my buddy didnt do any knee dragging or crazy turning....we were on a country road and he just let me get a feel for the acceleration and fitment of a bike.

to me the biggest fear is coming off the bike. i havent been able to wrap myself around the idea that you WONT lift off the bike at speed, especially being that u'r not strapped on to anything, just holding on to plastic.

i'd definately take the safety course, i think its mandatory in VA anyway.