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Video: how cars see/don't see riders |
2001Thursday, July 26Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Jo, Now, I always thought that Abate was a great organization when it came to representing individual areas in terms of legislation and such, so I'm not sure if one should really follow the other (i.e. safety program, legislative representation) in terms of support. But then, that's a personal assessment, as in can you believe in a president/ congressman/representative's ability to represent your best interests, as well as your state or country, when they can't stay faithful to marriage vows or keep it in their pants. I mean, what is up with that noise? Whack his pee-pee (of course I can't remember where I got this from so I can't acknowledge the author, although I think it originally came from a Cheech and Chong album!) But I digress -- we need input on the Abate safety riding course. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Gail, Dear VTwin Mama, Readers, I recently met up with Amy and we had a chance to sit down and talk about lots of aspects of riding. I noticed right away she has a practical outlook on things. So when the question came up about riding courses, I appealed to her to give us her insight as both a MSF student and now as a course instructor. It's good stuff! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, In my own humble opinion, I think you need to stay out of traffic for awhile yet -- that adds too many new components and you're not able to concentrate on your riding technique. If you live in a busy area, stable the bike(s) at a friend's house out in the country or something similar to that. Then practice, practice, practice. Dropping a bike is like a rite of passage -- it ain't pretty, but there it is! You would be hard pressed to find any rider who hasn't done it at least once. The problem with your new bike as I see it, is that the newness is worrying you ,so again, you're not concentrated on the job at hand. Get the 250 out, pad your body, find an isolated area and practice, practice, practice. The movements of the bike and your body have to flow as one single entity. If the instructors in your two previous attempts didn't clue you in as how you can work toward strengthening your riding skills, go back to them and have a heart to heart. As for recouping your nerve, eliminate the distractions, focus on the basics, make them second nature to you, and then slowly ease your way into adding new challenges. Have you considered private lessons? What is your motivation for riding solo? Examine what it is you truly wish and then aim straight for it. We're behind you 100%. – Mama Tuesday, August 7 Dear VTwin Mama, I started with a 500 Honda Shadow and now have your bike - the Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic. Nerves??? Boy yeah! And I know that when you have them, you REALLY have them! Carrie, I've been exactly where you are. Trust me ... Mama said it "practice, practice, practice." I'll add to that: talk, talk, talk. I've found that the more I've vocalized about my problems, the easier they get to handle. It really is a lot in your head. Read magazines and websites specifically for women riders, watch m/c shows on TV, go to m/c shops and just look at the bikes, DO bike stuff. AND take that course again ... and again ... and again, if necessary. Practice until you're comfortable on the Virago. Stay on the back roads .. don't worry about getting comfortable in traffic yet. Get used to the "little" traffic you get on the secondary roads first, the rest will come easily. Oh, when you are
comfortable enough to move "up" to the V-Star, you will love it.
It's heavier - so it is better to handle - it's a terrific bike.
Good luck and stick with it. Just use your head and take your time. –
Barb Thursday, August 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Well let me tell you the first full day of the riding
class. I was mentally and physically exhausted ! Is was really
hard to try and master all the different techniques -shifting, stopping,
turning...wow...I really had a lot to learn. But I hung in there and
went at my pace and each time I rode, I became more confident. I passed
the test and am now riding an 883 Hugger Sportster and Love it. I plan on
taking the course again next year....just as a refresher ....I highly
recommend it. !! –
Frances Monday, August 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Well that was the first thing, then she said she was having problems with the gears on the bike, so the instructors were trying to adjust the bike etc. The second day she said she was ok but very nervous...I bet! They passed her and she dropped her bike that her and her hubby are sharing for now, she not only dumped it once but twice. And she told me that when the instructor passed her he told her to do a lot of practicing before she hits the main roads. He told her to stay on the back roads. She is having problems with left turns, she says she is afraid to turn from a stop. Then she also claims that the class taught the students that when you are being followed by another car etc, to get over to the right as far as you can and let them go around. I told her that was a bad idea. I maintain my lane closest to the center line, or middle depending on the road, and make them from behind pass me in the passing lane. I never give some one the opportunity to share my lane. It is my lane and mine alone. But back to the story of this gal getting passed. I am shocked to think any instructor would pass her with those problems. You see here in Wisconsin, if you pass the course you don't need to go through a riding test with a state examiner. I really believe had she had the guy who put me through the hoops, she would be going back to another class. It bothers me to think that they would pass someone who is afraid of turning, etc. Then when we read in the newspaper so and so was killed on a BIKE, maybe we should look at this. Are they really ready to be on the roads??? Can they handle obstacles in their way??? Hey I am all for tougher instructors, or in this woman's words to me, "When I did not understand what they were teaching too bad, they moved onto the next thing." Hey if they would have worked with her on her turns etc, and her fears, maybe I would be sleeping right now instead of e-mailing you. his upsets me to think they would give her the ok when they tell her hey work on it at home. But your good to go. BS, excuse my French. And the woman who said Abate doesn't pass women riders, well maybe it just happened to be that way at that point. But you know, control is very important when you're on 2 wheels. I pray that the woman who told me this story is safe when she rides. I feel sorry for her, she started out on the wrong foot. I think she needs to have someone go through some techniques with her. I offered to have her follow me in her car. I offered her some help. I would like to go kick that instructor in the $#$%^ butt. He ( A MAN) should be fired. In fact I put a complaint in with his program. He runs the show I wonder how far my letter will get. Or was HE trying to make a fool out of her??? Hey I started out on a Harley Hugger 883. But I still stick to my belief that I could have started on my Road King. But that is just my opinion. I think a woman who has never, I mean never rode a bike with a motor of any kind start out with what she is sized for. I don't mean that to be nasty. If you are strong, have coordination, have strong legs ( you will need legs if you own a Road King and you park on a down slope and need to pull that baby back a few feet to get out of your parking spot). A good way to get the feel for first timers, find a bike shop, one that will let you sit on some bikes, and sit on them and just get the feel from the seat. Have someone go with you, have them be there if you want to stand the bike upright from the kick stand, and see if your feet touch the ground. I mean really touch...I had Bad Betty ( my Road King's name) lowered 2 inches, cost me about$1200. But it was worth every penny. I am 5 ' 7" and I have a 30 inch inseam. But my feet are planted firmly on the ground when I stop. And this as you know is very important, more important then the color. Control from the road up. I like a Road King, it has a very velvety suspension. My hubby hates that word. But it is smooth as velvet. It handles very well in the rain. The center of gravity is super. The balance point is great. But it turns wider then a Hugger or even my hubby's Heritage Classic. But a Road King is a TOURING BIKE, the frame is longer, and you'll notice that in the turns. It is not enough to hamper you though, just takes a few turns to get use to it. I had the handle bars changed, they are lower and closer to me. That also is important, again -- CONTROL. I suggest a woman start out a bike shop, sit on some bikes. And you know we are so smart we will find the perfect bike for ourselves. Another good idea, go to some club gatherings, sometimes they have bikes to sit on and test drive. But only if you have a license. And ask other women, any woman in my area who is interested in buying a bike can come to see mine, and sit on Bad Betty. Or they can call me (920) 842-2506 ask for Jo Ann. I would be more then happy to share my advice. I could go on for hours about Harleys. Please advise any woman out there to not be angry if they fail the course from Abate. They could end up like this gal I told you about. She has a license but is afraid to make turns. Bad news for any woman on a bike. The one thing I know that riding bike did for me was to
build confidence. And by being afraid of it, this only will make you think
you can't do it. The other advise I have is where you look your bike will
go, so please keep your eyes on the road. – Jo Ann
Falash Sure, you yearn for the open road and the wind in your face. But you've got to be alive to feel all of that! Don't let me hear that you've gotten cocky about your riding 'cause I want you visiting the website and reading the newsletter. You should be sharing your goals, dreams and advice -- not your eulogy. – Mama Tuesday, August 14 Dear VTwin Mama, I had a bike lined up already, but I was getting impatient and somehow convinced my husband into buying the bike early so that I could practice learning the 'friction zone' in our driveway. On May 12th, my workout buddy dropped off my newly purchased 1996 Harley Davidson Sportster Hugger. It went straight into the garage and there it was going to stay, until I passed the MSF course. Occasionally, I would visit my bike in the garage, start it up, sit on it and visualize myself cruising down an open road. I even managed to drop the bike one day - no damage to the bike, major damage to my psyche. LOL Once I had that bike sitting in my garage, I knew that there was simply no way that I could wait until July 21st! I started showing up at classes in April - trying to get in as a 'walk-in'. On my third attempt, I struck gold! I got into a class that began on June 2 and continued on the 3, 9, and 10th. The first day was all classroom work, but that didn't matter to me. I was too excited just to be in the class! However, things ended on a much different note on the second day of class. We spent the entire day on the range, learning basic skills and executing simple exercises. But that day proved to be the most challenging day of the course for me. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do anything right. Talk about a BLOW to my confidence!!! I drove home from that class in tears! I kept telling myself that there was NO WAY I would ever pass that test next week. My attitude was so negative, my self-confidence was at an all-time low - I had convinced myself that I would fail after spending only 6 hours of my entire life on an old, cruddy, 125cc piece of crap! I was feeling sorry for myself and crying on every available shoulder I could find! As day 3 of the class neared, something 'clicked' inside my head. I had decided to look at things with a more positive attitude and outlook - boy what a difference that made! Even my MSF instructors noticed a BIG difference in my riding skills from the previous class. I was determined to carry this new-found confidence into the next day - TEST DAY! I arrived an hour early on the last day of class - I wanted to test ride all the bikes in order to select one that I was the most comfortable on. I made it through the first exercise on the test, weaving through the cones, flawlessly. However I bobbled during the next exercise, which was a sharp left turn. I aced everything else (including the written exam) except for the braking exercise - I overshot the stopping distance by 3 feet. My total score was an 8 - a perfect score would have been zero, with 20 being the cutoff for passing. All in all, I think I did well - much better than I ever expected. I went to the DMV the next day to get my license changed to add the "M" class. Since getting my "M" class on June 11th, I've
only put on roughly 600 miles on the bike. I'm hoping to add a few hundred
more by the end of riding season. I went on my very first long group ride
a few weeks ago. It was scary, exciting, wonderful, relaxing - it was a
fantastic learning experience! I logged over 230 miles on that ride - a
major milestone for me! It wasn't until we were on our way back home, that
it hit me....that feeling of freedom, that sense of feeling like I really
'belonged' out there...I just kept thinking to myself "This...this
feeling right here...THIS is what it's all about!" I still have lots
to learn, and I'm taking things at my own leisurely pace. I'll get there
soon enough...in the meantime, I'm loving every minute of this journey! –
Linda from Riverside, IL Well there you have it VTwin Mamas -- it's all about attitude, the good kind, not the negative, whiny, I'm never going to make it, you suck, what was I thinking kind. And then there is practice, practice, practice. I know since we all left school we thought tests were behind us, but as adults we should remember that they exist for a really good reason -- to give us a measurable goal that helps us understand not only what we've mastered, but more importantly, what we haven't. Meanwhile, sometime soon, the summer issue of Motorcycle Madness is going to hit the mailbox of all subscribers (here's the website to subscribe), in which I detail some True Confessions of a VTwin Mama. This is the start of a column I'm putting together, where riding confessions are made on a variety of subjects, that cover not only the serious, but the funny as well. Keep an eye out for it! – Mama Thursday, August 23 Hey VTwin Mama, I have not gotten my license because I don't feel that I am ready to ride solo. I practice with my husband and my mother in-law every chance I get. I don't agree with the Abate course 100% but I learned a lot more from them than I ever will form the DMV. They are now changing it so you have to take an obstacle course through some of the Harley shops before you can get your license in Colorado. Which is were I live but, it's only some of the towns that are doing this. Ladies if you feel you are getting gypped on your training you probably are. If you feel that the place you have gone to for training is not teaching you what you need to know, go some place else! I know that it is very expensive to go to the courses, and its a real pain to take the time off to take the class. But it's more of a pain to drop your new $10,000.00 Harley and take the time off to stay in the hospital because some guy told you you passed just to make himself look good. Be careful out there if you don't feel comfortable on
your bike, practice until you do -- in your driveway, in a parking
lot, out in the country -- wherever you can, whenever you can. Keep
the rubber side down and the sunny side-up -- ride safe to all. –
Jo Dear VTwin Mama and Amy C, However, by the end of June I went to the DMV, took my written test (missed only 1), and got my learner's permit. On July 15th I brought a 1996 Honda Shadow VT600 in like-new condition, with a little under 4000 miles, she's a beauty. I live where there are lots of back roads around Atlanta and a school with a huge campus nearby. My husband rides the bike to the school for me, then I start driving to the school and he'll follow behind in the truck. Now I go by myself and a few other places. Amy C, am sure you are going to "beg the different", but the MSF course is really not for someone who has never, ever ridden a motorcycle of any type, it is a hard course. I personally feel a person needs at least 2-4 months of riding before they take that course. I did learn a great deal, it changed the way I drive my car (cage) now. I feel everyone that applies for a driver's license should take some type of motorcycle training, at least the written test. It will make them more aware of their surroundings. Side note: I just found this site two days ago and absolutely love it. This is my favorite motorcycle site, I have learned so much from Mama and others. I came up with the name "TuG" for my motorcycle when I
noticed at the end of each journal entry (I keep a journal of my rides) I
wrote "Thank you God", because I made it back home without an
incident. So I transformed "Thank you God to "TuG". That's
my motorcycle name! When I get my second bike which will be a Yamaha
V-Star 650 or 1100, am going to get her name in a personalize license
plate "TuG". But that is a few years, lots of miles, and
hopefully not too many bumps down the road. -Be Safe & Rubber Vertical –
TuG I love your idea of the journal, recording your trips and what happened along the way -- I'd give anything to be able to go back 22 years and read my first entries, but alas, I didn't have your insight on that! So you just keep motoring on TuG and we'll be sure to notice! – Mama Tuesday, August 28 Dear VTwin Mama, There was genuine concern on the part of all towards meeting the needs of the growing female motorcycling population, particularly in the area of tailoring motorcycle riding and safety training to best suit women riders. I had the pleasure to meet many enthusiastic and positive female and male instructors from around the country that are genuinely interested in encouraging new VTwin Mamas! I thought you all would like to know that folks ARE
paying attention to us and our needs, everything from motorcycle apparel
to classes specially tailored for us. If anyone would like to know more or
would just like to drop me a line and say "hi" please e-mail me
at Savviecat@aol.com. –
Amy C. Tuesday, September 4 Dear VTwin Mama, If we messed up, we practiced the technique again. If we
were having specific problems, he would hold you out for a little of your
lunch break and work with you one-on-one. But I have heard there are some
instructors that are like Marine drill sergeants in their teaching
techniques which can be extremely intimidating to potential new riders. My
advice would be to check in your local yellow pages to see if someone
teaches riding privately and then try the course again. I noticed that TuG
was from Georgia, as I am, and I would be happy to share my experiences
and information with her. Mama, you can share my e-mail address with her
if you wish. Thanks. – Sharon If others are looking for sympathetic women in their area to help get started, solve a riding issue or learn more about riding, visit the Women on Wheels organization. They have a listing of women by state and city that are willing to help. – Mama Thursday, September 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Sidenote: My husband is so supportive, when I got home with the news, I got lots of hugs, kisses, and tears from him. Thanks a "bizillion" for having such a great website where female motorcyclist can share their lows, highs, and everything in between. So when and where is the VTwin Mama rally? Be safe –
TuG A VTwin Mama Rally? Hmmmm. . . well, let's keep that one in mind and some day our efforts may grow to a crescendo and we'll have enough for . . . a really big BBQ! Let's dream really big and envision a worldwide event where women post their journey to the "rally" via the Internet . . . it's just so juicy to think about. But we're worth it. – Mama Thursday, October 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Needless to say I had to slam on some
brakes and throw a foot down quick. I had a few choice words as well
(hoping they could read lips in their rearview) but managed to stop and
get bike upright before it fell over. This maneuver is totally in thanks
and gratitude of my instructors at the MSF course. If there is anyone
thinking of not taking the course, reconsider. Their knowledge and
experience just saved my bacon. I've put almost 3,000 miles on my bike and
am still learning and practicing. – Becky Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Cami, It's a little late in the season, so I'm not sure if a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course would be available to you until next spring, but hop on their website for more info. Also, lots of times, motorcycle shows are held in the winter, so if you are in or near a big city, check with the local shows and conventions center to see. That's a great opportunity to look at all kinds of bikes and sizes and sit on them! Visit the Women on Wheels website to find women in your area who are willing to correspond with you one on one --- it's a great confidence booster and they'll be able to answer lots of questions specific to your local area. Also, check the links in the next letter (Monday, November 19) for articles in Woman Rider magazine that pertain to beginner bikers. Another great resource is the Motorcycle Madness website. You can read through the VTwin Mama archives for specific subjects and also some great links. Learning to ride is all about proper instruction and the knowledge that the lesson is never over, safe riding is the result of using your brain at all times, comfortable riding is a combination of your body, body strength and bike choice, and happy riding is in your heart. It takes a bit of everything to make a good ride and a great rider. Good luck to you Cami. Lots of new riders start writing a journal to chronicle their path, something that may be of interest to you too. Visit us often and ask as many questions as you would like. That's why VTwin Mama is here! – Mama Wednesday, November 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Michele, Dear VTwin Mama, My five rules to motorcycling in order: Dear TuG, Dear VTwin Mama, I am 42 years old and have never owned a street bike until two months ago. I too, would always check out the bikes who rode up next to me at a stop light as I sit in my car wishing that was me. Until one day I said why not, and I went out and bought a new 2002 Honda Shadow 750 Spirit. I went out and checked out every bike that had been made, yes even a Harley, and I do love the Harleys but decided on a Honda Shadow. The 750 is light, only 504lbs with a full tank of gas, and only 25 inches seat height, I'm 5'3 and did not have to have the bike lowered, and both feet plant on the ground. What a great bike for my first, performance is awesome, and so easy to ride. When I went in to buy it, I had no bike license or permit at all, and I had them deliver it to my house. The next day I went to get my motorcycle permit and passed so now I was nervous about my first ride, but I did it and within one week I put 154 miles on it. I am still very cautious when I ride but once you do it you will be hooked. I just signed up for the Toy run here in my city, so I'm excited about riding with another 5000 bikes. A little more advice about the bike you choose, don't let anyone put you down for what you decide to buy. A few of my friends who ride (mostly the guys) ask me why I didn't buy a Harley, and I tell them its not what you ride as long as you ride. I love my Shadow, its a beautiful bike, and I'm not afraid to ride next to any Harley, so come on girl you can do it too. I wish you the best, and get that bike, if I can do it so can you. You Go Girl – Kathy Dear Kathy, Friday, November 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Oh, that's right, it's us ! ! ! – Mama Tuesday, December 4 Dear VTwin Mama, The only reason that I stop riding for awhile is because I stopped to have a family. Now both kids are also interested in riding. My husband also rides. My son is old enough to get his own and my daughter is riding behind my husband. So you see riding a motorcycle is a lifetime experience. So PRACTICE PRACTICE. – Bikemom Dear Bikemom, Friday, December 7 Dear VTwin Mama, A thousand miles later we bought the Harley Sportster 1200 Sport ( I wanted a lower cruiser style, but was persuaded to get the sport bike), about the same weight as the BMW, but lower center of gravity. The Sporty and I got along much better, I actually would take it out alone. I still wasn't comfortable, but was getting better at riding and understanding what I really wanted. Six months and 1700 miles later we bought a Honda Magna. This was much more comfortable, both in fit and for riding. After another 1000+ miles and one long weekend riding through the White Mountains, I went back to Harley and sat on a Softail Deuce. It was love at first sight, but how long was the wait going to be. One week later (1 year ago) I picked up my Deuce and have been enjoying it ever since. I won't be giving this one up for a long time. I have to admit, when I drove it off the lot, I wondered "What did I get myself into, this is a monster!". By the time I arrived home 3 hours later, first time on the highway and riding at night, I didn't want to get off. Now, I forgot to mention that I am now almost 56 years young. My son is now 17 and rides his own motorcycle. The 3 of us go riding together as often as we can. I firmly believe it has been the best thing we could have done as riding has kept the family together (not many 17 year old boys enjoy spending so much time with Mom and Dad). This year we all attended the Experienced Riders Course and I passed with flying colors on my Deuce. It sure helped me gain confidence and learn to maneuver a big bike in small areas and slowly. Another great adventure and learning tool is Track Day. I bought a Buell ST3 (again with persuasion from the guys) to ride at track days. It was a little to high, so we had it lowered. Well, I bottomed out at the Track, fortunately I kept the bike up, but it sure did scare me. I took the rest of the day much slower in that turn, but had a great time anyway. My cornering skills increased as I repeatedly rode around the track for the whole day. This is a great way to perfect your skills for street riding in a controlled environment. I found I didn't really like the Buell and bought a Ducati Monster 900 City. My Monster and I have ridden almost 1000 miles in the last 2 months. After this experience, I would never buy a bike again that I didn't try first (Buell vibration made my hand go numb) nor one that I have to alter to touch ground solidly and I'm not short (5"7'). This fall we went to Canada with the HOG Chapter, the Canadians rode much faster than I was used to and to my surprise I was very comfortable because of my day at the track. It was a great experience riding with the group and enjoying the commradery. The country was beautiful, although very cold (28 one morning). Then the next weekend we rode with the Ducati group, they made track day seem slow, but it was fun. I'm looking forward to many more rides with both groups and more track days to refine my skills. My final advice would be like TuG's: My five rules to motorcycling in order: Sorry, didn't mean to make this so long, I do hope everyone can enjoy this as much as I do now. Enjoy, be patient and never stop learning through the rider courses, reading and practice. Ride Safe – 2B4W (2bikes4wheels) Dear 2B4W, Monday, December 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Finally, while following him home from the dealer (who had installed a windshield), I said to myself, either I ride or it goes. I took it back out onto the interstate for one exit and that was it. I was hooked, and I have logged over 1100 miles since early September. I'm no spring chicken, nor old and gray, but pushing the limits once in a while is good for the soul as well as self esteem. Keep at it and once you find the bike that fits like a custom made glove, you'll never get off. Wishing you the best of luck and happy riding. – Rita Dear Rita, Wednesday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cami, |
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