post: add First Bike post

Author: XerxesDGreat

_posts/2018-10-20-first-bike.md

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+---
+title: First Bike!
+date: 2018-10-20
+# categories are Family, Photography, Places, Projects, Reviews, Software, Thoughts
+category: Thoughts
+tags:
+- motorcycle
+media_subpath: /assets/img/posts/first-bike/
+image:
+    path: preview.jpg
+    lqip: preview.lqip.jpg
+---
+
+I got a motorcycle!
+
+I haven't been really satisfied with my commute to the city every day; it's just about 2 hours
+one way, given the time to get to the train station, getting there early so I have a chance at a
+good seat, waiting for the train, taking the train, then traveling from the train station, not to
+mention it's not super cheap.
+
+To counter this, I decided to get a motorcycle; I can go and leave basically when I want (5 minutes
+late no longer means a super shitty commute), parking will be free since there's on-street parking
+next to the building, and the commute will be quite a bit shorter due to splitting lanes.
+
+(I mean, also, "motorcycle fun", but that's just a side benefit)
+
+![Learner bike](first-bike.jpg){: lqip='first-bike.lqip.jpg' }
+
+So, I took a class with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It gives me training on how to ride a
+motorcycle, plus it lets me bypass the official riding test _and_ gets me a discount on my insurance.
+The class was three nights of classroom work plus a couple days of riding; I got to ride the yellow
+beauty you see above!
+
+After taking the class and then getting my license addendum, I went to a dealership to check out
+bikes. Cora found one she likes, when she eventually comes of age. She'd come with me since Shanin
+was out doing stuff. Of course, that meant I couldn't ride the bike home if I bought one since I
+don't have gear for her, but hey, I'll burn that bridge when I come to it.
+
+![Fierce](first-bike-2.jpg){: lqip='first-bike-2.lqip.jpg' }
+
+Eventually I narrowed it down to two bikes: a Yamaha MT-07 and the BMW F650GS. I liked the sportiness
+of the Yamaha, but opted for the BMW because the Yamaha kinda felt like it wanted to kill me; it's a
+great bike from what I understand, but it felt more lively and I wasn't sure I was ready for that.
+Also, I really liked the color of the BMW!
+
+![Two up](first-bike-3.jpg){: lqip='first-bike-3.lqip.jpg' }
+
+After I purchased the bike, I drove Cora and myself home, left Cora with the neighbors, took an Uber
+back to the dealership, and rode my new bike home. Man, what a weird feeling to be on a motorcycle
+on the streets; it felt illegal for some reason! I was, obviously, very careful coming home, but I
+still got on Almaden Expressway which gave me a bit of a taste of acceleration and speed. Not gonna
+lie, I'm hooked!
+
+Well, can't wait to get comfy enough to try riding to work!