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Thursday, September 27

Dear VTwin Mama,
My name is Debbie. You offered me your card in Reno this last weekend (Street Vibrations rally in Reno, NV). So I thought I'd write and say what an awesome time I had. We were staying in Donner/Truckee with friends, but next year I want to stay right in Reno so we can enjoy and have more time without having to ride back at night. I'm a rookie as you can see. My husband just bought his 200l Standard Softail and his buddy just finished his Custom, so it's on the road for us.

I TOTALLY messed up my calf. I was trying to look damn cute and comb my hair in the mirror after I got off the bike and I leaned right up against the hot pipe. You should see my leg -- see what happens when you try to be cute! Vanity will get you nowhere and payback is hell!!!! 

Well I don't know what to do with this burn. Was thinking I might just cover it with a tattoo lol when it heals, IF it heals, damn it hurts, plus my husband yelled at me for not watching what I was doing. Oh well, that's life with a husband of 23 years. What's a lady to do!!! 

You have a great website and its fun reading all!!!!! Smiles to ya. – Debbie from San Francisco

Dear Debbie,
Can you hear me chuckling in the background? That's because your letter brought back a 20-year-old memory of when I burned my leg on an exhaust pipe for the first (and hopefully last) time. Yikes, that hurt soooo much for soooo long. Of course, if yours is especially big and bad, then definitely seek professional medical attention.

I don't recall that I was trying to look in the mirror, but I'm sure I was doing something equally nonsensical and it's just one of those lessons that you learn the hard way. I'll bet you donuts to dollars that more than half of the women reading this column today are going to grimace as they remember there own experience with the big, bad, boiling hot pipes. So don't feel alone -- we share all sorts of the trials and tribulations that a biking woman faces. Welcome aboard!  – Mama

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Wednesday, September 26         Fund Raiser Notice

The AMA is selling special T-shirts to raise funds for two specific organizations that are helping disaster victims in New York. Go to: http://www.amadirectlink.com/index.asp and click on the September 19th article that tells you all about it.

Wednesday, September 26        Rally Notice (Australia)

The 15th annual MOONDYNE rally sponsored by WIMA Victoria is coming up this November 24th and 25th in Australia. Here's the website address for more information, maps and stuff: http://www.wima.org.au/vic/.

Tuesday, September 25

Dear VTwin Mama,
I would like to take exception to your reply to Brandon about changing gears (see original question). You told her that it was rudimentary. Well it isn't -- that is the one thing that almost made me quit trying to learn how to ride because I could not get my hand and foot coordinated to work together. In fact I failed the MSF course the first time I took it because of the gearing difficulty. Fortunately, my mentor Phil would not let me give up. Finally after a lot of practice and hard work I finally got things together and learned to listen to my engine to tell me when to change gears. Even after riding seven years, I am still not great with the coordinating. 

I think you should have told Brandon to take the MSF course and if she failed it to take it as many times as necessary and not give up or let anyone talk her out of riding. Find a road or parking lot with little traffic and practice, practice, practice!!! – Bobbye

P.S. Also I would love to have a big motorcycle flag similar to the ones that people hang out on the side of their houses. I know you are in the know of the motorcycle world and thought you might know of a company that makes such flags. I want one that is not brand related, just a generic motorcycle.

Dear Bobbye,
As Ann Landers, my idol, would say, I deserve a wet noodle lashing for not fully considering all the angles to the question of how to change gears. You are right -- just because I didn't experience this coordination snafu, doesn't mean that others don't. After all, riding in gravel still sets my teeth on edge and others might not consider this a major biggee.

Your response is much more caring and understanding and I appreciate that you took the time to set me straight. This is how we learn. 

As for the motorcycle flag question, I found this one:


American Flag with Motorcycle! 3' x 5' polyester for $13. Click below and scroll down to Novelty, Miscellaneous and choose the Motorcycle/USA model.

 

Readers, do you have any other sources for generic motorcycle flags that hang from the house? – Mama

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Monday, September 24

Hi VTwin Mama,
Just a short note from Vermont and some of the wave effects from our national tragedy. I own a small motel in Vermont and last night had a couple of women bikers (40ish, my age) came and checked in. I dried their clothing for them as it was raining pretty good out and when I returned their clothing to them got a chance to talk bikes, and  discuss tricks and tips, and funny experiences and about the other women riders we have met, and know. 

I looked up where they were from and it is very very close to Manhattan so I know their lives were affected and they were just looking to get away. I didn't ask any questions, I think a lot of folks will never forget, they just need  to find some quiet places to heal from all this sudden shock and trauma.  I hope we can provide that whenever we meet up with these folks, that need help~ reassurance that our lives have changed, yes, but there is still good old America out there with us all standing shoulder to shoulder, to provide, protect and honor.

(Note later that day) I just had those two ladies (Tina and Sharon) in for coffee, they brought up the events that have changed all our lives~ the two of them are policewomen and also Blue Knights.  First they were manning boats to get people across the river~ then they were there lugging buckets, and watched in horror as people wandered into the site picking up "souvenirs"  (and got arrested, YEAH!) it was then made into tight security, it is hallowed ground, not a tourist attraction with only police, firemen and other secure authorities who prove their identity getting in. Our conversation was very moving and my mom and I both wept. We will all go on, like these ladies, never forget, but learn to live again~ just differently, more securely and with a ear to the rail

Now that we are going to war, those quiet places will be harder to find, all the more reason for us to help on the homefront, to clothe and feed, to look out for anyone who needs anything. Our humanity is our only hope. Ride safe, ride strong. – Jes

Dear Jes,
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience talking with women riders who were on the frontlines of what can only be described as a battleground. We've all been personally touched in one way or another by these tragic events and it will take our courage and conviction to see us through the coming months and maybe even years. – Mama

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Friday, September 21

Hi VTwin Mama,
You said you wanted to know of any motorcycle groups that are doing anything specific for the people of New York. The Dallas Area Motorcycle Group (D.A.M.N) is offering T-shirts for $20 to their local area members with the proceeds going to the Police and Fireman's Fund. – Alana G. Owen

Dear Alana,
I e-mailed Dave, the man who is doing the T-shirts, and he confirmed that he only has the capacity to print these up for local DAMN members. However, he is willing to e-mail the images to anyone who is interested in doing the same thing for their area so I've copied the images from their site so VTwin Mamas could see immediately what was available. I love it! 

Just email Dave at av8rdave@earthlink.net and he'll give you more info. Thanks Alana for bringing this to our attention. I think that anyone who listened to the President's speech last night will agree that both eagles reflect everyone's feelings. – Mama

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Thursday, September 20

Dear VTwin Mama,
Hi, this is the Webbhead from Youngstown, Ohio. Our local Vietnam Vets' chapter has started a blood and nonperishable drive and have offered to go over there and help beat the #### out of the terrorists. Their words were, "What better people to do the job than ones who have seen the hurt in more than one way." Although that is probably not possible, their heart is in the right place, and I for one, am right beside them. 

In all that everyone does, may God Bless us all in this terrible time, and may we keep on giving to all in the rest of our lifetimes.  – Vicki Webb, aka Webbhead

Dear Vicki,
Yes, the veterans of previous wars and other nasty battles know what it truly means to be on the frontlines and what potentially lies ahead for us. I know that most of us would give anything if we could ensure that the right people and countries will be held accountable for these acts. As important is that the world rallies around this act of terrorism and uses it as a catalyst to act as an international force to root out terrorism all together.

Our President is speaking tonight and I hope that everyone takes the time to hear his message. I know that I may have to make tough economic choices to stretch my money in the coming months. The ranks of the unemployed is going to grow horribly and it is scaring me. 

Meanwhile, it's chin up, brave smile, watch over yourselves and your families and we'll make it through this. – Mama

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Wednesday, September 19

Dear VTwin Mama,
What's up with the quotes from women you used on Monday and Tuesday? What happened to the questions, responses and observations? – Curious

Dear Curious,
The attack on America is what happened. I had enough input to post through Friday the 14th (as gathered from the previous week), but then we ran out. I think lots of people have much more important things to think about since the events of last Tuesday. But don't worry -- we'll start flowing the normal forum stuff through as soon as it picks up again. Meanwhile, I thought women's quotes would fit the space nicely. – Mama

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Tuesday, September 18

Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.

                           
    - Doris Lessing

Monday, September 17

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
                           
    - Catherine Aird

Friday, September 14

Dear VTwin Mama,
This is just a little response to Leslie's letter of Sept. 5. I too have had my share of problems on hills. Every time I'd go on a ride I would constantly worry about coming to a hill somewhere. My husband was always good about pulling up beside me & telling me what to do, or where to pull up and stop, or go ahead of me to check out traffic, then I'd slow and go on through. 

When riding in our HOG group on day, I watched one experienced female rider ahead of me on a very steep hill. That's it!!! I realized after she stopped, she put her right foot back up on the brake. She held her bike in place with the foot brake, which freed up the hand brake, so all she had to do was give it gas and ease off the foot brake at the same time. It took some practice, but now when my husband tries to help me, I smile and say, it's o.k., I'm fine. (By watching experienced female riders, I realized what I was looking for). Your website is cool, keep up the good work. – Teresa

Dear Teresa,
Thanks for the "atta girl" Teresa -- I truly appreciate you letting me know that VTwin Mama and the advice forum is of value to you, and that taking time to share and participate is important to you. 

You've shown us another method for handling the stops at the top of a hill, any hill, which women riders can try for themselves. I think the main emphasis should be that every women rider needs to practice and coordinate steep hill stops on level ground first, gradually moving to inclines and trying out their new techniques to see if they "hold water." Consistency is the key here -- if you have a plan in mind exactly how you will stop and get going again, you can eliminate (for the most part) the worry (as Teresa is now demonstrating to her husband!). 

It's just like deciding what to do when a semi truck is approaching on a two lane highway -- most of us move to the far right of our lane and brace for the wind shock if it happens and possible flying dust, pebbles or other debris. This is just common sense to know the obstacles and challenges and meet them head on with a strong, consistent plan.

So here's to Teresa's hubby who stuck by her while she found her wings on steeper inclines, to the woman she happened across who visually showed her what worked, and to Teresa for having the smarts to practice, practice, practice and prevail! – Mama

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Thursday, September 13

Dear VTwin Mama,
I'm a new, 40-yr. old rider, 5'4", 130 lbs and found the only bike I feel comfortable on is the Buell Blast. It weigh 360lbs., very easy to handle and I can easily touch the ground with both feet. I've taken a 500 mile, 2-day trip without any soreness. My husband and I stop a lot and finish early in the day, get a good nights rest. I love it!!! – Stevie

Dear Stevie,
Yahoo for this example of a truly positive experience. We'll file this in the Bike Size section of the Archived Articles so that women seeking more information on what bike to choose have the benefit of your wisdom. Thanks for taking the time to write and share! – Mama

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Wednesday, September 12   A day following national tragedy

Dear Readers,
This is what I wrote in today's newsletter greeting:

A day after a national tragedy is always so difficult I think. You wake up, and for just a moment you don’t remember the horrific events of the day before, but then it comes slamming into your brain. It feels, and is, so personal on so many levels. It forces you to get back to the roots and essence of life and things.

I visited and talked with my Mama often yesterday and will do so again today. She is reliving the horrors of the devastation of Hamburg during WWII. Papa is stuck in San Francisco with virtually no way out, and while it is not especially frightening, I would just prefer that he were here. As I freelance writer I made several calls to New York yesterday to check on my editors and their staffs. German relatives who were supposed to leave today for a visit here are indefinitely delayed. I'm sure all of you have your own memories, concerns and realities in the wake of this evil.

And so today I’m going to make sure to take five minutes during the busiest, most hectic time of my day and go into my garden and bow my head in silence for those who lost so much yesterday and to remind myself of what is important.

The other thing a tragedy like this brings out is memories of all those riding buddies I’ve lost over the years and can still feel their ghostly presence riding next to me some times. You are missed.

Rubber side down and blue skies to all. – Mama

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Wednesday, September 12

Dear VTwin Mama and Leslie:
Just a few helping words on picking the right bike. I have had three bikes in the 2 ½ years of riding. Starting with a Yamaha Magna 650 to a brand new Suzuki Marauder 800 to a Harley Sportster 1200, that has been lowered. When choosing a bike, I make sure my feet are flat on the ground, and when raising it to an up right position, it does not feel top heavy. A bike should feel comfortable the very first time you sit on it.

My husband (who has been very supportive) tried to get me on a Honda Shadow 1200? (the bigger Shadow), but it felt top heavy and I was not comfortable with that. I love the Sportster and will keep it for a year or two, then maybe move up to a Dyna Wide Glide.

Practice is the best medicine for the jitters. Like you, I was nervous at stops on hills and some turns, but keep working on getting the kinks out. I have the confidence now to ride the 26 mile round trip to work, and my riding ability has greatly improved. Keep up the good work. – VTwin Sister, Mandy

Dear Mandy,
Letters of inspiration are simply my favorite! They speak of courage, determination and desire, with so many lessons to be learned but so much pride and esteem to be gained. You've shared lots of good information in your letter so You Go VTwin Mama girlfriend/sister! – Mama

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Tuesday, September 11

Dear Mamma:
Enjoyed your newsletter. Looked at BikerMag site. Great. I didn't ride much this summer (last summer went to Sturgis on my 1990 883 Sportster). In January I bought a 2001 Fat Boy. It's a monster and I am getting used to it - 2100 miles so far. I have been riding it to school (second week) to get used to the piddly, low-speed stuff you have to do when you ride. I had the stock seat cut down and the slight (1/2" taken away on either side) difference has made it easier - unless it's in my head. Look forward to your next newsletter. Sincerely – Cecilia

Dear Cecilia,
Thanks for sharing your bike selection progression and some of the realities behind it. You've pointed out one of our key ideas here at VTwin Mama -- practice, practice, practice with any new bike, new addition to features or gear, or any change in the routine. Better safe than sorry they say, and we have no problem parroting that expression! – Mama

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Monday, September 10

Hello again VTwin Mama!
Just returned from another trip to the Black Hills. Met my brother's mc group in Spearfish, SD for an awesome Labor Day Weekend of riding and relaxing. Slightly over 900 miles in 3 days. I love it!

Had an unusual experience at a gas station. A woman proceeded from a van, which was filling gas, and thanked us for riding up on our motorcycles. She told me her little daughter was amazed to see a lady driving a motorcycle and thought they only rode on the back. The mother said this was a life changing experience for her daughter because now she knows girls can drive motorcycles! That was pretty cool to see that a woman rider may have made a difference in someone's life. Thanks for a super cool newsletter! – Deb

Dear Deb,
What a super cool experience you had in helping a young girl broaden her horizons! It does feel a bit sad that we still are struggling with this after all these years, but then again it's a matter of keeping on with it until all girls (and young ladies and women) understand that the world is their oyster and they are the pearl. – Mama

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Friday, September 7

Dear VTwin Mama,
How are u? Would u please teach me how to shift gears while riding a motorcycle? Thanks. I'm about to buy a new motorcycle . . . I haven't been used to it for such a long time. Thanks. – Brandon Le

Dear Brandon,
My, my, my. Shifting is rudimentary. Pull in the clutch lever (usually on the left side handlebar), move the shift lever into first  (usually with your left foot in a down motion from the neutral position) and then slowly ease out the clutch lever while giving it a little gas. Repeat for another gear (usually found in an up motion from the neutral position).

But quite frankly, if your skills are that rusty, I'd be more worried about knowing where the front and rear brakes are than anything else! Go dig out the owner's manual to review where all the crucial controls are. Practice far, far away from anything you could run over or in to, dress like you might fall and then go for it!

You might want to consider taking private instruction to relearn the mechanics or riding and then a motorcycle safety course -- that's about riding safely at all times and learning how to handle yourself and the bike in a wide variety of situations.

Gosh Brandon, I hope this was the type of info you were looking for. Don't hesitate to write in again with more info on what your situation is because we certainly are here to help. Consider checking out the Women on Wheels organization for the name of a woman rider in your area who is willing to give moral support. – Mama

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Thursday, September 6

Dear VTwin Mama,
On September 2nd I passed the MSF course on the second try. I guess the reasons I went back was two fold; because of the challenge and I had to prove something to myself. This has given me a great sense of accomplishment, but not a false sense of security. What I mean is, just because I passed their test does not mean nothing can happen. I'm tested each time I mount my bike. Each time I arrive at my destination safe without any damage I have pasted another test.

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

Dear TuG,
Congratulations big time! I know what you mean about not letting it go to your head because each time we ride, it's a new set of challenges. Still, a hearty HIP HIP HOORAY to you dear TuG (Thank u God). We're proud of all our VTwin Mamas who set a goal and work hard towards it. Yes, sometimes it takes a while to achieve, but we're not spineless jellyfish, are we?!?!?! No, we're jellyfish WITH spines. There's a difference!

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

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Wednesday, September 5

Dear VTwin Mama,
After 20 years of longing and virtually straight up learning curve, I'm riding. I can't call myself a motorcyclist yet, because I'm still nervous at stops and on hills (man, the experienced riders make it look so easy don't they?) but I try to find time to practice in my neighborhood every day.

I wanted to stress the importance of choosing that first bike. Like many ladies, I relied on the advice of my brother and a male friend, both of whom had ridden for 20 years so I figured they'd know best what a novice would need. Right? Male friends, brothers, spouses, etc. don't face the same challenges that we novice women do - inseam length, upper body strength, experience are factors which, if lacking for a woman rider, can end her up on a bike which isn't right. 

Case in point: on their advice, I purchase a 1982 Honda CB450T Hawk in mint condition - "the perfect bike for me" they both chorused. After 24 hours of training, a successful license test, I hop on the Hawk and drop it over on my drive way. Beginner's bad luck, right? Ha! I put 100 kms (I'm in Canada so that's about 60 miles) in the Hawk praying that I don't drop the bike at every stop. Long story short, the bike was too tall (even after lowering it), too top heavy and was generally too much of a bike for a novice. 

I traded it in for a new Honda 250 Rebel (cruiser-style) and sit comfortably with feet flat on the ground at stops. I'm still clumsy in my movements, but at least I've got the confidence that I can keep the bike upright and lift it myself if I do drop it. If you're into a motorcycle that makes you REALLY nervous, consider stepping back into a smaller bike for a season to gain skill and confidence, then move up. Thanks for the great site .... – Leslie

Dear Leslie,
I am so glad you wrote to this forum to tell us about your experience with bike selection -- a fairly big topic here at this website. It is hard for a new rider to figure out where to start, so I encourage interested readers to go to the Archive section under Bike Size to read up on what other women are saying on the subject. Thank you Leslie for sharing your personal story, and about the hills, there is some practical advice in the Riding Techniques section. – Mama

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Tuesday, September 4

Dear VTwin Mama,
In regard to TuG's letter about the MSF class, from my observations of listening to other's experiences and comparing it to my own, I think each MSF class is different because the instructors have different teaching styles. I opted to take some private motorcycle riding instruction classes before I took the MSF course. Those classes certainly gave me more confidence in the MSF course, but there were women and men in my class who had never ridden a motorcycle before and they did fine. Our instructor was encouraging and wanted to help us learn to ride. 

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

Dear Sharon,
Thank you for sharing your MSF class experiences and what you gained by going to an extra private instructor. That's truly useful information for our readers who are just beginning or contemplating riding. I've passed on your email to TuG -- I'm sure she'll benefit by starting up an individual e-mail correspondence with you. 

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

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