RLAP Chicks

We had a great day in the parking lot on saturday after work. There was Vgirl-Pinkat-Fancypants- Me and our Cabana Boy Ram.

Pinkat got some good practising in as she goes to do her road test this week. She is the gal I taught to ride on Stinky Pinky last year. I was a little harder on everyone this time after the Renton Course, I set up the cones. The dreaded cones!! Like I have said, there is a huge difference in weaving in and out of cones as to riding inside them. You must enter properly or you cut yourself short and can clear the whole circle of cones. Which of course did happen the first few times.

It was my first time of doing the cones on my bike and I was nervous. I wasn't so bad after all, it took me a couple goes and then it was good to go.

Vgirl sitting back with a little bit of a pout on her face sitting their on her humungous Valkyrie.. I asked her if she was going to try it and she said no. WHAAT?? I obviously had way more faith in her than she did.. She aced it!!

We also did the circle with a weave. The Texas star, weaving in and out. I will be sure to video that. Again, quick snaps left and right, and be sure too look 3 cones ahead or you WILL NOT get it!!

Miss Fancypants got out and did some cone weave and follow the leader. She is a little unsteady, but later when I got on her bike realized why. It is like she has ape hangers, and the riser needs to go.

Fun was had by all, we spent a good 2 hours. Of course I could have gone till dark, but must remember, not everyone feels the same. I was happy to have the company and gave everyone a RLAP hat that came.

Jippo had come earlier but we hadn't got there yet, and he said the parking lot was totally covered in leaves. It's a good thing the wind picked up and swept the leaves away.

Ram Intersection Honda Gold Wing

This is my friend Ram, who practising RLAP with me all the time. He really has it figured out.

Parking lot with clients

I had a great day in the parking lot last night. A couple clients of mine came by and asked me if I would go to the parking lot and help them get more comfortable with their bikes. He was riding a new Street Glide and she has a new Sporty. I watched them pull up at 5pm, across the street, and they walked their bikes into the parking stalls about 8 spots away from each other. I knew then they had no idea of the friction zone and especially not the rear brake. It was a very wobbly situation. But good for them, for admitting they needed some help.

He had told me on his last haircut about their new purchases and that they had had a spill where he lost his balance and knocked her over while they were at a stop sign. They were at the point of deciding to let their bikes go, and possibly buy a boat for fun instead. Of course they hear me talking about RLAP and all the courses I am taking, and my goals.

Anyway off to the parking lot we went, it is not the easiest entry way, into the old school, as you have to ride down a side walk. You definitely have to pay attention when you enter .

Just as you enter, the slow cone weave set up. The dots are still there, even though I never use that spot anymore for anyone new as it seems to be too small of an area for a u-turn even though it is more than 26 feet. Later maybe!

As I entered, I did the weave and entered the figure 8 to turn and park my bike, and there low and behold her bike was laying on the ground. Ooops!! I just told her to not be hard on herself, by the time she left tonight, she would have more control of her bike. I asked her if she knew what she did wrong, and she did... She looked at curb, and headed straight for it wanting to stop using her front brake and no power.

I asked them if they had the DVD'S and they had. Yes, they even watched them, but only practised in their minds. Until they had talked to me, they were pretty sure the bikes were going to be sold. He has a gimp knee and told me every time he has to hold his bike up with his knee due to loss of balance he has shooting pain. This of course was where the friction zone came into play and giving it power instead of trying to walk the bike.

We were in the parking lot for 2 hours. It was incredible to them, how much those techniques helped them. He was no longer putting his feet down. Of course still needs more work, and remembering to trust himself in both the head and eyes.

I told them, it was only 3 little techniques that they had to master in slow maneuvers that would give them all the confidence in the world. At first she kept loosing her friction zone, in and out, and I could see how frustrated she was. I decided to play follow the leader, and told her when she heard me snap my throttle to do the same, so I could tell she was in the zone and not just lugging. I told her to stay a bike length or closer to me if she could, and we did follow the leader all over the lot. She did not loose the zone even once, and was looking where she wanted to go.

We practiced stopping. Which I know sounds easy but if you stop to talk to someone before you have completely stopped,, you loose balance and could go down easy. Keep looking straight ahead not down.

I told them to make it a game when coming to a stop at an intersection to see how long you could keep your feet up before you come to a complete stop and have to put them down. Just by staying in the friction zone, and using your rear brake if needed. I could tell that he wanted to continue and she was very pleased with what she had accomplished.

Hopefully they can make it again tonight. I'm telling you, it give me such satisfaction to see somones face when the lights go on, and they feel more incontrol of their big bike. ;)

Mike Northwest Motorcycle School 09

Northwest Motorcycle School Class Sept 09

Northwest Motorcycle School Day 1

This was day one before the cones came all the way out!! Getting to know the boys and the bikes!!

Steve McKennan

Fork Lift does the Iiminator

I was sitting around at lunch time, feeling sorry for myself, because I was worried, I was going to do the proficiency course well. Then this forklift went through. I got such a chuckle, I just had to share. He was pretty happy too.

Wenatchee

This is my friend Karen/Hummingbiird, from Wenatchee, I met her at the end of the Conga II. She had discovered my blog some how, and told me of how her dream was to learn how to ride. Well, she is learning. I helped her find this bike, she had come to Campbell River, and I gave her some lessons in the parking lot. So on my way home from Northwest Motorcycle School, I made a point of going home, Wenatchee way, and giving her another little lesson.

Saying Good by

We were all dead dog tired in the after noon. We put in 40 solid hours of working our butts off. It was a hot last day. I felt good, I had accepted the fact that I missed one bench mark, which was 2 seconds of the braking. It just felt like I was going 100 miles per hour, and I was a afraid of highsiding, or even skidding. I was too exhausted really, and couldn't think straight anymore. So.. I need to work on my braking, and they allow any of their students to come back to do just that, to complete the missed benchmark. So off course... I will be back!!!

I am thrilled with my results of the profiency course. I mean, I didn't even knock a cone down, yup had a close call.

So as you see I still have some work today and there is always some room for improvement. I will never teach until until I ace this course... And I will!!!

We recieved out nice certificates that I will proudly hang in my Barbershop with a class picture.

Just after that, this nasty old wasp was attacking me, I swatted it and it got me good. My hand is double the size of normal, and I still have a ways to drive home.. haha, the pain and agony and it was worth every bit of it, I can't wait to do it all over again.

We said our good bye and exchanged emails, I felt sad it was all over!!

A day later, right now I am in Wenatchee leaving for B.C. Canada, Keremious to be exact.. he whole ride here I was remenising of the course.

By for now!

Dancing like an Angel!!

After lunch was over, I was determined I was going to be dancing like an Angel!! I did a couple practise runs, had my clutch adjusted again, and it was feeling better. For some reason, I still don't know why, Zsolt says to me.. Flo I want you to try this bike. I'm thinking holy shit, not now.. a new bike it really gonna set me off. But I what the hey I thought, I have actually failed any way. On I get, and all of a sudden, I felt like I was dancing like an Angel. We got into the 16 ft..look , lock, lean, figure 8 and it didn't take long..

I was now looking forward to using this bike and just get it done and out of the way. I was no longer afraid, or nervous, and just said let's do it.

Me first run on this new bike was 3.38 I believe. Wow, it felt good. Got right back on it, and went throught the whole course, and didn't knock a cone down, a couple wobblers, but Ed says... they just didn't want to go down for ya Flo.

I was dancing like an Angel....Whooo hooo, it felt so good ...I was totally okay that I failed, because in my mind I passed!!

Will post some more later...

CLICK HERE FOR PICS AND CLIPS

The Morning of the test

Here I am with the guys. This was in the morning before it started we were all ready to roll.

Here I was ready Ride Like a pro and get it done. I was feeling very positive, but very nervous. I never do good at anything, when I am being tested or watched by anyone. I don't know why they are very calming instructors and just walk around with the timer and pen and paper, don't say a word or anything. My first run totally sucked, if I remember correctly, I dropped parking it. as I parked it up agains the wall I was shaking so much. I know I have a new scrape over my old scrape.I believe that is where Ed said, now that's a first.

The second run, wasn't much better than the first, and I was heart broken and pissed off at myself. Nothing I seemed to do would work. I could not calm myself down. I was folding under pressure. Yet when I start out I felt good, calm and kept thinking this is easy, it aint shit, I'm the boss.

Then along came the brake and escape, which I have done many times. In our practises it was all good, but we only had to enter the cones at 30. Now we had to enter at 40 and not a second less and no locking up the brakes and or knocing out a cone. Long story short, I could not get it, and they said if they had time at the end of the day to give me some more runs.

Now it's lunch time and I knew I failed. I was so disapointed in my self and I was fighting the tears. I kept walking around trying to choke it back, suck it up, but it was not happening.. I decided then, I would not go and just be in my own zone, and practise while they are gone to get back in the zone. I asked if it was okay and they said nope.. I needed the rest. Shit... I need to find my relax state again. I just couldn't even think of eating, and I need to be alone, cuz I did not want to be pouting and looking miserable,. I just wanted a good cry and get it out of the way. They all tried to get me to go, but I said thanks I need this I will be ok.

So I had a good cry, a smoke, and walked around taking pics and staring at the damn cones. I tried to close my eyes and visualize me going through the cones, dancing like an angel! I even saw this your guy going through the illiminator with the fork lift.. I had my camera handing and filmed him... Ya hooo says.. I laughed and thought if that big ol thing can do it, so can I.

Results!

For all the enquirey minds that want to know...Whether I folded like a cheap lawn chair, and gave up... the most challanging mentally and physically course of my life.... I did not fold, I hung in there to the bitter end, but I did not pass!!! There were time I wanted to quit!!! I was 2 seconds short in my braking and just couldn't get it properly... I am hugely disapointed in myself, and know I have let some one down..myself included. I will still say I Rode Like a Pro!! Maybe not like a cop yet but I took the course, and proficiency part, I did good... 3.21 min was my good score, and I did not knock a cone down.

I feel like a truck has run over me at the moment, so I will add to this later..

NORTHWEST MOTORCYLE SCHOOL ROCKS!!

I will be taking it again!

If ya got guts.. lol, Take it, you will be absolutely amazed!!What you thought you knew and didn't.. and what you end up learning!! Just ask the 6 guys I rode with...

Talk soon!!

Thankyou, NWMS, all the instructors, and new friends I have met!!

Some pics!!

This is Robert, he has been instruting with Northwest for a year or so. He has a broken arm and rides the course with one hand. Very smoothly I might add. Great sense of humor! Very encouraging and supportive.
Zsolt's back. Cool tshirt.

Mike here, wow, he has got determination. He has bruised every bone in his body I believe. I think the count is up to around 30. He is okay with me posting this pic and any clip I want. He says its real life so do it.. And he is still smiling.

LOL I told ya Robert has a good sense of humor. Looks good in my helmet.

For more pics and clips...click HERE

Whelp today is the day!! I have 3 minute 40 secs to pass the test!! I'd like to say wish me luck, but I don't need luck, I need to use the techniques, and stay calm and relaxed. I can do it!

Day 3 in parking lot!!!

I thought I was feelin it, I had the friction zone. Now when I look at the pic, I didn't have any lean. Tomorrow, I will lean that machine. I had, and lost the zone, I dont' know how many frickin times.. They don't call me Friction Zone Flo for no reason.

Fresh start, new day, ready to do it!! Be the boss of my hoss!! What they teach you hear is LOOK, LOCK, LEAN!! Okay, got my goal for tomorrow!!
Two Canadians!! Noel and Flo ..It is funny when you think about it.. we all bond so fast, in 4 days. Whelp..we know what we are all going through. We are all very supportive of each other. Anyway this is my new Canadian friend, Noel.
There is alot of great guys here, it is an experience, I will never forget!

Here we are on day 3.. All rested up and ready to kick some butt!! It's simple 3 techniques, Head and eyes, friction zone, and rear brake. Crank those handle bars, and just do it!! I'm going to be the Boss of my Hoss.
It is looking a little cloudy and over cast. Let's just hope it stays that way.... That was my thoughts for the morning. I was feeling great, rested up, confident, talking to myself. Everyone was feeling the same way as me it appeared.

It started off great, I was feeling it, and so were the others. Then when the first break, came along... We all were sucking at it!! What's with that??

So Mr. Ed, Snr.Zsolt, Roberto..lol.. tell us all, that they were waiting for this... When teaching hard long days of drill, this happens, as your skills go up, and down, and on the 3rd day...Down they went, for the morning anyway..

I really had my bubble burst again.. This is really extremely hard for me to be honest, and I feel like telling a big fat huge lie!! But...! I was struggling like shit.. Could not keep the friction zone, the bike was always doing the weeeeeeeeeeee sound.. I just don't get, I really don't.

When I went off on my own, I would seem to find it, for the most part. Then I knew what was coming. Follow the leader, and believe you me, when you are following, it is not in a big ol empty parking lot with space every where. Girls...you know who you are, that have come out to play with me, and I am yelling at you to look at me, and not leave your eyes behind to take a sneak peak, one last look at the fence befofre you past by it, when there is still another 10 feet!! This follow the leader shit is less than a foot away. Like I'm tell ing your, some scrape walls and curbs and vehicles.. We get right down to business, and if you DON'T use your head and eyes...Guess where you will plant yourself?? On a curv, in a wall, on the ground...everywhere you dont want to be.

Now you all know,that I know the techniques.. Now put 3 or more other bikes in and 18ft figure 8, and try to remember all the things you have to do.. Be aware of the guy in front of you, number one. We could be playing Dominos at any moment, if you are not paying attention. I get freeked out, when that many are in there and you are pretty sure, one may be going down.

My first mishap, and again, I wish I could lie.. but that is just not me.. I was doing the 8...smoothed right out, feeling good, hit a pilon base, which hit another, which went in front of me, which was not easy to ride over. That is what you are taught to keep going or find and escape. Try riding over 2 big cones piled on top of each other. DROP AND STOP.. Not the way I like to stop personally, and not proud I have to admit to that. My elbow looking a little nasty. All was taken care of, we got the old gals picked up, doctored up.. They take care of you around here. With a couple of wise cracks to boot. But I am used to that.

They are pretty inspiring and not afraid to tell you it is all normal. Zsolt, was the first to say, he sucked when he took the course, and I think he said passed by one point. Robert, said, he was just like everyone else, pulling the same shit we are doing. Now I haven't asked Mr. Ed yet, but I will be sure to do that.

I'm pretty hard on myself, because of all the training, I have taken, and long hours, and my goals, and then this.. Not being what I wanted to be. I never said I was a fast learner, but here I am, not ready to give up for a moment. Today, the day went so fast, and I will be sad when it is over. I will plan my next vacation, to come do this again.

We had 3 more excercises added. Be damned if I can remember the name.. syclops, or something you cut wheat with, and the end square corner of some kind. Major breaking and counter steering going on.. some are adimitting problems with the braking. I was down using the honey pot, and heard some screeeecching going one, so I am thinking it was too much rear braking.

Up to this point it has been a challange for most , okay, lets say all of us!! But we are alot farther ahead.

The instructors, all three of them, are unbelievable. It kinda makes me chuckle inside, when one of us drops a bike, they walk over non shalontly (sp) get out the hammer, and bang it out.. Ed might say.. Please do drop this anymore.. we are on day 3...

There is so much to tell, and my brain has fried again, and I gots to git to bed, because tomorrow is D day!!

My Day of Rest!

Sometimes you just have to listen to the Pro's ;) I didn't think I wanted a day off. Crikey I am here all alone in the big city of Renton Washington. I get lost in parking lots never mind riding any where else than the school and back, which took me a couple goes at to get home in 10 minutes instead of over an hour.

What the hell am I going to do?? I want to practice... I am told by my mentor it is not a good idea on my bike especially. Besides the instructors here said I need some rest time because the next 2 days will be more brutal. More intensive.

I get up in the moring and face the day at 5 am, with lots of sleep, body not feelin too bad, only my ankle and leg is a bit soar, it was almost impossible to get my foot in my boot. Not sure if I mentioned but last night it took me about 10 minutes to get the boot off. Okay, this is not good and this is why I need to stay off it pretty much. Thing is.. I am worried about tomorrow and I don't want discomfort of any kind, while I am trying to fight the heat.

Great.. I do know there is a Harley Dealership a couple blocks from the course. I need comfort. I managed to get my boot on, and hobble to the bike, git on er, and git er done.. New soft, comfy boots. I convinced myself it was okay as I was going to go spend the same amount on some walking shoes, and now they have two purposes. The ones I bought in Florida were toast anyway, as they were so comfly and I wore the sole off.

So I got a little shoppin in, a little ride in, a little blogging and facebooking in, a little walking in,colored my hair, its all good, now I'm going for a little sushi.. Have I told ya that is my favorite food??

I'm ready for tomorrow..Bring it on!!!!

My Comments on the School

This is Zsolt and Robert, Zolt used to own the business, he is a retired cop, and Robert was one of their students a while back. Great guys, very gentle and encouraging and explain things to a tee, that Zsolt does.. It's got to be a Cop thing.
Zsolt.. funny name, funny man, good sense of humor.

Here we have Ed Melroy, the owner operator of Northwest Motorcycle School

Great instructor, good sense of humor and handles stuff fabulously when he gets run over by a rider...lol.. sorry, I still have that memory fresh in my mind.

If someone were to ask me about this school, this is what I would say.

This school is awesome. I remember writing Ed Melroy inquiring. I told him I was fairly advanced, and was it going to be of any benefit to me. He assured, me he thought it was, even though I had taken training down in Florida from Ride Like a Pro. This is a 4 hour class, have done it twice, with extra training on the side. Helping Motorman in class, and I also practise at home and thought I was getting pretty good.

My expectations were, that I would learn to tighten up a little more in the skills with this amount of hours. The school and my mentor convinced me into using their bikes which was considerable amount of money I thought at first to use mine. Now I see why. They are being dropped continualy and of course the clutch and rear brake.

They are awesome instructors with patience of a saint, not afraid to give praise when praise is due. Heck all I provided was the time and the money and myself of commitment. I chose this school as it was recommended highly by Ride Like a Pro, my mentor, whom I took my first training from, as he knew I had set high goals for myself, and secretly I want him to be proud. I want him to say "Good Job Flo, I'm proud of you"

I attended another private one from a retired cop where I live, it was good, but it was not challenging enough for me.

NWMS, is advanced.. it's all it says it is.. They get us right at things, and have us riding like in the real world when obstacles come in your way. The money seemed a bit steep at first, but only because of my pocket book. I am convinced, it is worth every single penny. And if you do take it, do yourself a favor and use their bike, don't even consider for one moment using yours. Why would you??

I am in the class right now a woman of 54 years old, been riding 4 years, their are 6 other men, in the class. They are in shock of their riding skills. But in 2 days, the improvement is incredible, so just imagine in 2 more days. I will have to report back.

If I could suggest on thing to change the school, would be to yell at us more, reminding us where and where to look and yell clutch.. dont put your foot down.. We are under stress and forget what we need to do. I'm sure after 10 hours they would have no throat left. I guess there is a reason for it.

Seriously, it is awesome and I cant wait to get back at it tomorrow.

A few pics!!

Learning how to pick up the bike with two people, as we are only allowed to pick it up with two.

I love these bikes, at first, I was thinking omg.. They are all beat up, but you soon understand why, they are. And I thought I would take my own?? Sometimes, I just don't think right at all!!

Thought this was kinda strange, to see right on the morning of 9/11 heading to the course. It sure made me stop and think.

Just arrived in Renton Washington.


For More Pics, click here!!!

Profficiency Course and certificate

There will be two types of certificates awarded. 1. a certifacate of completion, indicating the achievement of the course benchmarks. 2. A certificate of the attendance indicating that the individual attended all session , but was unable to achieve one or more of the course benchmarks.
The Proficiency course- Two successful runs (out of 6 attempts) of a 13 riding pattern course completed in less than a predetermined maximum time, with time added for penalties.
Foot Down -5 seconds
Small Cone 3 seconds
Large Cone 5 seconds
Blown Pattern-25 seconds
Downed motorcycle-loss of run
We must demonstrate comfort and control of the motorcyle while negotiating a series of linked patterns, proper use of head and eye placement, apply "gray area" technique to control speed and proper placment of the motorcycle to negotiate tight situations.
Aggressive braking- Two clean (no down cones) runs of the six gate course out of six trial, with entry speed above 30mph and course speed not below 28 mph. We must demonstrate mastery of obstacle avoidance and competence in controllin a motorcycle at speed.
Look-lock-lean-Two consecutive figure 8'sexecuted with in a 17ft x 35ft area out of six trials. We must demonstrate mastery of very low speed control of the motorcycle through full lock turns and quick side to side transitions of the motorcycle.

Course Purpose

Alot of people think I am obsessed with riding around in circles. They have said to me, that's your thing Flo... I don't need all that, I have been riding for years. Besides in the real world we dont go riding down the road in circles doing figure eights. I disagree.. many times I have seen people not making a proper u-turn or totally avoiding it. Near crashes because they can't manuever their bikes out of a tight situation. What is wrong with wanting to be the best rider and not fear dropping your bike. That is not to say, I haven't for sure, but learning the techniques so this doesn't have to happen. Braking!! How important is that??? I am witnessing guys that have been riding for years, that they are struggling with that.
As Zsolt Dornay says in one easy sentence, the purpose is......

To provide riders the opportunity, under controlled conditions, to gain the highest profiiciency level in safe motorcycle operation.

Steve at the NW motorcycle school

This guy was in our class yesterday, and now teaches in Vancouver. You should see him on his Gold wing. He just won the nationals.

Day offf today.

Today is my day off!! My plan was to go practise some more in and empty parking lot, not far from where the class is. I am taking some advice and not doing that, as it is really hard to go from one bike to the other. Ya'll know how much I love my Queen, but at the end of the day, I would rather be on the old Kawi... Yup true story. A huge difference.
So i am up at 5 am.. Why.. because there are cones floating through my head, and I am dancing like an Angel, through them. I feel light as a feather and am visualizing each tire Placement, then glancing to the next soon as I am set up. Im just gracefully gliding and scraping and making sound of music. I have gone through every excercise in the course in my mind.
I go to roll over, and my whole body is aching, my ankle, my leg, my fingers are swollen, and the balls of my hand are swollen.
I so feel bad, for our buddy, who dropped his bike a kazillion times, he must be aching all over. We all run pretty close to the same ages, so our bodies just aint like they used to be. The trouble is, I know if I could just relax, then it would be all good.
I have to rethink my thoughts. The only thing different is a different bike, and different messurements. It is all the same three techniques, and damnit Iknow how to do it.
This course ain''t shit, it's all in my head. The turns are tighter, but the bike is smaller. If I make this out to be hard, it will be. Instead, I will keep saying to myself, ''this ain't shit'' over and over again as I go thru the exercise. It's just 3 techniques and I trained for it. Nobody else in the class has. The heat? sheeeeit,it could be worse. It ain't shit. I will just relax AND DO IT.
Just going to relax and enjoy the day, go for a walk if I can get my boots on..lol

More day 2

Okay, we survived Day 2, 10 hours in the blazing heat!! I made it home with out getting lost. I found my 100 dollar bill. Only dropped the bike once! I really thought I was beyond that, never say never. The guys think I am way too hard on myself. Today there was a new guy, who instructs in Vancouver, who learned his riding skills from Scolz, at this school a couple years ago. Man.. can he ride!!!
We are all feeling fresh and ready to ride, for a good 2 hours before the heat sets in. About every hour we are setting up for a new excercise.. Wow, unreal!! I believe most of them were set at 18ft. And, oh ya, the one you see in the video where they are doing u-turns facing a brick wall....It's for real!! You bloody well better be using your head and eyes here, or you will leave your mark on the brick wall. I did have trouble at first, but now, I just say trust myself, and look where I want to go. A great place to drop your bike for sure!! I did not, but the old foot came down a few times,.. sorry MM, I know, I know, so why don't I do it..
I tell ya, with the heat, the wall, the amount of bikes, a new bike, I never dreamt it would be this hard. I feel a great improvement in 2 days. I wish I could remember all the excercises names, but it is impossible. If you watch the utubes...and not me yet on utube, you will see what I am talking about.
Research Northwest Motorcycle School on you tube you will see how wicked it is. There is absolutely no time to film me, or take many pics other than of the group standing around, as we are continually riding. And when we aren't.. We are ready to DROP!!
The way, I am thinking right now, it is the hardest, I have ever worked. Think about it.. Anyone, that has ever come to the parking lot with me to practice, is ready to give up after the first hour or so.. This is 10 hours!! The hardest yes... but also the most rewarding.
I apologized to Ed tonight, I was emailing him back and forth about the class. I had told him, I was fairly advanced, and was wondering if I would get something from it... Crikey... Sometimes, I am such a tool!!
Everyone knows my goal now, as far as RLAP!!
They are all very encouraging, and said, good, goals are great to have. The students and instructors are just awesome. I highly recomend this class to anyone. It is one of the most challanging things I have ever done in my life. Well, other than riding across America twice...lol
Okay, I am so done, catching up on my blog, I know I have missed alot, but the brain is dying again.
One cute thing that happened today. Flo lost the Friction zone, imagine that.. I think it was in the 8th hour. I asked Steve, to take it out and find out if it was the bike, or the nut behind the wheel. Of course it was the nut.. I sat there after watching him, as I was filling my shirt with ice cubes, pouring water on my head, hydrating myself. I asked if it was okay to go on my own and try the whole thing... yup... While steve was riding it, he picked up the friction zone, put it back for me, and I started doing great again.
Everyone has done so well, and you just see the skills improving. Now we have to perfect it and pass, we have 3 minutes 40 secs to complete the whole course. Apparently there is still MORE to come.. Good Lord!!
Night all!!!

Thoughts in the morning of Day 2

Now that I have all the bad things out of the way, oh, ya one more, they say it gets worse today. Soltz (sp) said we would be dreaming cones and I was. I was awake at 4 am, trying to force myself to go back to sleep but no can do. I was riding through cones all night long. It was like I was doing the 3 RLAP course in one day at 100 degree temp.
I’m feeling real bad cuz I can’t get on the in the internet as I know some folk are waiting to hear how it is going. I am pretty good at posting so some may be worried and all, that something happened, and it darn well could have.
I have seen bikes going down time after time. I see everyone struggling. I want to yell SNAP YOUR HEAD. I can’t though, but it’s hard to fight back sometimes. Most of the time, I am just so concerned about me and if I can make it.
These are 20 ft intersection, which of course we know we can make it, but put up a damn cone, and a curb!! Not saying I didn’t make it, but I was not perfect like okay maybe I thought I was going to be. I found myself stressed not relaxed and kept forgetting to relax my shoulders.
I don’t know how many times, I have heard Motorman on my shoulder.. You know the techniques use them. And it does help. Then I hear Soltz saying.. Like dancing with an Angel, and when I think that, I think …relax your shoulders
There is this one exercise, I think its called BROKEN DOG LEG!! What a BITCH that is… I’m not kidding, it is an enter, and quick exit…CRACK! Transition to the right and out. Took us many attempts to not knock over or knick a cone. I remember at one point…I said, shit… I’m starting to loose it…Flo…ya never had it!! Came the words of another shall we say Rotter. Every time he comes by me, I knock over a cone. But he does keep telling me, he is going to make a Star outa me. He told me, he was very impressed and by the end of this I will be DANCING LIKE AN ANGEL.
I LIKE THE SOUNDS OF THAT!
We did figure 8’s with proper entry and exit, at 20ft. The key hole and there certainly is a trick to that, if you don’t turn the key right,, you don’t’ get out right that’s for sure. I got it almost every time. The figure 8 came easy. The first time, I did it..I heard him say… Go Flo, looking good, I can see you have done this before. Soon we will have you dancing like an angel.. LOL, and I thought I was.
Of course I lost the Zone a few times in the real tight ones., but the over revving of the engine soon reminds you. We did off set cone weave but I need to cut it down a little more that’s all. Off set cone weave, straight up just bending the bars, to get by the cone not leaning. The dreaded BROKEN DOG Leg, where I will admit, I almost broke my bone at the end of the class on the Queen. Just had to try it!! Down I went, and here I thought I was well over dropping the Queen Thanks Motorman for yelling at me and telling me, no. I will not try these exercises any more, until the last day on the Queen.
NEVER NEVER think there is not room for improvement. Not that I didn’t know there was room, but holy crap.. This is an awesome course with awesome teachers, and I tell you, more people should take it.
Back to what we were doing the left and right hand stop from a dead stop. Okay, I practice that at home. Thought I had it.. I did, until yesterday. We are all lined up in a straight row, FACING A CURB. Yup, we got a few feet ahead of us, so if you don’t do it right into the curb you go. We all come back line up and go the other way, one at a times. Make sure you turn your handle bars so the guy beside you can get by easier. Watch out for the guy beside you. He may clip you.. Or even run you over some where at some time of day. I managed to do it it, but it is different when you are all alone in a parking lot with 9 other bikes. I made it, but lets just say it needs some smoothing out.
I saw one of the instructors get run over pretty good let me tell ya. This fella has dropped his bike numerous times. He is however a trooper and throws the embarrassment away, and says.. I’m in it for the long haul!!
To me it is quite amazing being here with all these men, and hearing them, and seeing them struggle in so many areas. Admitting it even, and I think it is so awesome that they are not bothered by me. Every one has told me I was a good rider. So of course, I tell them a little about RLAP and that is why, because I practice and should be better than I am.
We were doing follow the leader in a very tight spot, it was incredible really, between a fence and a brick wall. There were no incidents. They told us we are a very fast moving class, one of the best he has had, so if that is on the first day, I can’t wait till the second.
Which is today, my leg is hurting a bit and it was hard to get my boot on, but nothing I can’t handle. I’m hoping buddy, can’t remember his name, is feeling okay today after all his spills. Okay off to play with the boys.
Going Dancing like an angel!!
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
Name Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Phone Email

Thursday first day in parking lot!!!

THIS HAS BEEN THE LONGEST DAY OF MY life!!! Right now to figuring out how to do this damn blog. I am tired, and exhausted, but as usual, I wont give up till I figure it out. It has taken me an hour to figure out a way to type this, hopefully I can learn to save it.. The internet is messin with my mind tonight. I had it all figured out and then I lost it… Well words from someone in the parking lot tonight ways…Flo you never really had it.. I thought to myself, well, doesn’t he remind me of another person I know.. A Rotter.. Lol
I am not sure where to start today… With the good or the bad, Lets get the bad out of the way.. I lost my internet.. Sucks big time… I lost 100 dollar bill…sucks, almost as bad as the internet… My ankle hurts.. And part of my leg,,, I can deal with it… The Queen went down, just cause she decided to try to dance like an Angel, when she was totally freeking exhausted at the end of a 10 hour day in the parking lot, with 3 male instructors and 6 men. I tried to do an 18ft key hole, and the exit was too tight for me. I aced the hole but not the key exit. I did still get a thumbs up from Soltz. The guys picked up my bike for me, I was too exhausted and learned another lesson real quick.
Note to oneself, is when you are totally exhausted, stop. Especially after 10 hours in the blazing heat.
I just felt like one of the boys, so that was no biggy. Have, I mentioned, that It took me about an hour and a half to get home, from the Parking lot, when it should take a maximum of 10 minutes.. Omfg, was I glad Rob gave me the map. It was not all my fault, the sun was shining in my eyes so bloody bad, I couldn’t make out the street names.. Not that I knew them or anything any way. I would have recognized something, but I was totally blinded. Also the Queen was feeling really sloppy and not here self. Could it be, I was getting used to those old police bikes? All off a sudden she was feeling really low to the ground, it felt like there was no brake or clutch and it took a little getting used to.
I was so frustrated trying to fine my way home. I learned a lot today, not only, did I need a whole lot more practice in the parking lot, that riding inside cones is a hell ova lot different that drawings. It is incredible really, gives you no room for cheating..
Ya’ll know why I have the name Friction Zone Flo, so when ya call it the gray area, does that make me…Gray Zone Flo.. Crikey… It took me a while to find the zone, but I did get it. Each bike is so different, this one was easier to throw around, but damn high, and I thought the Queen was high, well, now it feels like a midget. Let me tell you, am I ever glad I decided to ride one of the police bikes than mine… Shit!! 10 hours!!!
I have so much to say, and so little time, because I can barely keep my eyes open, and I am wondering if the rest of the guys are feeling as wiped out as I am.. I do know a couple will be. I am in the course with 6 guys and 3 instructors, and lil, or should I say big ol Flo..
Certainly not intimidated anymore, that went away in the first few minutes. The guys were feeling the same way, I am sure.
Ya really do just throw it all away, and forget there is one gal, and all these guys, just feel like one of the guys and they are all struggling as much as me if not more.
I can't believe how fast we move on to the next excericise, of course follow the leader and ya best be watching the bike in front of you. Just when you think we have added enough new excercises out comes another.
It was frickin hot too.. Omg, and we have to wear coats when we do the braking exercise. I went to the lounge, and asked for the biggest coldest beer and a sushi roll, came home to fight with the puter, for an hour, am blogging this, my ankle and leg hurts, and I’m hitting the hay!!
Good night!!! Can’t write no more.!!

I had a good sleep.. but definetly shit on on my mind when I woke up.... I've changed my way of thinking..
Why the hell would I be Scared? Intimidated? Are you kidding me? Who could possibly be better prepared for this course than me? People who know NOTHING pass this course. I know exactly what to do and how to do it. I've trained for it,(by the best) now I will just do it.
Ya'll have a great day... I will!!
Thanks Motorman for all you have done for me, the training, the negative, positive, and sacrastic motivation. Now I will now go make ya proud!!!

Ed Melroy is a nice guy. Looks like he is going to be pretty easy going, but the actual course is going to be tough. It is the actually police officers course. We will be timed, and receive demerits for different things. 5 seconds for this 10 for that, 25 for dropping your bike... Bla Bla, too fricking tired to remember. How can I be stressed and we haven't started yet??
It is a pretty comprehensive course alright. It moves the 3 techniques for sure, and explains it all for traffic applications.
I was pretty tired from riding all day and then waiting and then listening and trying to comprehend everything. He doesn't explain it like Motorman.. For instance, he called the dip... a wowy!!! lmao!!
The friction zone the gray area, which I can relate. He did not speak as the head and eyes, just look where you want to go. I wanted to speak up when he asked questions, but with 6 life timers sitting there I was so intimidate, and pretty much didn't say anything.
He seemed to look at me a lot when talking , not sure why, whether, I was being tested to see if I knew, who knows..
All I can say, I am completely pooped already, and it hasn't begun, but I am looking forward to it.
There is alot of things you have to do pass the course.. 3 minutes 40 seconds, and he does it in 3 minutes 25 seconds with a cup of coffee in his hand.
Wheeeeeeeew!!! Night folks got to workout tomorrow... Bring it on, those 17ft figure eights!!!

We made it to Renton.

Well we made it to Renton!!! The boarder went smoothly so to speak...a little parking practice and u-turns unexpectedly..Rob and I are quite a pair at times, the blind leading the blind.. Enough said on that note.
It was a gorgeous day, nice roads. We took the secondary road Hwy9 and got some nice twisties. It was all good until we got to the dreaded Seattle freeway, and you have got to be on your toes, dipping in and out of here to there.
The room is awesome!! Going to be a great place to come home and unwind, which after our little 2 and a half session tonight, I know I am going to need it!!
First off, I have been thinking there was just me and another Canadian, that the class was only going to be the two of us, and I was pretty relaxed.. Things change...It is 6 guys and me!!! omfg, just what I needed,these guys have been riding all their lives!! I instantly felt sick to my stomach and it would not stop churning for a good half hour.
We had to say our names, and tell everyone how long we had been riding and why we are there. Gulp!! By the way Flo, I here you were in Florida with Jerry Palladino?? Crap, I thought.. I forgot to remove my siggy with my blog on it... He knows my story, and now I have to tell the truth.
Yes, I told them, I had the pleasure of buying my first Harley last year from them and taking the course, and then again repeated it this year and road from Florida. My goal is to have the first Canadian Franchise, and he only sells to retired Motor officers as a rule. So for this exception, seeings I am not a motor officer, I damn well better ride, like one, and he found this course for me. So that is my goal, whether I make it or not is another story, and I don't mean this course, I will do it..It sounds tough but I am a tough cookie.
I hated talking in front of everyone, guys especially.. Just didn't like it.

Made it to the mainland.

Just a little post to say I made it to the mainland.. Fear of rain,buddled up like I was going to hit snow. I was all plugged in, warm and toasty. Only a few drizzles, nothing to speak of. I followed Rob in the truck and trailer as he was hauling his two bikes over. One for him and one for his brother, as they are going to take advantage of a little getaway with the bros. I can relate to that.
We have lots of time to get to Renton tomorrow and will take the long way around, the scenic route and avoid the dreaded Seattle freeway as much as possible, as I don't have to be there until 6 pm.
The weather is suppose to be good now, so it is all good, and I am ready to go kick ass...lmao

Leaving today!

Today is the day, I am leaving at noon, and it is not a good way to start for sure. It is dark, wet and icky out! Hopefully things will change. I will be wearing winter gear for the first time this year, rain gear, electrical gear, plastic bags on my feet.. Ha, sounds so inviting.
I recieved words of encouragement from my buddy Docdonna. She says she knows I will kick butt, Love ya Doc!!
It starts tomorrow, but is only 2 hours of theory first. They will be explaining the 3 techniques of a motorcop.. Jeez, I wonder if I have heard what they are before..
Toodles... will post when I can, which will proly be my evening event as usual. Still not to late for anywoman to jump in and join me...Free room!!!

Off to Ride Like a Cop

Well tomorrow I leave for Renton Washington to Northwest Motorcycle School, Ride Like a Cop.
I actually don't start till Thursday but we are heading over. It will be 5 days. After that, I will be going to see my friend Hummingbiird in Wenatchee Washinton. She has been practicing riding alot so that we can go for a little scoot and hopefully help her in the parking lot before I leave. It will be only one quick day unfortunately.
Am I nervous...you bet.. I asked the Motorman to wish me luck and his words were... You don't need luck you need technique. Sounds pretty simple.
As it stands there is only two of us taking the course because it is end of season. We are both Canadians. One guy, and one gal. So if anyone is reading this and wants to decide at the last moment, jump in, the rooms are paid for... Woman of course!!!
I'm not too excited about leaving the Island in the rain, all I can hope for is that when I get there it doesn't rain for 5 days.
A week off for doing what I like to do, is pretty good no matter what way you look at it.. Riding around in circles and tight uturns, on someone elses bike, works for me.. Wow, when I think about it, we go out for a couple hours a couple times a week with lots of breaks. I am curious what kind of shape I will be in..
Hope to keep ya posted!!

Flo takes Passenger for first time

Here we have Miss Willi, this is her 3rd time in the off set cone weave. I told Willi I was going to film her and she just got it together and did it. Willi has no problem what so ever staying in the friction zone, at times she is a little heavier on the throttle but that is better than under in the beginning as she never looses it. Her problem is knowing exactly when to snap her head and eyes to make the turn tighter. She is nervous that's all. I was very impressed at how fast she is grabbing on to it even though it is not perfect.

Taking passenger

For me, this was a big event!! Taking a passenger in one of the excercises. It was a first for me, and a first for the passenger. He said he had NEVER been on the back of a bike before. So the problem was, it kind of felt like a sac of potatoes behind me, moving. He had no back rest, we had no discussion on how he was to ride. After I watched the clip, I knew exactly what I should have said to him first....Be a part of the bike, when I snap my head you do to. Do not lean with the bike. I could feel the weight, which made it harder for me. Also because we had never done this before, he didn't know that he was to wait till I gave the go ahead to get off the bike, in the end, hence the laughing. Bottom line, all said and done, I think we both rocked, even though it was not perfect. I do so appreciate, Bid Daddy riding with me. It was such an awesome evening in the parking lot, I will tell you more soon.

Willi da Wench coming to Ride Like a Pro.

My friend Willi and her man are coming to CR to RLAP with me today. I get off work early at 2pm and we will hit the parking lot. I guess her man is pretty excited about getting in the parking lot too.
I didn't think it was going to happen as it rained hard all night, and it didn't appear to be going to stop. That is one good thing about our Island weather, wait awhile and it will change. So far since I got to work, it hasn't leaked a drop. It is fairly windy but that may just be appreciated in the parking lot, as it can be quite a work out.
My goal for me today after, I work with Willi and Big Daddy is to take someone on the back of me to do the excercises. I have yet to try that except with my teenie weenie little girlfriend, that I couldn't even feel her back there.
I leave for Renton to do the Ride Like a Cop course in 4 days. MY goal was to be able to slay the 12ft offset, and to be able to make a complete full lock left hand turn from a stop without straightening out the bike or keeping my foot down. Last but not least was to carry a passenger in the excercises.
It should be a good day in the parking lot today, Willi, BigDaddy, El Capitan, Vgirl and of course me.
Hoping the rain holds up!!!

Ride Like a Pro Vgirl Off Set Cone Weave Valkyrie

I done Good he said!!!!

Whoo hoo, just what I been waiting for from the Motorman
"Looking good. The gates look a little wide though. They should be 6ft"
Jerry
No one has any idea what it means to me to hear..."Looking good" from Motorman. I tell ya, I am ready now to go to Renton and Ride Like a Cop.. I start the actual riding Sept 11th.
Vgirl, Rob, pinkat, Rob and I were all in the parking lot practising. It was great to see pinkat again, and although her bike is running a bit rough she managed to get some rlaping in.
I was amazed Rob got out an practised even tho the girls were there. He is having a bit of a time with it, as he can't hear that well, and actually doesn't want to hear me, he said I am distracting. So needless to say, it will go a lot slower for him, but now he knows how to use the techniques he just has to use them.
I have WillidaWench coming on Saturday with hubby Bigdaddy, f rom mission, and I am looking forward to that. This should be good for a story or clip or two, as the Wench is pretty good with words.. lol
Ya ready for me Wench???? Make sure you watch the DVD in the next couple days!

Flo Ride Like a Pro 12ft Off set Cone weave

This is what I have been waiting for!!! One week from now, I take a course in Renton Washington...Ride Like a Cop!! I wanted to be able to ace this and go to the course with more confidence.

Rob in the parkinglot

I managed to get my man out to the parking lot for the second time. I don't want to push him so we went back on the slow cone weave. Now the night before, he was doing great at the 12ft. I asked him if he wanted to go back to 14 ft to warm up first or go to the 12ft. He chose the 12 ft. The only difference was, my cones were taller. I realized, as I was putting them now... bigger cones, more to look at. I warned him, it was probably going to be harder to do, even tho the cones were the same distance, it would be harder to not use your instincts and look at them. I don't think he believed me, just shook his head and proceeded to play bowling...lol
Those are the Motorman's words not mine.. this is not bowling, you are not suppose to aim for each one. I darn't say that to Rob. I could see how frustrated he was so I moved them back to 14ft. The last thing I want to do is scare him away from playing in the parking lot with me. I know how difficult it is for him or any guy really to have a woman coach them in a sport that is masculine primarily.
The rest of the time went well, I don't have to yell SNAP, as he can't hear me any way. I will coach the way he wants, not the way I was taught as I have to do what ever it takes to keep him there with me a while longer. I totally see a 100% change in a short time. He also admitted he has much more confidence in the slow maneuvers. Especially his u-turns have tightened right up.