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10 Years on 2 Wheels by Helge Pedersen A coffee table book filled with the most wonderful photography of Helge's ten year journey around the world. Yes, he really did take ten years to see the world on a BMW R80 GS. Unlike a lot of modern bike travelers he did not just ride through other peoples countries with nothing more than a quick hello. He stopped and worked with them, lived with them, gained an insight into how they lived. As I understand it he was the first person with a motorcycle to cross the Darien Gap in the jungle around Panama. This fact still recorded in the Road Knights (the local USA Marine detachment bike club) visitors book. You want adversity . . . Helge lived it, weeks of rain, days of mud, snow, desert heat, few bikers could really put up with the trials that this man suffered in his ten year odyssey. This is the kind of adventure that all motorcyclists dream of doing, but few ever will. As a book of great photos and insightful observations this is a must for armchair adventurers and riders who have that " Big Dream Ride". Helge now runs biker's tours in different parts of the world, so you can have the adventure without the hardship if you're keen to try adventure biking yourself. – Kevin in Sydney
A Little Twist of Texas by Linda Raven Moore VTwin Mama's Review: No matter what stage of riding you are in, Linda's book chronicles an interesting journey, not only on the road, but delves into the self, with all it's worries, fears, and accomplishments, small and large. It's got a good dose of insight along the way, drawing parallels to "real life," offering viewpoints about how we live our lives, and most wonderfully, showing moments of quiet that are only achieved from introspection. At 172 pages, 103 of the pages are Linda's actual journey by motorcycle, with the others, at the center of the book, by car and airplane. How this comes to be is part of the tale she weaves. I will confess that I decided to temporarily forgo the non-motorcycle section and read the chronicle of the motorcycle portion as "one." Then I went back and read the rest. In my mind, I was so entranced by Linda's description of the motorcycle trip, the sights and experiences, that I was unwillingly to let go of that portion. The reason I went back then was that Linda has a wonderful way of describing the sights and sounds around her, and the people she shares them with. At the end is an appendix with Linda's packing list. I laughed, I cried, and I shook my head at some of the things brought with, but it's an honest accounting and for that it's worth it's weight in gold. All in all, a truly satisfying read. It takes talent to capture the feeling, not just the mechanics and planning, of a long motorcycle journey, and Linda has that talent. In A Little Twist of Texas, she shares it with us.– Mama I highly recommend A Little Twist of Texas. I got to meet Linda (the author) at a women biker symposium in LA several weekends ago and she was a delight to talk to. I got the book and took it home and began reading and didn't stop till I reached the last page. Well written and chronicles how one women met and dealt with her challenges and fears of a long road trip alone. Great reading!!!! – Dorathy Biddinger
American Borders by Carla King VTwin Mama's Review: Throw in a Russian made Ural motorcycle that the company was interested in testing for longer endurance performance, and the tale quickly becomes about the joy of meeting a lot of people who noodle out inventive ways to keep the bike running! Now, to some that might seem a tad bit on the risky side, but in her chronicles, Carla shows an undaunting faith that all will work out. At the same time, Carla shares with us a rare unflinching glimpse into a woman who is moving on in the romantic department and exploring who she really is, along with the friendships that sustain her on this portion of her life's journey. Throw in unvarnished viewpoints about riding in various sections of the U.S. and more, and the story becomes complete ... a tour of life and love, and not just about being on two wheels! – Mama
Biker
Ally VTwin Mama's Review: I started reading Biker Ally at the beginning of its third year of publication (2002) . . . I had started the VTwin Mama site just one year before and was still finding out basic stuff! I've saved every copy since then. So, what's changed?! Well, first, let me tell you what's not changed . . . and that's the wonderful first-person stories from women around the world . . . delicious! In 2003, the magazine's cover design was changed. . . cleaner and bolder! And then there's the page increase, from 26 pages back in 2002 to the current 52 pages offered . . . double! That means a lot more feature articles, ranging from travel pieces, safety issues, history, bike reviews, product comparison articles, profiles of women in the motorcycle business (I was interviewed for the May/June 2002 issue!), rally coverage, other fun things, and the much loved rider's stories. The number of regular contributor columns has also grown and now includes Rain's message, readers letters, bike mechanics, safety, musings, news and product releases, and a calendar. Most of the articles and columns are written by women with a few men sneaking in every once in awhile . . . but who wouldn't want to . . . this is a magazine of great importance! If you aren't subscribed yet, it's time to do just that . . . it's a magazine you just can't go wrong with. – VTwin Mama
Bikerlady: Living & Riding Free! by Sasha Mullins This is a wonderful book and not only because Sasha is a dear friend of mine! She has inspired me so much with her free spirit and energy. The book is wonderful and I would suggest it to all women riders. Here's a pic of me and Sash' in Nashville . . . Tigerlily is her Sportster. I love it. She has it all engraved and encrusted with colored rhinestones. The coolest thing I've seen. – Tempe
Breaking the Limit: One Woman's Motorcycle Journey Through North America by Karen Larsen I just finished reading this book. I couldn't put it down. She travels from New Jersey to Alaska and back. What a trip. There's something in the book for everyone. My husband's reading it now, and is enjoying it very much. – Terry V. (Stuck in L.A.) It's about a woman who rides her Sportster 1200 from NJ to Alaska and back. It was really inspiring that she did this on her own and the writing is just fantastic. You get to see how she and her bike do on the long trip, people's interaction with and reaction to her, and just hear about all the great places she goes in both the US and Canada. I had a hard time putting this book down and was so sorry to see it end, I wanted to start it right over again! For anyone who's at all interested in long distance riding, I highly recommend reading about her journey. – Kristin I also think it's a great book. Well written, and what an adventure! Just what I'd love to do. – Jennifer in Long Island, New York
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles First book I got. Great book. However, even the author mentions in another book that serious levels of riding material was lacking in this book, due to the fact that everything else about motorcycles was included. Probably the best audience is someone who is just thinking about getting a motorcycle, which was me to a tee when I got it. – Ben
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance by Mark Zimmerman VTwin Mama's Review: Mark shares his thoughts on all of a motorcycle's systems and what needs to be done and how to do it. But each chapter, broken down by system, offers so much more. First he gives us an overview, then a bit of history, then a general view of how that system section works by itself and with the surrounding systems, and then, and only then, begins to bring out specific points of interest about maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. And then there is his wicked sense of humor! Take for instance Chapter Twelve: Charging System & Battery. The opening lines: "I can hear the groans now. Nothing on a motorcycle seems to confuse more people or create less interest than the electrical system." And he's off and running. Just a few paragraphs later: "Besides, the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is an admirable undertaking. So quit whining." Wicked, wicked, wicked! The great thing is not only what I've learned, but that Mark shares his knowledge in a way that allows us to learn in gulps, and humors us along the way should our brain energy flag. This is 247 pages that have helped me answer many of my readers' questions, or present an answer I'm already well-versed on in a more coherent and in-depth manner. The pictures and graphics are crisp and clear, helping me unravel mysteries I never thought I would delve into. I'm happy to say that I now have a better grasp of a bike's mysterious innards, much to my joy. I think if you have even a spark of interest, The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance will draw you in and make you a more well-rounded and educated rider. And that counts whether you're in your garage or on the road. – VTwin Mama
Fix My Hog DVDs for Sportster, Softail and Touring Harley-Davidsons VTwin Mama's Review:
So, why am I jazzing?! Because if you own or will own one of the above HDs, you want this DVD in conjunction with the service manual appropriate for your year model.. The DVDs are a talking/visual service manual! And let's face it, although service manuals are pretty good and show you the HOW, they don't always explain the WHY. But that's solved now! The 2 DVD series I watched (I just couldn't stop!) was the Sporty edition and it starts out with a tool review and then moves into sub-sections of motorcycle maintenance. Bob is a graduate of MMI, worked for HD for eight years, continued his education, and then opened up his own shop! I give much credit to Bob's matter-of-fact delivery of information that doesn't talk down to a wrencher . . . not only does he explain and show you the procedure, he adds lots of ancillary notes that end up making you feel soooo smart! So, it's 3+ hours of smart . . . 30 procedures documented in loving detail. Dennis Santopietro, Founder, has done all HD owners a favor (ok, ok, it's business, but still) and according to him, these were created because, "he became frustrated with paying for routing service." And then, just when you think it doesn't get any better than that, there's a whole safety tips riding section from none other than our beloved Jerry and Donna from Ride Like a Pro! Bottom line: get the aftermarket service manual for about $20 and get the DVD for $40-$46 depending on the version, and you will not only be INFORMED, you'll be able to DO MAINTENANCE you never imagined! It's a great investment that is sure to payoff for a long time. Coming up: a Bolt-On Performance DVD at the end of 2006 and then the company has plans to work on DVDs for metric motorcycles, including the Honda VTX, Yamaha Stars, and Suzuki Boulevards. Yummy! – VTwin Mama
Friction
Zone: Motorcycle Travel and Information VTwin Mama's Review:
Currently
(9/1/06) So, as one would expect, there are trip and destination reviews (see above states), nicely done and easy to read, and also includes a Tankbag Tearsheet! Nummy idea! You'll also find detailed motorcycle and product reviews, book reviews, coverage of legal and insurance matters, special features about travel realities and road issues riders face (lessons learned are shared!), and various categories of news postings (news, clubs, calendar). What I really liked is that I didn't end up hunting for woman representation . . . 30-40% of the material had a woman's byline! Because it's free, you can read the magazine online, or visit one of hundreds of dealers/shops that carry it . . . otherwise you'll need to "order in." My overall rating . . . well done! – VTwin Mama
How to Ride a Motorcycle by Pat Hahn I first truly appreciated the concise, straight forward track of the Hahn book. I just wanted facts so that I could improve my skill level. – Susan in NJ It is WONDERFUL. No one will regret picking this up as you try to figure out how to practice, what to practice, why to practice and why, all of a sudden you have been completely swept off your feet and have such an insatiable passion for all things motorcycle, and how the inner strength here-to-fore resting needs to be free. – Susan
Iron Horse Rider by Adelle Laudan VTwin Mama's Review: And Adelle delivers with her main character Shane. As a motorcycle rider, he endures the loss of his riding partner in a horrible accident, takes off down the road in mental anguish, only to discover a safe haven with an American Indian community tucked away from the world. In many ways the book is very much an exploration of that culture, but by mid-book the author is bringing together the "biker mentality" as seen by these Indians and vice versa. As can be predicted, it's the Chief's daughter that is the new love interest, but here we now have a woman who is bound by culture to relinquish her own wishes. Add some interesting plot twists to the mix, and the whole book becomes a study in people who are experiencing very real problems/challenges/longings, even if the setting is a bit fantastical (but again, license in fiction should always bring the reader out of their own setting). I won't spoil the ending (!) as I see that it's announced that the sequel, Iron Horse Rider Comes Home is coming soon. If you're thinking that you would prefer the main character to be a woman, then choose Ms. Laudan's Destination Unknown ... while I haven't read this book, it's biker romance fiction that sound fun, given the passage on the website that introduces the character. Or you can choose the free PDF download of the short story Timeless Encounter (24 pages), based on a woman motorcycle riding character. That will give you a good sense of the author's writing abilities! There's no doubt that this author is fond of the romance genre and does well with it, and if you like a bit of fluttering heart reading, then you'll find good writing and easy reading ... a nice combination for riders who like to read, and characters that incorporate our chosen life style. – VTwin Mama
Jupiter's Travels: Four Years Around the World on a Triumph by Ted Simon Ted leaves Britain in 1973 and rides around the world for the next 5 years. On a 500cc Triumph he rides to places most of us only ever dream about. This book has been in print ever since the day it was first published and is generally acknowledged by most world motorcycle travelers to be the inspiration for their journeys. It certainly was for me when I rode around half the world in 1994. The world was a different place back then and Ted has adventures and misadventures in some of the most inhospitable places. As any traveler will tell you, it’s not the destination it’s the journey that matters, and also the people you meet along the way. This book shines with Ted’s enthusiasm for riding. It’s hard to finish this novel and not start planning your own world trip. ( Luckily I just came back from the USA so I am sated for a few months myself.) I could go on and on about Jupiter’s Travels but the best thing I can say is . . . go and buy it. After several readings of it I still enjoy it immensely! You will too. – Kevin in Sydney
Motorcycling Excellence by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Seems to be the unabridged version of what they gave us in the class. More than just a "how to" manual, this also includes the "why" and how each system relates to other systems. This book really takes maintenance to the next level. Have gotten about half way through it so far, but I definitely like the book. – Ben It is a good book for beginners and those wishing to freshen up on the basics.– Diamond Lil
Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough A book I HIGHLY recommend for learning EVERYTHING about motorcycling and learning it correctly the first time. I have a copy and and LOVE it. – Beckie Mauler This book can at least get you thinking about riding safely and get you a very large head start on a riding course. – Pastor Freak I recently learned of this book that I have not been able to put down since I got it. This should be required reading by anyone and everyone who rides a bike. It is not just for novices. Very well written, and lots of humor make this book very hard to put down. – Cathryn Kotler in Smith Valley, NV Loved the book. Great information on tons of stuff. Even things I should have been more aware of on my moped. More Proficient Motorcycling not as good as the first book, seemed to have a lot of of repeated material from the first book. Considering it cost the same as the first book, I felt a little cheated. – Ben I've read all of David Hough's books, and highly recommend them. I find myself thinking about stuff he has said in these books constantly while I ride and think he has probably saved my butt several times already. If I had to choose one single resource, his books would definitely be the choice. – Diane in Michigan In less than 24 hours I’ll be on my V-star (650) and so I am reading the Hough (rhymes with tough) book which is a bit more detailed and in-depth. It also goes into the physics behind the design of a cycle so that one understands why it will stay upright, or why it will go down . . . how to handle surprises, etc. It is very well written, not dry and terrifically informative. – Susan in NJ
Ride Hard, Ride Smart: Ultimate Street Strategies for Advanced Motorcyclists by Pat Hahn Great book. I'd skip How to Ride a Motorcycle and go straight to this book. A lot of material was lifted nearly verbatim from the first book. My coach seemed to have read this book, as he said stuff that was nearly exactly what Pat Hahn wrote. This book was more on the mental on how to avoid situations that might lead to a crash rather than actual cornering and what not. Truly a great philosophy on crashes in this book. Humorous and an easy read. Night riding chapter was rather short. (Inside joke if you've read the book.) Only complaint is that it seems a proof reader should have been hired. Typos all over, and half a page was repeated. – Ben I bought “Ride Hard, Ride Smart” and found it to be a good review. It is written with common sense and is easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who rides or is thinking about riding. – John
Ride Like a Pro (various versions and others in the series) It goes over a bit ( 8 or so practice techniques) of what one learns in books but gives a visual for a reference point when practicing, which for some of us is VITAL to mastering the concept. – Susan in NJ I ordered this video and it is the probably the best $30 I have spent. The instructor is a motorcycle policeman who explains how to properly execute low speed maneuvering. I can't tell you how much confidence I have a gained from watching this video and practicing the techniques in a parking lot. – Tim I recently purchased it too and found it to be a very good video. He made it look so easy. I fully agree with Tim, the best nearly $30 I have ever spent especially when it comes to my motorcycle. Everyone should have a copy of this video. – HDChik (aka Lojuana Marlow) I purchased the Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies. I’ve been watching bits of it during my lunch breaks. It’s awesome! I’ve already learned a couple things that I didn’t pick up in my class and plan to use the info as soon as it stops raining! – Christie I liked Learn to Ride the Easy Way! It broke down all the steps in such an easy and understandable way. The DVD also gives you exercises to practice. Excellent DVD for a beginner. My husband says Jerry is his hero since he got me over my bump. – Denise in DC Okay I have a HUGE recommendation for any new rider like me, contemplating the MSF class . . . we bought and just watched Ride like a Pro III . . . what an excellent teaching DVD! I suppose we could have ordered the ladies version . . . wasn't sure what the difference was. I can't tell you how much seeing it for real has boosted my confidence about going back to the course. We just went back on the website and ordered his state endorsement test DVD as well. – Kat I am so excited, I just finished watching Ride Like A Pro. I ordered it two days ago and it was in today's mail. And just for mentioning your site, they took five dollars off. Well, I must tell everyone out there who doesn't have this DVD, it is definitely a very good investment, not only is it very informative and interesting, it is also funny. I plan on watching it over and over again. It is not only for the novice, it is also beneficial to the experienced rider. – Christine I would also like to recommend a DVD to all: Ride Like a Pro series, I have #4 and it is invaluable to the beginner. The correct use of the friction zone is a great skill to have when you go for the Motorcycle safety course. – Patty I also highly recommend the Ride Like A Pro DVD. Since I picked up the DVD I can do a full-lock turn and flick the Sporty around like nuthin'. What a great learning tool! I've improved my confidence tremendously and have put over 7,000kms on my Sporty since I took her out of storage in May. The Sporty is a tough bike to handle at first. Really girls, this DVD is good, maybe a little cheesy, but all of the exercises in it will help anyone, even the most experienced riders. – Gracie
Road
Runner: Motorcycle Cruising & Touring VTwin Mama's Review:
Launched as a quarterly magazine in 2001, in 2003 the magazine increased its publishing schedule to 6 issues/year. The format is crisp and clear, the photos inspire and re-ignite dreams of travel, and the range of coverage is worldwide . . . it's hard not to just want to hop on your motorcycle and go! ALL articles, whether touring, features, or motorcycle reviews, are uninterrupted by ads (delicious!), and given the "whole earth" viewpoint, you'll see lots of bikes you may not necessarily know a lot about, including the mega-scooters! The tankbag tour guides are on durable stock and back issues are available if there's a particular area you would like to read up on (just click on Tours for an index and you'll know which issue to order up! This is a wonderful magazine to open up your eyes to the possibilities! – VTwin Mama
Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists by David L. Hough This book can at least get you thinking about riding safely and get you a very large head start on a riding course. – Pastor Freak This book used little scenarios and then mentioned what went right and wrong in each scenario. – Ben I've read all of David Hough's books, and highly recommend them. I find myself thinking about stuff he has said in these books constantly while I ride and think he has probably saved my butt several times already. If I had to choose one single resource, his books would definitely be the choice. – Diane in Michigan
TRIKES! VTwin Mama's Review:
Published every other month, regular columns are offered from both TRI's Director and National Director of Operations, and while the contributors vary from issue to issue, woman's bylines crop up quite frequently. Although earlier issues many have been color covers with b/w interior, the magazine is now fully in color, the photos crisp and clear, and the content layout easy to follow. TRI itself is an interesting organization, overseen by an operations team but then divided into regional and district directors . . . and even UK representation. I saw contacts for 18 different states and it's growing. A free trial copy of the magazine can be ordered by visiting http://www.trikes.org/trikes.shtml. If you're a trike rider, I'd be heading to that page immediately! – VTwin Mama
Untamed Spirit by Doris Maron Excerpt: VTwin Mama's Review:
Two things caught my attention. First, Doris does a delicious job of capturing the joy of exploring worlds new to her. Second, I don't think she ever realized or got over how many people there are in this world standing ready to give shelter/tours/guidance/assistance to a solo female rider. Perhaps it's because people warned her that the trip would be difficult and dangerous ... thank goodness she chose her own pathway anyway! It's only a shame that potential sponsors of her trip didn't get it as well ... has the solo female world journey become a passé concept in the 21st century? I think not, and you won't think so either while reading her accounts. For those dreaming of something similar, whether to just one section of the world or more, there are great tips on crossing borders, transporting the bike across big "ponds," and lots more!
Women In The Wind: Fearless Women of the 20th & 21st Centuries by Jasmine Bluecreek Clark VTwin Mama's Review:
Basically 14 women take the time to share their fondest, funniest, grittiest, most heart-wrenching, and deepest soul-searching moments about riding motorcycles and offer them up like shinny gems on a platter. There isn't a clinker in the bunch . . . but then, I knew that had to be the case. Who among us hasn't turned over remembrances again and again, whether in our mind, shared at a gathering of women riders, or committed to a personal journal, blog, or article. You can't deny the story, no matter how it's told. At approximately 150 pages, there are 11 chapters and loads of pictures. The reader is carried along like a cherished conspirator, sometimes begging a "don't tell, but here it is" reaction, to the wonderful "you've got to be kidding" chuckles, or the delicious "me too, that's me, see me" all-inclusive joy. Stories chronicle riding during the 1930s to present day, from the U.S. to exotic destinations, and from the first moment of letting out the clutch to long tour rides that fire up your imagination. Currently, the book is offered in full color or as a download. I had the black/white edition for review, but this mid-cost option has been discontinued as most women who saw it at the AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference preferred to see the photos in color. While the layout leaves something to be desired (inconsistencies often found with self-published authors), Jasmine is hard at work to clean up the presentation (she was rushed to get something to the AMA convention in June 2006) for the next print run, which should be sometime towards the end of September 2006. Despite this, the actual wealth of information in the stories is the true gem, and while I may have paused in my reading more often, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to drink in every single word. So, whether you're seeking a diamond-in-the-rough story or a glittering emerald of wisdom and insight, Women In The Wind delivers. – VTwin Mama
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