Every year I make a resolution to learn to do something that I’ve never done before. That sounds very easy and maybe while you are reading this you can think of something that you’ve always aspired to do—but let me assure it is not. Sometimes we immediately think of an old skill we once had, and how we should revisit it. (Rollerblading…anyone?) Or even something that we see many of our family members or friends do? We think to ourselves; this can’t be THAT hard, if they can do it I can do it.

So for 2020 I have decided to pursue something that not only our owner Jessica Kline can do (oh and have I mentioned how many female enthusiasts we have on our roster that ride?) but several of my friends here in Florida can do—learn to drive a motorcycle.

True to form when I told a few of my social circles about this it had the most interesting reception of any sport or activity I’ve ever done.  Living in Florida, outdoor motor sports and riding are a year round activity. Without the constraints of ice or snow in the sunshine state we are free to enjoy roads much more often than our Northern counterparts. With this comes a huge influx of tourism, not to mention one of the largest bike rallies in the nation, Daytona Bike Week that happens less than 20 miles from where I live.

So I bit the bullet and went down—honestly, it was like the Costco of motorcycles—and got the information I needed on what would be required of me to take this test. It was pretty simple, I’ll admit, to get the forms I needed and then to view online what I needed to bring to the test.  The staff there were more than pleased to know a person came to them independently to learn how to ride.

                               

Here are some important questions (or ones you may already have in mind) when asking about taking a motorcycle class:

I don’t own a motorcycle yet because I cannot drive one. Do you provide the motorcycle?
- Yes, we provide the motorcycle, we have a series of 6 that we carry on hand specifically for the testing classes. They are serviced weekly (as they have a hard life of being the first bike that many people ever turn over) and are up to date on all safety regulations.

What happens if I damage the bike while I’m riding it?
- Nothing, that’s what it is meant for. Your instructor is there to monitor your safety—and the most important thing to protect is YOU. The bike we can replace and manage, YOU are the rider.

What does this two day testing consist of?
- One day of a classroom setting where we teach you the “rules of the road” and then you take a written test. The second day is in a closed parking lot where we teach you how to ride.

Do you provide gear? I don't own a helmet.
- Yes, safety is our number one priority when training new drivers. We give you the tools to know what equipment you will need once you leave the class as well.

Sounds simple, right? Now each dealership and school is different, so my answers may not be the same as yours when you walk into a class setting. However I nodded to myself and thought, “I like what I’m hearing, ok they are really going to support me here in this new adventure.” So now it is just up to me to schedule it, and then to go on this next chapter. I encourage anyone who is wanting to learn to ride to first, strike up a conversation with those around you and dig deep in it. I will guest blog again to describe how my class went, and then ultimately what path I go down when deciding on a motorcycle body style and brand—but for now let me leave you with this—branch out, explore the world around you, and most of all have fun!

Written by: Cotter G., Sales/Business Development Manager

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