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Monday, December 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Betty, I got the subscription, signed up for the email and got a nice note from Rain (Renate) who is the publisher/editor. As soon as I see my first issue (she's been up and running since June 2000) I'll see how VTwin Mama can contribute and we can all join in the fun. Meanwhile, check it out at www.bikerallymag.com to see if you are interested also! – Mama Monday, December 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear HDFlyer, Friday, December 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Pat, Thursday, December 27
It takes just as much energy to wish as it does to plan. Wednesday, December 26 Here is more input for Barb on larger size biker wear: Try womanbiker.com. I ordered custom made pants, jacket and other stuff and at more than a reasonable price. In some cases, cheaper than off the rack. – Linda Dear Linda, Happy Holidays Everyone
Monday, December 24 Dear VTwin Mama,
JIM:
Judy, I think we should get a four wheeler to ride!
JUDY: Get a four
wheeler -- why?
JIM: So we can get
out and ride the back roads and have fun!
JUDY: Fun? I don't
think that would be much fun -- you ride and me watch??
JIM : Well no, not
exactly me ride, you watch!
JUDY: I swear I
must have married an idiot. It plainly says on those four wheelers
"NO PASSENGERS." Right ?
JIM: Yeah, but I
would be careful!!
JUDY: No No No
Way! (comment from VTwin Mama: Amen, sister)
JIM: Well what if
you take an ATV safety course and learn to ride yourself?
JUDY: Jim, take
your drivers license out of your billfold and hand it to me
please! It says here under endorsements CLASS
"F" right?
JIM: Yeah so?
JUDY: Well this is
what that "F" means -- MOTORCYCLE.
JIM: So
what's the point?
JUDY: Point is if
we buy something, we will get a MOTORCYCLE.
JIM: A
motorcycle?? (note: add disbelief)
JUDY: Yes,
motorcycle. I read where 75% of the Vietnam Vets ride motorcycles.
"HARLEYS IN FACT JIM"
JIM: What made you
think I want a HARLEY?
JUDY: Well rest
assured it won't be a HARLEY -- they cost to much! And
are way overrated too.
JIM: Oh well, what
then? (note: add sinking feeling)
JUDY: Jim,
remember the Yamaha Virago we had several years ago? And how well you
liked it?
JIM : Yeah, I sure
miss that bike -- we had a lot of fun on it.
JUDY: Well I
checked -- they don't make the VIRAGO anymore. BUT!
JIM: But what?
JUDY: Jim, HONDA
makes a 750cc Shadow that looks like it a bunch.
JIM: How do you
know?
JUDY: I called and
checked and they are on sale.
JIM: Well I be
durned, is that what you are thinking??
JUDY: Duh Jim,
yes, and in YELLOW too.
I thought you might get a kick out of this little thing -- it's exactly as it happened. We are going to Honda Dealer Wednesday. Did we make a good choice in bikes??? – Jim and Judy Dear Jim and Judy, Friday, December 21 Here is input for Barb on larger size biker wear and help with learning about engines: Try Womanbiker.com, Lorraine Courtney. They will custom make apparel. Happy Holiday to all biker sisters. – Bobbye www.womanbiker.com has a nice selection of items in general, but also does custom jackets and chaps in leather....Barb might want to check out their site and give them an email or call to discuss possibilities and cost. I have the same problem as Barb and even some of the places that offer 2X jackets have jackets that are still too small yet I normally wear that size...in cheap or expensive clothing. I know how frustrating this can be. – Deb Harley Davidson does a fairly good job....they have 2x & 3x sizes....my friend bought a 3x leather Harley jacket with the fringes and all very feminine....she also has women's chaps from Harley....my jacket is a 2x from Harley, it is a great jacket, longer and elastic on the sides at the waist....they have a ton a other stuff too. I got size 20 jeans in women's, and my friend who wears a 24 got some too...Harley has really come to light that not all women are a "9"....I just bought my Xmas outfit at my Harley shop, a fancy glittery pullover in gray and a black pair of jeans, they all came in my larger size. Check it out on their web site http://www.harleydavidson.com. Go to clothing, click on women's and scroll down and click on individual pieces and find the sizes. Also check your nearest dealer and if they don't have it ask them to order women's sizes -- they will because they are available. If they don't, call Harley company and talk to marketing, they will find you what you want. – Jo Ann For learning manuals: Quite often local Technical colleges have some kind of engine repair classes. Also, check out local M/C club chapters for additional ideas. – Sunishine Dear Sisters, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cherie, Thursday, December 20 Dear VTwin Mama, 1. Never drink and ride Dear Chris, Wednesday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cami, Wednesday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lindy, Tuesday, December 18 Dear VTwin Mama, I found that I turned into an absolute sponge in reading motorcycle magazines and stuff like that. I bought the Idiot's Motorcycle book and found a lot of really great information in it. My favorite magazines are Motorcycle Tour and Cruiser, Woman Motorcyclist, Rider, and of course my WOW magazine. Having friends that are also motorcycle enthusiasts is also a great way to share ideas and keep the enthusiasm going! Of course the computer is loaded with great sites as well....I have made a number of great friends through the computer web sites for motorcycles! Gloria and I have become great buddies just from this web site! Another thing that is good is to buy the Clymer manual for whatever bike you ride. What better way to learn all about your ride! We are supposed to be one with our bikes...right? Especially good is the troubleshooting section of the manual! Oh yes......don't forget to review your MSF manual! We all want to keep our skills honed and that is a good way to keep our memory banks intact! The Indianapolis area recently acquired a TV show called IRON HORSE which is 100% motorcycle oriented. My friend in Florida is fine tuning the motorcycle show she is starting that will be called LADY RIDER. Looks like people are finally starting to realize just how vast the motorcycle family is! – Betty Dear Betty, Monday, December 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Rule No. 1. The "3 second" rule. Always be 3 seconds away from all action, in particular the vehicle in front. Easy rule to follow - just identify a tree or post and when the car passes it start counting - you should not get there before 3 seconds. If you are any closer your stopping time in an emergency is not enough. Rule No. 2. The "head-check" rule. I never rely on my mirrors to check what is behind and, more importantly to the side. Motorcycles have blind spots too. Always turn your head to look before moving across lanes, etc. Rule No. 3 The "stay alert" rule. I learned this one the hard way! Luckily only my bike was damaged, not me. I now sing to myself, talk to myself about what I see around me, wiggle my fingers and toes, and fidget all the time. These activities keep me aware of the present and what is around me. Don't want to fall off again. Rule No. 4. The "be understood" rule. I try to remember to always check my indicators and break lights are working before I take off. It's bad enough that some motorists don't see you, it is downright dangerous not to let them know what you are doing. Easy if in the habit - start the bike up before you get on, and check it out while it's warming up. Rule No. 5 The "stop if it's not fun" rule. Motorcycling is fun and relaxing, and if it doesn't feel good - you're tired, the weather, whatever - stop, have a cup of coffee, a snooze, whatever - then set off again. This rule is closely aligned to No. 6 - "be in the right frame of mind" rule - if I'm not sober I don't ride - if I'm in a bad or unhappy state of mind, I calm myself down - at least to the point that when I get on the bike I will start to feel good again - because riding is a sure cure for the blues. Hope you can use them. – Joy Dear Joy, Anyone who wishes to share their top 5 list is encouraged to send them in before the new year starts. I'm going to compile the whole mess, add some sass and send it in to Woman Rider magazine for publication consideration.– Mama Friday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, We keep our bikes ready to go year round, just in case a nice day comes up when we can get away ( a winter bonus). We have also gone south for vacation and rented bikes for a day of riding around. We found that more fun than Disney. Good luck and Have Fun. – 2B4W Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barb, As for the motorcycle engine book primer, I contacted the American Motorcycle Institute School and they use Fundamentals for Motorcycle Repair for the first five weeks of their repair school. I went to Amazon -- motorcycle books and found a well reviewed fundamentals book called Motorcycle Basics Manual which has a picture of an engine on the cover and is supposed to be an excellent primer (some women review the book as fantastic for learning the basics of how a bike works). Ok readers, any other gear or book suggestions? – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty, I'm afraid that you might not find this a useful coping tool so short of moving to a warmer climate, it looks like you'll have to find another passionate part-time thing to occupy yourself with. Since not being able to ride brings out the selfish side of us, I would strongly suggest volunteering somewhere, anywhere. If you choose a place that has a captive audience and maybe short memories, you could regale them with riding stories gleaned from your first 4000 miles! Be prepared however to hear about the time Aunt Snookie got drunk at Christmas and Uncle Herbert drove into a tree at the edge of town because she was getting "amorous." Seriously though, lots of folks could use volunteer help at a wide variety of places. Check into it. Or perhaps now is the time to read about bikes. I personally am picking up a copy of Hear Me Roar and Bike Lust in hopes of them explaining to me why my love of riding has extended for over 22 years. I'm pretty sure I know why, but a book should make that official! And I love to read. So VTwin Mama sisters, what are your remedies for the winter blues? A visit to Daytona for the winter rally? Stripping down your bike and rebuilding it (hopefully in a heated garage)? Visiting this site often and flooding me with questions and responses? Let's hear what you've got to say! – Mama Tuesday, December 11 Dear Readers: Here are two more "top five" riding tip lists. See what you started TuG?!?!?!?! 1. No alcohol. We are riding to have fun, not kill each
other. 1. Pay close attention to what I'm doing when stopping. Dear TuG, Cindy and Suni, HAVE FUN! That is so VTwin Mama cool! – Mama Monday, December 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Finally, while following him home from the dealer (who had installed a windshield), I said to myself, either I ride or it goes. I took it back out onto the interstate for one exit and that was it. I was hooked, and I have logged over 1100 miles since early September. I'm no spring chicken, nor old and gray, but pushing the limits once in a while is good for the soul as well as self esteem. Keep at it and once you find the bike that fits like a custom made glove, you'll never get off. Wishing you the best of luck and happy riding. – Rita Dear Rita, Friday, December 7 Dear VTwin Mama, A thousand miles later we bought the Harley Sportster 1200 Sport ( I wanted a lower cruiser style, but was persuaded to get the sport bike), about the same weight as the BMW, but lower center of gravity. The Sporty and I got along much better, I actually would take it out alone. I still wasn't comfortable, but was getting better at riding and understanding what I really wanted. Six months and 1700 miles later we bought a Honda Magna. This was much more comfortable, both in fit and for riding. After another 1000+ miles and one long weekend riding through the White Mountains, I went back to Harley and sat on a Softail Deuce. It was love at first sight, but how long was the wait going to be. One week later (1 year ago) I picked up my Deuce and have been enjoying it ever since. I won't be giving this one up for a long time. I have to admit, when I drove it off the lot, I wondered "What did I get myself into, this is a monster!". By the time I arrived home 3 hours later, first time on the highway and riding at night, I didn't want to get off. Now, I forgot to mention that I am now almost 56 years young. My son is now 17 and rides his own motorcycle. The 3 of us go riding together as often as we can. I firmly believe it has been the best thing we could have done as riding has kept the family together (not many 17 year old boys enjoy spending so much time with Mom and Dad). This year we all attended the Experienced Riders Course and I passed with flying colors on my Deuce. It sure helped me gain confidence and learn to maneuver a big bike in small areas and slowly. Another great adventure and learning tool is Track Day. I bought a Buell ST3 (again with persuasion from the guys) to ride at track days. It was a little to high, so we had it lowered. Well, I bottomed out at the Track, fortunately I kept the bike up, but it sure did scare me. I took the rest of the day much slower in that turn, but had a great time anyway. My cornering skills increased as I repeatedly rode around the track for the whole day. This is a great way to perfect your skills for street riding in a controlled environment. I found I didn't really like the Buell and bought a Ducati Monster 900 City. My Monster and I have ridden almost 1000 miles in the last 2 months. After this experience, I would never buy a bike again that I didn't try first (Buell vibration made my hand go numb) nor one that I have to alter to touch ground solidly and I'm not short (5"7'). This fall we went to Canada with the HOG Chapter, the Canadians rode much faster than I was used to and to my surprise I was very comfortable because of my day at the track. It was a great experience riding with the group and enjoying the commradery. The country was beautiful, although very cold (28 one morning). Then the next weekend we rode with the Ducati group, they made track day seem slow, but it was fun. I'm looking forward to many more rides with both groups and more track days to refine my skills. My final advice would be like TuG's: My five rules to motorcycling in order: Sorry, didn't mean to make this so long, I do hope everyone can enjoy this as much as I do now. Enjoy, be patient and never stop learning through the rider courses, reading and practice. Ride Safe – 2B4W (2bikes4wheels) Dear 2B4W, P.S. I'm filing your story in the archives under both Riding Techniques and Type of Bike to Ride! Thursday, December 6 Dear VTwin Mama, I took the MSF course before driving on the road. I felt that I needed to be in control of my mind as well as my bike before attempting to ride on the road. My instructor was a 65 year old woman. I have great respect for her. I managed to put 3600 miles on my bike this year. Living in northern Pennsylvania limits our riding time. I really enjoy the response from other riders when they realize that a woman is driving that shiny, chrome, white motorcycle. We look pretty good together, my husband has a 1993 Honda Shadow. His is red and white and mine is all white. Thanks for listening. Happy riding. – Cindy Dear Cindy, Wednesday, December 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Terry, Dear VTwin Mama, The only reason that I stop riding for awhile is because I stopped to have a family. Now both kids are also interested in riding. My husband also rides. My son is old enough to get his own and my daughter is riding behind my husband. So you see riding a motorcycle is a lifetime experience. So PRACTICE PRACTICE. – Bikemom Dear Bikemom, Monday, December 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Well , my first time around I failed my test miserably. First time ever on a bike and I felt like a fool! But, I took a make-up test and made it. Still, feel shaky at the thought of actually riding. I haven't found that perfect bike yet. Honestly, anything bigger than a 250cc scares me just thinking about it. I know I'll feel differently when I practice for a few years LOL. Thanks so much for being kind enough to remember that I was testing. Take care. I follow your web page every night. – Gloria Dear Gloria, |
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