go to second gear, then reverse or 1st. i always thought it did this so you wouldn't go into the wrong gear, i just never understood why it would do this when you're starting out... but say for instance, i'm in 5th gear and i have to jump on it so i downshift to 4th, there's pretty much no way to accidently put it in reverse, b/c it feels like it is blocked making a smooth and easy downshift to 4th.... and when you're in 2nd and you shift, it's hard to put it in first for the same reason. that's why i think these two gears are that way... if this is common knowledge, sorry.