The Binary Biker is Legal

Binary's Motorcycle Classmates (click for full image)

For twenty-two years the Binary Biker has been riding without a Florida motorcycle endorsement.

When I first started riding there was no requirement for the endorsement.  Then, once the state mandated it, I refused to get the endorsement because I viewed it as a waste of time, money, and saw it as just another way the state was sticking their hands into my pocket.

I missed out on all the test rides at Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest.  I rode fearfully any time a police cruiser was near.  I was illegal, but at least I was sticking it to the Man.

Last year, however, it became a third degree felony to ride without an endorsement.  Ridiculous, I know.  But the law’s the law.  In just a few days I am taking a 1,600 bike trip with my buddy John and I realized I should probably have my endorsement.

With a heavy heart, I succumbed to the pressure of signed up with the Florida Safety Council to get my endorsement.  The class was easy; it’s geared towards beginner riders.  I did, however, learn a couple of things that even after 22 years of riding I was unaware of.  Specifically, I have never really had to perform really low-speed turns in  a  figure eight.  It was a great exercise for learning control of your bike and I actually had a hard time with it the first few times I tried it.  So the class was not a waste and, after taking it, I can definitely see why a beginner would want to take this class.  I grudgingly admit that the course is a good idea.

I also met some interesting people who I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.  The entire class was filled with good people and they made the class fun, even through we were in the scorching heat, in long sleeves, riding all day Saturday and Sunday.

I’d like to shout out and say hello to my fellow classmates in the picture above.

Top Row, left to right:  (forget his name, he was quiet), Kendra, Anna, Matt, Eric

Bottom row left to right:  Danielle, Nate.

Thanks for making the class fun guys.  Let me know if you ever want to ride; keep the rubber side down.