Starting my journey & buying my gear.

Having wanted to ride a motorcycle for years I finally managed to get my self into gear and book the first step. My CBT.

I decided to go with Peter Cairns Motorcycle training as I had followed them through Facebook for a while and had seen nothing but good reviews. Deposit paid I was ready to do some research and buy some gear. After many hours on Google and YouTube I decided I wanted a modular helmet so went and found the LS2 strobe at KC supervises for around £115. Being able to go in store and try helmets on was a big help in getting sizing correct. I then managed by luck to get some Craft motorcycle boots and leather jacket from Lidl of all places. They were very reasonably priced fit well and possessed the safety ratings I wanted. Trying the whole lot on made me very excited to get on a bike and ride.

So after a few days it was my CBT which I was doing with five other people. They all had alot of road experience what with having full driving licences and cars. I had lessons when I was younger but for myriad of reasons had booked but not taken my test. After a talk and going over the essentials we got to examine our first bike. It was a Yamaha ybr 125. This was also the bike I got to ride for the day.

After getting used to the the bike doing small controlled maneuvers in a coned off area I'd got the hang of being on a bike but I was having issues with my boots as I couldn't feel the gear lever enough to accurately do everything perfect everytime. Also at this point I was getting nervous for the road portion of the assessment and my body was shaking quite a bit. A mix of adrenaline, nerves and the chronic illness I have.

It's important for me to say I suffer from M.E/CFS and have done for quite a while. I have my good days and bad days and this was a good day. If I was in any way too ill to go I would have pushed it to another day.

During the road portion me and the other learner in our group were very surprised at how much freedom and trust we were given to be out on the roads. It was enjoyable but we both still were getting the hang of it. I was struggling more because of the boot issue and nerves. I had a couple of hairy moments but learned from them and the instructor said it would be better if I come back and do the road portion again when I'm rested a bit more and less nervous.

A week later and I had the most perfect ride with a different instructor, all my nerves had gone and I was just enjoying being out on the bike. CBT completed I am now searching for gloves , motorcycle and security accessories.

I can't wait.