Ready for the ride

The weather hasn't improved as yet - there’s even been snow.
While waiting to get out on my bike, I've invested in a set of leathers and a back protector. I’ve noticed that winter is a good time to buy kit. They’re made of Kangaroo leather (sorry Skippy) and would normally cost around £500 but I got them in the Sale for just under £200.Bargain!
On hearing I'd bought a bike, my poor Mum freaked out. She thought I'd pass my test and that would be it -just another category on my licence. (In fairness, I'd thought that at the start too)
She's worried I'll hurt myself, bless her. After buying my back protector, I phoned to reassure her I now had something that would make her feel better about me riding a bike. "What? Another two wheels?!" she replied.
She does have a point.
Although my bike has more power than I will ever use, nothing but my fear and bank balance would have stopped me from going out and buying something capable of much, much more the minute I passed my test.And VERY, VERY fast bikes are much cheaper than very, very fast cars.
After the car test the Driving Standards Agency has the Pass Plus course. A minimum 6 hour course for new drivers that looks at town driving, rural roads, all weather driving, dual carriageways and motorways and night driving. Completion can lead to substantial insurance discounts for newly qualified drivers.
There's nothing comparable for bikes.
I can just go out on my bike and wring its neck until I hit something or lose it on a bend. I am already planning to take advanced tuition, but most advanced riding associations would like you to have at least 6 months experience. What do I do in the meantime?
I speak to Ros at Ipswich Rider Training and ask what they have to offer. I book a half-day session with Police Class 1 rider Kevin Stark. (Kevin is also heavily involved in BikeSafe, which I hope to do at a later date).
Ros explains that as I’ve decided to take the course right at the start of my riding career it would be a mixture of familiarisation with my new bike and tips for better, safer riding.
I’m hoping to get a ride or two in before the training, but I feel better already knowing I won’t be going it completely alone just yet.