GF took the safety course last week, looking for a bike

[VEGASRIDER]

Great choice on the Rebel! Her smile pretty much sums everything up.

Start her off practicing in the parking lot, getting use to the brakes, swerving, etc going over the basic fundamentals again. Then onto surface streets, around the neighborhood. Maybe during off peak hours. Work her onto more busier streets and then finally the freeway. Vehicles can be intimidating, she learned on a controlled range, closed to all traffic. Be her guide.

 

[kyle]

Thanks, Yeah that's exactly what she has been doing. We spent the first couple of afternoons in the parking lot, then I took her on a small ride on some neighborhood streets. She snuck away while I was with a friend riding US129 over the weekend and rode a little on the highway to get to her parents house. I'm really protective of her on it to the point of having double standards. I don't really like the idea of her riding, TBH, but the next best thing is doing all I can to keep her safe.

 

[ELIZABETH]

Good job, Kyle!! Your GF looks great on the bike, and I am glad you have a riding buddy built in!
Don't be too hard on her for riding on her own to her parent's house. It's good that she is feeling comfortable, and it sounds like you two are being very careful. Building her confidence is as important as building her skills. :thumbup:

 

[Kazza]

Thanks, Yeah that's exactly what she has been doing. We spent the first couple of afternoons in the parking lot, then I took her on a small ride on some neighborhood streets. She snuck away while I was with a friend riding US129 over the weekend and rode a little on the highway to get to her parents house. I'm really protective of her on it to the point of having double standards. I don't really like the idea of her riding, TBH, but the next best thing is doing all I can to keep her safe.

No, I'm with you Kyle. She may be able to "physically" ride the bike, but, IMO, it's also a lot about being able to "mentally" ride the bike. Hope that doesn't sound too weird...

In Perth, I couldn't ride without a shadow for a whole 12 months on my bike. I think that is actually a good thing. The experienced rider, in this case you, can give feedback on what she is doing right and wrong.

My husband was/is like you - likes the idea of me riding with him, but does worry when he sees me on a bike - not that I ride poorly - just says he worries about me.

Good luck, and tell her not to be impatient.