The ATGATT Rat

I passed the ABATE course today! I didn't do particularly well on the skills test. I was pretty frustrated. In fact I failed the first skills test, as did several other riders in my range. The instructors allowed us to retake the skills test, and I passed.

I wouldn't characterize it as acing the test.

My biggest problems were the slow-speed maneuvering -- where you're supposed to u-turn the bike inside a 10 foot box -- and the full-brake application.

In the low-speed maneuvering section, I couldn't hold it in a tight loop and ended up riding outside the box. Points deducted.

For the full-brake application, I did everything fine except I forgot to downshift into first. Points deducted, but not enough to keep me from passing.