Wednesday, May 30
Dear VTwin Mama,
It's hard to keep up with all the different new sites for women riders
these days. What do you suggest?
Spinning on the Web
Dear Spinning,
Isn't it a big old mess?!?!?! Sure, maybe it feels like too much to
keep track of, but I'm finding that there are really only a handful of
sites that I really want to keep up with, that have the kind of
information I'm looking for.
One tool you can use is to sign
up for the VTwin Mama newsletter, a weekly short insight into some
news and a cool link and stuff like that. How's that for raising my own
flag and saluting it? Another place I like for information and links is Motorcycle
Madness. Check it out!
Readers of this column are always welcome to submit a
top-notch site that they think will benefit others. Just send an email.
Mama
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Tuesday, May 29
Dear VTwin Mama,
This is in response to Susan, who was worried about
moving up to a bigger bike after hearing about a bad accident. Please
don't fixate on the accident -- no matter what you do in life, there are
always going to be some things that go wrong, but you can't let it get you
down or stop you from trying something new. Just take the time to figure
out what fears the accident triggered in you and talk it out with
supportive family members or friends.
An Online Friend Who Cares
Dear Friend,
It sounds like you've been through something similar, and I can see
the wisdom in taking time to assess what you're REALLY afraid of before
moving on. Thanks for sharing.
Mama
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Thursday, May 24-May 28
VTwin Mama has left the building! Time to ride into the
sunset for the Memorial Day weekend. Keep those wonderful letters and
responses rolling in, and we'll get back in swing next Tuesday. Rubber
side down to everyone.
Mama
Wednesday, May 23
Dear VTwin Mama,
I will get my learner's permit next week and in October I will attend the
Basic Rider Safety Course. I am really excited about it! Are there any
clubs for women riders in Maryland? Thanks for your help!!
Eager to Ride
Dear Eager,
I am so excited for you too! You've got a wonderful journey ahead
of you, one that I hope gives you years of enjoyment.
In answer to your question, one suggestion I would
strongly advocate is to get in contact with the Women
on Wheels organization. I hopped onto their site just the other day,
and lo and behold, they had a directory, by state, of women riders in your
area who are willingly to talk to you about what's going on. Doesn't that
sound like a good place to start?!?!?!
Why, there are 19 contacts names and email addresses for
Maryland alone! Yipee. If anyone from Maryland is reading this and would
like to share information, send a note to Ask
VTwin Mama, and I'll be sure to post it pronto. If anyone has another
directory suggestion, pass that on as well. That's what the VTwin Mama
forum is all about!
Mama
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Tuesday, May 22
Dear VTwin Mama,
I am in my 2nd full year of riding.
I ride a cherry 1979 Honda CX500 Deluxe. It is a rather "tall"
bike, but I have been able to handle it with little difficulty... Except I
have one fear- having to stop on a hill/ incline! I've gone out of my way
(not necessarily a bad thing!) to avoid the potential of having to stop on
a hill! What is the best way to get going again on a hill without
stalling, or worse, rolling back and/or tipping over? Some folks have told
me to keep one foot on the rear brake, but I don't think I could keep my
balance that way. Your help is appreciated!
Lisa G. in PA
Dear Lisa,
That's it -- we're all moving to Nebraska or we're campaigning to
have all inclines with stops at the top abolished! Whatta ya say VTwin
Mamas?!?!?! Are you with me?!?!?!
Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to park on a
slight incline and the bike decided to take a nap on its side? At least
that's how I tell the story . . .
Seriously though, what a pain in the butt stopping
uphill is. It's like parking downhill -- you just feel off kilter.
Personally, I keep my bike in first gear on an uphill stop, with the
clutch in, using the front brake to stop any slide back and my feet firmly
planted on the ground. I spent time on level ground perfecting the art of letting out
the clutch and releasing the front brake in a smooth, coordinated move so
that both feet can "skim" the ground as I get
rolling again. I'm more afraid of tipping sideways then rolling back a
little! Then I used this skill on steeper hills, adjusting the speed at
which I let out the clutch and brake together to keep from rolling back.
Meanwhile, my feet are always available for tip over duty!
Maybe the point is to try several things on level
ground, then test your theory on a slight hill. Then practice, practice,
practice until it becomes second nature. Then . . . move to Nebraska. I'll
meet you there.
Mama
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Monday, May 21
Dear VTwin Mama,
I
wanted to comment on
your suggestion to "keep in mind that even leather should be
professionally cleaned every few years or so"
on May 10th.
Before getting into the leather business,
I thought the same thing, but discovered the opposite to be true.
Professional
cleaning should only be done when absolutely necessary and
only by a leather specialist. You shouldn't use a regular dry
cleaner unless they can prove to you that they know what they are doing
and that they work with leather regularly.
Most dry cleaners know a lot more about fabrics than leather.
Because a slight variation in color or texture often occurs, even when
done by a qualified professional, always clean matching items at the same
time so that the color tones will continue to match.
Natural marks and wrinkles will also become more apparent after
cleaning and the cleaning chemical may also weaken cement bonds.
You also notice a small amount of shrinkage, but it will stretch
again with wear. If you do find yourself in need of a professional
leather cleaner, you can find one near you at:
http://www.leatherassociation.com/FCleaner.html
.
All
cleaners listed are members of the Leather Apparel Association.
I've
gotten all kinds of e-mails from people who's leathers have been damaged
as a result of having them cleaned by dry cleaners who assured them they
clean leather all the time when in fact they didn't have a clue as to what
they were doing.
Anyway,
thought this might stop someone from making the same mistake.
You've got a great website here - Keep up the good work and as the saying
goes...When in Doubt....Draw Power!
Renee
Boelter
All Weather Leather, LLC
Renee@AllWeatherLeather.com
www.allweatherleather.com
Dear Renee,
Thank you for that wonderful insight into the world of leather. I'm
going out to my garage immediately and APOLOGIZING to all my leather
riding items for being such a bumblehead! Who knew? Well you did . .
.
Mama
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Friday, May 18
Dear VTwin Mama,
I just heard an awful story about a women who decided to trade in her
small cc bike for a large HD. Two days later she had a major accident that
left her disabled. I'm thinking of moving up in size for longer trips, but
now I'm not sure.
Susan
Dear Susan,
That is an awful example, but we don't have enough information
about the circumstances that led to the accident. It might have been a
function of being in the wrong place at the wrong time more than the
women's ability to handle the more powerful model bike.
Suffice it to say, if you look through some of the
questions and answers posted in Ask VTwin Mama, not only in May, but in
the archived section as well, you'll see lots of women riders talking
about their successful move from small to big bikes. One key idea seems to
be to take a qualified, certified motorcycle course to help make the
transition. It certainly couldn't hurt. We'll see if we get even more
input from other VTwin Mamas on this subject in response to your
concern.
Mama
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Thursday, May 17
Dear VTwin Mama,
Here is a simple way to clean the bugs off leather.
I use it on our jackets and chaps all the time......Get a wet
"old" terry wash cloth rub it over a bar of Caress soap,
(Moisturizing Body Bar, with bath oil) cleans the bugs, dirt and
moisturizes the leather all at one time. Pat dry, do not rinse. Got
this tip from the Queen Of Clean (she has a couple of cleaning books)
Good Luck! Purple
Rose
Dear Purple Rose,
Goodbye gunk, hello spiffy looking VTwin Mamas!
Mama
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Wednesday, May 16
Dear VTwin Mama,
I started riding when I was 43, my
sister just started riding and she is 50 and we have another gal in my
club who just started and she is in her 60's. In fact most of the women I
know are in their 50's and ride like a champ. If it's what you really want
(see original question) -- You Go Girl! I'll be waving at ya. Purple
Rose
Dear Purple Rose,
I just keep in mind all the women who have accomplished fabulous
things at ALL ages, so I know that there is always room for learning
something new if you really want to try it. Thanks for sharing your
personal story!
Mama
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Tuesday, May 15
Dear VTwin Mama (and Frustrated),
I can see why you would be
frustrated. A Sportster is one of the hardest bikes to ride - you are
right - they are top heavy. I wish they would quit selling them to women -
making women think they are a woman's bike. My friend went from a 450
Honda Rebel - to a Sportster - to a Heritage Softail Classic. The Classic
is much easier to ride than a Sportster. I went from a 250 nighthawk
(Honda) to a 700 Honda Magna to a 800 Vulcan classic and now also to a
Heritage Softail Classic - WHICH I LOVE!! You need to start with a low
well balanced bike and work you way up. Hope this helps. . .
Sonja
Dear Sonja,
As Frustrated mentioned in her original letter on April 11, every
bit of advice that VTwin Mamas around the country (and world) gave share
is useful.
Mama
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Tuesday, May 15
Dear VTwin Mama (and Frustrated),
I talked to many people before
buying my HD Fat Boy. Almost everyone I talked to said to stay away from
Sportsters because they are top heavy and handle like a stud colt. They
are just not for everyone. I am 5 foot nothing and the Fat Boy is so easy
to handle and comfortable to ride. I had the bike lowered and inch and put
4 1/2 inch pull back risers on my stock handle bars and it made all of the
difference in the world. If you are uncomfortable on that Sportster get
rid of it and get a heritage Softail or Fat Boy, you'll be glad you did.
Loving
that Fat Boy, Julie in La.
Dear Julie,
You're truly a VTwin Mama for taking the time to write to
Frustrated and let her know what your experiences have been. It makes a
difference.
Mama
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Monday, May 14
Dear VTwin Mama,
For all those women out there that
think they can't handle the bigger bikes. Just give it a try. I started on
a Yamaha Virago 535 and after six months moved up to a 2000 HD Fat Boy and
I love the bike. I chose it because on the lower seat height and low
center of gravity. I also had it lowered an inch because I'm barely 5 foot
tall. It is so well balanced and controllable that it is fun to ride. I
think it is always a good choice to start on a smaller bike to practice
and gain confidence on. But don't be afraid to try the larger bikes. They
can seem a bit intimidating at first but once you get used to the way they
handle, they are a rush to ride. My husband and I truly live to ride. In
the Lake Charles, LA area we just helped start a Women on Wheels chapter
and are going to the first ride in Rusk, TX. So anybody that is interested
in trying to learn to ride motorcycles give it a try. Keep the shiny side
up. Harley
Mama
Dear Harley Mama,
Your advice and insight is inspiring, just the thing we need here
at Ask VTwin Mama. Thanks for sending in your thoughts.
Mama
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Monday, May 14
Dear VTwin Mama,
[In reference to another question], when you have
time, could you explain to
me what a VTwin is? I guess all motorcycles are not? Ginny
Dear Ginny,
You are right! Not all motorcycle engine configurations are the
same. In this case, if you look at the engine, the big cylinders on top of
the main body crankcase are in a "V" pattern, hence the name
V-Twin engine. For an interesting history lesson on the V-Twin engine, go
to:
http://www.magpage.com/~bschnick/MC/History/V-twin_story.html
Mama
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Friday,
May 11
Dear VTwin Mama,
I'm in my 50's and thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle. Do you
think that's too old to start? Old
But Not Dead
Dear Awesome, Wonderful, Courageous VTwin Mama in the Making,
Too old? Never!
Good riders generally have good to great:
►
upper body strength (to battle the wind that pounds on their chest
and keep hands on the throttle and brake),
►
balance (so you don't go dumping the bike at a stop),
►
alertness (there are a lot of idiots out there who have a blind
spot the size of a barn when it comes to bikes), and
►
sense of adventure and humor (because when your butt is sore after
riding for 6 hours, you need both!).
My
suggestion is to sign up for the local motorcycle course and give it a
whirl! Ask your instructor to address any concerns you may have in a
special session or in private. Then report back to VTwin Mama and let me
know how it goes. We're behind you 100%.
Mama
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Thursday, May 10
Dear VTwin Mama,
I am a soon to be VTwin Mama. I am a Parallel-Twin Mama right now. I ride
a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD. I will be taking over my husband's 2001 Honda
Shadow ACE 750, as he is getting a new Shadow ACE Tourer. I have only been
riding since last fall, and I'm just starting to get comfortable with
it.
My question is: What is the best way to clean bugs and
road gunk off my leather chaps without hurting the leather?
Soon
to be VTwin Mama
Dear Soon to be VTwin Mama,
A hearty hello and cheery greeting from this fun, entertaining and
informative VTwin Mama meeting place. Kudos to you on moving up to the
Shadow 750, truly a glorious bike in this VTwin Mama's estimation.
Gunk, huh? Bug junk to be more specific! Well, after I
get done picking them out of my teeth and such (just kidding) . . .
As soon as possible, I dampen a clean rag or sponge and
rub either saddle soap or mild soap flakes into the leather to clean. Then
wipe away with fresh cloth. Then polish with a dry towel. The point is to
NOT soak the leather through if possible. Also, it helps to pre-treat your
leather with a commercial protection spray and then keep in mind that even
leather should be professionally cleaned every few years or so.
As for your teeth, keep your mouth shut when you ride
and it shouldn't be a problem. Did I ever tell you about the time I
swallowed a swarm of gnats while riding? No? It sure taught me a thing or
two, not the least of which was how to clean leather!
Mama
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Thursday, May 10
Dear VTwin Mama,
About the question from woman that bought the Softail
-as a woman rider with motorcycle endorsement for almost 20 years, start
with something comfortable! If this
means a 250,
great. My first ride was a Kawi
250, that I loved. I have had 250's
that have kept up with HD Dynas, Dressers, etc., on extended road trips.
The important thing is knowing that you can control the bike, that
you are comfortable. After you have
the skills to ride, you will be able to change to other bikes with little
effort. I now have a Sportster
Custom, and have tried my guy's Softail. After
you have the basic riding skills, its just
fine
tuning them to the specific bike, which can change even in the same
models.
Glenda
Dear Glenda,
Thanks for sharing your personal VTwin Mama insights and I
appreciate the input for the "You Know You're a
Woman Rider". . .
Mama
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Wednesday,
May 9
Dear VTwin Mama,
I just bought a brand new Heritage Softail
Classic, but realize I should probably start out learning to ride on
something smaller (I know, putting the cart before the horse, but it's
want I wanted). My boyfriend
suggests buying something in the used 250cc range to get the basics down
and my confidence up before I tackle my new bike.
(Funny, he disagreed with my thoughts of getting a smaller bike
first last year when I decided to ride "up front").
Anyway, I was wondering if I should instead, get something a bit
bigger, sort of 'midsized', i.e. closer to the size and weight of my
Softail? (I'm taking the
rider class this month and they provide 250's, so want to get something
soon...) Thanks in advance!
In
a Quandary
Dear Quandary,
Can I come to your house and play with the new bike?!?!?!?!
Well thoughtful, insightful, smart VTwin Mama, in my
opinion, the 250cc bike is just fine to start learning how to ride in your
course, then find something bigger to practice on and then get on the
Softail and enjoy.
I think the thing here is that you don't want to baby
your way through lessons and practice because you're afraid of scratching
the new Softail. Personally, I got a license with a 50cc putt putt bike,
then climbed on my 750 Kawasaki and practiced in empty parking lots, then
I hit the road. Sure, I dropped the thing once or twice trying to park
(!), but it was an older bike, so cosmetically, I didn't care.
Check and see what used bikes are available for sale in
your neighborhood, and remember, a good inexpensive foreign-made bike is
as good a practice tool as any. And you can always sell it again without
losing big bucks.
Mama
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Tuesday, May 8
Dear VTwin Mama,
(In reference to previous response to
a queasy rider)
I just bought an HD Heritage
Softail Classic, but I support everyone's right to make their own choice
!!!! Let Those Who Ride Decide.
Suni
Dear Suni,
What a wonderful, clear-headed, forward-thinking, perceptive,
supportive, and smart VTwin Mama you are!
Mama
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Monday, May 7
Dear VTwin Mama Honey,
Do you have to ride a Harley? (see
Frustrated question)
I sat on so many bikes and
rode so many bikes till I found one that was perfect and it happened to be
a Honda. I didn't decide in a week,
it took months. Keep riding the
bike you have, just not as far, and ride others, or sit on others till you
know which one is IT. Please,
please, please don't go for a label. I
love Harleys, too, and some of my best friends ride them, but Sporty's
have been know to give out repetitive injuries--repeatedly!
When you find THE bike, trade over to it.
Have fun and ride safe and comfy.
Diddy
in NC
Dear Diddy,
Amen.
Mama
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Thursday, May 3
Dear VTwin Mama,
To
address the question about what bike to ride (see
Frustrated question):
The position your feet, hands and seat are forced to maintain over
hours of riding can either be optimal or a slow road to continual chronic
pain. For example, if your throttle is set up so that your hand is at a 90
degree angle to your wrist when you open it up, your setting yourself up
for carpal tunnel syndrome over the long term. You want to see a straight
line from your elbow to your knuckles with no bend in the wrist for the
least wear and tear on those tendons.
The key is to notice the angles formed by your joints when your are
sitting in the position youll be in while youre on the road.
You want to see your elbows and your knees open to about a 45 degree
angle. Your joints wear out three times as fast when your arm is locked
straight in front of you, or over bent, at an acute angle.
Funny coincidence that the open roads of America were never conquered by
two wheels until the advent of forward controls and highway pegs. Shooting
down the highway in fetal position is not conducive to the long-term
health of your joints.
The other issue that needs to be addressed is that you need to learn to
use yourself in a new way if you are to get over this injury. Go get a
month or two of therapeutic medical massage once a week to clean out the
lesions in the tissues of your body and see a Feldenkrais Practitioner
once a week to learn how to improve your use of yourself. If you see no
improvement after a few months then I can guarantee you are simply
emotionally not ready to heal.
To find skilled people near you check out
www.amtamassage.org for a massage therapist
www.feldenkrais.com for a somatic education practitioner
Gabrielle Pullen, GCFP, NCMT
305 Railroad Ave., Ste. 7
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-263-3323
Dear Gabrielle,
Thank you for taking the time to write in with a very unique view
on the frustrations of riding position.
Mama
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Wednesday, May 2
Dear VTwin Mama,
I
love riding, just not ALL the time, unlike my boyfriend. I think he's
trying to avoid having to actually get to know me and I'm sick of
it.
Tired Rider
Dear Tired,
It sounds like the sizzle has died down and the less glamorous side
of real life is rearing its ugly head. Poof. You should probably rely on
your intuition at this point -- what he DOES is more important than what
he SAYS. Wouldn't you agree it's hard to have a conversation at 65mph on
bikes?!?!?!
When you do stop for a second, does he stare at you
blankly when you try to discuss your feelings? Then it's the classic
symptom of an open mind that also has a ready exit, and thoughts simply
don't bother to stop along the way. Sounds like you're ready for something
better. So go find it.
Mama
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