you came here asking fundamental questions regarding roads and road signage here in the US. Very fundamental questions. My thinking is those who were born here *might* possess that knowledge already.
I'd point out here that it was actually a Utah-born friend of mine who's been riding 14 years who suggested that freeway route thinking it wasn't technically a freeway. I was the one who said "maybe it is?" and he suggested asking you guys as it appeared to be a grey area. Looking at the initial responses on here I can see why that mistake was made.
But why did you say you "didn't have to take the safety course"
Because I'm 28 and could have just done the DMV lollipop test. I didn't feel that would actually teach me a damn thing so I paid my $250 to take the safety course so I wouldn't just go out there with good intentions but no skills.
Now *this* is very interesting. You didn't get dinged on the u-turn exercise. Hmmm, a maneuvre that is not ordinarily a life or death situation
Actually I didn't perform that nearly as well in the practice, but did well for the first time in the test. My practice emergency stops were much better, but we were told we'd drop more points if we locked the brakes, so I was more hesitant in the actual test.
You didn't get dinged on the swerve, ok, this could be a life or death situation so good on you for passing that
Thank you! I found the swerve both easy and fun, so I'm pleased with that.
But, you seem to think it is OK to get 4 negative points each for the emergency stop AND a failure to get on the gas.
Not ok, no. But I know why I did and now I can work on them, hence the cone days, advanced rider course etc. It was mostly test nerves, as I performed quite differently during the exercise practice.
I would recommend you solicit private advice from Connie (Gixxergirl1000) on what roads are newbie friendly. She will not steer you wrong (no pun intended). You might want to ask her when her next newbie ride is as well if you want to get a taste of the twisties
Thank you, I will do that.
Question - what gear will you be wearing when you are cruising the highways, freeways, frontage roads and or side streets on your bike that you are reticent in applying both gas and or brakes?
I'm not entirely sure the assumptions you made there are correct. You're assuming that under non-test conditions I'd be as hesitant as I was under test conditions when all I was trying to do there was pass the test. I did perform far better in the practice exercises so with a little practice on the 650 I'll be fine.
You also seem to be assuming (from your tone) that I'm under geared. I have armoured pants, jacket, full-face helmet, gloves and over-the-ankle flat boots that I purchased months ago as a passenger. I actually want to get slightly better-fitting gear (the pants are a little too short in the leg, but the protective bits are protecting the right places) soon.
I really appreciate your concern, but I don't like the assumptions that a) I have no idea what I'm doing and b) I can't learn how to ride my bike safely. :|
. It's a key thing to learn and takes some practice. You might find you'll be starting Sunday morning off with the figure of 8 drill and then doing it inside a teeny box - fun!
