Article November 1, 2010 Issue

Staying on course with God

A motorcycle driving test becomes an opportunity to take a pathway away from fear.

BY DEBBY MILLER

"I FLUNKED," were the first words I said to my instructor as he ran over to take the motorcycle off me. I had been taking a two-and-a-half-day training course, which ended with the road test required for a license.

My plan was solid. As our grown son designs motorcycles, it seemed only fitting that I resumed riding after a 20-year hiatus. The training course was excellent. Twelve of us, equipped with small cycles, were learning safe driving skills. Everything had progressed smoothly, until the test. When I attempted the maneuver "to miss the 'parked object,' followed by the quick stop," I was instantly on the ground. The bike landed hard on my leg, and my arm was badly scraped. Bruised and shaken, but not seriously injured, I hobbled off the course toward home.