Box Parallel...

So I have roughly a month and a half left in CLD school.

I had arguably my worst road ride on Saturday as it was a skills test to see where we are at shifting wise. Missed gears, neutral stopped once and stalled it once. What a forgettable ride that was but they told me to continue to stick with the manual. Fast forward later that day and my 2nd ride went a bit better.

Fast forward to Sunday morning and I had by far my best ride yet. My turns were pristine and I was hammering through the gears like it was nothing. I over-reved once on the downshift. Very happy with the progress I’m making. Instructor said it was a night and day difference from Saturday to a Sunday.

Anyways, my straight line, see side and blind side backing are terrific. My seeside offset is fantastic but my blind side offset is hit or miss sometimes but still not bad.

My blind side parallel though, ouch. That’s the side we do at the DMV test. I don’t know what it is about it but I just can’t seem to get my timing right on the initial cut in and how long to hold it. It really pisses me off. I’ll do it great once and the next ten times I’ll screw it up. I’m actually more worried about my box parallel than my shifting. I have plenty of time to get it down but it’s just annoying. Any tips on how to get it right? Do you guys turn your wheel a certain amount or count in your head how to hold the turn? I’m not certain though that parallel is used on the road all that often.

Figured I’d update you all on my progress. I graduate December 14 and take my road test December 18. Hoping to be in my new career by the first of the year.