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Tuesday, July 31 Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Lee, Tuesday, July 31 New Site Replaces Ridin' The Wind Hi VTwin Mama,
Dear Kris, Monday, July 30 Hello VTwin Mama and readers, However, they ride a heck of a lot faster than I am comfortable with. I hung to the back of the group, in my staggered formation and just enjoyed the view and ride. Riding solo puts me in control. I go where I want, stop when I want and go as fast (or slow) as I am happy with. Maybe for me, just a small group of friends is just right. Shiny side up ya'll. Becky
Dear Becky, Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Gail, Thursday, July 26Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Jo, Now, I always thought that Abate was a great organization when it came to representing individual areas in terms of legislation and such, so I'm not sure if one should really follow the other (i.e. safety program, legislative representation) in terms of support. But then, that's a personal assessment, as in can you believe in a president/ congressman/representative's ability to represent your best interests, as well as your state or country, when they can't stay faithful to marriage vows or keep it in their pants. I mean, what is up with that noise? Whack his pee-pee (of course I can't remember where I got this from so I can't acknowledge the author, although I think it originally came from a Cheech and Chong album!) But I digress -- we need input on the Abate safety riding course. Mama Tuesday, July 24Hi VTwin Mama !!!
Dear Shar, VTwin Mamas need to remember that each person chooses their own level and style of riding enjoyment and that's what's best for them. My butt aches just thinking of your trip! I'm so glad it was a positive experience for you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Mama Monday, July 23Dear VTwin Mama, Not to ramble on, but let me conclude with when I did hit some oil and become an airborne projectile one hot summer day, my helmet did nothing to reduce my injuries as I flew into a corral fence face first. The only thing that did protect me was my own ability not to panic and to instinctively put my arms up in front of my face in a cross position. That is something no law can provide, and frankly I prefer to ride without the darned thing, whether it be half, full or beanie! Asked for two cents worth, and I give ya two bits! Must be a redhead thing! Trish in Anaheim
Dear Trish, Friday, July 20Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Beginner, And now that the archives are organized by subject matter, you can come back time and time again to see the latest on what women are talking about in terms of bikes!! Mama Thursday, July 19Dear VTwin Mama, We also have a sister site that a fellow member (hammerlady) put together. The Sisters and Brothers of The Wall is a great site and I would like to invite you and others to visit. Here we have a place to post pictures and talk about what we all love! Bikes!! Again thanks for your great site. Ride Safe. Charlotte
Dear Charlotte, Wednesday, July 18A woman in
authority is often unpopular, only because she is efficient. Tuesday, July 17 FUND RAISER NOTICEDear VTwin Mama,
Dear Michelle, Monday, July 16Dear VTwin Mama, I would LIKE to go without a helmet and just wear one of my cloth head wraps (which look really cool), but I know that I'm better off with my noggin protected. Even with a half helmet, you are still in danger of serious facial injuries. My older brother learned that -- he had to have facial surgery after getting acquainted with some gravel on an unpaved road. So be smart and AT LEAST wear a half helmet. Dolores
Dear Dolores, Monday, July 16Dear VTwin Mama, I only wish I knew how to get in touch with women riders when I had my bike. Lot's of times it was a blast being in the only chick in the pack, and I did lots of my own work on the bike so I could carry on a decent conversation mechanically speaking. but the camaraderie of female to female was sorely missed and I, too, encountered the problem of a boyfriend who had no interest in riding. Women who road on the back of the bikes didn't seem to want much to do with me and the men in front seemed to have only one thing in mind. Like I said, it's just good to know there are so many out there that run into the same things I did. And that we now have many alternatives to the old saying, "ass, gas or grass". Take care and keep the rubber side down and the wind in your hair, Trish in Anaheim, CA
Dear Trish, You are right, "ass, gas or grass" has given way to sass, class and mass, that is to say, a mass of VTwin Mamas on the road today! So let those guys bask in the glow of OUR exhaust fumes for once! Mama Wednesday, July 15If you obey
all the rules, you miss all the fun. Friday, July 13 (eek!)Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Gail, And let's face it, that could might get us to laughing so hard we'd fall off of our bikes and do some road surfing. Did the Wilson (aka Beach) boys ever do a song about that? Me thinks not! And yes, it is cool -- mainly because at least they got the sex identification part right (which I think was kind of hit and miss in the old days!). Still, my favorites are the young 'uns on a family road trip. In the middle of their monumental boredom for the day, suddenly a loud motorcycle appears from out of nowhere and they don't care what appendages we happen to have -- they just know that we're having fun and I think they are truly glad for us. That is just so kid cool, don't you think? Mama Friday, July 13 (eek, eek!)Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Cherie, I think your last sentence really says a lot though -- so let's all take time to really think about it. The end result is that whatever the path chosen, absolutely believe in YOURSELF 100 percent -- good luck is more a result of effort than dumb blind coincidence. Mama Thursday, July 12Dear VTwin Mama, IN THE WIND........RIDE HARD & DIE FREE Bo
Dear Bo, By the by, you can find your state ABATE site by going to http://www.abate.com and the Wisconsin chapter is at http://www.abatewis.org. Mama Thursday, July 12Dear VTwin Mama, For my birthday, I got a half-helmet with visor and what a difference! I went for a ride out in the country a ways and could smell the flower fields. I loved the wind in my face. I could BREATHE and I could SEE! I'm not advocating that half-helmets are the way to go, but I was wondering if I'm the only one that has had any problems with full face helmets? Boots
Dear Boots, Since I'm now riding in a helmet law state, I chose the half helmet. I'd rather be back in Illinois and Wisconsin with no law telling me what to do, but sigh, thems the breaks. Each person chooses their comfort level and lives with the decision. What do you think VTwin Mamas? Mama Wednesday, July 11Dear VTwin Mama, My husband and I were riding down a rural road in our home area of Wisconsin on the 4th of July at 5pm, which is DAY light hours. And out of the tall (very tall) grass came a deer and jumped over my husbands bike. He slammed on the brakes, skidded about 35 feet and stopped. He was very lucky as this was about a 3 year old doe and she probably weighed 170 pounds. She leaped over the front of his bike, denting the front fender. He was able to straighten the fender and we continued our ride. Now to fix the bike is another story, $500.00 not too bad considering it could have been a lot worse. Someone was watching over us that day. I want to know how as a group of riders united, we can urge our local government to cut the grass on the sides of the roadways. We were at our Harley shop, they said it is horrible everywhere. They have complained too. Could you help us here in Wisconsin? Do you have any ins with politicians? Maybe insurance companies would be helpful. I want to know how as a group of riders united, we can urge our local government to cut the grass on the sides of the road ways. We were at our Harley shop, they said it is horrible every where. They have complained too. Please, if you have some way to help us here in Wisconsin, please do. Any help is appreciated. Jo Ann Falash, VTwin Sister
Dear VTwin Sister, One interesting website that I found was AMA's State Watch page (http://www.ama-cycle.org/index.asp) where you can click on your state, see some basic info on the legislative session in your area, maybe get some pending bike business updates, but then you can click on your legislative site, find your reps and start making phone calls! If anyone reading this knows of what city, county or state department would handle dangerous road conditions and hazards, please let us know and please include a website address if you have one! Mama Tuesday, July 10Dear VTwin Mama, I too would love to go on bun buster rides around the U.S. -- in fact that is both our dreams, I could get the time off but unfortunately hubby couldn't so that means we have to put that part of our dream on hold until retirement. (still gotta eat and pay the bills) I know that sounds like a long time but my husband is worth waiting for. Did you stay with him all these years for the kids? Sorry don't want to step on toes here. In your email it sounds to me like he doesn't mind all your short trips (38,000 in two years) Maybe he is not such a bad guy. If you just got to go, I would suggest that you plan out your trip, date, route, who's going, etc., give it to him and give him time to warm up to the idea (men need time to get used to things). And probably to keep peace at home I'd take the advice of others and find women to do this long trip with, hey you'll probably have more fun that way. I love my bike but I love my hubby more! Good luck with your dilemma. Barbara
Dear Barbara, Monday, July 9Hi there VTwin Mama,
Dear Barb, Monday, July 9Dear VTwin Mama, But after miles and miles I have learned to use that thinking time paying attention and working on my skills. Once in a great while I still get those knots, not for long and once I hop on my bike they are gone because I know I intend to be alert and cautious. I have read that the 3rd year of riding is the most dangerous of all, that is the time that we riders think we know it all and become a little cocky. So I guess that means it takes about 3 years for you to become a really good rider and that you still have to have a little fear so you do not become cocky. Also if you are a fairly new rider your husband needs to back off and let you ride your own ride. You don't have to keep up with all the experienced riders, get in the back and go your own pace. What I see in your email is that you need practice, practice, practice and in time those knots will disappear, but don't get cocky! And as far as age, you're as young as you want to be! Barbara
Dear Barbara, Friday, July 6Dear VTwin Mama, All I can say is -- YOU GO GIRL! Barbara
Dear Barbara, Friday, July 6Dear VTwin Mama, My husband wants me to tell you that when his buddies ask him about Harleys, he tells them to go ask his wife. One guy asked him what kind of bike he had, he said he did not know, but go talk to his wife, she ordered the thing for me. Let me tell you it is strange with my hubby and I -- I am into this bike thing big time, and he is just along for the ride. Oh sure he really loves it, but I am the culprit who got him into this whole thing. Jo Ann
Dear Jo Ann, I've got to admit that I use riding as a pressure relief valve on occasion too. Of course I tend to ride too fast (!) then, singing biker songs at the top of my lungs -- I guess it is the equivalent to screaming out loud, a practice which my Mom swears by and has taught me! On most occasions however, riding, even for a short stretch, tends to give me a sense of calm -- maybe because riding the bike has a feeling of control as well as the delicious wind in your face. I wonder what riding brings to other VTwin Mamas reading this. (Hint -- why don't you hit the Share Your Thoughts link below and send a short message!) Mama Thursday, July 5Dear VTwin Mama, Well, my kids think I have lost my mind! My mother is saying novenas for me, I still haven't confessed to my father yet, and every well meaning person can't wait to tell me about "their friend" who's just been in a motorcycle crash and was severely injured or killed. No matter how much I try to enjoy my rides, those voices with the stories are in my head when I approach the blind curves and intersections as I watch for cagers that run the stop signals. I can commiserate with you when it comes to questioning "Is riding really for me?". I love riding but I don't love the butterflies that sometimes feel like an elephant stampede! I try to expel the voices and convince myself that I would be foolish not to be apprehensive. When you loose that I think carelessness can find it's way in. They're also reminding me at the same time that I need to watch for the unseen vehicle crossing over the center line in that blind curve and reminding me that there might be wet leaves, gravel, or a mirad of other things that I don't want to be unprepared for. When we get good at something, we tend to get cocky and lax when it comes to our responsibilities when piloting a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle for that matter - that's when accidents happen. VTwin Mama has made good observations about centering and 'being one' with the bike. I guess the butterflies or voices, or whatever niggling feeling we get while riding, can't be all bad. Recognize them for what they are - thank them and take a quick inventory and see if that helps. Also, check into the Ridin The Wind web site (defunct as of 7/25/01, go to Sisters and Brothers of The Wall) and join us on The Wall. It's a great supportive community and we have lots of fun posting! VTwin Mama -- Great site! This is the first time I've gotten to check it out since I received your e-mail. Thanks! I can use all the help I can get! Jean Neal (Blackcherry)
Dear Jean, Thursday, July 5Hey VTwin
Mama, After not riding for so long, and having only ridden a "starter" bike, I was unsure about the big V-Star. But I took the MSF course (on a 250 Rebel, as luck would have it) and gained the confidence that I needed that I could handle a bigger bike. Once you have the basic skills down, the rest falls into place. One thing I do agree with is that you should be able to put BOTH feet flat on the ground for safety's sake. Another thing to consider is how much and how far you intend you ride. Sports bikes are great for highways but can get difficult for city traffic because you have to lean forward on your wrists, and you can't really drive them as fast as they are meant to go. They may also not be very comfortable for touring. Cruisers aren't as fast as sport bikes but are well suited for both highway and city driving and the ergonomics are more comfortable. It all depends on what you want and need. But the MSF course is a MUST no matter what bike one chooses. Thanks for this cool site and for letting me have my say. Dolores
Dear Dolores, Tuesday, July 3Dear VTwin Mama, Have to let Harley know they need to have a female version so those men can quit gawking at us...Like ROAD QUEEN... So have any of you had that same experience??? Suggestions? P.S. - I LOVE this site. You do a really good job with it! Jo Ann
Dear Jo Ann, Either that or they really dig the bike and like a lot of men, would spend hours discussing every detail about it on end, but given that they are hurtling down the road at high speeds, only have time to ogle the bike from a distance, stare, and wonder how YOU got so LUCKY to have such a GREAT bike! My suggestion? Smile a lot and be glad you are you and not them! However, if you are in the market for a new man, and the ogler is delicious, perfect the art of handing off your business card in some manner or other, or have your phone number tattooed on your arm. Mama Tuesday, July 3Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Linda, And of course, while you are waiting for your turn to get on the bridge, everyone talks about the cars that have plunged over the side, and here I was on my bike facing an uneven surface. Ugh. Maybe that is why they offer a service to have someone else drive (or ride) your vehicle to the other side! Mama Monday, July 2Dear VTwin Mama, The problem is that the OTHER times, I'm tight as a drum and have a big knot in my stomach. My husband says that looking at me he can't tell that there's anything wrong, but my insides just won't give me a break! I really enjoy the riding and the camaraderie that it brings, but if I can't get over this tenseness in my belly I may give it up. I ALWAYS slow down in blind turns - I'm not so bad that it seems I've parked - but hubby says that I really should be able to maintain my speed. And I agree, I just don't trust what may be on the other side. My new mantra going almost constantly in my head is "just lean it, those big tires will hold it." Sometimes I do, but I really have to MAKE myself do it. All in all, I guess I'm just really nervous about the unknown --- I just don't know if riding is going to be for me. Do you know anyone who's been like this? Did they eventually conquer it? I used to have horses and was absolutely fearless until, through no fault of mine, I was hurt very badly on two different occasions - and I did take a fall that cracked my arm (not so badly I couldn't ride - but very painful) in my MSF class. I'm thinking seriously of letting my husband use my bike (as well as his own) to trade on a new Road Star that he's been lusting after. Any suggestions? P.S. - I LOVE this site. You do a really good job with it! Yammering Yamama-mama
Dear Yammering, I gave your fears some thought as I rode through the curvy mountains on my way to the Mammoth Lakes Rally this past weekend. First, think of any off ramp from a highway you know. It's usually posted with a ridiculously low MPH -- if you're in a car, right? Right! That's because highway engineers figure that an idiot with poor driving skills in an old beater with bald tires could make it around the curve at that posted speed. Now, you don't think that the engineers change those signs when they see you coming down a curvy road on your motorcycle, do you? If you do, then paranoia has already set in, and the VTwin Mama doctor cannot help. So, do you see my point? They don't post speeds on curves, even blind curves, unless they really thought you could make it! Now, figure out why you feel wobbly sometimes. My stomach tightness is highest when faced with a blind curve heading down a hill when traffic is coming at me in the opposite lane. Yikes! What I have learned is to gradually slow down to the posted speed when I see the sign, make sure my knees are pulled in next to the bike, then concentrate on using my center of gravity (at the hips) to steady me while using my thighs, knees and hips to all move into the lean smoothly. That way, my body feels at one (!) with the bike (BE THE BIKE) instead of some poor hapless rider mounted on top of a high speed motor machine! This can be practiced on an open straight road. Get your body into position, feel your center of gravity at the hips and use your body to lean a little one way, then lean a little the other way and get a feel for how the bike handles. And remember, a successful lean into a curve requires some speed! Then, keep practicing. Or go back to a local riding school and request a private one-on-one class with an instructor to master the whole leaning thing. Maybe you are the type of person that once shown the physics of the thing, along with reality practice, will get it once and for all. Good luck and let us know how you are doing with this. Mama Monday, July 2Dear VTwin Mama, I must applaud her for going for her dream and encourage her to definitely come visit Ridin the Wind (defunct as of 7/25/01, go to Sisters and Brothers of The Wall). There are women from all over the U.S. that post there and we're a great group of people!!! There's gotta be someone in her area!!! Best of luck to you, Zippyio!!! You didn't say, but if you live near me, I'd be glad to ride with you!!! Sparkyone
Dear Sparkyone, For Goodness Sakes, Share
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