Destination: Two Wheels on the Road

This past April, Governor Dayton signed a proclamation for May to become Motorcycle Awareness Month.

I've always enjoyed being in the wind on two wheels, instead of enclosed, on four wheels. My ex-husband's Harley had me as a passenger in the early to mid-1990's. On weekends, we would ride the roads with friends and enjoy the warm days.

The years passed, the Harley was sold and people move on. In Feb. 2010, while at the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis, I decided to look into getting a motorcycle endorsement and learning to ride on my own. The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center sounded like a good option. Their Rider Training Courses were a lot of fun and I received my endorsement at the end of class after passing the riding test. I have already signed up for the Experienced Riders course this June.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle, take a class. The Introduction to Motorcycling course teaches you the basics of getting started. A riding permit is not needed and you do not get the endorsement. If you are wanting the endorsement, get your permit and enroll in the Basic Rider Course.

It has been a year since passing the test. I rode over 3,000 miles last year and have over a 1,000 miles so far this year. Each ride on my VStar 1100 has me enjoying the scenery and escaping from my cell phone. However, avoiding near misses by motorists who are too busy on the phone, eating or just not paying attention is a major problem.

Many motorists need to be more aware of their surroundings and those around them before pulling out, changing lanes or stopping short. Take the time to double check your mirrors, blind spot or just hang up the phone.

Don't be distracted, be attentive. It could save someone's life. Want to ride? Click here: http://www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/latest/MMSChome.asp?cid=1