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2001 Friday, May 11Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Awesome, Wonderful, Courageous VTwin Mama in the Making, Good riders generally have good to great: My suggestion is to sign up for the local motorcycle course and give it a whirl! Ask your instructor to address any concerns you may have in a special session or in private. Then report back to VTwin Mama and let me know how it goes. We're behind you 100%. Mama Wednesday, May 16Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Purple Rose, Friday, June 29Dear VTwin Mama, The problem is that my husband doesn't like to travel, doesn't have a passion for motorcycles, doesn't have a job that will allow him to take time off to travel, and a million other excuses. I want to ride to Alaska, he wants to ride to the gas station for cigarettes. I want to scrape pegs on the Dragon, he wants to scrape his kickstand on parking lots. I've found a few other guys (no women yet) that say they want to ride with me, but either they want to only ride as far as the nearest motel or their wife/significant other has a problem with them riding all over the country with another woman. Have any other women faced this? Does it really boil down to a decision of the miles or the marriage? Zippyio
Dear Zippyio, First, let's say YOU GO VTWIN MAMA -- we're so proud of your accomplishments and adventures. You embody the sassy and classy nature of what a VTwin Mama truly is! And we love you for it. You should definitely check Women on Wheels and Ridin the Wind (defunct as of 7/25/01, go to Sisters and Brothers of The Wall) to find women in your area who are interested in meeting other women riders. Maybe that will help a little. You also might want to ask yourself the famous Ann Landers' question which she uses in almost ANY situation where a man is causing you to question yourself: "Are you better off with him or without him?" That may sound like a generalization, but if you really think about it, isn't that what it really boils down too? I hope that VTwin Mamas reading this who have either had to make this choice, are contemplating the same situation, or have some sage advice, write in to help. If you would prefer to communicate with Zippyio in private, please note that her name is underlined above and that links directly to her e-mail. Mama Monday, July 2Dear VTwin Mama, I must applaud her for going for her dream and encourage her to definitely come visit Ridin the Wind (defunct as of 7/25/01, go to Sisters and Brothers of The Wall). There are women from all over the U.S. that post there and we're a great group of people!!! There's gotta be someone in her area!!! Best of luck to you, Zippyio!!! You didn't say, but if you live near me, I'd be glad to ride with you!!! Sparkyone
Dear Sparkyone, For Goodness Sakes, Share
Your Thoughts Friday, July 6Dear VTwin Mama, My husband wants me to tell you that when his buddies ask him about Harleys, he tells them to go ask his wife. One guy asked him what kind of bike he had, he said he did not know, but go talk to his wife, she ordered the thing for me. Let me tell you it is strange with my hubby and I -- I am into this bike thing big time, and he is just along for the ride. Oh sure he really loves it, but I am the culprit who got him into this whole thing. Jo Ann
Dear Jo Ann, I've got to admit that I use riding as a pressure relief valve on occasion too. Of course I tend to ride too fast (!) then, singing biker songs at the top of my lungs -- I guess it is the equivalent to screaming out loud, a practice which my Mom swears by and has taught me! On most occasions however, riding, even for a short stretch, tends to give me a sense of calm -- maybe because riding the bike has a feeling of control as well as the delicious wind in your face. I wonder what riding brings to other VTwin Mamas reading this. (Hint -- why don't you hit the Share Your Thoughts link below and send a short message!) Mama Tuesday, July 10Dear VTwin Mama, I too would love to go on bun buster rides around the U.S. -- in fact that is both our dreams, I could get the time off but unfortunately hubby couldn't so that means we have to put that part of our dream on hold until retirement. (still gotta eat and pay the bills) I know that sounds like a long time but my husband is worth waiting for. Did you stay with him all these years for the kids? Sorry don't want to step on toes here. In your email it sounds to me like he doesn't mind all your short trips (38,000 in two years) Maybe he is not such a bad guy. If you just got to go, I would suggest that you plan out your trip, date, route, who's going, etc., give it to him and give him time to warm up to the idea (men need time to get used to things). And probably to keep peace at home I'd take the advice of others and find women to do this long trip with, hey you'll probably have more fun that way. I love my bike but I love my hubby more! Good luck with your dilemma. Barbara
Dear Barbara, Friday, July 13 (eek, eek!)Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Cherie, I think your last sentence really says a lot though -- so let's all take time to really think about it. The end result is that whatever the path chosen, absolutely believe in YOURSELF 100 percent -- good luck is more a result of effort than dumb blind coincidence. Mama Tuesday, July 31 Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Lee, Tuesday, August 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Meanwhile, we'll be giving you the "biker wave" next time we see you zooming around on your Sporty KL. Rubber side down. Mama Wednesday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama and hello everyone, Monday, September 10 Hello again VTwin Mama! 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 Monday, October 1 Dear VTwin Mama, After what happen on September 11th I
didn't feel like I had the energy to go but since I had made plans with
others I went. What a great feeling to be an American and just take in all
the sights and feelings. We have so much to be appreciate. Riding
always clears the mind. Sherry Dear VTwin Mama, I think you are WAY TOO YOUNG to be listening to anyone except your Mama, your VTwin Mama that is, and all of her wonderful sisters. You need a serious shot of support, so get thee to the Women on Wheels website, look up your city and state and find someone in the area to talk with -- that is one of the greatest things this site offers. And look for a chapter in your area. And we'll see who writes in with more advice for you, but trust me, it's going to be all about how you CAN do it if you WANT to do it and don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't. If anyone has any statistics, well, you can share them but truly, honestly? -- what does it matter? Gloria, if you want to start riding at 58, then so be it, no matter what the statistics say. We think it's great! This is your Mama talking -- are you listening? Mama Wednesday, October 3 Letters for Gloria (who
is 58 and just started riding and wonders if she should be), No way are you too "old" to learn to ride! If you want to ride.....go for it! Take the MSF class, practice, practice, practice....and then ride into the wild, blue yonder with all the new friends you have made! Sharon Way to go girl! I am a 56 year old grandma that began riding my own MC 5 years ago. After all..I may be getting older....but I am still alive and definitely kicking! V-Twin Mama is right about Women on Wheels! It is a fantastic organization. I am a member and would be happy to have you contact me if you like. If you have ever ridden on the back of someone else's motorcycle....and liked it.....you will LOVE driving one yourself. I have always enjoyed riding with my husband, but it was the first time I took off all by myself that I really got hooked! As for riding with my husband? I will always love that...it is part of who we are! Plus...it gives me the best of both worlds! Ride safe....and enjoy! Bootygrandma
Dear Wonderful VTwin Mamas and the newest
member to the gang, Gloria, Check out Motorcycle Madness e-zine for more fun or subscribe to Woman Rider (Sharon mentioned that a woman wrote in and talked about starting at 58 also!). And check our archives on the do's and don'ts of motorcycle school, riding techniques, bike size and other good stuff. Mama Thursday, October 4 More letters for Gloria (who
is 58 and just started riding and wonders if she should be), I'm 50 years old and bought my first bike, a Harley 1200 Sportster in April. Gloria, don't let anyone ever tell you you're too old for anything. Heavens, I'd have to stop riding in eight years if 58 is the cut off date! I just saw an article in a magazine about a guy in his 80s who is still riding. First day I had my bike, I started it up, popped the clutch, it fell over on me and I fractured a bone in my foot. Cast on for 3 weeks. Right up to the date of my first MSF class. I figure the break was God's way of keeping me off the street until I was properly taught. I've faced a lot of fears in the early days and am so thankful that I didn't listen to those who tried to discourage me. I rode through the fear and now know the absolute pure joy of riding free as the wind. Keep on keepin' on and if you ever want to chat, feel free to email me. Ride safe. Anney I just got my license last year at the age of 38. My uncle first taught me to ride a dirt bike, and I was hooked! We took lots of great trips this past summer, and finally convinced my aunt to come along. A few highway miles convinced her that riding on the back wasn't for her... so she'll being getting her license next summer. She (I believe) just turned 60 and has been battling cancer for several years. Her cancer fight is one of the things that convinced me to go for the motorcycle - life's short, live it while you can. I'll have her covered with tattoos next! Nancy It's your thang, do what you want to do! Gloria you hang
in there and go for your dream. I start riding at 44 and everyone thought
I have lost it, but I found a whole new me. If you want some statistics
check out www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In
short, 24.6% of motorcyclists are between 40 - 49 and 19.1% are over 50
as of 1998. I'm sure those figures has increased. Like they said
practice, practice, practice, take a MSF
course, and read all books that deal with motorcycle safety.
More kudos to Wonderful VTwin Mamas and Gloria,
our newest sister, Friday, October 5 More letters for Gloria (who
is 58 and just started riding and wonders if she should be), You go girl! I have to put my two cents in . . . I just hate it when other people want to tell you what's good for you. If it's what you want I say "go for it". Most of the women I ride with are in their 50's. I'm not far from it myself, riding makes me feel like I'm in my 20's. I wouldn't stop with just motorcycling, there are lots of new and exciting things to do out there . . . Live it up! Barbara Bravo you brave
VTwin Mamas, Monday, October 8 Dear VTwin Mama, I'm so glad the VTwin Mama sisters helped your spirits and we'll be thinking about you. Please let us know how the course was and what you learned (besides the actual riding skills). Just think, some day new(er) women riders are going to read your questions and input and LEARN something! Isn't that so VTwin Mama cool? Of course it is! Mama Thursday, October 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Monday, October 15 Dear VTwin Mama, After 20 years of riding myself I can tell you that every "incident" is a refresher course in the basic skills that are needed to navigate the not so friendly roads and a stark reminder that the "lessons" are never over Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Kudos for taking a motorcycle course. While the bikes there are much smaller, the learning principles are the same: practice, practice, practice. Also, stay out of situations that would prove too much for your abilities at this time (heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, etc.) Winning that bike sounds like it triggered a series of responses in your husband's head and they are all coming out as "concern." These negative messages can KO even the strongest willed woman as we have seen in this forum before. However, the point is about you, not him. I have a couple of suggestions and I'm sure the VTwin Mama sisters will have more. Number one, consider finding a motorcycle course that you can now take with your actual bike! That way you reinforce your lessons, but this time on the bigger one, learning how this particular bike handles in all of those situations that you learned about. Number two, consider finding other riders who are also at the start of their learning curve so that you riding with people who are more compatible with your current skills. That doesn't mean find 10 and ride in heavy traffic (!), but one or two to practice with. Number three, find out if you have a local Women on Wheels organization -- they've got tons of women who are sympathetic to your needs and can help (in a positive way). In these ways, you might get the hubby off your back by taking positive steps for yourself! We don't want you to get frustrated and quit. Check some of the links in the Archive Section of VTwin Mama for more women's sites and other points of interest -- you can give yourself a leg up by reading how other women (and men) have gotten through tough situations. Also, take a look at the next letter for a couple of magazines for women riders. Good luck and stay tuned to VTwin Mama, where participation in the forum brings the greatest results! Mama Friday, October 26 Dear VTwin Mama, I know exactly how you feel. My first bike was a Harley Softail Deuce - Fuel Injected. When I had new pipes installed, the dealership also put on a breather kit, which made it even faster. I bought the bike before I even took the safety course & I had never ridden a bike before (good thing I passed!). My husband also was concerned, but he also thought it was the coolest thing in the world - that my bike was faster than his and all his buddies (he has a Harley Heritage). He said he couldn't wait until I blew them all away on the road one day! The thing about a powerful bike is, it's only fast if you want it to be. You can ease the clutch out as slow as you like & you can turn the throttle as little as you like also. The weight was the hardest thing for me to get used to, since I only weigh 110 lbs. Sharp turns were also lots of fun at first, especially since I dumped it 3 times in my driveway trying to cut it too sharp going in the garage. I seriously considered carpeting the driveway! But, the good thing is, I learned a lot as far as what I can and cannot do and have racked up 5K miles since May. Just recently, one of my girlfriends took the safety course & went out and bought herself a Titan as her first bike. Her husband, who rides a Harley Ultra, says she and I are the two baddest bitches in the county. So you go girl! Gail Congratulations!! What a dream come true! The "practice, practice , practice" theory is about the best advice you will ever get! Trust in yourself, be confident (not overconfident), and don't think too much. I have found that if I just let my brain drive the bike, she does just fine. We have the tools and we really do know how to use them! I believe that the more you ride, the better you get, the better you get, lessens the "nervousness and concern" from the "partner" , then they start to get that "puffed-up-chest" thing and they are very proud of us and our accomplishments! Enjoy!!! a VTwin Mama sister Tuesday, December 18 Dear VTwin Mama, I found that I turned into an absolute sponge in reading motorcycle magazines and stuff like that. I bought the Idiot's Motorcycle book and found a lot of really great information in it. My favorite magazines are Motorcycle Tour and Cruiser, Woman Motorcyclist, Rider, and of course my WOW magazine. Having friends that are also motorcycle enthusiasts is also a great way to share ideas and keep the enthusiasm going! Of course the computer is loaded with great sites as well....I have made a number of great friends through the computer web sites for motorcycles! Gloria and I have become great buddies just from this web site! Another thing that is good is to buy the Clymer manual for whatever bike you ride. What better way to learn all about your ride! We are supposed to be one with our bikes...right? Especially good is the troubleshooting section of the manual! Oh yes......don't forget to review your MSF manual! We all want to keep our skills honed and that is a good way to keep our memory banks intact! The Indianapolis area recently acquired a TV show called IRON HORSE which is 100% motorcycle oriented. My friend in Florida is fine tuning the motorcycle show she is starting that will be called LADY RIDER. Looks like people are finally starting to realize just how vast the motorcycle family is! Betty Dear Betty, |
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