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Well, to make things short, I passed the M1 exit test, so I can pick up my M2 in a week's time.
In addition, our Internet wireless connection at the condo is working, which means that I don't have a pressing need to get my own Internet connection. The only problem is that the place closes at ten, which means that I'm pretty limited in my access since I'm usually out until then. Ah well.
Let's see what else I did this weekend.
It had rained in the morning and by the time I woke up, the ground outside was all wet. The forecast predicted some scattered showers (in addition to the heat and humidity) so there was a high probability that we'd get rained on during the day. This was a little worrisome as our test was to take place this afternoon, and with the slippery conditions make our trials that much more difficult. But I tried to put that thought to the back of my head.
The morning was spent riding around on the bikes on a mock traffic layout. It was quite fun actually. We had intersections, and turns, and yields, and traffic jams. The difference was that everyone was friendly and there were no cars. Then it started to rain. The rain made riding a bit uncomfortable since I was wearing a jean jacket and jeans. The rain didn't make the air much cooler either, so we were all wet and hot. The only saving grace was that the sun wasn't out. By the end of the day when the rain stopped and the sun stared beating down on us, my feet felt like they were on fire. My black boots weren't particularly cool in the sunlight.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. We had some more practise rides before heading out to lunch. We went to a local Harvey's and ended up finishing just before the fire alarm went off. We didn't do it! *runs away*
When we got back, the lot was reset and the instructors demonstrated the tests for us. There were eight in all, but due to the weather and the slippery conditions of the asphalt, they weren't going to test us on it. (Unless the lot miraculously dried out within an hour.) So we spent the next hour or so practising for the test. The slippery surface made speed control and handling very important. There wasn't a very large speed range with which you could stay in to qualify to pass (you had a time limit to complete the task) and not skid out. But we had plenty of chances to practise, and by the time they had called the test, I felt confident that I would pass. I didn't think I'd be perfect, but I did think I would pass.
The test went by fairly quickly. We had one guy slide out on the third test, and a couple slid out on the seventh test. But by by the time we had started the seventh test, the sun had already come out and the lot was drying out very quickly. My worries came true when I saw them setting up the eight test. We hadn't practised it since we didn't think we'd be doing it, but there was a training exercise earlier that day which was basically the same thing. The drier surface made control much easier and I was much more confident in my handling ability. So, I did it without any problems.
After testing was complete, they told each of our scores individually. The scoring is set up so that you get points if you make any mistakes. The bigger the mistake, the more points you will get. There's a limit of twelve points you can get before you have to retake the test. Since I did the test before the rest of the guys in our little group, I was called up first. I was a little worried when I saw the instructor with his clipboard against his chest. It either meant that I had passed or utterly failed. Then he a said,
"Congratulations, you got zero points."
Then he put out his hand and I shook it. *pumps fist*
SS and CC also both passed, so the three of us are now set to ride for the next five years!
We were all tired for the day's events, so I went home, showered, and relaxed for the rest of the night.
[0 Comments]
Monday, July 18, 2005 at 14:31:44 (UTC)
congatulations!!! what's it like to ride??
gril
Monday, July 18, 2005 at 15:57:17 (UTC)
It's fun.
QYV