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2005 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Wednesday, January 5 For Diane who is looking for input on raingear: I have Harley Davidson rain gear that I purchased in 2002. I commute 32 miles a day in Northern California. My rain gear is the Overpass Rain Jacket and pants. They will keep you totally dry. They are fully lined and seam sealed and have a helmet-friendly hood. The pants have stirrups and articulated knees and have a heat-resistant shield on the pants legs. They go up to a size 4XL. I ride a 2002 Honda Shadow Ace 750cc and have been riding for 35 years. I recently discovered this site and love it. Thanks VTwin Mama for providing a forum for female riders. Back when I started riding, very few women were even riding. I just moved to California three years ago and am enjoying the ability to ride year round. Candace (note from Mama: this raingear sounds excellent, and while HD gear can be a bit pricey, many have noted that you get what you pay for. And when it comes to comfort riding in rain, getting wet is just yucky and I prefer a premium price with a good return policy from a reputable company. Glad you found the VTwin Mama site and are enjoying your time visiting, and thanks for sharing! It's the cornerstone of this site and what makes it work best!) Tuesday, January 11 More for Diane who is looking for input on raingear: My Frogg Toggs were good except for the "V" in your crotch in very heavy rain. The rain puddled and eventually soaked through. Also, regarding hot pipes - I got a very good suggestion from a salesperson on how to protect your Frogg Toggs and your pipes. Cut a long patch about six inches wide from an ironing board cover and sew it on the inner part of the leg. My personal favorite rain gear, though a bit pricey, is from Harley Davidson. The pants are made for a woman and fit great. They also have attached gators that fit in a little pocket inside each leg so you can still wear the pants even if you don't need to wear the gators. They also have reflective piping that keeps you visible. Marge (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your view on this. We've heard about the ironing board cover pieces before, as an excellent solution to keep any pants legs from overheating and/or burning on the exhaust pipe. Some have suggested to attach Velcro straps instead of sewing it on. Just a thought.) Monday, January 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, ANYWAY, someone stole my jacket and I want to purchase another one real bad. They had a web site but I can't remember how to get into it. Does anyone know? I can't get to any rallies now as I am down in New Zealand for 2 years, but please, does anyone know the company I'm talking about? They had the bitchinest Indian kinda jackets . . . expensive, but so so cool. Please, anyone email me here in New Zealand cause I want one real, real bad. gokiwi68@hotmail.com. Kiwi/Nanci Dear
Kiwi/Nanci, Monday, February 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, By the way the pants I am wearing are Draggin Jeans from the Australian company that you have on your site. Let me tell you I am braggin about Draggin--the jeans are made with Kevlar and I am so impressed with the fit/style andcomfort . . . would consider Draggin Jeans a must have for any bike rider!! Thanks for taking the time to find excellent riding gear for your loyal readers! Many hugs from Purple Pony Gal in Kansas (P.S. You need to revisit Junction City -- your home town has changed completely and grown extensively.) Dear
Purple Pony Gal, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Meli, Wednesday, April 27 For petite Meli who is looking for riding gear: I have had help from you Petra, so it is my time to help others (by the way, I work in a bike shop now and have been riding every nice day). Meli, there are lots of small size clothes for lady riders. Go to your local bike shops and see if they carry ICON apparel (Motovan is one catalogue that does). They have a a Tuscadero line and a Kitty line of women's apparel. None that will fit me as I am a BBW. Check all the bike shops and ask to see the apparel catalogs . . . even if they do not carry the apparel they should be able to order it for you. For Panther who is battling the odds to realize her dream and passion for riding: Panther, if you want an online Mentor, email me. I would love to be there for you. I was lucky and had strong minded Mama and Pops who were there for me. Now that they have passed on I would like to be able to pass on what they gave to me. v45magna@gmail.com Keep on biking ladies no matter your age, or what people say. We are Women . . . hear us ROAR. V45Magna (note from Mama: it's always way cool when women learn from this site and then become helpers themselves!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Elaine, Friday, May 6 For Elaine who was wondering why so many bikers wear leather: Leather is protective in several ways. First off, it protects you from dehydrating so much when on the highway. Not only does leather protect you from bugs, it keeps the sun off you and keeps the wind from drying you out on long rides. The wind can really dry out your skin . You think that the sun is the only thing that can cause damage to your skin? When I rode to Daytona Bike Week last October, I wore my leather while riding on the interstate. Needless to say, I was buggy by the time I got there! Leather helps more than you think . . . Bonnie (note from Mama: thank you for bringing up some important factors that I didn't think about!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, Thursday, May 19 For Dorathy who was looking for a specific T-shirt: You're in luck....I just happened to see this on another site.. http://www.cafepress.com/wimavictoria. Enjoy! Susan (note from Mama: yahoo!) Friday, May 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, First off, I'm thrilled to see that companies that make gear are finally starting to offer styles for women. Icon happened to offer a white leather coat, the Tuscadero, that I loved. However, every "women's" coat I find has the largest size at XL, which translates into 14/16. They always offer a men's size that goes to 4X plus, so I'd just like to air my grievance that there are plenty of us large motorcycling women whose dollars spend just the same as the "big" guys! Any chance you could call this to their attention? Perhaps rally the troops? Second although I'm a large woman, I ride a small bike, a 250cc Yamaha, and I love it! It works fine for me! I can cruise at 55mph and that's enough for my commutes. However, the hubby wants to start touring, and prefers I start thinking about a slightly larger bike. I like the Suzuki Savage 650, but I prefer the "standard" stance. Any suggestions on bikes in the 650 range, standard stance, with a seat height a 32" inseam can flatfoot? Again, thanks for a great website! DMarie Dear
DMarie, As to the bike suggestion, I've found a new tool that is very useful. It's Want Facts. Hop onto this site, choose Research New Motorcycles and then choose By Feature. Now you can click to your heart's content and let the database call up bikes that meet your general specifications! It's an absolutely marvelous tool, and when you look at the individual bikes, you'll find lots of details, including seat height! This should streamline your search and get you on the road to finding that right bike for you for the future! Mama Friday, June 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, So, now knowing that "leggings" is the better description than "half-chaps," I searched further using the words "motorcycle leggings" and found lots of "hits" for my search. Do that, and you'll find all sorts of vendors . . . pay attention to the country of origin as I noted that many sites that popped up are based in Australia (.au) and New Zealand (.nz) . . . nothing wrong with this, but you may want to order more locally. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I can't ride it. Here's the trouble: when stopped, my inner thigh touches the exhaust pipe heat shield. Besides wrapping the pipe, are there any suggestions on reducing the heat or contact with this area of the bike? Let me add, I am 5'4" and my inner thighs are not thin. I've been told that some Harley Davidson Sportster riders have the same problem. Thanks for the site and the practical information. Audrey in Long Island, NY Dear
Audrey, Hmmmm . . . I would never advocate wrapping anything directly on the pipe and I'm leery about altering the heat shield as well, simply because it may interfere with heat dissipation of the pipe. We've noted in the past that the material used in ironing board covers is excellent for heat shielding and a cheap fix. You could make a Velcro-on pad to go around your pants leg at thigh level. Choose a colorful pattern and make a fashion statement! Readers, any other thoughts? Mama Wednesday, August 10 For Audrey whose thigh is hitting the exhaust pipe heat shield and it's not comfortable: Like VTwin Mama suggests, the ironing board cover, cut to size of course (would look ridiculous whole, ha, ha), is the greatest thing ever. Hubby had Frogg Toggs rainwear that was constantly melting when they touched the exhaust. I cut up my ironing board cover, since I hate to iron and hardly do anyway, and sewed onto each inner calf area two patches. Never thought to use Velcro, which I think is a great idea! The only problem was that the ironing board material is not waterproof and since I hadn't repaired the holes in the Frogg Toggs he did get a little wet. But, the ironing board cover patches work! A little padding on the underside would really do the trick and like Mama says, you could get creative with the many designs out there and make your own statement! Love it! Ride safe! Marie, aka Scooter Gal (note from Mama: yup, I melted a bit of my FTs as well on the inaugural run and will take your advice on the patching possibilities, as I really like the suit overall.) Wednesday, August 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, A quick, humorous personal story: last year I had heart bypass surgery and, although my surgeon let me drive a car after two weeks, he wouldn't let me drive my motorcycle for six weeks. He is a rider and pointed out that sometimes, when stopping, you put your foot down and the ground isn't there (slopped pavement, pothole, slippery gravel, etc.) and the bike leans more than normal. When this happens, the instinctive reaction is to stand it back upright, which can mean lifting 50 or even 100 pounds - not a good thing with a new incision in the chest! He did approve my riding as a passenger behind my wife, so, for a month, I was a motorcycle passenger. Wow, did we get the looks and comments - what fun! I actually enjoyed it because I got to enjoy the scenery without having to worry about controlling the motorcycle. Now we sometimes share one motorcycle in a scenic area - I'll ride one direction with her as a passenger and she'll ride back with me as a passenger. John Geda Dear
John, What a unique perspective you have shared on riding as a passenger behind your wife . . . I don't doubt you got stares! I love that you took it all in stride and decided any riding was preferable to no riding and that now you share up-front duties. Can I simply say that it's wonderful to hear "enlightened" male commentary and I'm glad that surgery repaired your loving heart to keep it pumping! Mama Thursday, September 8 Hello
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jodie, Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Leslie, Monday, September 26 For Jodie in Australia who is plus size and looking for appropriate riding gear: I am from Sydney, Australia and I am a 'plus size woman'. I have found Tiger Angel (Australia) extremely great to deal with. Get onto their website, go to contact details and discuss away. They custom fit for the fuller figure, and whilst it may cost a little extra to have your leather apparel fitted just right, I found it well worth the extra cash. Failing that, I have also purchased a 3/4 length riding jacket from Fox Leather in the US. They are awesome! I was informed the whole way on the jacket, cost, shipping details. They triple confirmed my measurements, and although it was a little pricey as well, my jacket from Fox Leather and my pants from Tiger Angel are my greatest riding apparel investments as far as both style and comfort. Lisa, aka Finally Legal (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a specific Australian company that worked with you to make sure things fit right!) Thursday, September 29 For J. who is getting started but finding it hard to leave her neighborhood: Don't ya just love this site? As VTwin Mama said, have your husband take you to a big empty parking and practice, practice, practice. Treat the big bike as if you knew nothing about riding. Become familiar with slow maneuvers before trying to get on the road. You'll appreciate the practice when you have to pull up to the pumps and when entering and exiting the station. Even with these gas prices you probably will have other vehicles to contend with. The suggestion to go in the car and observe your route is also a good idea. Recently, I moved up to a heavier bike with a longer wheelbase and find that right turns into driveways or shopping center lots are different than on my shorter and lighter bike. So, to take away some of the edge, I drive to the store or post office first. Then I map out the easiest and safest route(s). I look at the entry and exit points as well as the best places to park. At first I thought that I was over thinking this riding thing. But, an experienced rider/teacher told me that she always plans her routes and thinking ahead is a MUST. Also, I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions on ways to protect my thigh from the exhaust pipe's heat. I contacted a supplier that sold me fire-resistant material. A tailor then put the material in the leg of my jeans. Although it cost more than an ironing board cover, the pants look great, are comfortable and my thigh is totally protected. Once again, thank you for the site. Audrey L.I. (note from Mama: planning out routes and practicing with a new beastie is soooooo VTwin Mama sister smart! I did it with my newest bike and that's with 26 years of riding experience! There simply is no excuse NOT to learn the specific handling characteristics of a specific bike . . . when things go wrong, that's the time that those skills really make a difference. I'm glad that our suggestions on handling the heat shield problem resulted in a solution for you . . . thanks for letting us know! ) Tuesday, October 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Ruth, My initial source for heat resistant fabrics is a bit pricey. The company charges $85 per yard for one of the layers and $40 per yard for the second and $35 for the final. However, I have come across a more reasonable site: Beacon Fabrics located in Lakeland, Florida. They can be reached at 800-713-8157. Beacon offers the heat resistant fabric used for ironing board covers as well as the heat resistant quilted backing. A yard of each can be purchased for a total of about $20. You will have to confirm with them if the fabrics can be washed or dry cleaned. Mark the section of the pants (either with tailor chalk or pins) that you'd like the material sewn into. A tailor can sew the material onto the inside of the pant so that it is not visible. There's no need for a Velcro on/off and the pants look great. This past weekend, my husband and I rode to Long Island's wine country, an 80 mile round trip ride. My right thigh was as comfortable as my left. But the biggest thrill for me is that this was my first real group ride. The two husbands and my riding buddy (a member of my women's riding group) treated me like an equal. They did this by keeping my abilities in mind and letting me ride my own ride. VTwin Mama, I can't began to tell you how much help this site has been to me. Without the information and the experiences, I would not have meet the wonderful women in my group. Moreover, I have been able to put my jitters in perspective and have places to turn for tips on techniques and for skill improvement. Keep It Movin' Audrey L.I. (note from Mama: thanks for sharing and yahoo on your latest conquest! Glad the VTwin Mama site is able to help!) Wednesday, October 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Julie, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lisa, Tuesday, November 1 For Lisa who is looking for fake fur tails to attach to chaps or jeans: The reason you cannot find any synthetic ones is because they are actually real animals' tails. Like you'd want a dead critter's tailpiece hanging off ya pants, yes? Anyway, in Custer, South Dakota, there is a trapping shop that sells everything you can imagine to do with dead critters, including fox tails and raccoon tails and it is called the Trapping Store I think. They ship all those dead bits USA wide. Kevin in Sydney, who was in the area on his recent trip to the States (note from Mama: yuck, but then, not everyone is opposed to fur and such. Still, I'm hoping someone finds fake fur ones and chimes in!) I've only seen the tails in a few places. Outside of Sturgis at a very popular, but small leather shop (who's name eludes me right now), at Rendezvous, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin (a weekend long re-enactment of a frontier fur trading post), in Canada at different gift shops along the Lake Superior tour route, and at various bikes shows. At all of these places the tails were, unfortunately, real and of a great variety: raccoon, wolf, fox, ermine, skunk, etc. Of all the women I've seen wearing them, whom I've asked, they were also real. I did a Google search for "faux fur tails" and came up with tons of sites, but mostly for fake fur coats. Unfortunately it appears that the tails out there are all real and if you want a fake tail, you'll have to make it yourself. Google "fursuit" and you will find many sites with detailed instructions for constructing a fur animal suit including the tail (faux, of course) for yourself; I can't help but shudder and think of that CSI episode . . Jennifer in Wisconsin (note from Mama: thanks for the search tip on finding fake tail construction.) Monday, November 7 More for Lisa who is looking for fake fur tails to attach to chaps or jeans: Ladies, the fake ear and tail sets can be obtained from Aerostich and the big, bushy raccoon tail type is usually available through your local leather clothing shop. Just a plug for Aerostich: if you don't mind being the class clown, the helmet ears are worth their weight in golden good-will. Everybody waves at you if you're wearing them, even the cops. It's so much nicer than being run off the road because they didn't see you. Kyri (note from Mama: Ok, these are made for your helmet and mount with suction cups . . . you can get cat, dog, bunny, pig and tiger sets here!) Monday, November 21 Even more for Lisa who is looking for fake fur tails to attach to chaps or jeans: My husband and I went to the Tulsa Gun Show and lo and behold, there was this guy there selling raccoon hats and tails. Here is his web page. I'm going to find a place on my bike for mine. Zoeey (note from Mama: so these are the real things and when I hopped on the site, I couldn't find a link for that specific product . . . still, the contact info is there!) G'day
Petra, Dear
Kevin, For Kevin who noted a site for colorful riding gear: Kevin, this is not an attack on you, kudos for bringing it up, but I hate to disagree with you, as any woman I have shown those to in my shop all laugh their butts off at those frou frou show leathers. WE feel if you are an umbrella girl they are great or if you are a kid and ride pillion. My first concern is they promote them for sport bike . . . well, if you fall, you will right on your butt and chaps do not cover that part of the anatomy. Now the question is why do they not make bike gear for women that is practical? We do not get gloves with carbon fibre knuckle protectors (maybe one brand does if I am correct). Bike Gear makers LISTEN: Women want to be safe when we ride and we want the same protection the men get in real sizes not mega petite (no offense to those who are). Oh yeah, and all the guys at my shop like the ICon gear for women also. LOL V45 in Canada (note from Mama: the proof is in the thickness of the leather and the stitching that holds it together. Me, myself, and I (all three of us!) wonder if Kevlar couldn't be built into the thinner leather jackets (that look great!) for better protection!) |
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