New to STN (and Riding)

[Crackedpot]

Thanks for sharing your encouragement!  

I've read how it's a good idea to retake the Experienced MSF class every few years just to ditch newly learned bad habits.  Mainly, I just want to get off in the right (most educated) direction, so starting small makes the most sense to me.  We must all crawl before we walk.  

If you like to read I'd recommend "How To Ride a Motorcycle" by Pat Hahn and "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Each adds a lifetime of good advice. Then, assuming you've not become too petrified by the potential dangers of riding to continue, you may bypass a lot of lessons learned the hard way!  

[Rabidsnipe]

Welcome to the boards.

[2wTraveler]

Welcome  

[GilaMonster]

Thanks for the good advice!  

I guess mostly year-round riding is one of the perks of living in the Sunshine State.  Lately I've been reading gear reviews (and posts) to see what I'll need to accomplish the following: A) stay cool; B) stay dry; and C) stay warm.  I'm leaning towards two-piece textile gear at the moment.

I would add: D) stay hydrated.  I realize you are in the land of humidity, and I am in the land of the desert, but still keep it in mind.  Dehydration sneaks up on you and can be very dangerous.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

[stevewaugh76]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

Thanks, I'll save that site for later  

[stevewaugh76]

If you like to read I'd recommend "How To Ride a Motorcycle" by Pat Hahn and "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Each adds a lifetime of good advice. Then, assuming you've not become too petrified by the potential dangers of riding to continue, you may bypass a lot of lessons learned the hard way!  

Thanks!  

I do enjoy reading so I've added these two books to my list.  I've checked out a half dozen or so motorcycle books from the library.  So far I've enjoyed "The Motorcycle Book: Everything You Need to Know" by Alan Steely and the first chapter of "Live to Ride" by Wayne Johnson is pretty good too.  The former book does it's best to give a 10K foot view of motorcycles, complete with engine type diagrams, inner workings, etc.  

[Mr.Black]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

I'm with Starbuck! New Enough is the place for the stuff.

[stevewaugh76]

I would add: D) stay hydrated.  I realize you are in the land of humidity, and I am in the land of the desert, but still keep it in mind.  Dehydration sneaks up on you and can be very dangerous.

Right on! I've got a 100oz camelbak for when I go mountain biking.  The guys like to call me "water buffalo"  

But seriously, I do try to drink about 80oz per day every day.  Stopped the caffeine and sugar drinks years ago, but I still indulge in the occasional coffee, even if it's usually decaf.

[Cheddarhead]

Well theres a concept i never thought of.

QFT





(You really shouldn't tempt us like that, Ed...)
 

[stevewaugh76]

Just got my 2011 STN Calendar in the mail for my birthday. She's a beauty!  

[Marcster]

Welcome to the site, Steve!

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

I had great experiences with New Enough, but another good place is Competition Accessories http://www.compacc.com -- I had a couple of orders with them....

And JC Whitney (of all places) had the best prices on the front tire I needed: http://www.jcwhitney.com

[cbsnbiker]

Here's another worthwhile book: "MSF Guide to Motorcycling Excellence"

http://store.msf-usa.org/store/moredetails.aspx?pid=135

[Explorer]

Welcome