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Thursday, December 1 More for Sharon who wants to learn but her husband is not proving to be a good teacher: Just wondering if Sharon is nearby . . . Connie (who wrote in to support) and I are neighbors in New Mexico, and I thought how cool if we lived near enough to help out! We both had the similar experience with the hubby, and thank God we found each other, cause we constantly reinforce one another. We can help Sharon, mentally, and physically riding that beast! Please let us know if your near Gallup, hehe we could start a woman gang! In hindsight . . . I wouldn't let my husband near me till I learned what I was doing. It is true they don't know how they make that bike move, or turn, so how can they convey it to us? My hubby still looks at me like I'm crazy when I speak of counter-steering! Luv and hugs Sparkle (note from Mama: I've sent another message to Sharon to make sure she sees this posting . . . with any luck she'll be nearby! I know before I created this website and writing the column I wouldn't have been able to describe how to do certain things . . . after riding awhile, you just do them! And then we all benefit from alternative descriptions that readers add . . . multiple descriptions of a technique is the best!) I wrote you, not long ago, right after getting my MC license ( probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done for myself! ) and then discovering your web site . . . the second most rewarding change in my life! I didn't feel so alone struggling with the fear, concerns and excitement of walking out to the garage and seeing what is there waiting for me. Your site defiantly helped ease my transition into being a new bike Mom. Each day, as soon as I get home from work, I check the new letters on your site. I have read each and every letter and your response, right back to 2001. I am amazed at the number of women who have and are struggling with the difficulty of learning to ride. We are a determined bunch! The rewards are worth ALL of the stress, lumps, bumps and negativity. In reading these letters I have felt as thought I had something in common with each and everyone, from a disapproving family, to being unhappy with the MS program and instructors, or a negative spouse and of course the dreaded fear. Looking back over the last couple of months I now realize that a lot of the pressure I felt was of my own making, the negative thoughts/feelings tended to over-shadow my enjoyment of the experience. Now I know that none of it had anything to do with my moments of failure, but determination had a lot to do with my successes. To Sharon, who is struggling: My bike is of similar size to yours, Vulcan 800 Classic, and it is the one that I learned on. DON'T give up, you can do it! May, of this year I enrolled in a training course, pressure from my better half, not because I wanted too! I didn't even complete half of the first day, I was so angry and frustrated and knew that I was never going to learn with that type of instruction. That is the only time I have been on a bike, other than as a passenger. I had no great desire to learn to ride and that was the problem, not the instruction. So after having a great summer of being a passenger, I decided that now I did want to learn. It was too late in the season to enroll in another course and there was no way he was going to let me spend another $400, anyway. So if I was going to do it, I had to learn on my own. I went out and bought my bike and had it delivered on the Friday before the long weekend in September, that morning before the bike arrived, I went and got my learners. Winter was coming and it can arrive very early and quickly here in Alberta and I just had to get my license before the end of the 2005. I had heard, that as of next year a graduated licensing system will take affect, size of bike, hours of riding, etc. and that was not going to work for me. I'm just to old and stubborn to live with those types of restrictions and after driving for 30 some odd years there's pride involved. So, learn I did! I took the road exam two weeks later and failed, of course! But, it was $70 well invested! I came away knowing what I was doing wrong and what it was that I needed to work on. Having an instructor would have offer this, but not having one, it was the next best thing. One week later I took my road exam again and passed, much to my surprise! The only advantages I had, are that we live in a small rural town, I work well under pressure and my balance is good having been a passenger and having ridden horses for years. Motivation and determination where and are, key factors. I really did want to do this! I hope this helps you, this is how I started out: 1) I rode down the alley and around the block and back to the garage. One really large circle! Release the clutch slowly, until it engages and you move forward about ten feet, immediately, use the clutch to disengage the transmission and then used the front brake (hand brake) to come to a full STOP, all the while sort of dragging/keeping your feet close to the ground. Repeat this over and over again! I found this really helped with getting used to the weight and movement of the bike and gave me added mental security just knowing that all I had to do was put weight on my feet for balance. I did this until I was comfortable! Hours, days or weeks, it doesn't matter! Then I added . . . 2) Turning around! Once, each trip around the block, different location in the loop, each time. Gravel lane, on the road, in the intersection (rural town). Clutch in, clutch out, clutch in! I did this until I was comfortable with turning the bike and the change in the distribution of weight that took place. There where times, that I had to stop roll the bike back, to try again, to make the same turn again. But, that's OK! Next . . . 3) Started back at Step 1. But, this time I lifted my feet on to the floor boards/pegs each time I started out and put them back down, when I stopped, this time I used the back brake (foot pedal). This took a little more time getting used to and I had to go a little further before I could stop, but that's OK, too. I did this until I could turn around, without putting my feet down in panic. Once again, I did this until I was comfortable. I then did the same thing again, using both brakes together. 4) Then, I added serpentines (moving the bike from right to left using your weight). Once comfortable again, I started thinking about adding changing gears. Being comfortable with what you HAVE learned, is the key to confidence and ability. Up until this point, first gear is where you should be. One down and one up and you're back into neutral. Check the light on your gauge, to make sure you are in neutral before you release the clutch! Missed that one a couple of times and almost scared myself to death. Why add to what is an over-whelming situation, already? The slower the speed the less likely you will be to find yourself in a situation that you can't handle. Take, the time that YOU need to master the handling of your bike. Slow speeds are the most difficult! The time you spend now, will make you a better and more confident rider in the future. Sharon, I hope this will be of help to you, but, I really don't want to bore everyone with such great detail. If you would like to contact me ( yup . . . Sharon, too! ) for the next steps I took, you can get my email address from Petra. But, don't ever give up! You can learn to ride without his help! My last ride of the year (left work early) was on November 24, my 48th birthday, the day before the cold Alberta winter, started to set in. We had a very late start to winter this year and I was given an extra month or more. Lucky, I guess! But, I can hardly wait until next spring and it seems so far away as I look out the window and see the snow falling. We are off to Mexico in less than two weeks and won't be back until the end of January. No, that is not bragging! If I could choose one more week of summer time in beautiful Alberta, or, shrink my bike and take it with me, I would be a lot more excited. Petra, you, your web site and the women connected to it, and of course my bike, are the focus of my life. I have never been so happy! My husband said the other day, " Sharon, I had no idea as to what I was starting when I told you to learn to ride your own!" Oh well! The credit card bills are going up, but my new Mustang seat and all the chrome pieces I ordered will be here, when I get back! Hmmmm, I think I'll spend some of my beach time deciding what color I'm going to have it painted . . . I wish you all a very "HAPPY HOLIDAY" and wonderful "NEW YEAR"! Sharon (note from Mama: personally I'm thankful you shared details of the beginning of your riding adventure! Sharon and others are going to read your message and say, ok, that sounds like a plan, I can do that, I can try . . . it's not going to be perfect, but Sharon did it and so can I! And believe it or not, it lets me go in the "way back machine" and remember how I felt, thus reconnecting me to the shared experience. Boy, do I remember the fear of that beastie being parked outside . . . for two weeks after I bought it, I just gave it a glance as I walked into the house . . . until finally, my boyfriend at that time, said, "aren't you going to ride it?" Hee, hee! 26 years later . . . here we are, together, stronger as a group, more determined as individuals . . . beautiful voices crisscrossing cyberspace to share and care!) Thursday, December 1 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Tegan, While I could chronicle all sorts of things for correct winter storage, this article from Total Motorcycle really does the job well and I don't have to retype everything! If you type in "motorcycle winter storage" in a search engine, you'll find more articles as well. How very VTwin Mama sister smart of you to research this subject . . . the PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) season shouldn't result in a bike not ready for the spring season! Mama Thursday, December 1 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Denise, From Sharon who asked for help in learning to ride given that her husband is of little help: Monday, December 5 Hi
Petra, Dear
Penney, Monday, December 5 For Trudie in South Africa who is learning to handle turns and traffic: Well, here is another letter from South Africa! (hee, hee, the third now, and I'm glad that the VTwin Mama site continues to extend beyond the U.S. borders and bring us an international collective experience!) I am 51, 5'4" and started riding an old Suzuki Scrambler, I think it was about a 100 or a 125 30 years ago. Then I graduated to a Yamaha 125 Scrambler and then rode an Aermacchi 350. But, when I say 'rode' I really mean that I got on the bikes only every now and then, never really a big time rider. Now that our children are older, and can be left to their own devices, and now that my husband has purchased a 2004 Yamaha Dragstar 1100, I started to plant the seed that I would like to ride a bike of my own! Well, we found a 1986 Honda VT750 (I had my heart set on a Suzuki 400 cruiser-type, but I am still smiling at the beast parked in the driveway!). I have not ridden since 1983, but got onto the bike and remembered everything re. changing gears etc etc. However, I find the handle bars a bit awkward and am still making wide turns! We went out Sunday morning to a little town about 45 kilos from where we live, and I had to stop on a hill. Unfortunately, at the stop (a four-way) there were cars behind me and across from me and so I got all 'big deal' and pretended I knew it all! I did not choke off, thank goodness, but the revs went up and I got all flustered and I forgot how to take off coordinating the fuel and the brake and the clutch. But, I am here at the keyboard, so I got through it! I have decided to do what you suggest - practice, practice, practice. We live in a relatively quiet area (agricultural small holdings) so there is a quiet road with a couple of stop streets and a turn or two for me to practice on. We don't have courses like you speak of, except one I will have to take a second mortgage on the house to fund it with (joke!) but I think I must get my learner's license, and then just keep practicing. We want to go to Cape Town in December, relatively straight run of 1,400 kilos, with a little traffic once we get to the village my parents live in, then I will park the bike and use their car! Chicken! Oh, a wonderful, wonderful site. I found it by chance when surfing for 'women riders of motorcycles'. I see more and more women are taking to the streets on motorcycles. Most heartening! Oh, the bike Trudie has? That Hyosung is a beaut. Lovely styling. My dream bike (when I win the lottery is a Harley Sportster - I call it a 'woman's bike'). PS - My husband is a true blue biker, riding since 12, owned many, ranging from aforementioned Suzuki Scramblers, Yamaha Scramblers, Honda 250 Scrambler, Aermacchi 350, Ducati 750 GT, Honda 1100 Gold Wing, and others I have forgotten about! Regards, Megan O'Donnell in Henley On Klip which is south of Johannesburg, South Africa (note from Mama: how wonderful to hear from you and thanks for sharing your adventure in riding in support of Trudie, who is learning as well. I'm glad my site is helping you realize that practice is the key . . . there simply is no shortcut! It sounds like you'll handle your upcoming ride to Cape Town just fine . . . remember to stop for rest to refresh your body and brain so that it doesn't become overwhelming. Map that idea out with your husband before leaving so you know you'll do it . . . it's amazing how we can trick ourselves into thinking a few more miles or kilos won't add that much to overall fatigue.) Monday, December 5 Wazzup
Mama, Dear
Patricia, I use a combination of both downshift and brakes depending on how quickly I need to bleed off speed. What you definitely want to make sure of is that you know how the bike handles when you need the brakes in a quicker stop situation. It does no good to save the brakes if you then don't know how to use them properly when you need them! Mama Monday, December 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I decided to ride when I turned 50. I took the class and fell in love with riding right then. Basically it was the first time on a bike as I hadn't even been a passenger except once in high school (many yrs ago). I flunked the riding part the first time (hate admitting to it) but was told to come back to join the next class and try again. I almost didn't take the test the second time since I didn't have a bike to practice. But finally got up the courage and went to the class. Anyway, I ended up passing! One of the happiest days in my life. Of course, if I would have known what I was in for..... I had saved up money and bought a bike, a Harley Softail Standard. Course, later was told it really was too big a bike for a beginner. I had a terrible time riding that bike, it seemed like every time I took it out I dumped it and was never sure why. Of course, looking back, now I know. Luckily I never got hurt. I would jump out of the way once I knew it was going and watch it go down. Boy, did I cry a lot! I really wasn't getting any help at that time as I was my own. I ended up meeting some really wonderful people through the local HOG, there are a lot of women that ride in this area. I would get up the nerve and go with them, worrying about my stopping and parking. I always thought if I never had to stop I'd never have any trouble I was never nervous in traffic and I loved corners, always felt like I was flying! To make another story short, I met a man at a HOG meeting who I knew casually from work. I was always looking for someone to ride with and found out this man rides! He was getting back it after many years of not riding. We rode all over the place and, to make another long story short, ended up getting married! Thanks to riding! I ended up putting 40,000 miles on that 2000 Softtail and bought another '02 Softail Standard last summer which now has 25,000 miles on it. We went to Texas (we live in Salem, Oregon) to visit my uncle last summer and put 5,000 miles on. What an adventure that was! My husband now has a Roadking, which I talked him into buying last summer. He finally got me to ride it! It reminded me of that riding curve I went through at the beginning! Another proud moment is that I loved riding that Roadking. Riding is part of our lives and we both love it. I'll ride until I can't get it off the kickstand anymore. (And I still worry about backing it up and parking!) Thanks for letting me tell my story! Barb in Salem, OR Dear
Barb, Whenever we identify for ourselves a skill that could use some polishing, that's the time to draw up a battle plan for learning. Identify exactly what the worry is, then find a distraction-free area to mimic the situation and practice your moves to handle it smoothly. If it's a matter of general judgment, then do a run with your husband that is simply riding a few miles and parking, riding a few miles and parking, etc. Practice till the jitters are minimized and then go away! It sounds like you've got a loving partner to help you, so off you go to talk out the very specific concerns, map out strategies to practice those specific concerns, and get it handled! Mama Monday, December 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Velocettebabe, Look where the clutch cable goes into the the clutch lever . . . there you will see a locknut which can be loosened and the cable backed out a bit, then retighten the locknut. Check your engage/disengage point now. If you have to back this out more than half of the adjustment possibility, turn that back in, and look down the cable where you will probably find another adjustment point. Make sure you do only small turns, tighten, try it, etc. If there is no more adjustment to the cable possible it's time to replace the clutch cable. I have no idea on how to advise you about breaking nails . . . if they are that long and interfere with your hand wrapping around the handlebar to correctly activate the controls, it may be time to rethink your nail length. Readers, am I getting this wrong?! Mama Tuesday, December 6 For Penney who has put her bike away, but how will she fare in spring with riding skills: Here in SA we do not have that particular problem of having to put away one's bike for the winter. I guess we are much like Florida (we just don't have hurricanes to contend with though!). We are able to ride pretty much year round. The winters here on what we call the 'Highveld' can, and do get pretty cold (maybe minus 7 Celsius (that's 20F) in the early morning) but, by lunch time it is up to 12 or 14 Celsius (that's 54-57F). The bikers are out on their breakfast run every Sunday, throughout the winter - we hear them on the freeway from where we live. We live in a summer rainfall area, but it rains in the afternoon from about 4, sometimes through the night, and by the next morning everything is clean and fresh and dry again. Megan in Henley on Klip, south of Johannesburg, South Africa (note from Mama: thanks for a snapshot of riding in South Africa! Yes, riding year-round is a real bonus, especially for newer riders, but the world would get pretty lopsided if every rider moved south!) Tuesday, December 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Had surgery to place a titanium plate and three screws along with 5 pegs (to put the pieces back together) in my wrist, they will be staying, and I am progressing well. Still off work and done riding for this year as it is winter in Ohio now, but prognosis is good with my goal of course being able to use my throttle hand next season. I was wondering if any other VT win Mama's have had this type of injury and if they were able to get total function back in their wrist? Thanks for a great site as always. Melissa in Toledo Dear
Melissa, Tuesday, December 6 For Velocettebabe who is trying to ease her clutch lever action: For those with small hands and short fingers - always place your hands on the grips as close to the inside as possible as that makes the reach a little less.(it also makes it easier to reach your turn signal, light button & horn button etc.) Also, just in case you go down -that protects your hands from the pavement by letting the end caps on the handlebars hit ground first and absorb the impact. P.S. you could also try searching for a set of 10% reduction clutch and brake levers for your bike-usually cost about $20 on ebay. Dorathy (note from Mama: good pointers here! I'll simply add that previous postings on the discussion of more ergonomic and physically smaller clutch levers are on my Working on the Bike: Clutch Lever pages.) Tuesday, December 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, So today I bought a Mustang seat, an early Christmas present. It is the Wide solo touring seat with a backrest. What a difference it makes! I don't feel all the vibrations and the backrest gives me a lot more support. I was able to ride 250 miles today, on the interstate, at 80 mph without fatigue. I went to a Mustang dealer and tried a number of seats. I was worried that the extra padding would keep me from being able to stand flat-footed. We were able to find a seat that gave me the comfort I was looking for and still allow me to stand on the ground. But I think the best thing is the backrest. With my previous seat, it was just me and the solo seat. Nothing behind me at all. Not even a little rise in the back. So if anyone else is riding on a solo seat and feels like they're working too hard to stay on a higher speeds, they may want to consider a backrest. Karen Dear
Karen, Tuesday, December 6 For Tegan who is looking to winterize the bike, but here's another thought: The TW 200 is one of the few bikes that are actually great fun to ride in the snow due to the very wide tires. Not on the road I grant you, but on dirt trails and forest tracks. If there are any wilderness areas near you, you might want to have a go at snow riding before you put the bike away. Loads of fun, you'll be enjoying yourself so much you won't notice the cold. Kevin in Australia (note from Mama: sounds like fun to me!) Tuesday, December 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dan, Thursday, December 8 For Melissa who shattered her right wrist on a fall and is wondering about riding again: Your injury sounds strikingly similar to mine! I, too, have a titanium implant, some screws and wiring to secure the implant to the radius. April 10, 2004, I "shattered" my wrist (a roller blading injury) and then fell full body weight on the arm, which then broke the radius, one of the arm bones linked to the wrist. Of course, it was my dominant hand! Great pain, considerably difficulty sleeping in a comfortable position, much physical therapy, lots of small and big annoyances and frustrations--like not being able to put on a bra or open a bottle of water, cut and peel an avocado, or type (I was forced to purchase voice recognition software!). Showering was scary and dangerous as I had only one hand for support and for washing! Baths were scarier because I needed to use my weight to get out of the tub. I am fiercely independent and the whole thing made me teary and frustrated that I had to depend on others a lot! Best advice: once you are able to start your occupational/physical therapy, please take it seriously. Practice, practice, practice. I practiced as much as I could, going beyond what was required. When I started, I couldn't do even the minimal without tears and brain searing pain. If I couldn't do ten minutes, I'd do two minutes, five times a day. Each week I celebrated the slow, small progress. I'm over 50 and in extremely good shape, very active, and didn't want this injury to create any lasting effects. I vowed to do everything I could to help the healing process. Since the accident, I have regained more than 85% of vertical and lateral movement, which my doctor and therapist have said is more than they expected. According to my doctor, I am "healed." He said the soreness deep inside the wrist may remain for sometime still. He told me to mark a year to the date of the injury to mark how far I've come. Although "healed," I am not satisfied. After months of physical therapy I am now on a home maintenance program. The day I was able to cut into an orange and open a can of tuna using my "healed" hand/wrist, was a major milestone. I still practice daily but the one hour plus multiple day sessions are now down to once a day, with lots of finger flexes, wrist twists and flapping in between to prevent stiffness. It was while I was home recuperating that I remembered that more than 20 years ago I had enjoyed motorcycling but had for family reasons we stopped to raise a child. I vowed that when my wrist healed enough, I would resume something I had once enjoyed. A few weeks after the official therapy ended, I took the MSF course in August. I did not tell my family. My wrist was still sore but flexible enough to use the throttle--I considered it good, therapeutic exercise for the aching wrist. I passed the class, passed the road exam and am now a licensed rider. My husband and graduate student daughter were shocked and amazed that I'd did this entirely on my own. Obtaining the motorcycle endorsement has done wonders for my spirit as the injury was a major setback that forced me to be relatively inactive during the summer months. Again, take your therapy seriously. For the rest of my life I will exercise that hand and wrist to keep it lubricated and strong as one can become more vulnerable to arthritis in the injured area. I'm planning to celebrate April 10th, my one year injury anniversary, by bringing home my gift to myself, a Suzuki SV650. Had it not been for the injury and the downtime it forced me to take, I don't know if I would have thought about returning to riding again. So hang in there, do lots of reading about riding while you're healing and know that "this too shall pass." Good luck! Sharon (note from Mama: Congrats on your own achievements and thanks for sharing your first-hand experience tips with Melissa.) This
wasn't motorcycle related, but may pertain anyway. A few years ago, before
I starting riding, I fell and broke my wrist. It was actually the end of
the bone in my arm that splintered. I had to have surgery to have two pins
put in, that were sticking out the whole time (yuk), in order for the bone
to heal properly. These pins were removed later. The doctor stressed that
having the surgery to heal properly would ensure getting the
"use" back, but that going for physical therapy afterwards would
speed the process. So, once the final cast was off and the pins removed, I
went for physical therapy twice a week for about four weeks, most of it
covered by insurance, and had strengthening and range of motion exercises
to do in between. I had to be diligent about that. It really did help
speed things along. Later, when I started to learn how to ride, these
strengthening exercises were among the ones I started up again, and still
do, to strengthen up for riding. Thursday, December 8 Hey
there VTwin Mama, Dear
Melissa, Thursday, December 8 More for Jody who is seeking to add extra wheels to her scooter-style bike: Try goodguyspowersports.com. They have different types of conversions. Sharon (note from Mama: more research is good!) Friday, December 9 For Carrie who was deciding on a bike following her completion of a riding course: First I want to congratulate you on taking the riding course. Personally I think that's the most important first step. At the tender age of 43 I took the course and learned the "correct" way to ride a bike and even though I'm a huge wimp I struggled through and now have 16,000 miles on my V Star 650 Classic since Feb. 2003. I made the mistake of buying a bike I couldn't ride, it felt way too top heavy, dropped it more than once and sold it. Nearly gave up riding at that point. Kept seeing other women ride and I knew I wanted to myself, so I bought a Rebel 250, put quite a few parking lot/street miles on it. My wonderful husband bought me "Babydoll" for Valentines Day. She had been lowered 2" among many other extras (floorboards, engine guards, etc.). I'm only 5 ft tall and weight 115 lbs. and I feel very comfortable on my bike now. When I'm backing it up or otherwise slowly moving it, if I feel it start to "go over" I can straighten it back up without dropping it. I can't really compare it with other bikes since I haven't ridden but three. I can say that a couple of weeks ago we went to the Hill Country and I put 933 miles on her in 4 days and kept up with everyone on bigger bikes with no problem. I wasn't sore at all (of course the AirHawk seat probably helped in THAT area). If you can get a V Star 650 Classic at a good price and keep it in pretty good shape I would think you could be able to sell it IF you wanted to "move up". Even though these bikes are considered entry-level, I'm extremely happy with mine! I get more compliments on her than my husband does on his V Star Classic 1100 and even my brother gets on his Harley Davidson touring bike. Of course she does have lots of chrome, she's purple, and I try to keep her clean. I guess each person has their own way of making the journey. You're already making the first important step with the class. If I could add anything it would be to keep to the parking lots until you're ready and really and truly ride YOUR ride. Keep it safe. Donna (note from Mama: words of wisdom that any newer rider seeking their first bike will benefit from!) Friday, December 9 For Mark whose 1973 Sportster was missing on the rear cylinder: Another cause of the rear jug remaining cool would be (worst case) a burnt valve or a burnt piston. Mark needs to get a compression test done. Easy things to check first : Head gasket, intake leak or valve adjustments. Sportys are infamous for burning the rear piston because of cooling problems, however this would be accompanied by smoke and spitting. Since he didn't mention that, my vote is for checking the valve adjustments first, because after so many miles the valves will tighten themselves up, and hold open. They are supposed to be checked every 1000 - 1500 miles. No Name (note from Mama: thanks for sharing additional thoughts!) Friday, December 9 More for Diane who was looking for saddlebags for the Suzuki S40: I bought Suzuki's own saddlebags (without the fringe and studs) along with the mounting brackets and am very happy with them. You won't, as with any bags, be able to use the helmet lock, but that's minor. 'Lil John (note from Mama: thanks for the input.) To Sharon and Linda C. who responded about wrist injuries: Wow . . . No kidding Sharon . . . Our injuries are almost exactly the same! I can relate to everything that you said about the pain and difficulty in doing EVERYTHING! This is also my dominant hand. I started therapy two weeks after surgery and my therapist is amazed at my progress, but I too am determined to be ready for next season so go above and beyond the exercises that I was given to do. In two weeks I gained 27 and 24 degrees in movement which she said is phenomenal. But the pain is still unbelievable and I just keep reminding myself of the saying . . . no pain no gain! It makes me feel much better to know that you are now riding after your injuries . . . Congrats on your achievements and on getting your new bike! To Linda, here is another example that I will be able to ride after this injury . . . thank you so much for letting me know it is possible and you are so right that I will be more than ready by the time the weather breaks! I see my beautiful bike sitting out there in the garage and I would be just sick if I couldn't ride her next season. Your notes have taken a load off my mind as I feel way more comfortable knowing I will be able to do it! Thank you again Petra for this wonderful site . . . without it I am sure I would still be sitting here wondering. Melissa (note from Mama: you are welcome! I think the most important thing this site offers is a chance for riders to say what's going on and how they feel about it, while getting input that can make a difference. Together we'll tackle challenges and find our pathways. It's a big YAHOO all the way around and I'm proud of what we have collectively created!) Tuesday, December 13 To Melissa who is wondering about her Honda Magna 750 clutch: The Magna is more than likely a hydraulic clutch not cable. When the clutch basket bolt fell off my Magna I was able to get this diagnosed over the phone no less by a very good mechanic. So I opened up the case, torqued the nut down to spec, no problems since. W. (note from Mama: omigosh, I just assumed a 20-year-old bike would have a cable! Silly me! Thanks for sharing the fact that the nut holding the clutch basket together can loosen up and should be checked.) Tuesday, December 13 VTwin Mama Adds a Humor Page! Incoming emails have slowed down, as often happens this time of year with the holidays coming up and bikes being stored for the winter. So, given I had a little extra time, I'm starting to put together some new pages for 2006! The first in the line-up is a HUMOR PAGE . . . a suggestion from VTwin Mama sister PurplePonyGal, who noted, "We so often discuss the serious side of riding. Where is the stuff where we can laugh about ourselves? Jokes, cartoons and silly stuff we all are guilty of doing at one time or another." Good point! So, I start out the HUMOR PAGE with two fun pictures, a link to the "Demonic Squirrel Story," and a link to a page that contains five articles I wrote from 2001 to 2003 under the title "True Confessions of a VTwin Mama." Let the fun begin! Mama Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, The weekend after taking the course an opportunity came up to purchase a 1999 Yamaha V-Star 650. I was eventually wanting to move up to a bigger bike but had not planned on buying another so soon but this kind of fell into my lap. The previous lady had a very special seat made for it that makes it quite low and I feel more secure on it. The seat is beautiful as is the bike. However, I still have not made it out on the street yet. I've only been riding it in the neighborhood. I'm kind of chicken! There's a lot of 2 lane curvy roads here in East Texas and not only does the idea of taking one of these curves scare me but even making a right hand turn from a stop on a 2 lane road. My turns sometimes are a bit wide and I'm afraid of going over into the next lane and hitting a car. I also worry about stopping at the top of a hill for a light. I know I don't need to worry about this right now but I'm nervous about Dallas traffic on the interstate and especially afraid of taking an exit onto another highway in Dallas. One of those that has you waaay up in the air on a big curve. I'm afraid of heights and even get nervous in the car. There are some other concerns as well. Am I the only one to have all of these bothersome things? Any suggestions for getting over it? My husband wants me to go riding with him (outside of the neighborhood) but I don't feel comfortable enough to do so. I think he's getting a little irritated with me but I don't want to feel pressured. Cindy Dear
Cindy, The number one tip for making your first trip outside the neighborhood is to map out a route for that first ride. That's right . . . get in the car (!) and decide on a specific series of roads you will take that minimize your exposure to too many challenges at once. Keep it as short as you think you can handle . . . maybe 10 miles to start with, or whatever your gut tells you won't be completely overwhelming. Practice the route in the car until you're ready. Then go for it during a low traffic time, which is normally early Sunday mornings. If the immediate roads outside your neighborhood are too scary to start with, then take the car to a more remote area like a big subdivision and map out something there. Then have your husband ride your bike to that area while you follow in the car until you get to the start point, then get on the bike and have him follow in the car. Now that you have your license and a bike, I'm sure that your husband is soooo happy that he can't wait for the two of you to share the adventure of riding, but he knows that that can't happen unless you leave the confines of your area. His irritation is probably more a sign of chomping at the bit to be a riding couple (and he knows all the fun you'll have together down the road, so to speak!). So, off you go to map out your battle plan. Plan out the first ride and while you're at it, draw up several subsequent ride paths that increasingly add to your challenge level. Don't forget that you can add practice sessions in an empty parking lot between your rides to continue polishing your skills. I think you would greatly benefit from getting the Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies DVD which shows how to handle the slower maneuvers like turns, $5 off shipping/handling when you mention the VTwin Mama site, why not ask for it for a holiday gift?!). When you've got the "steps" mapped out, then sit down with your husband and tell him EXACTLY how you wish to proceed. By doing this, ON YOUR TERMS, you'll be working within your comfort level but showing him that you are serious about getting out of the neighborhood. My guess is he'll agree to any battle plan you come up with as long as it shows you're willing to move forward . . . after all, he has a vested interest in your safety as well! Part of your battle plan may include taking the MSF Experienced Rider Course next spring. It use to be that you had to have 3,000 miles and 6 months current riding time, but they've removed that requirement, so you can take the course on your own bike whenever you want. I would advise that you get your skill level up a bit on your own and then consider it. Check my Riding Technique pages for specific subsection archives of letters about handling turns and curves and hills. You'll gain knowledge from women who faced the same challenges, gain strength by knowing you are not alone, and be more prepared to work on these skills. A number of years ago I came across a wonderful message which I keep posted on my bulletin board of inspiring sayings: "Do not permit yourself to think for one minute today that something to which you aspire is beyond your reach. If you hold to your dream, it can be realized." I remember one VTwin Mama sister writing in and saying that she kept a copy of a particular inspirational letter from this site tucked into a pocket of her riding jacket so that she knew it was there and could pull it out and read it whenever she needed to. Isn't that a wonderful idea?! Mama Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
NN, Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Petra, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Out here in California we still have plenty of riding to do. I am think of trading up to a Street Bob. I just feel more comfy on a lower balanced bike . . . we will see . . . maybe just wishful thinking now. You take care, and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!! Peace and Ride Safe. P.S. I added more on my blog: ktdidshort.blogspot.com I am having fun with that one too. Kathy H. in California Dear
Kathy, I'm glad you enjoyed the beginnings of the humor page and I hopped onto your blog to catch up! Again, thanks for your awesome posting about my site . . . and merry holiday everything to you as well! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Now it is a year and some months later and I am full of fear on riding. I've been riding 4 years and now I feel that I have no confidence in my riding ability and I have put my bike away and am waiting for the desire to ride to come back. I do not know how else to get through this. Angela Dear Angela, Years ago, I ran off the road at a high speed and sustained injuries and the bike took some hits as well. It was the end of the season, so I let myself heal and the bike sit. When spring returned, my friends breathed a sigh of relief when I finally asked for help in straightening out the bike's dings (bent handlebars, trashed turn signals, etc.). As I worked on the bike, I started getting my desire to ride again despite my trepidation and lack of confidence that I wouldn't muck up again. I have to report that for years following this accident I was highly fearful of all higher speed left sweeping curves, because that's the curve I missed and flew off the road. It's diminished to some extent now, but I still find that sometimes I seize up inside. I continue to internally "talk" my way through high speed curves on occasion. I have learned to live with this and recognize the fear for what it is . . . a response to a lesson learned the hard way. As you know, I am not a trained psychologist. What I do know is that it isn't enough to just say to yourself that you have a "general" fear. You are an accident survivor and that means (to me at least) that there are specific aspects to the fear that are deep inside of you now. Part of your "fear" may in fact have a component of pure grieving for a loved friend who is no longer in your life, and there is never a timeline on the grieving process. Find a quiet moment, if you haven't already, to write down specific statements in relation to the experience and how you are feeling now. One might be "I'm afraid that I won't be able to gauge a bad situation in time to handle it." Build the list of statements in one column and then in the second column, begin to noodle out what you think you can do to rebuild your confidence. For instance, if the above statement applies, then one thing you could do is to sign up for an advanced riding course where you take your own bike to the course and rework skills. While this may be purely review, if you talked with the course instructor in advance, they might be willing to bring up your accident survivor status and address it with the group and how the techniques being practiced in the course are applicable to bad situations. I have received a few letters from women and men who noted that they benefited from seeking out a survivor counseling group. Although these survivors may not be related to motorcycling, the common thread is that something happened and they no longer feel they can continue to do something that they cared about deeply. My understanding is that a call to your general doctor or to the local hospital for referrals is the way to find these groups. My parting thought is this: do not for one second think that your prolonged sense of fear is in any way overboard, unnatural, or weird. You do however need to find the truth within in yourself and have the courage to face it. What is your inner voice whispering to you? Mama Monday, December 19 For Cindy who is wondering how to take the next steps in her riding experience: This letter is for Cindy who is feeling pressure from
her husband to get out into traffic with him. I had similar pressures at
one point and some of the following may do well to illustrate just how
neurotic I was about it and what I did to move things along at MY pace.
And this, after a series of setbacks. Right turns from a stop! This was such a challenge for me! My husband who has been riding for 25 years couldn't relate. I would not feel safe and in control until I could do this without swinging wide. We figured it out. I was letting out the clutch too fast. You can ease it into the friction point and leave it there until you make your turn then letting it out smoothly to accelerate out of the turn. I hope I am explaining this in a way that makes sense. When I learned "feathering the clutch" or riding the friction point the sun came out! Petra I'm new myself, correct me if I'm explaining something poorly. You are smart to stay off the street until you feel confident you are handling the bike. You'll know, don't rush it. Practice builds your confidence. I recommend staying on VTwin Mama's site for confidence and the Ride Like a Pro videos. Stick with it. When you hit your stride it's the best. I really love my new Honda VLX. I ride every time possible for any errand possible. Frustrating it's been so cold. I'm good through the 40's. 20's & 30's not so good. Denise (note from Mama: you explained the difference just fine, but as noted, it takes practice to do it! Mastering the slow maneuvers is a key component to handling the bigger picture as you'll always be in situations where it's necessary to use! To this day I still mentally talk my way through a tight turn in a two-up column so that I follow all the known steps and skills necessary to do this smoothly. There is no shame in this! Correct, skilled riding is in part the realization that skills are kept "current" by our constant review of them, even if we do it silently in our head and don't say so!) I am only coming out of my 2nd full season as a rider. In Feb. 2004 my husband bought me a 2001 Honda Shadow VLX, I took my MSF course and past that in June. It took me almost 4 months to come to get out of my neighborhood. I live in a private community, but we are out in the country. So the country roads were a little intimidating for me. And you got it, my husband kept telling me to get out there and ride. I did, but at my own speed, in my own time and in my own way. Every time I did go out he always asked me how it was. And I always came back with a positive attitude and told him it was great. Labor Day, 2004, I took my first long ride with my husband, 120 mile round trip, with only one small run in with a large turkey buzzard & the ride was wonderful! I was so proud of myself. He rode his ride and I rode mine. He was way ahead in some cases but I rode my own ride and had fun. I was so happy for that major accomplishment. I always had trouble going into curves on that bike. I always thought it was me and that I was never going to get the concept of counter stirring. I always had to so down and push it into the curve. I never told my husband this. After reading comments on this website, I tried pushing with my foot in the direction of the curve and found that to work. We all have to find our own riding style. And that does take some time. I know this sounds funny but I love to talk to myself when I ride. I remind myself of things to be watching for and how you should do this & that. But most of all, when I have done something right I praise myself and I feel good and it makes the ride so much more enjoyable. This past summer I would hit the highway in the early morning hours on Sunday. I found traffic to be low. I rode 10 miles and would get off and get right back on. It helped to boost my confidence. I was hoping this summer to take my bike to the Honda Hoot but was unable to do so because of electrical problems. Those problems plagued me the rest of the summer. Last month my husband surprised me with a brand new 2005 V-Star 650 Classic. And there came another fear that I had. Like you, I had to ride my Honda into Columbus for the first time and I was very nervous. But I talked to myself and kept myself comfortable. I am cautious, and sometimes to much so. But I have to think of myself first. I will win that battle of riding into a big city next summer as I have already set my mind to it. And with this new bike I have once again had to change my riding style to fit that bike. I find going into curves I don't have to battle it, you lean and she goes. And I can even keep up with my husband on his Roadstar. After my 2nd season I can say I am having fun when I ride now. It all goes back to a few things: Ride your own ride. Never do anything that you aren't mentally ready for. Practice until you feel comfortable. And last but not least, read this website because it will help you more than you will ever know. You aren't out there alone. You've got more sisters than you could ever dream of to help you. You will get there. Just give yourself the time you need. Donna in Ohio (note from Mama: hee, hee, you can see in the last response I admitted to "talking" to myself also, and that's before I added this letter to the chain of responses! I defy anyone to tell me how to ride my ride and if I need to mutter to myself mentally or under my breath, then so be it! Thanks for adding your message of support and letting Cindy know, without a shred of doubt, that she is NOT ALONE!) For Cindy who is nervous on her bigger bike, I, too, am a newer rider and was so attached to my Honda Rebel that I didn't want to part with it. The bigger bike just didn't feel the same, but I really wanted to ride it! I practiced on the bigger bike in the parking lot, just like I did when I started on the smaller one, but had not gone out on the highway. One day my brother rode up and said "Come on, we're off to take a long ride" and I told him I would first take the bike home and get the Rebel instead. He insisted I ride the bigger one. So I did, scared, of course, but ever since that day, I have never been on the Rebel, and have sold it. I just had to go for it, it was much easier than I thought. Now I love the bike and am not in the least afraid of it. Hope this helps, you are not alone, we all go through that fear and hesitation. Start in the parking lot, one of these days you will just go for it! Penney from Iowa (note from Mama: it's true . . . at some point we have to screw up our courage and get on with it! This moment of "truth" comes in many forms. Suffice it to say, while your brother insisted on the ride, you could have stopped at any point and said that's enough for today, let's head back and I'll have this experience under my belt now and be ready for more later. Each step is a cog in the overall experience, but steps have to be planned and taken to achieve the overall goal!) Hi Cindy, Boy, do I know what you're talking about! I live in east Texas, too, and those curves and twisties gave new meaning to Death Grip for me, at first. I agree with Mama--- plan your rides and do them on your terms! The first few times I ventured out of my neighborhood, I chose to go solo. Just me and my beastie. These weren't long rides, just easy "getting to know you" meanders. Lord knows I was nervous enough about remembering every little detail I had learned in class and not messing up-----the added pressure of keeping up with hubbie was just more than I could handle. I was honest with him about my concerns and he understood. The longer you stew about getting out there, the worse you will feel. I was petrified about riding in traffic, through curves, up hill, down hill, in the rain, on gravel, etc. One "what if" led to another and by the time I got up enough nerve to get on the bike, I was a mess. There is one road the bikers in my area like to ride. The scenery is pretty and it leads to a favorite eatery (don't most popular biker routes????). This road also has some hills and curves, sometimes at the same time. The first time I road my own bike down that road, I was scared spitless! At one point, I actually pulled over to the side and bawled like a baby. I was trying to keep up with my husband, who has been riding for over 20 years, and I almost sailed off the road in the process. I wasn't riding on my terms----I was trying to ride like I was a 20 year veteran biker, which I am not! Something that works well for me is I keep telling myself that I know what I am doing (occasionally, a little self-delusion is a good thing!) and I can trust the bike. Each time I go out, I push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit. I went back to that scary curvy road. I went by myself and did it on my terms---really slow and talking myself through it, at first. Then the next time, I went a little bit faster with less self-chatter. And so on..... I'm now able to negotiate curves without puckering up too much, but I still prefer the long and straight! Get out there and log as much saddle time as you can. You will be amazed at how quickly the "what if's" change to "I can do this"! P.S. Where are you located in East Texas? I'm just north of Houston. Laurie, aka High Maintenance (note from Mama: a great letter of encouragement . . . thanks for sharing how you got on with it, with some steps backwards and forwards to achieve your goals!) Monday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Dr. I, Monday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Well we've been on our bikes a few times so far, I've been brave enough to venture out of the subdivision to check out the ride to a local school parking lot (geez, these boulevards truly are nice bikes to learn on . . . very natural). Okay, so I now hate my work schedule, which I have always loved (10:30-7pm) because I don't get home before dark. Oh well . . . even though it's Florida I guess we also have a PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) season of sorts . . . haha. Wasn't sure on your site if you have any posts regarding cleaning/polishing kits. Any products that you recommend? Wanted to get something as a Christmas present, but there are so many products out there . . . I also have some interesting reading for you. This person evidently posts on a newbies rider website, and my girlfriend found it. THANK God our first times out were nothing of the sort . . . good Lord . . . but she's a good writer . . . hahaha. http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default.aspx?f=21&m=225787 Happy Holidays Kat Dear
Kat, |
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