Chapter 111
Derek walked over and handed me a helmet. I held it up and smelled it before placing it on my head, it fit perfectly, After a minute, I pulled it off and
turned to Derek.
Thank you so much,‘ I said, meaning every word. “This means more to me than you could possibly know.”
“You’re always welcome, Athena. Now come on, let’s get to work.”
He moved closer to the bike and gestured for me to follow. “First things first. Before you even think about starting her up, you need to under
you’re dealing with.”
I nodded eagerly, hanging on every word.
That
This is a beginner–friendly bike, but she’s still got power. The most important thing is respect. You respect the machine, and she’ll take care of you. You get
cocky or careless, and she’ll put you on the ground faster than you can blink.
“Got it. Respect the bike.”
“Good. Now, let’s talk about the basics.” Derek pointed to different parts as he spoke. “These are your handlebars. Your right hand controls the throttle and
the front brake. Your left hand controls the clutch. Your right foot controls the rear brake. Your left foot controls the gear shifter.”
I tried to memorize where everything was, my hands moving to touch each part as he named it.
“The most important thing to remember is that everything has to work together. It’s not like driving a car where you can focus on one thing at a time. On a
bike, your hands and feet are all doing different jobs, and they have to coordinate perfectly.”
“That sounds complicated, I admitted.
“It is at first. But once your body learns it, it becomes automatic. Like dancing.” Derek smiled encouragingly. “Let’s start with just sitting on her and getting
a feel for the weight and balance.”
I swung my leg over the seat, settling onto Claire for the first time. The bike was heavier than I’d expected, and I could feel how solid and powerful she was
beneath me.
‘Good. Now, feet on the ground, hands on the handlebars. Just get used to holding her steady.”
I gripped the handlebars and tried to balance the bike’s weight. It was challenging at first, but after a few minutes, I started to feel more secure.
‘Perfect. You’re a natural at this.” Derek moved to stand beside me. “Now, before we start the engine, let’s talk about what’s going to happen. When you turn the key and press the starter, she’s going to come alive. You’ll feel the engine vibrating through your whole body. The first time can be overwhelming.”
My heart was already racing with anticipation. “I’m ready.”
“Okay, but remember, keep the clutch pulled in. That disconnects the engine from the wheels, so even though the engine is running, th
forward.”
‘t move
I nodded, gripping the left handlebar tighter.
“Turn the key.”
I turned the key in the ignition and immediately heard a soft whirring sound as the electrical systems came online.
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2031 Thu Jan Onl
Chapter 111
slow, make sure you’re holding the Chidth in with you lett bad, and press the arter
I found the button with my right thunds and pressed it. the engine turned over, fries, then to y though my entire body.
The vibration was incredide. It was like sitting on top of a controlled explosion that prices Corusmie beway to be ispod Veld tod it in my bones, in my chest, in my soul
Yes, I’d sat on Tristan bike. But this, this felt different…mungiert.
Oh my God? I breathed, my voice barely audible over the engine noise
Derek was grinning at my reaction. Good, nigh47
“This is amazing I could feel tears of pure joy starting to form in my eye. 1 cap behave how it feels?
“And we haven’t even moved yet, Derek laughed. “Okay, now comes the fun part is going to learn to let the check on slowly to her just day
of gas.
My hands were shaking slightly with excitement and nerves, “What if I mess up
“Then you stall the engine and we start over. Nobody gets it perfect the first time The important thing is to go slow and bietes to what the bike is telling
you‘
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
Okay, very gently, start letting the clutch out. You ll feel it start to grab when you hit the friction zone.
I began to release the clutch lever slowly, and suddenly I felt the bike start to forward slightly. My eyes widened
‘There! You feel that? That’s the friction zone. Now give her just the tiniest bit of throttle with your right hand.
I twisted my right wrist slightly, and Claire started to move forward. Actually move. I was riding a motorcycle.
The feeling was indescribable. Even at barely walking speed, there was something magical about propelling myself forward on two wheels. The world looked different from up here, felt different.
I’m doing it!‘ I called out to Derek, who was jogging alongside me. I’m actually doing it!
‘You’re a natural!” he called back. How does it feel?”
How did it feel? Like flying while staying on the ground. Like freedom in its purest form. Like I’d been missing this my entire life without knowing it.
It feels like I’d found myself,” I said, and I meant every word.
Nothing or no one can make me give this up.
