Practice Ride No. 1: Step One -- Dump Bike. Check.

Before you all lose your shit on me, know that I wasn't even out of the parking lot at the Harley dealership and all I have to show for it is a slightly skinned right knee. Plus, it wasn't a good bike for me and I knew it, but so many other women were nervous and changing bikes, that I was trying to be flexible.

So, my previously allocated Night Rod was reallocated to someone else who felt more comfortable on it. I was asked to try the Street Rod. Looked cool to me. The pegs where where I used to them, but, when I sat on it, it seemed a little tall for me. We couldn't take them out until they were allocated, so I just figured if it was tall, then I would just count on being able to throttle it. See, I had a plan.

Any way, I was the first rider in the first group behind the leader. So, I am lined up first to go out right behind Amazon Heart-founder, Meredith. There are 18 women behind me, two who just go licenses yesterday, waiting to see how this is going to start off.

So, I open the throttle, start going, engine cuts, I catch it. I start it up, throw the throttle wide open -- just in case it needs a good clearing -- and ease of the clutch. And the engine cuts. And now, because my feet don't touch the ground, I am trying to hold up a bike that feels like 1,000 pounds that is tipping to my already compromised right side. And... down it goes. Broke the end of the brake lever off, too. Harley dude comes over and tell me that the throttle is really touchy on this bike. Great. Information I could have used previously. Thanks.

So, of course, I hop back on. Really open the throttle and follow Meredith off down an empty road on a college campus with the rest of the women behind me. And... the engine keeps cutting out. I just couldn't seem to get the hang of keeping the throttle open wide enough and stalled every few seconds.

Meredith hops of here bike -- the Night Rod -- and asks if I'd like to switch. Damn straight I do! Of course, this bike has forward controls and my feet feel all funny on it. But, it's low to the ground, my center of gravity is great and I can stand up on it. Guess what? I can ride like a champ. LOVE IT!

So, the group completed its brief tour of Edinburgh, which, by the way, is just spectacular. I'm so in love with this place. And, we returned safely back at Pollack Halls, which is at Edinburgh University. Everyone on the trip is amazing. Everyone has come for their own reasons, but in spirit, there are all women who hate to live with limitations, take on challenges, have great respect for other people and are just dear.

I have been adopted by an Australian woman, Suzanne, whom I believe my mother has sent. She is forever asking if I'm tired and making sure I feel OK. She is also quick with a glass of Cabernet. We get along just fine.

I have a 30 minute Internet card here. And I've got 12 minutes left despite furious typing. So, I am not going to proof as well as I should. And I am not going to put in links for the bikes now. So, if you're interested, you're going to have to do some googling yourself.

Oh. One more thing. No symptoms of low platelets. Honest to God and God bless prednisone.

Cheers!