I just finished the MSC this week… what an amazing experience. I had a similiar day to yours, but my instructors really coached me through it and by the end I was feeling a little less uneasy. I went home and did some serious soul searching and decided that I really wanted to ride and that, for me, I would need some serious “Parking Lot” time before I feel comfortable on the streets. So, I went ahead and purchased a bike that many here would say is too powerful, but I WANT to do this and have for a long time. The course also made me realize that in part, this a family and most folks that ride have each others backs (as this site can atest to. I tthink that for a lot of people, that is a draw as well.
I have to say, I know how to drive a manual transmission and did some pretty extensive bicycling, including a 5 mile commute on busy roads for a number of years. I’m still a little freaked out, but I figure I am statistically ahead of the game for taking the course. And besides, I know my limits and don’t plan to push them any time soon.
I am picking up a bike tomorrow morning and like some others purchased the gear before I fully appreciated the complexity. I have signed up for the ERC later next month because they will allow me to use my own bike, which is over 500cc’s.
My first ride will be about a quarter of a mile, on a fairly light thoroughfare to the local wrench who will be doing a safety check for me. Bright & early Sunday I am planning on hitting the parking lot for LOTS of drills & practice before I attempt my first “real” ride/commute. I can tell you, the most valuable part of this has been the advice of the folks here, especially Munch. I was hesitant about purchasing my bike when I started reading the forum but he and others have been a wealth of knowledge.
I guess it is really about what you feel comfortable with and why you want to ride. If this was a piece of cake, they would call it “driving”. Best of luck to you, whichever way you decide to go…
And I think scooters are pretty freeking awesome myself!
SS