Sigh... already the first thing that I forgot to bring for the lesson is my new booklet... thankfully, they let me take the lesson but I must not lose my receipt if I pass the lesson. Thanks to a blogger's advice, I kept all my knee and elbow guards. No problem re-using :D
The rest of the registration steps are similar to Class 2B so I won't write about it.
My instructor for the lesson was Mr Edwin. Charming fellow, asking me questions again and again... anyway, my head was spinning by the time he went through the briefing... so much to remember (lane formation, checking blind spots, etc)... I will cover a bit more about the test route and things to look out for in subsequent posts.
The bike, a Honda CB 250 was smaller than the Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS so the Honda hardly gave me any problems. I was more concerned with not screwing up the checks and sequences... note for Class 2B/2A learners, use the centre stand when parking the bike. Only Class 2 bikes can use side stand...
Fortunately after 1 hour of riding, I became more confident as my muscle memory of riding over 50 hours during class 2B gradually came back.
Here's a quick run-down:
Station 1: Slope (steeper than 2B)
Station 2: Plank (minimum 8 secs)
Station 3: Slalom (minimum 6 secs)
Results: PASSED first time :D
You'll be given 3 attempts for each station. I overheard from the instructor who was briefing the failures that learners need to pass 2 out of 3 attempts to clear the station.
You may struggle if you have been riding an auto transmission bike (e.g. scooters) or didn't ride at all for over a year since passing 2B.
Lesson 2 will be this Sunday morning. Will cover the Figure-8, e-brake and bumpy course. Stay tuned!
Afternote: To reward myself, I went over to Racing World and got myself a new pair of gloves - Alpinestars GP Air. My A* Scheme gloves is rather worned out and wanted one with palm/wrist slider/protection.
As some of you may have read, I'm a strong advocate for wearing safety riding gear (even though I'm riding a 'slow' 125cc three-wheeler). Other motorists can still hit you or you were not giving 100% attention while riding or make one tiny mistake.
The consequence can range from minor to devastating if you go down with minimal riding gear. And do yourself a favour by getting an integrated health plan (preferably allowing you to get treated at a Private hospital or at least a B1 if your budget is limited). Medishield Life simply doesn't cut it for non-life threatening injuries (no matter how much pain you're in). You should not cut corners with your life especially when riders cannot give 100% guarantee that they won't meet with an accident. By being prepared, you can enjoy your ride with a peace of mind and if luck is not on your side, hopefully, you can walk away and be able to ride (or live) another day :D