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2001Thursday, 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 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 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, Dear VTwin Mama, How do you girls feel about these helmets? And what kind do you like best and why? I need some input since spring is just around the corner and I will be purchasing a new helmet because the one I have been wearing is borrowed. Thanks! Chris Dear Chris, While a full face or 3/4 may be hot in the summer, you have to balance that with your personal feelings of safety. Let's open this issue up for input again and see who has to say what! Mama Tuesday, February 19 Here we go with three responses to the question about type of helmet to wear: I started out wearing a 3/4 helmet, but when I began riding my own bike, I found it to be very uncomfortable. It felt as though the wind was going to take off my head! I know that would have been eliminated if I had worn a face shield, but its HOT in Georgia during the summer. I also do not have a wind shield, so the wind was hitting me full force. I switched last summer to a half helmet (not a novelty helmet) and I love it! I feel protected and it is much more comfortable. I did put cotton in my ears though. That cut down on the wind noise. I prefer to wear a DOT approved helmet, although my husband wears the novelty helmet. I certainly don't judge people for their choices, just as I hope they don't judged me for mine. Sharon I have a full face helmet that I use, and yes, it is hot. But so are the jeans that I wear, the gloves on my hands and the sleeves on my jacket. It is my preference to ride covered and safe and each person is responsible for their own feeling of security. When the ride gets hot, the visor can be flipped up and the breather holes opened. Stop, rest, drink some water and enjoy conversation with your fellow bikers when the going gets warm. Michele If you're not going to wear an approved helmet why would you wear a novelty helmet? I'm just curious. Even the novelty helmet messes up your hair and can get warm. As for me, if I going to put something on my head, it's going to be either my full face for winter and long hauls or my shorty for Florida summers and around town. Both are good approved helmets. Don't get me wrong. I believe everyone should have the freedom of choice as to whether or not to wear a helmet. I just think that if you've made the choice to not wear one (a "real" one, that is) then why bother with a brain scrambler? Just curious Linda in Jacksonville Dear Sharon, Michele and Linda, I wear a half helmet myself and have found that by tying a scarf around by head "Lauren Bacall" style, (i.e., not bandana style over the forehead, but more "lady like") that it cuts the noise, protects my ears, keeps my hair from tangling, and the scarf "tails" look so pretty fluttering behind me! Still, for long hauls, I'm a big believer in the full face, 'cause Mother Nature can be a real "beach" and throw a weather curveball. Nothing like hail in the summer on your face -- NOT! Let's face it, hair smush and hot head are part of the "price" we pay for being riders, but the alternative would be to sit on the porch, swill beer and watch grass grow. So what's it gonna' be?!?!?!?! I say let's all shave our heads! Mama Thursday, February 21 Here are two more responses to the question about type of helmet to wear: Just to answer Linda in Jacksonville on "Why wear a helmet at all if you wear a novelty helmet?" I live in NC where there is a helmet law that requires one. Riders that wear the novelty helmet tell me that they are the lightest and smallest that they can wear, even though they are not DOT approved. They evidently feel OK about wearing them. I personally do not. Chris OK....I usually wear a 3/4 helmet, but also have a shorty helmet. Last summer, I had a mishap with my bike. I ran into some sand and gravel as I was turning a corner and wound up broadsiding a van. On the good side -- I walked away from the accident. On the bad side -- the bike was a total, and I had some injuries to my face. Fortunately they were minor, and were barely noticeable after about 3 days. (I won't go into detail, but my loving spouse said I looked like gorilla lips :::sigh::: unfortunately he was right). The point is, had I been wearing a full face helmet, or even taken the time to put on a face shield, which I do have for both helmets, I would not have had any facial injuries. I was wearing the 3/4 helmet at the time of the mishap. I love the looks of a full face as well as the protection it gives, BUT unfortunately I am one of those people that are claustrophobic and just can't wear one. Hopefully, this "experience" will help someone to decide on just what they want in a helmet. Best wishes in your choices. Betty Dear VTwin Mama, I would like to mention a GREAT packing tip I learned from a local thrift shop. They were having a semi-annual "bag sale" -- everything you can cram into a bag for $1. A dear little white haired lady who volunteers there passed along this little handy packing tip: When packing clothing, fold everything in half, from the top down, then roll the item all the way down, top to bottom. If you do this, you can get 27 pairs of jeans into a paper bag with this method!! No telling how many t-shirts, jeans and other various assorted items will fit into a saddlebag with this method!! My hubby and I keep a bag packed for our spur of the moment 'overniters' with all essential personal care items. I use the smaller bottles for shampoo, conditioner, etc. and just re-fill them as needed. My question is: What in the world do you do for your hair?! Us VTwin Mama's have to look our best, so of course I keep the chapstick/lipstick handy, but short of just keeping my helmet on at all times--what to do about the flat head look? I have long hair, but that flat top look is terribly un-becoming on me! Davey Dear Davey, Any words of wisdom out there VTwin Mamas? Mama Wednesday, March 6 Dear VTwin Mama, About IDs: I put my expired drivers license in one of the small unused zippered pockets on my motorcycle jacket. As I never leave without the jacket, either on or off the bike, if I lose my wallet, which I have, I still have picture ID with me. Another tip, take a photo copy of all credit cards, front and back, that you are carrying. Leave them in a safe place at home or with someone you trust and can call, if you are on the road. Should you lose your wallet, you know exactly what cards you had with you. The lost card phone number will also be on the copies, making it easy to contact the credit card issuer immediately. just a girl . . . Dear girl(friend), Thursday, March 7 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Joyce, Friday, March 8 Here it is sisters -- more hair smush insights! I take along my trusty Harley Girl Hat. It is squishy and it is stuffed in my windshield bag. So if the need arises, I can cover up the mop on top of my head. Also I carry along for long trips, a small bottle of conditioner, for when your going in for dinner etc. It helps with the snarls us longer haired girls get. Also when I am getting ready for a long days trip I braid my hair damp, then at the end of the day when hubby and I stop for the night or whatever, I undo the braid, fluff up my hair and you would not believe how nice that mop can look. Wavy and sexy you know the wind blown, bed head look. Jo Ann Falash Just an idea...here goes, Velcro in small one inch by one inch small squares of soft foam to the inside of your helmet, position them in different places. This will not effect the fit of the helmet but will keep it lifted somewhat off your hair....waddya think?.....Flyer2001....I'm from Omaha Nebraska,..23 years of riding and loving every single one...ride safe. HD Flyer What I have found to work for me is, I let it grow out some and layered it and had a good perm put in. I put a scrunchie around any I can while riding, even under the helmet, then when I get to a stop, I pull off the scrunchie, throw a little water on it and run a pick through it quickly. Pops right up and looks fresh. Has been a hair saver for me. Scrunchie keeps it form getting tangled, and water pops it back up. Msclean Tuesday, March 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sherry, Wednesday, March 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vikki, Monday, March 18 I found one way to hide "hair smush." I found some really nice hair pieces that are on a claw type hairclip. I just put my hair into a ponytail and clip the hair piece on. It looks like a long ponytail. I found one at a wig shop and another at a flea market. They come in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. There is also the leather hair wraps for those that have longer hair. Most Harley dealers sell them. Nance' I have one more idea to add to the whole hair smush problem. .... When I take off my helmet, I not only have the flattest hair you ever did see, but to top it off, I have straight hairs sticking straight up! I'm not talking about the grey hairs that do this all of the time, but static. How about carrying around a small spritz bottle with water or a light hair spray, bending at the waist, dropping the head over and spritzing the hair. Fluff with fingers and you should be ready to go. I've actually never tried this, (weather here has not been too cooperative for the bike let alone the helmet yet) but I don't know why this wouldn't help the problem. Has anyone tried this, or am I just dreaming that this might work? Michele I have very straight bangs and longish hair. When I stop on a ride, I go to the bathroom and wash my face AND my bangs with soap & water (rinse well!) Not gorgeous, but gets rid of that flat look that so few of us wear well. I can wear a hat, but in Florida the heat with a hat just makes my head itchy and sweaty. I know that's the breaks of riding in Florida in the heat waves of summer, but I am a full face rider and willing to try to work with what I've got. April Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty 600, But understand this -- if your guilt is with you during your entire ride, then you're not concentrating on your ride. And that's dangerous. And foolish. And selfish. Please make it a priority to ride with confidence, with or without a helmet. If you're second guessing yourself along the road, you're not doing yourself or anyone else a favor. Lose the guilt by making a conscious choice and believing in it. Mama Wednesday, September 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I have seen several helmets that were worn during motorcycle accidents. Trust me on this.....the helmets were total disasters! Better to destroy a helmet.....than your head! Betty aka Bootygrandma (note from Mama: I think that seeing an accident first hand is often times a defining moment in the helmet issue -- once you've seen the power of the pavement etched on a helmet, it's really not a question anymore.) This past weekend here in upstate New York were a couple of really bad motorcycle accidents. One was on a major highway where one biker was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic when he ended up hitting another biker who had a passenger. Route 81 was closed for a couple of hours do to the accident and the driver of the first bike air lifted out with severe head injuries. I haven't heard the out come of the other two people but all were wearing helmets and I would hate to think of them as not having them on they may have saved their lives. The other accident was only a couple of miles from my house where someone ran a stop sign and hit a couple on a Goldwing. The passenger is in critical condition at one hospital and the driver is at another hospital holding his own. Both were wearing helmets! After having seen pictures of the accidents and what the bikes looked liked afterwards (not a pretty site) I wish everyone would wear a helmet as it may save their lives. The thought is always there (it won't happen to me), but I'm sure the people involved in this weekend's accidents thought the same thing. Even though we are in control of our own bikes and lives, it only takes one individual's irresponsibility and a few seconds to change those thoughts. Personally I'll always wear a helmet just in case I ever make a mistake or someone else does. Safe riding everyone!! No Name (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your view on helmets and what you've witnessed already. It sounds like part of the guilt that Shorty might be feeling is that if you've got loved ones, the issue isn't just about yourself and personal choice -- it's about respecting and honoring the needs of important people in your life as well. However, in the end, free choice is exactly that. Free. Choice.) Monday, September 16 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Angela, This keeps top hair from flying around and secures any longer hair at back firmly in place. It smushes my hair something awful, but when I park for something, and remove my helmet, I remove the scarf and then place it "around" my forehead with ends dangling down. This keeps all my hair in place and seems to be the best I can do! Sisters, any more ideas? Mama Friday, February 7 For Angela who is looking for ways to keep her hair in place: Thought I'd share my 'hair trick'. I bought a 'hair glove (way easier to use than trying to French braid all the time). My hair is mid back length, but short in the front and layered. I use the hair glove and while my hair is damp, coax it back smoothly. I do not use hair gels etc - they just seem to make it worse. Then I use a satin scarf....I have slept on satin pillowcases for years - your hair doesn't get as messed up that way. Anyhow, a satin scarf under my helmet keeps the helmet itches away and when I remove my helmet and scarf, all I have to do is 'ruffle' my hair and it seems to be ok. Good hair days to all! Paula I just put mine in a ponytail and wear a headband, it works for me. Toni Check out a Hair Scarf. This can be worn under a helmet or without helmet. I first bought mine in Sturgis. It wraps around your head like a do-rag, but the ends tie under the scarf part, the extra material can be wrapped around the long hair and then the straps (which are under the scarf part) can be tied around the extra material. Hold all the hair in place with or without a helmet. I loved this little thing, but couldn't find it anywhere. Then I talked with Susan of Dayton Thunderwear and she is now making them. I don't think she has them on her website, but drop her a line at daytonathunderwear.com and ask her about them. Rain Monday, February 10 For Angela who is looking for ways to keep her hair in place: Go to your local sporting good store and ask for pre-wrap. It comes in a roll and is about three inches wide. Your cut off your desired length and roll it like a pretzel. It forms a long string. You then just cut to desired length, tie it and use it like a headband. I've seen women athletes using these to hold their hair back out of their eyes. Laurie (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this tip!) Wednesday, March 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Renae, As to the hair smush question, I've always advocated just shaving your head! Ok, I'm just kidding, but we've certainly had some previous discussion on this subject, and a wide range of solutions can be found in my Riding Gear section. Also, check today's (3/26/03) VTwin Mama Newsletter as I learned of another "trick" that is quite interesting (this solution will be permanently posted in my Product Sources page)! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Julie, My guess is that a windshield would go a long way to reducing your discomfort if it is high enough to effectively block the wind to your face, but then you've got to deal with looking through a windshield while you ride (some are ok with this, others find it icky because then they've got to deal with bug splat clean-up all the time). Have you considered a full-face helmet or other helmet that you can attach a full-length blocking shield (in clear so you can still wear sunglasses)? You might live in an area that doesn't require a helmet, but still, it's something to think about. I know on my longer trips, despite the prevailing helmet laws, I always carried and wore one when winds were high or rain was threatening. It makes a HUGE difference. Me, myself, and I will be trying my first goggle solution (I got a gift card for Harley, so that's how I plan on using it!). VTwin Mama sisters, any ideas about the possibilities of allergies making this situation worse? Mama Friday, April 18 For Julie whose eyes are watering when she rides: I'm allergic to just about everything that's out there when it's not freezing. As a result, I'm on allergy meds 24/7 as soon as it starts to "warm up". I would recommend a) a good allergy medication, and b) a helmet with a full face visor. Allergy Tylenol Sinus works well for some, Claritin for others, yet some need Allegra. Also, a word from the Optometrist: if your eyes are too dry (common with riding) they will tend to "weep" a lot (thus the recommendation for full eye coverage - the helmet covers your brain, too!) which may make you think allergies...... Try covering your eyes well next time you go for a ride and see what that does; it may just be that you need more eye coverage than what you've been giving, and not allergies. For what it's worth! Keep it up, and enjoy the ride. Cindy (note from Mama: hmmmm, yes -- I've noticed that if I use eye drops at every gas stop, I have less teary and irritated eyes at the end of the day -- good point!) I own a pair (actually two pair: 1 for day riding and 1 for night riding) of sunglasses that have the foam insert that lets the sunglasses snuggle right next to my face and keeps all wind, bugs, etc out. I love them and can't hardly wear anything else. I got mine from the HD shop - a little pricey but I love them. HDChiky (note from Mama: foam sounds like a good solution, snuggly without having to jam the sides into your face. I'll look for those when I visit HD next!) I hit the flea market down here and found some awesome sunglasses. They have a foam pad all around the eye pieces and fit nice a tight around the eyes. I wear contacts and don't like the wind in my eyes but love the wind in my face. They are great and they have clear ones too. I spent an whopping $6 on each pair. If I loose them or break them no big loss. Same type glasses at the local HD dealer were about $100. Terri, aka Thumper in Tavares, FL (note from Mama: time to hit the swap meets!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nanette, Top Wednesday, June 18 For Nanette whose head itches when she's got her helmet on: Ahhhhh, the agony of helmet itch !!! I have found that wearing a satin scarf under my helmet works wonders. Also, the satin keeps my hair somewhat intact so when we stop I usually just have to run my fingers thru it.....not to mention the fashion statement that can be made...... ;o). A Polyester scarf also works too. I found a triangle scarf that worked great for me and bought some satin material and made a bunch of them. I did find that some scarves when folded are too slippery - so you need to test run a few. A regular bandana itches for whatever reason. Good Luck ! Paula (note from Mama: satin, now there's an idea! I myself have a poly/silk scarf I use to great satisfaction.) I've not had this problem with a motorcycle helmet, but I have had it with a military Kevlar helmet back when I was in the service. Just simply sweating in it would cause a problem. Changing shampoos (and making *really* certain I had the stuff washed out completely) actually solved the problem - it seemed I was reacting to the stuff the shampoo was leaving in my hair. (Many shampoos are designed to leave product behind in your hair to create shine, body, etc - and some people don't deal well with those additives once they start sweating into them.) Try wearing a bandana around under a regular hat and see if you have the same problem. If you do, that'll rule out your helmet lining. If so, try getting a very gentle organic shampoo that is designed to rinse completely out, skip the conditioner, use the new stuff for a week, and then try it again. If it works, you're reacting to the soap residues from the shampoo. Good Luck! Kiara (note from Mama: lots of good suggestions here, thanks!) Nanette didn't say what kind of hair she has, but a riding friend and I both have flat, thin, limp hair (i.e. permanent helmet head, lucky us) and we've discovered that just cramming your hair loose under the helmet works pretty good. I've found that the tighter the ponytail or braid, the itchier the head! Just make sure you get all the hair tucked in or it'll kill you to comb out. Laura (note from Mama: every suggestion is a good one!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marion, Top Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Laura, Top Monday, June 30 For Laura who is looking for a pink helmet and maybe could have one painted: I'd do a little research before painting a helmet. From what I understand, repainting a helmet will cause a faster breakdown of the materials that protect your head in the first place, so you're looking at a faster replacement cycle than the stock helmet (assuming that the helmet is being worn for protection, not just compliance). What I don't know is how much the paint job accelerates the process... Anyone else have any stats on that? Kiara (note from Mama: I couldn't find any information on the Internet about this, but suggest that if Laura go this route, that she explore this issue with the custom paint house prior to having it done. Thanks for the pointer on a possible problem.) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michele, The only info I could find on Biker Chix indicates that these are sunglasses, not goggles, which are two different animals. One article I did read offered the tip that "Fogging of the lenses can be a problem when you're active. Some goggles are available with anti-fog coating. Others have side vents for additional ventilation." Readers -- any thoughts? Mama Monday, July 28 For Michele whose goggles are fogging up: At various sports shops that have this stuff called CAT CRAP and use spread it on the lenses and they wont fog up. I used it on my goggles riding and skiing. Angela Kosar (note from Mama: weird name, but it's a legitimate product! Here's one site that sells it.) Some eye glass cleaners have anti-fog ingredients that might be beneficial....be sure and check if they are ok to use on plastic lenses if the goggles/glasses do have plastic lenses. My husband just told me that another method to prevent fogging is to put shaving cream on the glasses/goggles....smear it on real good, and then gently wipe off excess. He said this is good for at least one day of wear. Bootygrandma (note from Mama: hmmmm. . . shaving cream -- it isn't just for . . . shaving . . . any more!) Monday, August 4 For Michele whose goggles are fogging up: I've never worn a pair of goggles that won't fog up . . . coated or otherwise. I have heard it suggested to rub saliva on the inside of the lenses. Rachel H. (note from Mama: I use this for my snorkel goggles! Sounds like it might be worth trying for any kind -- especially if it solves the problem!) Friday, August 8 For Michele whose goggles are fogging up: While we were on vacation this summer, hubby and I bought a small vial of eyeglass cleaner developed by a man named Frederick in Cherokee, NC. He demonstrated, and we have since proven, that using this product not only cleans eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles, but prevents the fogging up associated with going from a cool environment to a warm one. If anyone is interested, e-mail ajhall@psknet.com and I'll look up the address for you. The cost was $4. No Name (note from Mama: thanks!) Friday, August 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Helen, This DMOZ directory should link you to the majority of helmet manufacturers, mainstream and offbeat. Just make sure that whatever you choose is D.O.T. approved. Mama Monday, September 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jane, Tuesday, November 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Denise, Now, for damage control to the "look." The basic thought is containment, containment, containment -- not only for looks, but to keep the snarls at bay. Take a quick look at some of the products available that might help -- click on the link below and type in "hair" in the search engine at the upper left corner. See the hair glove? The bandana? The scrunchies? These all will help mold your hair into such a way that when the helmet comes off, the look is polished. Mia, the gal that tends to my hair (when I remember to get it trimmed) says that there is nothing but nothing to do except accept our hair fate and tame it into submission so that when the helmet comes off, you aren't futzing. A quick check in your bike's rear view mirror will confirm you look your sparkly best There are a gazillion products offered, so obviously I cannot list all the sites here. Mama From
the Associated Press (AP) Wires (and brought to my attention by VTwin Mama
sister Hondiana: In the 2 years before Louisiana's 1999 repeal, an average of 26 motorcyclists died in crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. In the 2 years after repeal, the average was 55 motorcyclists killed. In Kentucky, there were 24 motorcyclists on average killed in the 2 years before the 1998 repeal and an average of 38 motorcyclists in the 2 years after the repeal. Supporters of helmet laws say the government should punish states that don't require helmets, since the public often ends up paying medical costs for those injured in motorcycle accidents. 20 state and the District of Columbia require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Illinois has no helmet law. Rebuttal
from Phil Bohi at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.: But then let's consider reality: Not wearing a lid does not make you any more likely to be involved in an accident. It just makes it much more likely that the outcome of an accident will be worse. It's just common sense. But there are worse things than death. Imagine crashing while riding buck-naked. Ok, don't imagine that...... Having been in many crashes, and looking at my helmets afterwards, I can only imagine what damage my melon would have sustained. Then I look at my leathers........ouch. I support helmet laws because I believe people are generally stupid when it comes to "expression of freedom." I support safety training, tiered licenses (as in the UK and Japan) and insurance requirements. I don't want to pay for other peoples ignorance, or short-sightedness regarding the health of the industry and future of motorcycling. I just don't want my beloved sport to get jacked up for me, other riders, and future generations. Note from Mama: this is a super-charged issue but I thought you would like to see this latest "volley" of words. Monday, November 10 A couple of responses to Friday's "helmet" letter: It doesn't take a law for me to wear a helmet. I have a brain that tells me what to do. Red Sue (note from Mama: which are more protected with a helmet than without!) Just a quick observation regarding the oft quoted medical costs associated with not wearing helmets: Fact: If you have a bad "get off" wearing a helmet, you may survive. If you have a bad "get off" without a helmet, you probably will not survive. If you survive you may be badly injured and run up quite a large medical bill. If you do not survive you are obviously dead, and therefore have no medical bills at all. I have never seen the connection between rising medical costs and people who don't wear helmets. I believe there are just many people who have a phobic dislike of seeing motorcyclists not wearing helmets. How many car drivers would now be alive if they had been wearing helmets when they had that bad crash -- Millions I expect. I'd really like to see cage drivers with helmets, after all, it would be for their own good! And to Phil at Honda America, who believes that most people are generally stupid when it comes to expressions of freedom: There are plenty of countries in the world where people think just like you Phil. Perhaps you might be happier in say, Iraq? Kevin down under who has had a helmet exemption for many years (note from Mama: as I said, this issue definitely brings out strong opinions -- thanks for sharing yours!) Monday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, When riding avoid using any lip product that is glossy or flavored. The gloss will make you lick your lips and dry them out, not to mention catch any stray hairs. Any flavored gloss attracts bugs (even at 55 miles per hour) as well as most contain alcohol that will also dry your lips. After arriving at your destination make sure, you use a cleaning cloth to remove any road grime before applying you lip color. Avoid any of the 8 hour, semi permanent lips colors, as they will cause your lips to crack. Use a moisturizing lip color. Mary Kay has several wonderful products, a Triple Lip Enhancer, which lessens moisture loss, reduces the fine lines in your lips, and exfoliates. The Mary Kay Lip Balm has been proven to moisturized and protect for up to 6hours. Lastly, there is the Satin Lips, which is an overnight protector. See these and others at www.marykay.com/dshellhouse. The hell with the Pink Caddie -- I am shootin for the Pink Harley (aka Darlene (Dee) Shellhouse) Dear
Dee, Tuesday, November 11 Here's how I solved my hair smush problem. I cut my hair sooooo short! I nearly shaved my head, as you suggest : ) It's clippered over the ears and in the back at the hair line, then the top is cut so it will spike, styling spritz or no. Then when I reach the destination I simply go in the little girls room (the little boys won't let me play in their room) and wet it, paper towel it, run my fingers through and voila! No more smush! It looks great for riding or any other time and the upkeep is so minimal. I not only have a happenin' style but it looks fabulous as well. Everyone I know says they would love to wear their hair like mine but they don't have the nerve. Believe me...once you experience the ease of care you'll be spoiled and never go back to long hair. And no "tools" need be carried or packed. If you're like me, I don't want any more stuff weighing me down than necessary! Thanks so much, Mama, for a wonderful web site! I read it every day! We're all out there doing the same thing...having a great time and learning with every ride, along with a little help from our friends . . . and YOU! Rhonda (note from Mama: I have to admit that at the height of my skydiving years, I clipped my hair ultra short and it was ultra cute and easy to ignore and still look great. So I think this is not a completely off the wall suggestion for someone who is truly hating the hair futz thing!) Friday, November 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Thanks for this wonderful site! Every day I can't wait to get home from work to see what everyone has to say. This is my favorite site! Hopeful this site will get me through the long sad winter months of no riding. I am already looking forward for spring and adding new toys to my bike (like a radio and CB). Just
spent a fortune on porcelain crowns on my front teeth, now I need to
invest in a full face helmet to protect my investment! Anyone have
any favorite? Dear
Shorty, Too bad I couldn't find a fanny pack that converts to a purse with strap. I know with my fp I just elongate the strap and sling it over my shoulder if I want it to be more "purse" like. Help sisters! Tell me if you know where to get something like this 'cause the search engines just spit out garbage (the words are too common, ie leather, fanny pack, purse strap). As to helmets, well that's a subject that could get us going for a long time and quite frankly, what fits and works and just is the cat's meow for one person doesn't mean it will be for the next (it's the same thing with shaved heads -- it doesn't work for everyone! What I would suggest however, is to hit one of the many concentrated sources for helmets, starting with my specific Riding Gear - Helmets page (just scroll for underlined parts which are links), which includes the DMOZ directory link for every manufacturer of helmets. Some of those links are to articles about proper fit, etc. and what to consider. That would be a great place to start. Mama |
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