|
2003
Thursday, January 2
Dear VTwin Mama,
Hey, what a wonderful site! When I first started riding I couldn't find a
site for women. I did some research one day and entered women riders in a
query on my computer and came up with a bunch of pin-ups for men! Boy have
we come a long way!
My name is Debbie and I live in northwestern Washington.
My first year of riding I put on almost 10,000 miles on the bike. Its a
custom VLXCD 600 and I am still going strong...although the weather here
does put a damper on things! My favorite is touring and camping on a
motorcycle. I have been doing this all my life although I have only had my
own ride for the last 16 months. But I believe that I have it down to a
science now. I can pack my bike for 9 weeks of camping and still have room
for little gifts to bring home. However, I do mail most of my stuff home.
I am looking for a bigger bike this year and hope to move up to the Harley
family. My other half is teaching me to do all my own maintenance work in
our home shop and we do all of our own custom work.
Hey, Thanks for being there! –
Debbie F.
Dear Debbie,
You are so welcome! Our "pin-ups" are on their bikes with
their clothes on and we strive to provide informative answers to
questions, love responses that extend that knowledge, and general
observations of interest. Thanks for sharing your own story, hopes and
dreams. Welcome! –
Mama
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Friday, January 10
Dear VTwin Mama,
Tomorrow I'm going to the Javit's Center in NYC with a friend I met
through RideMyOwn.com
for the international bike show. I even got free tickets from my wonderful
female-friendly Yamaha dealer, Sager's in Monticello, NY. I haven't
been to the city since '96 so it should be an adventure! Perhaps a good
story will come of it.
I just got the new issue of Women
On Wheels yesterday and see they are having a photo contest for cover
photos -- maybe I can get something worth submitting, wish me luck! That
would make one helluva start on a portfolio. Hey, when I quit dreaming
just shoot me. In my little fantasy world someone will pay me to ride my
bike and take pictures. I will get there. Or at least I'll enjoy the ride! –
Inga
Dear Inga,
I'm all for dreaming! Get a copy of the Summer 2002 issue of Woman
Rider -- the cover story is "They Pay Me To Do This -- Riding For
a Living." You can call 1-800-877-6118 for back issues if you're not
a subscriber. Why not explore your options further?!?!?! –
Mama
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Thursday, January
16
Dear VTwin Mama,
I am writing to tell you about an adventure I've committed to for the summer
of 2003. I have registered to participate in the Pony
Express Relay as a principal rider. Pony Express Relay 2003 is a national
motorcycle relay which benefits breast cancer research as well as local breast
cancer projects. One hundred percent of the pledge dollars will go directly to
the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and its mission of eradicating
breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing research, education,
screening, and treatment. Thus far, three national Pony Express campaigns has
raised $1,525,000 for the fight against breast cancer! This has been
accomplished with an all volunteer army of Peaceful Warriors and no paid
staff.
My relay will be from Atlanta, GA to Chattanooga, TN on
eastern route that goes from Florida to New York. Please consider a pledge to
support my effort and the Komen Foundation. Your contribution is
tax-deductible. –
Bobbye Smith (note from Mama: you can email Bobbye at HBFTSYad@webtv.net
if you are interested in donating.)
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Monday, January 27
Dear VTwin Mama,
I am a 42 year old woman who just bought her own 1998 750 Honda Shadow
ACE. I have been riding behind my husband on his bike for many years
and FINALLY got my own. I want to take a moment to thank you for
this wonderful site. Our president of the Southern Cruisers here in
the Central Alabama sent this sight to a lot of our women riders and I for
one love it! My husband has been doing all the maintenance on his
bike and now I need to learn to do my own on my bike. The workshop
page was cool. Very informative, and easy to understand. I
changed the plugs on my Honda without a hitch, and taught my husband
something as well. The coating that is sprayed on the ceramic part
of the plug was smart and the husband did his as well. Thanks VTwin
Mama for the site and I will be coming back often. –
Shawna Gagnon, SCC #99046, Central Alabama Chapter
Dear Shawna,
Isn't it fun finding a source of info and support that immediately
strikes a chord of sharing and caring?!?!?! Glad we're making a difference
to you already! For those interested, the Southern
Cruisers have chapters all over the U.S. For other cool sites that
we've explored, check out the Cool
Links page. –
Mama
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Monday, January 27
Dear VTwin Mama,
I just finished reading Jennifer's story.
To many incidents for bikes - and cars - involving drivers on cell phones.
Are you aware of any kind of "movement" or "organized
anything" regarding awareness and laws regarding driving and talking
on cell phones. I would be interested in getting more involved in that.
Just as a car driver (I am 1000% more aware on my bike) I see drivers
swerving all the time - and almost always when I catch up to them - they
are on their cell phone. Just yesterday I was cut off by a driver on a
cell phone. Any input from you or readers would be appreciated. –
Biker Vic
Dear Biker Vic,
I did a quick search on Google.com using the words "cell phone
and driving laws," hoping to discover a single comprehensive source.
What I found was that this issue is explosive -- with many articles
available on the issue, as well as local, state and national resources and
reports on the subject. If you really want to learn more about how your
city and/or state is handling the issue, I'd contact your local government
representative's office to discover their position and where more specific
information is available. Everyone seems to be debating the pros and cons
of enacting specific bans on cell phone use while driving, some citing
that the current "inattentive driver" laws are adequate, while
others claim more detailed laws are required. While technology certainly
has afforded us many useful tools, and the cell phone is one, its proper
use boils down to the person actually using it. If you can't chew gum and
walk at the same time . . . –
Mama
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Wednesday, January 29
Dear VTwin Mama,
I wanted to take a minute to thank you and everyone who responded with
their insight regarding
my husband's and my accident. I encouraged my husband (who is also a
subscriber to your newsletter) to read the messages too. We found them all
to be very helpful and plan to try many of the suggestions made. Thank you
to all who wrote in sharing your own stories, insight and support; it
means so very much!
I also wanted to respond
to a recent posting from Biker Vic regarding drivers and cell phone usage.
My husband has been doing quite a bit of on-line research and found a site
created by the parents of a 3 year old who died as a result of injuries
sustained in a crash caused by a driver on a cell phone. The site is http://www.morganlee.org/
and has links to many places with information. Good luck with your research
too. I used to be a chronic cell phone user while driving and this experience
has opened my eyes to how dangerous it really is. Now I pull over and park
when I need to make a call. Hopefully more states will outlaw this practice
and make the roads safer for all of us. –
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
We're glad the VTwin Mama sisters rallied on your behalf to offer
support, their own stories, and useful viewpoints on riding again after
such a terrible accident. And thank you as well for sharing this site on
cell phone usage by drivers. Every bit helps -- as you have come to find
out. –
Mama
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Tuesday, February 18
Dear VTwin Mama,
Hi...love your site!! As an ABATE member and a woman rider, I think it is a
good idea for every woman rider to become a member of their state's ABATE
organization. We are a safety/education organization and we help preserve the
right of all motorcyclists. Every year they have a national convention called
The Meeting of the Minds. The link to my State would be http://www.abate-il.org.
Ride Safe...Ride Free –
Cindy Farrar, Heritage Trail ABATE Chapter of Illinois
Dear Cindy,
I could have sworn I had a link to some sort of national-level
overseer of all ABATE chapters, but as you pointed out to me, this is
strictly on the State-by-State level. Readers, if you're interested in
exploring the ABATE chapter in your area, simply go to a good search
engine and type in "ABATE in [your state name]." That oughta get
you there! –
Mama
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Thursday, February 20
Dear VTwin Mama,
I think that it is soooo cool that you are now have a link on your web
site for Shinny Side
Up. Now I can keep in touch with the news and you through this site.
It is a neat site -- I love it. –
M&M (aka Linda)
Dear M&M,
I aim to please! Readers, at the bottom of this home page are links
to many women riding groups, forums and chat rooms that might be of interest to you.
I've also added a Product
Sources page with ads for different things. And don't forget my Cool
Links page for lots more! –
Mama
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Tuesday, March 18
Dear VTwin Mama,
I desperately want to start riding but I'm not getting any support from
my family. How should I go about this? –
Wants My Bike
Dear Wants,
Oh, this is a tough one, especially since there really ARE valid
points on both sides of an equation or riding. My suggestion is that you
calmly sit down with a pad of paper and pen in front of the family members
in question and note all their objections. This shows that you are taking
their concerns seriously.
For instance, if they think you are nuts, point out the
fact that you're ready for a new challenge, one that they might not
exactly understand, but should respect because you are an individual, with
individual dreams that matter to you. Or, if the objection is that you'll
get hurt, note that there are accredited riding courses that have been in
operation of a gazillion years and that you plan on investigating this is
the first step to learning (go to the Motorcycle
Foundation Safety site and learn more -- you'll start out on a little
250cc bike with certified instructors, first in class learning, then on a
safe course that is laid out -- and learn about proper riding gear, etc.).
Or, perhaps, money is an issue. Again, you can take the course without
having to commit yourself to the purchase of a bike right at this minute
(and then be in position to evaluate lower cost used bikes for sale in
your area if you are ready to continue pursuing your dream).
If they think you are just plain dumb overall, then
stick out your tongue and tell them that you are smart enough to know your
own mind (thank you very much) and that life is a mystery to be lived, not
a problem to be solved. We never get anywhere by hiding our heads in the
sand -- and wondering later in life "what if" just doesn't cut
it. If any readers have specific suggestions on how they handled a similar
situation, now is the time to chime in! –
Mama
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Thursday, March 20
For Wants My Bike who is
battling family opposition to her riding:
Last year I went through the same situation as Want's but
only with my husband. He was dead set against me riding, let alone owning a
bike. I did take the Motorcycle
Foundation Safety class at a local college. I had never even sat on a
bike before, but after 25 years of showing and riding horses I knew I would
be able to handle it. Passed the classed, love it. It took me 1 year later
to buy my own Honda Shadow and to show my husband and the rest of my family
that "I" was going to live my life my way.
Best thing I have done for myself in a very long time. My
job is stressful and riding clears my mind and puts a breeze in my knees. I
am happy with myself and finally my family can see the enjoyment I get out
of riding. My husband is still having a hard time, but he will get over it. –
BRBWRE3 (note
from Mama: sometimes you just have to do what you have to do! Kudos to you for
the moxie to move forward on realizing your own dreams!)
My husband bought my bike for my
45th birthday and my parents still had objections (partly because of my
brother's method of riding back in the 1970's - no sense and too much beer)
I assured my family that I was going to take the Motorcycle
Safety Course and practice, practice, practice before I took the bike on
a busy street. I am fully aware of, and have a very healthy respect
for, what can happen if you're not alert, informed and well trained.
Once that was stated, I simply give them updates on my progress. There
is not a lot they can say since I am well established as an adult but, I do
try to respect their concerns and keep them informed. I hope this may help
you figure out how to reassure concerned family members and get them in your
camp. –
Angie in Jacksonville, FL (note
from Mama: just knowing that others have come up against this situation and
found a way to make it work is helpful! Thanks for sharing.)
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Friday, March 21
Dear VTwin Mama,
Would you happen to know where I could find an outdoor Motorcycle Flag for
my house (hangs on a pole outside on front of your house). Thanks. –
Grace Keefe
Dear Grace,
A while ago I found this generic flag with bike,
and I love it! It's the
Motorcycle/USA model, a 3' x 5' polyester flag for $13.
To look at it closer and/or order it, click below and
scroll down to the Novelty section, Miscellaneous. –
Mama
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Monday, March 24
For
Wants My Bike who is battling family opposition to her riding:
The only one that asked a valid question regarding my
wanting to learn to ride was my daughter-in-law. It was the old "what
if you get killed on it" question. Here is the answer I gave her: Your
husband rides. Your father-in-law rides. Your brother-in-law rides. Your
brother rides. They all take the same risks. The important thing is that
they are doing it because they love it. The same thing goes for me. If I do
actually get killed due to a motorcycle accident, I would like you to do
something for me. Please come to my funeral....walk up to my
casket....and say "WAY TO GO MOM! AT LEAST YOU WENT OUT
HAVING FUN!" That conversation actually did happen, and I meant
just what I said! Just waking up in the morning has it's risks. Get the
training....get the practice.....do your best! Ride safe. –
Bootygrandma (note
from Mama: what a wonderful, positive message!)
I hear this girl loud
and clear. When I lived at home, my father said no motorcycles and got me
a convertible instead - go figure! Anyway, once I was out of the house it
took about 6 months to figure out I could ride if I wanted to. Well, I
didn't know for sure so I rode on the back of friends' bikes a few times
and said, ok this is it! If I want to ride whenever and wherever I want, I
had to learn to ride and buy my own. So I took the MSF class (only way to
go - good recommendation Mama) and learned. THEN I told my friends and
family. LOTS of flack and people thinking I was going to kill myself
riding. Anyway take the class, then you can decide if you even like riding
solo. Then you take the flack and deflect it. And least you know
that you can operate and maneuver a heavy machine, at best you are taking
the fist steps to control your life.
Good Luck ! P.S. You are a grown woman. Don't let these people convince
you that you cannot know your own mind. –
Teazer -- UFFU (Undaunted forever, forever
Undaunted) (note
from Mama: it CAN be hard to remember you are a free-thinking adult when others
are pressing their negativity on you -- it's a life lesson to learn how to
move forward despite this.)
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Thursday,
May 22
Dear VTwin Mama,
Your web site has has given me invaluable information, but more importantly
inspiration and confidence to ride. It has made me realize I am not the only
new rider that has doubts and questions. Everyone here has contributed
to keeping me trying to be a better rider, even though at times I feel
discouraged. Will I ever be a good motorcycle driver? Yes! With the support
of this web site and sisters of motorcycle lovers I will be. Practice, Practice.
Thanks! – Texas Woman
Dear Awesome Texas Woman,
Wow -- I'm doing something right!
Of course with the help of every reader who takes the time to email in
their 2 cents worth as well! I'm sooooo glad the VTwin Mama site has made
a difference in your riding experiences. It's amazing what we can
accomplish together. You're a peach for writing in and telling me so
though -- it goes a long way to getting the momentum up! – Mama
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Wednesday,
June 4
Dear VTwin Mama,
By chance might you be able to help me with this non-riding related matter.
On the recommendation of a friend, I'm trying to find a back issue of the
October 2000 issue of V-Twin magazine. I've checked with the publisher, and
they say they no longer have any stock from the year 2000. I've also checked
with the few magazine back issue sites I've been able to locate on the
internet, but none of them seems to deal in V-Twin (even in cases where they
do handle back issues of titles such as "Biker" and/or "Easyriders").
Seems like there's not that much of a demand, at least at these sites, for
back issues of motorcycle magazines which don't feature bare breasts. At any
rate, any suggestions you might have as to how I might be able to locate a
copy of this particular back issue would be very much appreciated. Keep up
the good work. – Conrad
Dear Conrad,
Hmmm. I couldn't find any source
for back issues either -- and double checked eBay.com and half.com just in
case they were lurking there somewhere. Readers who might have a copy of
this issue, please contact Conrad at conrad@newsguy.com.
A friend of his appears in this issue and that's why he's looking for it.
– Mama
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Thursday,
June 5
Dear VTwin Mama,
Just saw your website for the first time - great! I had a 1100
Shadow V-Twin that I love (bright yellow!) and just sold it to the guy I
date who never rode until I told him to learn how or stay home but no
whining! I developed tendonitis in both my wrists and the doctor
told me no more motorcycling. I told him that was not an option -
what else could he suggest. He told me to get rid of that much
weight and ride something lighter. For now I am on a Suzuki Savage
650 (335 pounds dry) and enjoying the agility and speed.
Hopefully, this problem in my wrists will end and I can return to
something bigger, although I will probably keep my Sweet Savage for
zipping around.
Anyway, keep up the good work with your publication!
I plan to start getting the newsletter. – Carma
Dear Carma,
It's good to hear from you and thanks for the "atta girl"
about the VTwin Mama site! It sounds like you are finding solutions to
your medical problems that allow you to continue riding -- what a source
of inspiration to us all! I absolutely love the "no whining"
thing -- there's no reason to give up our dreams -- ever! – Mama
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Thursday, July
3
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Hi! First
off I'd like to say that I love this site! :) I stumbled across it
accidentally while trying to find any reviews/info on my new 2002 Suzuki
Savage 650. So here’s my silly story...
My husband and I had given up our bikes after
becoming "responsible" homeowners and parents some 8 years ago.
We didn’t get to ride that much then, as I had only a permit and a
somewhat cranky-but fun '82 Seca 550. Apart from it being
"electrically-challenged" I remember it fondly and was sad to
see it sold to finance my first computer. Then a year or so later my
husband sold his Magna. That hurt. Even my 2-year-old daughter was sobbing
"where'd daddy's motorcycle go?" After all, she was the only one
who was sitting on it. It had sat in our garage quietly reminding us of
our freer days. Guess it was better to let someone else have a blast with
it. (sigh) Its funny how we
couldn’t bear to get rid of our helmets though ....
So here we are 8 yrs later, closing in on the big 40.
Drivin’ the minivan with the fighting kids in the back, looking funny at
each other whenever we see or hear that bike throttle. Then my husbands
coworker gets a bike and tells him of all the fun rides he went on and how
"you should get a bike" so he has some riding buddies. Ahh, the
seed is planted.
So I come home from work Wednesday nite and he half
jokingly says, "we should get bikes.” The next two nights we start
looking on the Internet at different models and mfgs. and get some ideas
for a "wish list" -just playin’ around mind you. He says
"we should get your bike first, so that either of us can ride
it." I'm thinking he's probably saying this to make me feel better,
and since I don’t have a license, he'll just end up using the bike to
ride around with his buddy. Fine whatever. I’ll humor him. So Friday
morning I'm talkin’ to my girlfriend telling her of this silly idea
and she says " you know I think my dad's selling one of his
bikes--lemme give him a call." (he’s
got 3 now and her mom was getting annoyed).
15 minutes
later I get a call from her dad saying he’s selling a '02 savage,
1000 mi -all gently broken in. The exact bike I was looking at on line!!
He's a pretty big guy and used it as his "re-entry bike" and
loved riding again so much that he went to a new big BMW 1200.
Unfortunately he was gonna show it that nite. He said he'd rather see it
stay in the "family" so to come up and check it this afternoon.
He'd give me a great price - why bother buying new? Still in warranty and
at least $1500 cheaper--and some goodies too. (heart beating faster now)
So I call my husband at work and tell him the great news thinking he’d
just been talking the talk and would back down. Imagine my surprise when
he says "go look- but make sure you can fit on it comfortably.”
Holy s--- , I throw some long pants on, pack up the kids, run back inside
and grab that dusty helmet (yeah- like I'm really gonna ride it, but wtf,
it'll look good) and head up to his house. Well the bike was beautiful as
described, and when I sat on it, it felt "right". I felt so
comfy on it that when he said take it round the block , I couldn’t
resist.
Wow. It all came back in a rush. What an awesome
feeling-and I was only doing 20mph -- hehe. (after all, its been a while
and I’m not licensed-- gotta be responsible now). I call my husband and
he said to go ahead and buy it. How’s that for fate? Saturday afternoon
my husband rides it home. I’m still pinching myself. So this time around
I'm gonna do things right. I’m going for my permit next week and am
signing up for the safety course. I can’t wait to go and play and I want
to do it safely - for my kids and family. Plus, some more friends of ours
are getting interested and we will all go together for support.
Lastly, (phew, I'm sure you’re glad I’m done
rambling.. ) this site has provided me with the knowledge that I’m not
the only "unconventional" suburban
mommy out there and that its never too late to start again. Oh and did I
mention that if anyone out there has any info/tips/likes/gripes on a 2002
Savage 650 --please let me know!! (I really hope this is a good ride for
me) --alas, it’s not a VTwin, but it could be my "One Cylinder
Wunder.” :) – Maire
Dear Maire,
Congrats on the new bike and
getting back into riding -- how exciting -- and inspirational to every
woman out there who is pondering similar circumstances. I welcome
"rambling" letters as I figure you've got to say what you've got
to say and the Internet is the perfect place to say it all! Have fun with
the safety course -- you're in good position to really update your skills.
You go girl -- we look forward to giving you a biker wave on the road
sometime!
– Mama
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Monday,
July 14
For Maire who is back
into riding and shared her story:
My second bike was a 1996 Suzuki Savage. It is a great
bike! You might want to pick up the Clymer manual (the same one that was
written for the older Savages is the one I got...the only difference is that
the newer Savages have one more gear). The only problem I encountered with
it is it seems to be indigenous to the Savage is that if it does not seem to
want to go into 1st gear...put it in neutral..release the clutch...then try
again. It will go in just fine. Good luck with the Savage...You will love
it.... – Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note from Mama:
thanks for the first hand
account and tip on first gear! Maire can find Internet sites for service
manuals on my Reading Sources
page.)
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Monday,
July 28
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Just wanted to let you know (you probably
already know -- you know everything!) of a GREAT forum for women (and men)
called Women Who Ride at Delphi
Forums. Lots of support and fun. Great bunch of people. Please add it to
your Links Directory. – Bev in PA
Dear
Bev,
The great thing about being alive is the realization that one
DOESN'T know everything -- so it's to one's advantage to keep learning!
Thanks for pointing this forum out -- it's hosted by DonnaTheDoc -- and
the co-moderator is "Frog
Biker" -- a wonderful woman and staunch supporter of the VTwin Mama
site who also runs the Ride
My Own site. I'll add the link to my Cool
Links page! – Mama
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Wednesday,
July 30
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Not a question, but some advice. If you have a bike, RIDE IT! A friend of
mine bought one on a whim and it just sits. Very sad. Of course now the
bike won't even start.
Another friend of mine passed the MSF course (another
MUST) but is too afraid to ride the motorcycle she inherited from her dad --
a late model Honda 750 ACE. Another bike just sitting around. I told her to
get a used Rebel and ride for a few months to get comfortable, in the
meantime put the ACE in the garage, start it up and sit on it everyday, go
up and down the driveway when you can.
I just bought a new (1985 Honda Sabre) bike that the guy I
bought it from said he just wasn't riding it. Got a great deal, b/c the bike
needs lots of work. I was crying the first day as it smoked and did all
sorts of other troublesome things thinking "what have I gotten myself
into?" as I rode it around town. Yesterday, the bike was beginning to
make those "happy sounds" after about 100 miles of riding.
Been online with the fabulous folks who know more about
this bike than I do and have learned LOTS! The bike also has an appointment
at a trusted mechanic next Saturday. Very happy to be back on two wheels
again! If you have it, please ride and take care of it. It also keeps you
safer as you build your skills. – RZ
Dear
RZ,
Yes, it's always sad when a bike sits too long somewhere, from both
the bike maintenance and repair position to the safety issues of not
riding frequently enough. Still, life has a funny way of inserting her own
agenda from time to time, so allowances have to be made! Still, I think
the point here is that if a rider feels that the bike won't be run for a
while, it's prudent to store it correctly so that damage isn't done that
could be avoided in the first place.
Here
is a previous
letter on the subject and my thoughts on the minimum necessary steps
in storing a bike. – Mama
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Tuesday, August
19
Good
day ladies,
I am very new to e-mail, in fact to computers at all, but not to biking. I
have been riding since 1973 when I was 16. The 1st few attempts were on a
197cc Francis Barnet where it was discovered to my great dismay that I had
hardly any sense of balance.
Hence,
being a 3 wheel rider, I must say that I love it now, as I did then when
it gave me a sense of independence. Probably even more. I have
a few m/c combinations but the Moto Guzzi California, which is very yellow
and cream, is my everyday transport. I have enjoyed my 1st visit to the
VTwin Mamas site, and hope to be able to do it again. Cheers. –
Donna
Dear
Donna,
Welcome to the VTwin Mama site -- glad you found us and hope you
continue to visit. Our emphasis is on sharing information, whether in the
form of a question, response, or observation such as yours. As you
continue to hone your skills on the Internet, make sure you take time to
check my Cool Links page for
all sorts of other Internet places that are fun for women motorcyclists.
We're a very caring community and there's oodles of opportunity to join
in! – Mama
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Tuesday, August
19
Submitted
by VTwin Mama sister Georgia, and a message I might add that is worth
repeating over and over. Note that this is more car related, but the
warnings are still valid for motorcyclists:
The
Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make
people aware of fires as a result of "static" (that is, static
electricity) at gas pumps. They have researched 150 cases of these fires.
The results were very surprising:
1)
Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle
while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished , they went back to
pull the nozzle out. The fire started then as a result of static
discharge.
3) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished.
This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
4) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
5) Don't ever use cell phones or any other two way radio's / electronic
devices when pumping gas (The RF energy from a cell phone (a radio
transmitter) can cause a sparking on bare metal, much like aluminum foil
in a microwave oven .
6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when
connected with static discharges.
7) In 29 fires, the vehicle had been reentered and the nozzle was touched
during refueling. This occurred in a variety of makes and models. Some
resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the
customer.
8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas
cap was removed and before fueling began.
NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas. If you
absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure
you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you touch the
nozzle. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you
ever remove the nozzle.
You can find out more information by going to http://www.pei.org
. Once here, click in the center of the screen where it says "Stop
Static."
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Wednesday, August
20
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Wow! What a cool site! I'm 16, don't even have
my drivers license yet, but love motorcycles and/or anything with 2 wheels
and an engine! I have built a mini-bike (which I take to antique engine
shows that are really fun, cuz it has a 1960 Clinton engine) and a moped
sorta thing, and I love to drive my uncle's moped. Ha ha its soo fun I'm
hooked!!
I
can't wait till I'm old enough and have enough $$ to get me a 'really
real' motorcycle! I'm checking out all the cool links and I know of one
that is a great one! http://www.speedybikegirls.com/.
Coolness there too! Thanks for all the future advise I'll be needing! Oh
oh! And a cool book to read is Hear Me Roar. It's all about women and
motorcycles. Yay for all of us with motorcycles (of some sort!) ; )
–
Kaili
Dear
Kaili,
It's wonderful to hear from the "next generation" of
riders out there! Your enthusiasm, determination, and great attitude will
carry you far. And thanks for pointing out the Speedy Bike Girls site, as
we have a number of readers and visitors who favor the sportier style bike
-- I'll get this added to my Cool
Links page. Hope you keep visiting the VTwin Mama site and sharing
your own personal venture into riding -- I'm sure we'll learn a lot from
hearing from you! – Mama
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Friday, August
29
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Thank you for being there for motivation and
encouragement. I still have days where I question am I up to riding. I
click on your site and those thoughts are gone and I am eager to get out
and ride. I love to ride, it's people in cars that drive me crazy some
times. My '95 Suzuki 800 Intruder is just right for my inseam challenged
stature. I went from a Honda Rebel to the Intruder and just love it. I
have a 1200 Harley Sportster and had it lowered, and a easy clutch (rather
than having to use the jaws of life, to use the clutch) my feet
still don't touch the ground. So I let my son ride it. Thank you again for
your inspiration and web site.
–
Jacque' A.
Dear
Jacque',
Thank you for sharing your story and letting me know that reading
the postings on the VTwin Mama site are making a difference to you. Yahoo!
That's what this forum is all about -- sharing information and caring
about each other. – Mama
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Monday,
September 29
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I happened to run across your site, after looking at a site that I have
know about for quite some time -- Glass Act. Anyway, this might sound like
a dumb question, but what is a VTwin? I have a American Classic Edition
1100 Honda. I really like your site. Is this a motorcycle club where you
join? Do you have to have a certain type of motorcycle? Thanks, Peace.
–
Karen in Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear
Karen,
Glad you found the VTwin Mama site and welcome! This is an advice
forum that any woman rider (past, present or future) interested in asking
a question or sharing their own insights on riding. It's
non-denominational (!) -- meaning, it doesn't matter what make/model
street bike you ride (motocross and dirt riders are referred to forums
more specific to their riding style). Past information is archived
by subject matter, with additional pages on cool
links, reading material sources, gifts
and product sources for riding and
the VTwin Mama logo wear as well. So,
it's not a club or riding organization, but a place to share insights and
care about each other.
When
I started this site (it will be three years ago this coming January),
VTwin Mama was the oldest reference to woman riders that I could remember,
so I named the site that! The VTwin part of the name also made it clear
the site was about motorcycles and the Mama part evoked a comforting
feeling -- any rider can "safely" ask a question from
"Mama" -- as many women (and men also) find it difficult to
discover basic riding information without being made to feel stupid.
There
are no dumb questions -- ever! Back in 1903, when Arthur and Walter
Davidson and Bill Harley begin designing a motorcycle, it was a single
cylinder engine. In 1909, the team decided on more power, which Bill
Harley achieved by grafting an extra cylinder onto the existing single,
resulting in a 45 degree angle from one cylinder to the other. Therefore,
it was a "twin" that looks like a "V." And thus the
Harley-Davidson V-Twin legend was born! – Mama
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Tuesday,
September 30
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I recently got a 2003 low-rider and,
although I've ridden since I was 6, haven't done a lot of
"fixing-up" over the years. I'm so excited that I've been
riding more and making small changes on my bike. It has been SO
helpful to look through your questions and answers about other gals
experiences of doing their own work. Thanks so much for doing this!
–
Starla
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Just a quick note to thank you for the invaluable info your site has
provided in setting up my wife's first bike, an '03 XL 1200C Sportster.
Virtually all the info we needed to address issues she had with the bike
"out of the box" came from you and your readers. When we have
the complete parts list at hand, we'll send it to you for replacing those
awful drag bars with buckhorns, too. It's a little more involved than
you'd think, and having the part numbers will hopefully save your readers
some time and trouble... I've been riding for 30 years and still had no
clue as to how a bike needed to be set up for a woman! Thanks, –
Dave Williams
Dear
Starla and Dave,
Glad the VTwin Mama site proved to be a treasure trove of
information and thank you both for taking the time to write in and tell me
that this site does make a difference! – Mama
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Saturday,
October 4
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Thanks for the great site for women riders. I am just considering learning
to ride as both my husband and son ride motorcycles. I hate to be left
behind.
I like the discussion on some types of bikes for short
riders. Like some of your other recent correspondents I also have
fibromyalgia and arthritis. My son and husband both think I am nuts. It
helps to know that other women have the same kind of thoughts and the same
desire for fun even if in pain! –
Sandra, Port Dover, Ontario
Dear
Sandra,
Glad you like the site and have found postings from other women who
are battling medical conditions like yours and still finding solutions to
ride. When I return from vacation, I am going to put together a special
page for riders who are "disabled" so that it's easier to share
these concerns and find similar postings. Meanwhile, kudos to you for
pursuing your dream of riding, despite what anyone has to say about it! – Mama
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Tuesday,
November 11
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Do you or any of the sisters have a name for your motorcycle? Our bikes
are like people, you know. I ride a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800. Guess what
'his' name is. Go ahead, give it your best shot. Ready?
It's
"Spock" as in Star Trek (Spock was a Vulcan...get it!?) Everyone
who knows me including the guys at the bike shop where we buy accessories,
parts, oil etc. know who Spock is. My husband rides a 2003 Kawasaki
ZRX1200R that's green. Betcha can't guess 'her' name! ;) –
Rhonda
Dear
Rhonda,
Ok, I'll nibble -- is your hubby's bike named My Favorite Martian?
Hey,
no booing or hissing out there! And if you don't get the reference, well,
you're just a young 'un then! Ok, how that green monster on Sesame Street
-- what's his name? The one in the garbage can all the time! Ohhhhhh,
maybe it's the Christmas time Grinch from Dr. Suess! Now that's green!
I
confess that I never named any of my bikes -- I meant to, but nothing
stuck. Basically, it's "good girl" when she starts and
"what the f**k" when she doesn't! How terribly unromantic. –
Mama
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Monday,
December 15
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Have you heard about the EPA and their new proposal? It's really messed
up! Their goal seems to be a California-like emission, consideration of an
anti-tampering or prohibiting modifications. What you buy is what you get
-- no family customs anymore. NOW THAT IS JUST PLAIN WRONG!!!
I
read about this whole deal in my local issue of Full Throttle Magazine
(Dec. 2003, Minnesota edition) They have a web site it's www.fullthrottleusa.com.
If you all will help we need to write to :
Christie
Todd Whitman, Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Let them know you oppose RULE ANPRM A2000-01, on dirt
bikes, ATV's and motorcycles! Please, if not for your family, well then
I'm sure you know a family happily wrenching in their garage together.
Thanks for your support!!! P.S. Mama, you are awesome! This site is still
one of my favorites!! – Snowed In and Sad in
Minnesota
Dear
Snowed In,
Glad the VTwin Mama site continues
to be a place you want to visit and share info. I'm posting your message
today so that other readers can get involved. Thanks for pointing this out
and adding the contact info necessary to make a difference.
–
Mama
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