Monday, April 30
Dear VTwin Mama,
I've
taken a motorcycle course but I'm still not always sure of myself in all
situations. Should I go back for more school? –
Careful Rider
Dear Careful Rider,
I certainly encourage every rider to enroll in at least one class,
either when you're just starting, but even as a refresher. Still, not
everything you'll need to learn can be found in a sheltered school
environment. Hopefully the basic tools have been taught so that you've got
a fighting chance out on the road. Experience is a hard, but necessary
teacher, where the test is given first and the lesson learned after. If
you think your basic skills could use some more work, then by all means,
head back to class and keep working with an instructor who can advise and
monitor your progress. Don't be afraid to ask for specific comments on
your riding technique because everybody wants the VTwin Mamas of the world
to be good riders. –
Mama
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Friday, April 27
Dear VTwin Mama,
I
have been riding for about 5 years and I love it but I did want to mention
to the woman that has the elbow injury (Frustrated Q/A on
4/11),
I have had a couple of surgeries on my shoulder and after they took out
part of my collarbone I didn't think I would be able to ride without pain.
But my husband (what a guy) found a handlebar from Custom
Chrome with an 11 inch pull back and they are only 23 inches across
(not 100% sure but they are short drag bars) . I do have a Superglide and
I think that sitting low in the bike as apposed to sitting up high on a
Sportster helps my shoulder a lot. I went on my first long ride last year
to Myrtle Beach for the rally and it was 750 miles each way and I felt
great when I got there. No shoulder pain. My husband has a Sportster Sport
and I took it out for a ride and I must say, what a blast!! But when I got
home my shoulder was killing me!! I don't know if this will help in any
way, but it is possible that a different riding position would help a lot.
It did for me and I wish the same for you. I also have the Corbin
Hollywood seat on mine and it lowered me a little more so that my shoulder
is in a more natural position. GOOD LUCK!!! –
Nancy
Dear Nancy,
I thank you and Frustrated thanks you for taking the time to share
your thoughts and offer support. –
Mama
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Wednesday, April 25
Dear VTwin Mama,
Is
it just me, or does it seem like there are so many older riders on the
roads these days? I'm under 25 and trying to meet more riders my age. –
What's the Secret?
Dear Secret,
Ah, the sting of youthful wonderment. Let's face it VTwin Mama
honey, we've got more money and bikes ain't cheap!
A very wise English writer by the name of Sylvia
Townsend Warner once said, " You are only young once. At the time it
seems endless, and is done in a flash. And then for a very long time you
are old." Doesn't that just curl your toes right up?!?!?!
So buck up, meet lots of riders of all ages and ask the
older ones if they have a son or nephew or such who rides. You might find
that the young ones are doing more of the dirt/Motocross/trials riding
while their bodies can handle the pounding. They'll eventually give up the
pain factor and hit the road. Won't they be in awe of your VTwin
Mama-ness?!?!?!?!
So say hi to everyone and then ask! –
Mama
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Monday, April 23
Dear VTwin Mama,
I
use to just love riding. This year it already feels like it's not going to
be fun, but I really don't seem to have any other things I want to do.
This really could be a drag of a summer. –
Bored
Dear Bored,
Don't you take that whinny tone of voice with me young VTwin Mama.
I mean it now. Let's face it, nothing is going to seem interesting if you
aren't interested. I suspect something deeper has happened. Perhaps a
boyfriend skipped out? Job gone bad? Not enough money for that new thing
thing?
Have you forgotten how to smell the roses? Then find a
rose bush, lean over and take a huge whiff. Then cast your eyes to the
beauty that Mother Nature has put before you and say to yourself,
"This is great stuff. I think I'm going to like it here."
Pretend you are a visiting alien discovering everything
for the first time. After doing the more routine things (sunrises,
sunsets, birds singing, etc.), get on the bike and rediscover. Or, don't
get on the bike and find a new purpose in life. Volunteer somewhere, try
something new, read a book, help a neighbor.
Whatever you choose, you go out there and make YOU
proud. Forget about the rest of us -- but remember that we're all rooting
for our fellow VTwin Mama. –
Mama
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Friday, April 20
Dear VTwin Mama,
I
would like to respond to the lady (Frustrated Q/A on
4/11) with a 1200cc Sportster. If she is absolutely opposed to other
brands of motorcycles, she could customize the whole bike to her needs. If
she is not opposed to other brands, I would suggest she trade the
Sportster in for a smaller cc like a Honda Shadow 600cc or 750cc. I ride a
Shadow 750cc that I absolutely am in love with. I am 5'6" with very
fat legs. She could probably buy 3 Shadows for what she paid for the
Sportster. –
Bobbye
Dear Bobbye,
If you hear the applause, that is me clapping with great and
profuse enthusiasm. This is exactly the kind of help that women riders can
offer each other -- their experience.
By the by, my second bike was a Honda Shadow 750cc and I
loved it, despite the fact that I am 5'10" and the leg room was
limited for moving around. Still, it handled like a dream and took me a
great journey from Chicago through Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan, down through Michigan and back to Chicago. Love that shaft
drive! –
Mama
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Thursday, April 19
Dear VTwin Mama,
Grab, grab, grab. Is that all men know how
to do? I want respect when I'm riding, not guys thinking I must be easy if
I'm a "biker babe." –
Respect Me
Dear Respect Me,
It is unfortunate that the "sleazy rider" image is still
perpetuated in the community. Let's face it, it takes all kinds.
Meanwhile, those of us who have been riding for a long time, and even
those who are just getting started, know that 99% of women riders are
class acts and deserve to be treated so.
That's why I think the Internet is such a great tool.
Lot's of positive-image sites for us to spend our time with, and forums
like VTwin Mama to talk about stuff. Meanwhile, on the road I use two
faces to ward off men with no clue: the blank "huh" look and the
silent laugh (sort of a snicker under the breath but not quite so
obvious).
If you are interested, take the time to subscribe
to the newsletter, which contains useful info on cool sites and
news. –
Mama
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Friday, April 13 (Boo!)
Dear VTwin Mama,
As a so called import rider (by the way
built in the good old USA, by good old American's) When Hard Core is broke
down on a lonely road is it going to matter what other brand of bike comes
along to help? Is one brand better than the other? Who really knows and
who cares. I do get a little upset with this kind of thinking, but not for
long I'm out for the love of the ride. Freedom of choice isn't that the
"American Way". I wave at all, even the "Hard Core" HD
riders that don't wave back. Just my thought! –
Purple Rose
P.S. Just found your site, hope to come back often.
See original Q/A that
Purple Rose is responding too
Dear Purple Rose,
You bring up some really good points and VTwin Mama appreciates you
writing in to voice your opinion. And thanks for becoming a
newsletter subscriber - we're having a lot of fun with that too. –
Mama
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Wednesday, April 11
Dear VTwin Mama,
Please help! I really need advice from an experienced WOMAN rider. Two
seasons ago I decided to go solo with the support and patience of my
wonderful husband. I feel like I did all the right preparations to make
for a good safe rider. This includes the motorcycle safety course, getting
a smaller starter bike, and a lot of trial and error. Last season I
developed an elbow injury after only 600 miles on my new Sportster 1200C.
Since then we added a windshield and 6" pullback handlebars instead
of the stock dragbars. All of this was done in hopes of making me more
comfortable and give less stress on a still unhealthy clutch arm.
Now I feel hopeless after my first ride. I can't seem to
bond with that bike and I'm just not enjoying it. I don't know if it's me
or the bike. I'm 5'4" and not exactly a weakling, but I feel like the
bike is too top heavy for me. Left turns are a nightmare with my clutch
arm. We decided what factors about the bike are my weaknesses. I feel
beaten and I'm even considering giving up solo. My only options are get
out or try something more user friendly (considering a used Low Rider).
What are your thoughts about women on this particular model vs. a Dyna or
Softail? Is this a common complaint from women? I want to ride, but I want
to ride SAFE. Please advise. My husband is 100% supportive, with my safety
being first. Thanks for any advice. –
Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
Like most beginning riders, you've come up against a number of
factors that have you questioning your original decision to try riding
solo. But let's back up a step first. What I'm getting out of your letter
is that the first 600 miles proved to be a reasonably enjoyable experience
for you. And that's a lot of miles in anybody's book. So dig back in your
memory and find that smile again!
Now, due to the injury sustained on your left elbow, you
feel less than confident about handling the bike altogether, which has you
questioning your model bike, the bike-set and yourself. But fear not
determined VTwin Mama. Not all is lost.
First, if the elbow injury is something that will mend
itself by not stressing it through repeated clutch motions, consider a
temporary stop on solo riding to give it a rest until it fully heals.
Meanwhile, hop back on your wonderful husband's bike as a passenger to
renew your feeling for the ride itself. You need to feel the wind on your
face again in a positive light, and not connected with your feelings of
frustration about your own bike.
Although I myself am 5'10", I know that I went
through many bikes, and their set-ups, before I found myself comfortable
in arm, body and leg positioning. This did prove to be trial and error.
I'm afraid that I can't be of much help in an opinion on the different
types of Harley-Davidson bikes, as I've really only ridden my old
SuperGlide. But I think you are on the right path by thinking about
testing out other models (before buying) to see what is what. I do agree
however, that a bike with a windshield feels top heavy, especially to a
beginning rider, and even experienced ones who are using one for the first
time. It's an added component that alters the handling characteristics of
the bike.
It's not just you or just the bike, but a
grand mix of the ultimate desire to ride and enjoy the living heck out of
it and some initial concerns rightly voiced.
Although this column has not yet received it's first set
of feedback from other riders reading this column and adding their two
cents worth, I'm really hoping that we get some this time because my guess
is that there is ton of advice out there for you. So, by posting your
question, we'll give it a shot.
So chin up VTwin Mama, you are NOT alone and we're
behind you 100%. –
Mama
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Tuesday, April 10
Dear VTwin Mama,
What's up with not posting questions and answers every day? Aren't enough
people writing in? I really love reading what women riders have to
say and need help with. –
Curious
Dear Curious,
And here you are! Thank you for checking up on the efforts of the
VTwin Mama Q/A forum. The answer to your question is twofold: sometimes
there are not enough questions being submitted and sometimes I'm running
behind schedule in order to handle freelance writing assignments that I
need to pay the mortgage!
But I think we are on the right track. Remember, I just
started this whole thing website-wise at the beginning of February! So
send your stuff in and let's get on with it. –
Mama
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Monday, April 9
Dear VTwin Mama,
Every spring my husband starts talking about the new bike he wants, even
when he knows that we can't afford one. I get so sick of this but can't
get him to shut up. –
No New Bike in Wallingford
Dear No New Bike,
It is every rider's God-given right to salivate about the
motorcycle they wish they could have! How many times have I said the words
Dyna Wideglide as my eyes glaze over and I picture myself on the road with
a forest green version (and 20 pounds lighter!)?
Don't you have a dream too? Certainly your husband does,
and unless he is actually nagging you to give up the milk money and let
the kids go to school without shoes, what's the harm in daydreaming?
Lighten up.
Also, telling someone to shut up is never healthy, so
stop it.
What's your dream No New Bike? I bet it is a good one.
You could share in some of that magic with your husband. It helps make a
less-than-full pocketbook a little bit more bearable. –
Mama
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Saturday, April 7
Dear VTwin Mama,
What are the best sources of information for new women riders? –
Learning Sponge in Tacoma
Dear Learning Sponge,
Everyone has their own tastes and wish list, but you obviously have
access to the Internet (in order to submit a question to askvtwinmama@vtwinmama.com)
so I'd start by using a search engine to locate information.
If you like print publications, try Woman Rider magazine
(quarterly - call 1-877-427-1356) or Motorcycle Madness (quarterly, call
603-783-9572).
Readers of this website and subscribers
to the newsletter are welcome to send in suggestions for great
websites that cater to women riders. –
Mama
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Thursday, April 5
Dear VTwin Mama,
I really can't afford all those leather riding things - jackets and gloves
and chaps - that most riders wear. How important is this? –
What to Wear in Waukesha
Dear What to Waukesha,
Most bikers will tell you that the reason they wear leather is for
safety. That's a good point. But it's also about looking good and fitting
in, which most of want to do. The renegades, of course, will disagree.
Personally, I bought one item at a time as I could afford it, so start
saving a little bit here and there if possible.
Meanwhile, Mama is thoroughly convinced that nothing you
wear is more important than your smile. –
Mama
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Wednesday, April 4
Dear VTwin Mama,
Some of my friends drink when we are out riding. I'm not really
comfortable with that, but am not sure how I can tell them that. –
Prefer Soda When Riding
Dear Soda,
Oh, this is a tough one, mainly because I've been on both sides
myself. Lots of times the day ride is composed of short sprints between
biker-friendly establishments. Naturally, a cold drink is enjoyable.
The question for you is, do you feel that your friends'
drinking is causing them to be less than great riding partners (i.e. they
are just not on the ball like they should be), is it a general concern
(i.e. they have one and one is too much), or have they already put you or
other friends in danger (i.e. they aren't riding in a straight line, fail
to recognize potential hazards and the like)?
If you belong to a club that holds regular meetings,
perhaps you could suggest this subject as a general topic of discussion so
that no one is singled out, but you have a chance to voice your concerns
along with others. Beyond that, you'll have to decide if you need to find
new riding mates that don't drink and ride. I know it's not easy to
"abandon" your friends, but going down on a bike at any
speed is no picnic, especially if it is caused by an impaired
rider. –
Mama
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Monday, April 2
Dear VTwin Mama,
Everyone who rides something other than a Harley isn't really an American
rider. Back me up on this one. –
Hard Core H-D Fan
Dear Hard Core,
Whew, major case of closed mind I see. While you may live and die
with an H-D beneath you, I hardly think that other peoples/races/origins'
ideas should be spit on. Answers can only be deposited in open minds, and
since yours is not, we'll move on to more pressing concerns. Please
consider the thought that riding is an extension of the spirit, not of the
hardware you happen to be hurtling down the road on. Or at least it should
be. –
Mama
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