Wife did great and came back stoked :lol: :lol: The next day- Sunday she didn't do so well. Frustration set in when she tried the 45 degree offset backing dock. I have a bit of trailer towing experience and did OK. We both are set to go again to the range Thursday. Friday am we go on the streets ops: ops: Look out Missoula!!! :shock:

We have done the trip planning exercise and had a course on backing today in class. Did our first couple and uncouple too.

Did you know Sage started in Billings Montana. Missoula was the #2 school in their system.

Rick

 

Hey everyone, been slacking on the updates here.

Well on 9/22 I finally got behind the wheel. The first thing we did was go over the pretrip inspection. It is pretty thorough, takes a solid 15 minutes to complete.

After that we did coupling, uncoupling. My instructor uncoupled and it was up to me to get hooked up again. Before I coupled we bobtailed around the range a few times. This range is very small and is mostly gravel, which makes for a rough ride. The instructor asked if I had ever driven a standard transmission before. I answered no and he kind of smirked and said this should be interesting.

The first time around I shifted using a single clutch. Once I got the hang of that we went to a double clutch which was messing me up a bit. After a few laps I got the hang of it and was shifting pretty smoothly. 8)

Then I bobtailed back to the trailer, got lined up and started backing. I was backing extremely slow and didn't even hear or feel the lock click. But I got her hooked up.

Then we moved on the the backing maneuvers that are on the state road test. There are 3 maneuvers:

1. Straight line backing
2. Offset backing
3. Parallel parking

There used to be more but the rules changed in June of this year. You know, it all looks so easy in the videos because those guys are seasoned pros. When you start doing it for the first time it is tough!!!

Even straight line backing was tough. The key for me is to get the setup right. After getting through the cones moving forward I wanted to drift to the left for some unknown reason. But after practicing a few times I got it down pretty good.

I ended my first day at the range continuing to practice the offset backing. Again, my setup was the killer. I would get so close byut end up way too tight on my left side.

I got to the range yesterday morning (9/23) at 7:40am ready for my instruction to begin at 8:00am. I waited until 8:30am and still no instructor. So I left a note on the door and left. Got a call from my instructor at 9:00am after I got home saying he had problems with his truck. Pretty disappointed I wasn't able to practice yesterday.

I'm looking forward to my range time today at 12:30.

 

Congrats on the driving! Can't wait till we get there. Glead we're finally done with the Lew videos, at least for awhile,,lol.
Got our permits Fri. I got all 3 endorsements, and Wingz missed the hazmat by 1 question two times. She is retaking it this morning.
BOL keep the updates coming!
Cheers

 

I plan on attending SAGE at the ivy tech in Lawrenceburg, IN sometime in March. Reading your thread has helped me to know what to expect when I get there. It's been an interesting read so far. Look forward to more.

 

Hi all

As you may know, my wife had a couple of problems on her first drive test and we have been working through them. There are folks at Sage who listen even if an instructor may also had a problem. I cannot say much more now.

I just finished my second road trip- this one at night. Did 134 miles. We go down I-90 getting off at every exit practicing down shifting then up shifting as we go back on the entrance ramp. I'm starting to get IT ! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Made beau coup mistakes but better than before.

On my 3rd road trip tomorrow so I better get some sleep

Rick

 

Glad to things are starting to gel for you Rick. Sorry to hear your wife is struggling a little. Not everyone can be a teacher that try to. Not sure of the problem there, but have seen to many that didn't know how to communicate.
We are still in classroom mode pretty much. Have watched a couple of pre-trips so far and got out and adjusted brakes last nite.
Good luck on your next drive and hope things smooth out for the wife!
BOL
Cheers
Steve

 

HEY,,,how's it going out there??????? :roll:

 

Hey guys. Glad everyone is enjoying the posts. Rick, your wife will get it with practice! Hopefully I can get a nice long drive in sometime soon. Glad to hear you're doing well.

Foxoreo, you will be happy with SAGE. Best of luck to ya!

9/24/07


More practice on the backing. I have the straight line backing down pat, and I managed to nail the offset backing about 50% of the time. Luckily, I have plenty of drives left (9) to get it everytime. 8)

My drive time today is 5-9pm. I wonder what I'll do when it gets dark! :shock:

Maybe I'll be able to get out on the road to practice shifting. You can only shift so much on the tiny range. Another challenge for me has been the pre-trip inspection. There are so many things to remember. But when I did it myself the other day, I was suprised how much info I retained. I should have it down pat after a few more times.

 

Hey Roadie, you miss Lew yet? LOL!! You'll be more nervous than a virgin on prom night that first time out on the range, but you will quickly become comfortable and enjoy it!

 

Thanks Colts!
Nah,,whenever I miss Lew, I just pull out the homework book!!! lol
Enjoy your trip tonite!!
Cheers