Pebble, I'm really new as well. I started riding at 58 because I live on an island and have to take a ferry. Motorcycles get all sorts of considerations cars don't, like a reduced fare and and advanced loading/off loading, without waiting in line. During the summer months, I might be 2 hours, just waiting in line, if I drove my truck, to get home from work
I took the class too, made me feel a lot better about riding, wiser. I started with a Rebel 250, a very forgiving bike, but very limited too. Come August, I think, I'll have my S40 a year. What I can share with you is stay relaxed, don't over grip, in will cause over steering and fatigue, you need your reflexes loose and ready to engage. Stay well within your ability, and you decide what that is, not what someone else tells you are capable of. Watch the turns and corners, you don't want to have to make adjustments while navigating them as it adds a whole other element to successfully complete the maneuver. Look down your path of expected travel, not down in front of your bike, that will cause you to tighten up to....relax, relax, relax, bikes will run themselves as long as we keep it pointed in the right direction, and of course, enjoy it, breath deep of the fresh air, and the brisk wind as it buffets your body.
Right now I'm still on my winter suit, full helmet w/ full face shield, and a full windshield....just as soon as it stays above 50, off they come, and just a windbreaker (well maybe a layer on those cold mornings) I love the feeling and openness, almost like flying...
Soon you won't even notice/feel the cracks in the road or the gust of wind, I promise, but....always stay alert, always, be ready to act.