it without mishap! again, each time I had a triumph, it fueled my confidence.
When the time for the course came, I had a couple hundred miles experience, but the course taught me alot. I was really afraid that I had botched the serpentine test, but when I was told I passed, I was on cloud nine!
There's a certain pride that I think women riders have. For me, it's from mastering (well, always learning) something that is mostly male-dominated. The actual riding itself is so exhilarating. I just love it!
The next year, we took a week to ride to St. Louis, to meet some other people under the St. Louis arch. One of our guys rode from San Francisco, by himself. Others came from MA, and TN. This trip gave me so much experience in riding on big highways, dealing with tractor trailers, all kinds of weather, etc. But riding through small-town America was great - at lunch places, diners, folks would come right up to us to ask where we were from, where we were going, with their own motorcycle tales. It was great.
This past year (May '04) we took a week to ride to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for Bike Week. Another awesome trip! but even better, as we went south and got sun and warmth.
This year, I want to go to Myrtle Beach again for our big trip. Then through out the summer, there are rides and rallies that we can hopefully make for a day trip or two.
Okay, I've hogged enough space
I'll get some pics of my baby also
oh yes - do you have a road name? I'm Cupcake
Who else loves motorcycles? :D
) but do my best to minimize risks. Snowmachining sounds like the sensible thing for motorcycle lovers to do in winter! I have to make friends with someone around here who has one 
a Harley (I am currently restricted to <33bhp ) and I ride a 12bhp snail at the moment. Can't really afford to upgrade but I keep saying that my next bike is a Harley Softtail or the Vrod!
