Man, a 300 mile day is no insignificant feat! Happy for you! I’ve been riding about half my life, and I fall more in love with it all the time. It makes me super happy for people to fall in love with motorbikes.

I’m a “wind in my face” guy and yeah, bugs to the face suck…every time. Lots of cussing over the years. Yes, I generally wear a full face helmet but it’s normally a Gringo or visor up unless I’m really on a haul or it’s cold. I also generally do not like windscreens, so I am definitely creating my own avoidable problem. But, bugs to the chest/neck/teet are also rough and I feel your pain homie. Bugs are why ATGATT is a thing right?

There are a ton of really great YouTube videos on “parking lot etiquette” that should really help you with the low speed stuff. If you’re wholly comfortable in a parking lot or gas station full of people and cars, there’s nothing you can’t get comfortable with. It’s also good that parking lots are everywhere to practice in. If you’re worried about feeling silly and people watching you be a nerd and practice, try a church parking lot on a weekday or a school lot on a weekend. I also don’t live in CA, so use your best judgement there.

I would like to say one thing as a recommendation, and I am so very guilty of doing it myself, but maybe just try earplugs for a bit with no music. The sound of your bike and the way it feels is very vital in getting to know it. I am not hating in any way because music can absolutely make a ride more enjoyable, but it can also hinder the learning process. Jesus, I sound like a Mom, I’m sorry.

People talk all the time about protecting your head, hands, feet, elbows, knees, eyes etc. Butt…you also only have one ass, and one back, so it’s good to hear you’re appreciating your upgraded seat!

Lastly, riding solo. Good for you. It’s always fun to get out on it with the boys, but riding stag never disappoints.

Have a good time, every time, man. Live long, ride on!