2-rides ago - I simply needed to get gas! I did a mental search of all the local stations close to my house and pictured the road ahead and the entry and exit of each station. Even though the 76 was my first choice it was me at avery busy intersection and the exit would not be so fun. The Chevron put me by a City College and that would be even more treacherous given my "newbie" status. I opted for he Mobil and realized I could take sweet side streets all the way with one last dash down a major though-fair to round out the event.
I mentally checked and went through details like how I would pull up to the station, approach, what side the pump would be on - cutting the motor, taking off my gloves how much gas I would be buying etc. Automatic details to an auto driver but a detailed list to the new Ducati rider.
It was nearing sunset in at least an hour and I wanted to take a short spin to the local station. I geared up, hydrated with some H20 and headed out into the Sunset. The visibility was still quite high as I headed out. A couple of straights, lefts and rights. I was at the Mobil.
I approached the sloped drive and eased the throttle in first and pulled forward to the pump. I came to a stop and cut the engine. Kick-stand up and properly dismounted. I took off my gloves and reached into my riding pants for that cool $3.50. As I strode into the min-mart I was real rider to the rest of the world. Everyone present - simply saw me a motorcyclist in a world of my own.
I snapped out of my Super-hero daydreams and put my money on the counter. $3.50 please, on number 6. I was extra polite- I am usually-but I went overboard just to "represent" for the rest of "us".
The "true riders".
Before I knew it I was back at the pump, pumping that first gallon ever so slowly. Bling, bling -$3.50 in.
I started my bike just as I would in front of my house following all the MSF instruction to the "T".
I throttled out to the exit drive and saw it was steeper then expected. With no one right behind me I waited a bit and then power-walked down the slope to street level while scanning the blvd. for anything unexpected. My hesitation and extra caution payed off. I was on flat ground. I know I could have made the dip and turn and have since but the extra time just felt right at the time.
With twilight settling I headed home. This was just enough of "night riding" for now. I had crossed a another hurdle and was one step closer to "real world" riding.
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