Thursday, February 7

Hi Petra,
How have you been??? ... it's been quite a while since we exchanged notes, but I remember with a smile that you mentioned you were very happy.

I have a lot of catching up to do at the VTwin Mama site, but the format looks great. I have referred many of my students to your website, but in PR not everybody is fluent in English, what a shame, they have English as a second language since first grade!!

I was wondering if you could add the reference to my website under Directories: Outside U.S. My page is www.endosruedaspr.com. I would really appreciate it !!

I upgraded from a Rebel 250 to a Suzuki 650. It's still a small bike, like the Rebel, but it has the right amount of power that I was lacking!!

All is well here, my school was finally certified by MSF, so soon we will be teaching the Basic Rider's Course. That has been the greatest achievement for my team of certified instructors. I am only an instrument that helped to make it all happen.

Thanks again for your wonderful and helpful page, your support to women bikers and to safe motorcycling in general. We are having lots of motorcycle accidents in PR, but then again, it is proportionate to the increase in sales of motorcycles in the last year, which has skyrocketed.

Lots of hugs and warm wishes, remember you have a friend here in PR... bring your bike and your boyfriend.. in fact, don't even bring the bike, you can rent one here!! Regards,  – Maria Hernandez

Dear Maria,
In many ways this is a more personal email to me, but I wanted to share it because it contains so many joyful things! Readers, Maria first contacted me back in early 2005 noting that she was a new rider. Since then she has asked questions, had her oopsies, shared information, and let me know the pathway motorcycling has brought to her.

I am sooooo proud of you Maria! You took your beginning riding experience, worked through the challenges, helped form a certified MSF school, and upgraded to a mid-size motorcycle for yourself. WOW!

So, I have given your site a listing on my Directories: Useful Sites: Outside of the U.S. page, but also as a special mention on my Get Started: National MSF listing page because those more comfortable in the Spanish language will be able to find useful information!

Keep up the good work! If any reader finds themselves planning a riding trip in Puerto Rico, please don't hesitate to contact me so I can put you in touch with Maria ... she would love to share the experience of riding in her beautiful country! – Mama

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Monday, February 18

Dear VTwin Mama,
I have just purchased my first bike! I have never ridden one before, and I do not know anybody who rides a motorcycle (except the salesman.) Basically my entire knowledge of bikes comprises of my (now) encyclopedic theory study from reading books, websites and youtube videos (can you believe people post instructional home-videos on how to ride motorcycles, et al?) so in theory I can do many things with my bike, including tuning the carburetor if I so please! However, I have zero practical experience, which I aim to change very soon with lots of practice.

How long did it take you to feel comfortable riding your first motorcycle? How might you overcome some of the problems I am currently facing? It seems the only option is to get a trailer, but with the enormous costs of getting my first bike & my first gear I can't afford to hire a trailer every time I need to take my bike to a parking lot. especially if I aim to practice a lot.

I love your website because it gives me a woman's perspective. most importantly, I feel more confident after reading through everyone's comments and questions. It's about time people stopped telling me what I CAN'T do (like they said I COULDN'T handle a motorcycle because I'm so small! hah!). I feel incredibly supported, so thank you. – Elena

Dear Elena,
Congrats on the purchase of your first motorcycle! I know how excited you are and that you've got to get a plan together on many levels.

Most motorcycle dealerships will ride that bike over to your abode so at least it's there for you! Call them up again (and of course you'll be driving that person back to the shop!).

If for some reason they won't do it, but you bought a Harley, ask them for the number to the head person of the HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter ... they may be able to assist you (and may have a Ladies of Harley group associated with that HOG chapter.

If you didn't buy a Harley or want a different pathway, then check for a women riding organization nearby by visiting my Women's Sites page ... there you will find listings for national level and independent riding groups. Make contact and tell them what you need. Or check my Let's Ride map and see if a VTwin Mama sister is in the area!

Don't be reluctant to make contact ... you're in need of a local support group as you progress through your learning curve!

Within these groups you'll also be able to attend a meeting, introduce yourself, and get some mentors. My guess is that they won't assist on bike practice unless you have taken a motorcycle riding course and have your license (which you don't mention, but may have already done).

With any luck, you'll then have a group who are willing to get your bike to the nearest empty parking lot so you can practice. If not, then you're stuck like I was ... on very early Sunday mornings, when traffic was at it's lowest, I ventured out, but had mapped out an exact plan to get to the nearest lot. One hour of practice and then back home before traffic had to be dealt with. Make sure you know the basics of picking up your bike so should you have a bit of an oopsie, you can handle it. Better yet, call upon a good friend who can be there while you practice in case you need help (this can be a non-riding friend!).

Comfort riding a bike is a function of practice time and to some extent, your own personal natural skill (yes, some have more than others in the beginning). The main thing here is to not hamper yourself with an artificial timeline, meaning set goals for mastering skills, but with the viewpoint on the skill learning, not how long it takes. It takes what it takes and be satisfied that that is ok! Who cares if it's a day, a week, a month, or more ... you are looking to be a skilled, confident, and safe rider that so blazing down the road is a joy! – Mama

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Friday, February 22

Dear Santana,
From this letter it's a bit hard to discern if you've taken the course already or not, mainly because in a course, the test would be done on the "learning" bike, usually a smaller 250cc size or something close, and administered by the course provider (typically the MSF). That's in a traditional national level course; it's possible you're taking instruction from a independent course provider or private instructor on a small bike or your own, meaning you would then take the DMV license test on your bike.

If you knew how many thousands of letters I've received from women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, you would be amazed! Some rode in their younger years and some are beginning the adventure for the first time. The age/sex/talent range of students in a class varies from class to class ... but most times it's made up of people who are nervous because they've never been on a motorcycle! They are looking for a friendly face, hoping that some humor will get them through the jitters, and an instructor with a kind but firm heart ... they are there to teach not to coddle too much.

The only laughing stock is the person who comes into the adventure in motorcycle riding, cock sure they know everything, won't have any problems, and mouth off to any one in position to offer opinions or advice. Somehow I sincerely doubt that fits your description!

Your husband has bought you a beautiful bike ... now, get out there in the course on a smaller one and maybe even consider buying a used smaller one for practice after the course ... lots of people spend up to a year practicing in parking lots and such before venturing out a bit on the roads.

With a course behind you, you would know all the drills you should then go back and do on the new bike! That's right, start all over again so that you begin to learn the specific things about the Harley. There are also lots of books and DVDs on the subject, so depending on whether you prefer to read to learn or watch to learn, there are tools available to help you visualize things before you even get started.

So, please write back if I managed to get your situation wrong ... we stand ready to assist in any way we can! And we won't be laughing ... we'll be smiling because soon you will be part of our 4 million strong group ... the women riders! – Mama

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Monday, February 25

For Santana who is 57 and going solo after years of pillion riding:

I took the MSF class a year and a half ago. There was a lady there who was 56. She dropped her bike, but, she got up and got back on. Then, at lunch, she tells us what she did and that was the reason she dropped the bike. We loved her!!!!! The instructors loved her!!! The instructors said that she was the example of a real trooper and that is what it takes to do this. She inspired me to keep at it; even though most of us was having problems too! So, it's not the age, but, the determination you have to ride. I still wonder what kind of bike she has now. I know from her determination, she is still riding. Go for it. You will do just fine. :) – Me&MyShadow (note from Mama: what a wonderful story to share ... there is enough inspiration to fuel a lot of others' dreams!)

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Tuesday, February 26

Hi VTwin Mama,
I am 49 years old and 5'0" tall. My husband has a Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic. He is very supportive of me getting my own bike. I went to a Motorcycle Training School and was dismissed because I could not keep up with the other class members. I was the only one who had never been on a motorcycle. The other people in the class (10 guys and one other woman), all had motorcycles and experience. I signed up for the beginners class thinking there would be more people like me. A Marine Sergeant was the instructor. The experience was frustrating, disappointing and embarrassing.

Where do beginners learn?

Also, I am interested in getting a bike that fits short women. Any suggestions? My pride is bruised, and though I am nervous about it, I still want to own and learn to drive a motorcycle. I have an excellent driving record in a car. I think with practice I would make a safe motorcyclist. Any suggestion on this? Thanks, – Pat

Dear Pat,
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! So many letters have come in from people learning to ride that speak about a class that did not meet their needs, instructors that had more bark than necessary, and a disappointment in the whole experience.

Yes, in this case, where does one then go for qualified instruction? I will assume you took an MSF course. What is not as well known is that "below" the Basic RiderCourse, some course providers offer a class that is deliberately kept smaller and allows students the time to work on every single detail in their own time (relatively speaking). They aren't offered by everyone, so I would look around your area for other course providers and see if they have this, or a women's only class coming up. And take the time to talk with the new instructor before hand.

Many people note that what helped them was to buy a cheap used 250cc bike and get some basic practice time in on their own, now that you've had some beginning drill work knowledge. Something to think about! At the same time, you can inquire about private lessons to get you started ... 

And I wouldn't dismiss the idea of contacting the local Harley-Davidson dealers to see who offers a Rider's Edge class. They'll use the Buell Blast (492cc), which is bigger, but I've heard that you may find a smaller class structure (but again, ask and also interview the instructor!).

As to bikes that fit shorter riders ... on my Motorcycles for Short Riders page, you'll find a list of bikes that note the rider's height and any modifications they made for proper fit. I'd start there to gain an understanding of what can be done. 

Sometime in the next month, I'll be announcing a new section on this site that will show bike makes/models with pictures of riders' sitting on their bikes by height, with notes as needed. It's a huge project, but one that will finally allow someone new to envision themselves on a bike before heading to the happy hunting ground of bike buying!

Now, toss that embarrassment away because you actually belong to a very important group of new riders ... the ones that have to search a bit more for the right instruction and must dig deep to try it again. Yes, you can do it! – Mama

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Wednesday, February 27

For Pat, whose first riding class attempt didn't go well:

Not sure where you are located, but if in Southern California, call me- I can help you as most of my students are short ladies who flunked the national riding school . Otherwise, call your local Honda dealer- their Gold Wing clubs often offer play days where senior riders may be asked if they are willing to assist you in learning to ride. – Dorathy at SoCal Real Riders (note from Mama: interesting note on the GWers ... I didn't know that!)

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Tuesday, March 4

More for Pat, whose first riding class attempt didn't go well:

Regarding the class you took where you were treated very rudely by the instructor. Please do not let that slow you down. I too am a 5' woman, 100 lbs. and I just rolled 7,000 miles over on my 2003 Dyna Low Rider. Granted, 7,000 miles probably isn't that much for a 2003, but I think for a newbie, that's pretty good.  

You can do this, you just have to want it very badly. I did, my husband thought I was crazy, he had never even been on a bike either!  He now owns a Fat Boy. I am the one that got this motorcycle obsession started and we are having the most awesome time together.  We just finished the "Tail of the Dragon"  ride in the Smokey Mountains,  in honor of my 50th birthday!  

I can only assume you didn't take the Harley Davidson New Rider class, because I just know they would never treat you that way. When I took it, they were so patient and helpful. Don't give up, hang in and take another class.  It is so well worth it!!! – Billie (note from Mama: thanks for letting Pat know that determination plays a key role in the beginning stages of the learning curve. And congrats on your own milestones ... joy is the measuring stick we should use in this adventure!)

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Wednesday, March 5

Even more for Pat, whose first riding class attempt didn't go well:

Me too! I just finished the course this weekend; did great on the stop and swerve; not so well on the u-turn and curve. Don’t be discouraged. I loved riding and have the confidence that I can do ok on the roads. Keep in mind that the bikes that we learn on are light and low. The whole thing is learning skills, like turn your head, the bike will follow, how to stop quick and down shift. At the same time, curves and my ultimate demise, u turns. Good luck, you’ll make it. – Leslie (note from Mama: all in baby steps, all in one's own personal timeframe, all with an understanding that learning is an adventure that is worthwhile!)

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Monday, March 10   Mentoring program being coordinated by Lace Wheels

Hello VTwin Mama,
My name is Sherry Walrath. I am the owner of Lace Wheels-Women and Motorcycles. We are working on a Mentor Program, getting women from every state to volunteer to help out a sister in learning to ride. Any help would be great. I enjoyed your site and think it is great. Ride safe, – Sherry

Dear Sherry,
This is an awesome idea! Count me in! – Mama

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Monday, April 14

Dear VTwin Mama,
I have been trying to get my license now for 2 weeks. I am taking a class but having a lot of trouble with the figure 8. I feel like my instructors just don't care that I'm having trouble. I took the test Saturday and blew it by 11 points. I took it again Sunday and blew it by three points because I blew the S curve. If I wouldn't have blown that I would have had a score of 13 instead of 23 . I also have a lot of problems with the figure 8. I have a bike but it is not registered yet. My husband tried to teach me and I dropped it so he sent me to class .I'm just getting so frustrated. I want to ride. I won't be on the road for a while but I just want to pass so I can ride. Do you know any place that I can watch the figure 8 over and over on the Internet like they teach in class? – Frustrated in Florida

Dear Frustrated in Florida,
Personally, I would take the written test with the DMV, get my learner's permit, register the bike, and get to a practice parking lot. Start with a steady duck walk drill (you have to get the friction zone of the clutch and the throttle coordinated).. The point is to walk your bike along at a steady pace (speeding up and slowing down means you're still not finding that perfect balance). When you come to the end of the area, duck walk the bike around in a u-turn. Do that until you're really good and sick of it and then do it some more. Do it every time you go to a practice session.

Then do big lazy loops and figure 8s. Take a look at this figure 8 video clip ... note how the rider jogs the front wheel just a wee bit to one side before entering the turn to the other side. That sets the bike up into what I call "the dance motion." You can try this in the big lazy loops.

Here is where your husband can help ... have him stand at one point, and as you make a turn, he can check your head position ... if you're not looking fully through the turn, the bike can't go there!

As you tighten up the turns, that's when you need that control/balance between the friction zone and the throttle that the duck walk exercise teaches you. The rear brake offers the final bit of speed control (never use the front brake, it'll tend to pull you down).

Here's an archived response letter from an instructor and one from a student ... I thinks it's useful to read through to jump start your desire to get this figure 8 under control! – Mama

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Thursday, April 17

Dear VTwin Mama,
I just stumbled upon this web site and I am so happy I did. I have been a passenger on the back of Harleys before but it wasn't until I rode on the back of a Yamaha Sport bike that I got the fever. It is weird because I didn't have the slightest interest before. I have only been thinking about buying a bike for myself a couple of weeks and so I am trying to take it slow and educate myself on what I am getting into. 

I am a very petite young woman standing 5'1" weighing in at 105 so my intimidation lies in the weight of a bike, not unlike most woman. After reading everyone's comments and suggestions I know now that when I walk into a class room to learn, I will not be alone in the feelings of intimidation. Thank you all for taking the time to share! – Texas Girl 26

Dear Texas Girl 26,
I'm so glad to hear that a visit to my site showed you, in your initial research phase, that you aren't alone and that any and all feelings you have as you move forward in your adventure are shared and understood.

How interesting that a sport-style bike became your catalyst, but I always say that there is a reason so many makes/models are offered in the marketplace ... what makes the heart sing is different for each of us!

Given the time of year, you may find that MSF classes are already filled ... make sure to get on the wait list, which they use if someone drops out of the schedule. Also, you can consider contacting the local Harley-Davidson dealers ... some offer MSF-based courses (Riders Edge) and use the standard style (looks sporty) Buell Blast. While it is a 492cc bike (compared to the 250cc used in other courses), you may find that more to your liking and I hear that the course can cost just a bit more, but sometimes you can get into a class quicker.

No matter what class you decide on, please make sure you visit them to see the bikes and sit on them ... at your height it can be difficult to get a good fit for leg-to-ground reach, which can make a difference in your initial experience.

Good luck with your upcoming choices ... learning is good and I know you're excited to be considering your future in the sport of motorcycle riding! – Mama

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Monday, April 21

Dear VTwin Mama,
I had to write you and say thank you ... that Figure 8 video link that you sent on the box helped. I went for my test again on Sunday and passed. I put my foot down but I didn't go out of the box. I scored a 10 . I got a 5 in the box and a 5 on the S curve. I had the same 2 instructors as when I took the class. They were the 2 best ones I had. I just wanted to say thank you. Now I can get use to riding mine. My goal is this time next year to ride my bike to the Leesburg Bike Fest. – Frustrated in Florida

Dear Frustrated,
This is excellent news ... congrats on passing your course and getting ready to practice on your own bike! And I love that you have a goal set that will allow you to learn at your own pace but still know that in the back of your mind you are working towards something that is of interest! – Mama

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Monday, April 28

Dear VTwin Mama,
Hi it's me again, Teala, Just dropping ya a note to say that I had my 600 VLX Honda out and I was sick to my stomach. I know this is just nerves and practice makes it better. So since I took my motorcycle course two years ago and didn't pass the drivers exam, I have decided to take it again. I'm all signed up for this weekend. I hope to get the nerves to subside so I can ride again. I know that having a new bike is making me nervous again too. But I feel I must give it a final try, hopefully next Monday I'll be informing ya that I have my license.  Our motorcycle season is so short here and I really want to ride my bike with no nervous butterflies. Wish me luck!!!! – Teala

Dear Teala,
Luck, luck, luck ... as requested! I think you're making one of the wisest choices by taking the course again ... many riders have reported that the second time around was truly useful in that they were mentally prepared for how the class would proceed and could concentrate on learning even more.

Nervous butterflies can either be helpful or hurtful ... too much and it causes us to freeze up, but just a little signals that we're working towards mastering a new skill and moving forward. Once one becomes more skilled, the butterflies can still appear, but now it's more about nervous anticipation. Preparing for a longer road trip would be one example!

Luck, luck, luck this weekend and remember to use positive visualization before the class ... see you and the bike in joyful harmony and chase any negative thoughts away immediately ... there's just no reason to prethink negative. Place a little slip of paper in your pants or jacket pocket that says VTWIN MAMA SAYS I CAN DO IT and pull it out whenever you have a moment of doubt! If anything, it may jumpstart your resolve if something isn't going perfectly the first time through again! – Mama

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Tuesday, May 6

From Teala who was taking a riding course for the 2nd time and a bit nervous:

As promised, here's my update. Yes, I passed my second  NBSC course with flying colors and I took my own Honda VLX 600 Shadow to be tested on. After some coaching from my instructors, I DID IT!. I got my big Lic, with my own bike, What a Rush!!!!!!!.  It just goes to show that 'ya can't give up!! If you want it bad enough.

I love the course so much I helped coach a few people that felt the way I did 2 yrs ago, Out of 9 students, 7 passed and 3 didn't think that they could, but I talked them into doing it. That was a greatest feeling ... helping someone that was were I once was.

So tomorrow I'm putting two new sneakers on and I hope to be out tomorrow night relaxing and enjoying the freedom. Thanks Mama!  I did write a "coach note" that you suggested and I'll always keep it in my jacket. Mama, you're right, I can do it and I did. – Teala (note from Mama: congrats and yahoo to you! Remember to take on challenges in steps so that you don't get overwhelmed and lose confidence! Readers, the coach note Teala mentions is a little slip of paper you put in your pants or jacket pocket with a positive saying like "I Can Do It" or "Work Towards Your Goals and Dreams" or whatever you want. Whenever you have a moment of doubt or butterflies, you pull it out and give yourself a mini boost!)

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