Ducati Monster Forum

So, I'm still on the GS500E but I have never ridden alone; always with at least one other person.  Part of that is the fear that if I should drop the bike, I'll be stuck forever  ANYWAY  I rode to work this morning.   

This weekend, I"m finally going to take the Monster back out and see how that goes. [moto]

Good for you!  ;D We must crawl before we can walk, right?

Good luck with the Monster! I expect to see a full ride report come Monday  [cheeky]

Nicely done!  [thumbsup]

And don't worry about being stuck if you drop the bike when you're on your own (not that I think you will). 

Been there, done that.  You're a girl, just flag down a guy passing by.  ;)

Yay!!!!!

Congrats hon!  ;D

I can't pick up my bike either.  Don't let it keep you from riding.  Like ms incredible said, someone will come help. 

You go girl!!!!!!!!!!! [thumbsup]

I'd be proud too!  Congratulations.

Wooo hooo!!! I remember the first time I did that too. It was almost 3 years after I got my license that I finally did.  Now I ride to work and around the city all the time  [clap]

Are you riding around Boston?   That takes some serious nerve!  I don't like driving around Boston in a cage!

Way to go Dolci ! [thumbsup]

Glad to hear you got that first solo trip under your belt, because that certainly will boost your confidence to continue your journey.  Also, don't think about dropping your bike, but if you do, don't worry there will be plenty of people willing to help you.  Just a couple of months ago I saw this guy on a big Hog trying to make a very slow U-turn and he dropped it.  Within seconds a truck stopped and a couple of guys got out to help him pick up that heavy beast.

Ha ha, I agree. I ride mostly north of the river -- Cambridge and Somerville I feel quite comfortable. Boston proper is a different story  [roll]

I'm sure all of you know, but the easiest way to get large amounts of saddle time is to commute to work.  Play it safe, wear your gear, but the only way to get comfortable is to get out there and twist that throttle.

Congrats, Lisa!  You're the greatest!  I remember my first commute.  It was winter and I was breathing too hard from being so freakin' nervous.  I kept on fogging up my face shield!  Just keep at it and pretty soon you'll feel so comfortable, you won't want to cage it anymore.  You'll look for ways to extend your season and get the gear that allows you to ride as often as possible.

As for picking up your bike on your own, I'd be floored if you couldn't do it.  I know you have back injuries (it's all Geaux's fault!), but you're supposed to lift with your quads anyway.  Just do a nice slightly than wider squat with the bike to your back to the tank side of the bike.  Grab what you can that's fixed to the frame and do a nice clean leg press.  There's nothing to it. 

In theory, yes, I SHOULD be able to do it.  I have one completely ruptured disk and one herniated.  I have almost no feeling or pain or numbness in my left leg almost at all times.  I am currently taking percocet 3x/day just to move like a normal person.  I also have appointment scheduled this week with both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon because that appears to be the primary options now left to me.  It's far more complicated than we thought.

Congrats lady!!

OUCH!!! I didn't realize it was that bad! Mebbe trying to pick up the bike isn't such a good plan. Perhaps doing that trick of lying down next to the bike would work better.

Oh yes, I can do the damsel in distress.  It sux.  Did acupuncture today; I need 4 rounds of it before I'm expected to see any pain relief (thankfully it's covered by insurance).  I'm keeping my fingers crossed about VIR - if I can relieve the pain with acupuncture and the actual damage won't get worse, I'll go until surgery is the only option.  Hopefully, I can hold out until winter and then recuperate by the fireplace!

[coffee] [laugh]

good job getting out there Dolci... just keep plugging away.  [beer]

as for that back: check in with your inner wisdom.
your body wants to heal and wants to do it's best. 
miraculous healing has happened for people far less
mobile than you are currently.  stay positive.

My mother has lived by those words!