h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yep, I've been bitten bigtime by the bike bug! (trying saying that when you're drunk!)

My partner got bitten once more when his friend gave him a ride on the back of his Varedero the other week. I was bitten at a very small age (almost two I think) but never followed it up other than falling off bicycles regularly throughout my childhood years, whilst trying to emulate the courses on 'Kickstart'. (remember that program?)

Anyway, I had this big discussion (whilst drunk) with my partner and our poetical poet friend, where I explained the reasons why I don't do much in my life. The following morning, I felt quite clear-headed (except for the hangover, that is), and I realised that I must at least TRY to ride a bike. So today I went to a couple of bike shops with my partner, so I could look at the learner-legal bikes, and find which ones may be good for me to learn on. You see, I am not very tall (5' 5"), so reaching the floor with my feet is sometimes a small problem. I sat on a few, and found one that felt really comfortable, everything seemed to be in the right place, and I didn't feel like I had to stretch to reach anything. Then my partner tells me that the low riders are nice to ride, as he doesn't have to lean much to turn corners. So I wonder if the slightly more uncomfortable position would be tolerable in favour of less leaning on corners.

Well, I am a little perplexed and confused, and so I am just going to worry about getting the provisional licence renewed first. I found it and it doesn't have bike entitlement on it. Typical. That was because when I was 19 my dad told me not to put it on, probably because he didn't want me to ride one.

So, anyone know any good learner bikes I could try? 125cc, not a scooter/moped, as I don't feel comfortable on them, and I want to learn on a manual too.

Addendum: the correct spelling of the bike is VARADERO!