BRC day 2: fun with Alphonse

Saturday afternoon was instruction and riding on the practice lot. I was one of the first students to arrive, so I had my pick of the fleet, although there were really only four or five different models to choose from. I decided to ride a Suzuki GN125 named Alphonse.

When we started the class I had practically no experience wih motorcycles or manual transmissions. By the time we finished I could shift, swerve, corner, and quick brake like a pro--or like someone who has done five hours of intensive training.

At the end of class, I walked away with a greater respect for motorcycles and gratitude toward Alphonse for carrying me through the day. I was amazed at how much I had learned so far, and humbled by how much I have yet to learn. I was sore, tired, and sunburnt (despite the fact that I lathered on sunblock before class). I was also looking forward to another day of practice, because riding motorcycles is fun!