Congrats on the awards Michelle, that is awesome <hugs>
Ladygirl, I used to ride motorcycles, because my ex loved them, I started by riding pillion. My first motorcycle was a Triumph Tiger cub which my ex restored from scratch. Then I wanted to buy a motorcycle and my father said he would buy it for me on condition I take lessons. I went on a course run by Police and RAC (motoring organisation), I was the only girl to take this course. They did a number of different types of education, ie talks, riding, mechanics, road safety and Obstacle course. So the last day there is a test of all the different sections. I was amazed to find I got 100% on the course, and asked if I wanted to be an instructed. I turned it down at the time, but later regretted that decision.
The training was worth it, even though I had ridden the first bike for a while.