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2005 (July to December) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robin, Dear
VTwin Mama, Well it hasn't turned out the way he thought. I love to ride but I prefer to ride alone. He's more experienced and he had expected that I would ride at his level. Well I don't. I don't whip around corners like he does and I don't want to go 70 mph on the Interstate. We've had several heated discussions about him pushing me beyond my capabilities. So we've both been pretty miserable. Either he's poking along with me, bored to tears, or I'm pushing myself to the limit. So I've done what you suggested, practice, practice, practice. I'm a very solitary person and I go and ride by myself. And I'm getting better. I still don't ride at his level but I hold my own. I've also had to be firm about what I can and can't do. I've ordered a windshield which should help me on the Interstate. I'm considering getting new wheels. As you know the Fatboy has solid wheels. They look great but they are a nightmare in the wind. I was pushed across my lane one windy day on the Interstate. I was terrified. I struggled to keep the bike on the road and I could barely drive 50 mph. Lesson learned. Stay off the Interstate when the wind is blowing! Thank goodness for your site. I read a lot of the posts prior to getting my bike. I've picked up so many helpful hints. Everything from driving tips to equipment tips. One of the first things I did was add an Easy Boy Lite Clutch. Wow. What a difference it has made. Which brings me to the point of this letter. Kathy mentioned that she has trouble shifting into neutral while the bike is running. I have this same problem. I took my bike in today and asked about this problem. My mechanic said it was because of the Easy Boy Lite Clutch. He said there wasn't a lot he could do about it. He suggested rocking forward or backward to try and shift it. I tried it today a few times. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I guess I'll just have to deal with it. As far as bikes for shorter women, my lowered Fatboy is perfect. I'm 5'4 with a 28 inch inseam. The previous owner of my bike was a woman and she lowered the bike. I can stand up and still have a couple of inches between me and the seat. I have a La Pera Barebones seat which keeps me pretty low. The seat looks great but it is rather uncomfortable after riding a few hours. I've been looking for a comfortable low profile seat but have yet to find one. Anyway, I just want to say thanks for this site. I recommend it to all the ladies I know that ride and to the ones who are thinking about riding. I read these posts and nod my head agreeing with everyone's fears and concerns. As you've said, I'm "so not alone". Karen Dear
Karen, Good for you for sticking to your own game plan and continuing to practice. I just went out to an empty lot yesterday to do some practice on my newest bike . . . to work on slow maneuvers . . . the slow race and cone weaves and u-turns. A real wake up call, but by the end of the "session" I was handling my clutch friction zone to throttle to back brake feathering much better and my "beastie" and I are more in tune with each other. I'm hard pressed to correlate how adding the Easy Boy Lite Clutch is causing a shift to neutral challenge. I'm assuming this was not the case before, so readers, if you have thoughts, I'd like to hear them! As to your new seat, I'll simply share that I find that no matter what seat I have, after a number of hours, it gets more uncomfortable. I think this is because our bodies are forced into basically one position and the tailbone gets the brunt of it! You might want to check into modifying the seat by adding an internal gel pad (they open up the seat, take out stuffing, insert the gel, and then re-stitch the seat. It won't change your lower profile. The thing with lower profile seats is that they do have less stuffing, so this may be a solution. Thanks for sharing the bike that works for you with additional notes on modifications. I'll get this listed on my Motorcycles of Short Riders list! Mama Wednesday, July 13 For Karen who wrote in about how her ride is different than her husband's: Ohhhh Karen, your letter sounded as tho I wrote it. Clear down to the heated discussions with hubby about my not riding at his level. I made him read it . . . his response was . . . her husband will learn the same as I did, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE. I'm proud of him that he admits there used to be a problem. I'm still not at his level, nor will I ever be, he's got 40 yrs. of experience, I'll be 75 before I get that . . . LOL Oh well, go out and have fun together, and don't look back. Also the Interstate will get better, I promise. Enjoy! Sparkle (note from Mama: yahoo . . . getting our viewpoint across can take some time, but it's well worth sticking to your guns . . . no one can EVER ride your ride.) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karin, First I'm thinking that the AMI program itself must have placement services available as part of their course "promise." This is certainly a valuable resource. Otherwise, my suggestion is that your daughter not focus on the fact that she is a woman . . . rather, that she is a newly graduated mechanic with all the credentials that any student has, and it sounds like she'll be ranking high in her class. If there is anything you can do as her Mom, is to impart your knowledge about handling people who WILL make the distinction, about not taking those idiots to heart, and to not give up until she's found her pathway. The other reality is the job market itself. Is your daughter set on a specific city/state? Perhaps she is willing to consider a hotter job market. Online there are posting boards for motorcycle-specific jobs. Even if these list positions for mechanics with experience, your daughter could call to determine if possible entry-level positions may be opening up soon. One such site is http://www.MotorsportsEmployment.com. I'd start there! Mama Wednesday, July 27 For Karin who is helping her daughter find a bike mechanic job after her graduation: My son went through 15 months of training at MMI in Orlando. He worked at a custom shop in Tampa (#1 Harley Nitro Drag Racer for 2003 owns the shop). He received a lot of experience and his customers were sorry to see him leave after a year. A couple of months ago, he relocated to another state where he is now working for HD's R&D Test Facility and he loves it! He is still having to gain respect again from so co-workers because of his age but, he is getting there! And he is so happy! Your daughter may come up against a few narrow-minded people....I know my son did because of his age. I can tell you that he also aced all of courses, had perfect attendance and received several director's awards when he graduated. Regardless, he has found that he has to "make his own bones". I bet that if your daughter went to some of the larger facilities, she would find that her abilities will be much appreciated after a period of time (and they do not discriminate). My son did. It isn't about being male or female, it is about being good at what you do....I always told my son, "Don't worry about the money; do something you have a passion for and the money will come." I can tell you that he has a passion for what he is doing as I am sure your daughter does as well. What a great profession for these young ones! Congratulations to your daughter on her achievements. If you are interested, I could give you some more information on my son's current employer....I believe he indicated some openings may become available in the future. As always Petra.....your site is terrific! You provide a valuable service and avenue of information for all of us female riders and our supporters. KUDOS to you! Shani in NH (note from Mama: how excellent that you're able to offer Karin some thoughts from a Mom who has been there!) Dear
VTwin Mama, My boyfriend got himself a HD Springer Softail. I wanted a Harley, (hmmmmm the status?) but too expensive. Not knowing a whole lot about bikes, I just kinda went into the dumps figuring I'd never get a bike. We were driving over to the shore area when suddenly he stopped and quickly turned into a Yamaha place. There in front of the store was a '95 Virago 1100. He stopped because of all the shiny chrome on it. Duh. I looked at it, beautiful bike, very very clean but I HATED the color. There was 12,000 miles on it. I sat on the bike. My feet planted firmly on the ground. Good so far. I lifted the bike upright with ease, great so far, the price was right, talking him down from $3,500 to a firm $3,000 which includes taxes, MV fees. Super great, purchased the bike. I most certainly advocate a safety riding course. I did not take it. For women who worry about a big bike? My Yamaha Virago 1100 is big. My boyfriend was scared to death to teach me because he didn't want to see me get hurt. Chicken. So he asked a older friend to teach me. He said no problem. What a gem he is. He took me where there were NO cars. Just had me straddle the bike first and move it back and forth to get the feel of the weight. Then he had me start her up and very slowly had me practice the clutch and throttle, VERY slowly. I balanced well and he had me start to ride in first gear slow and brake using both brakes so I could get the feel of the braking system. By the end of two hours I was shifting to 3rd gear. Our time was up and I was so happy with my first ride on my bike. I rode up to him with such pride and stopped the bike . . . down I went. I was fine, just puzzled as to why I fell. He laughed and said, you forgot to put your feet down when you stopped. DUH ME. Good lesson, always remembered to put my feet down. Within a week I was riding her, mostly on isolated roads. My second year into riding. Love her so much. Handles with such ease. The steering on a Virago, in my opinion, is the ultimate ease for me. Very smooth and crisp. Never have to turn wide. Notice my boyfriend and others take the turn a little bit wide with their HD but I don't have to. She sure keeps up with the big ones and can pass them with ease. I have dumped her four times total. Was fine with each dump but I learned a lesson from each dump and did not repeat them. Costly as I always had to replace the rear turn signal and I always dumped to the left. ALWAYS. It usually happened when I backed up. Realized my feet were too close to the bike, not good balance, took a wider stance and am fine. Dropping a bike in my opinion is a real learning lesson. You tend to focus more on the things you need to so you don't drop again. It has worked for me. And by the way, I took my bike to the Vocational School and let the kids repaint my bike. They did a super super job. Sanded it down, primed and painted her a sandy beige with gold flakes and gold ghost flames. AWESOME and people ask me, kids did this? Yup, all I paid for was the paint. $250. So if anyone has a older bike they want painted over or you want things added, don't hesitate to bring her over to the Vocational schools. Most states have them and usually each county in the state. Look into it. Saved me about $1,200. As far as starting on a big bike, well I think a lot has to do with your comfort zone . . . what feels good and comfortable to you . . . how you can lift and handle the bike. I'm upset that Yamaha has discontinued the 1100. A super bike for a lady or gent. She's in top shape and I keep her that way. I started big, dumped her and got on again. BUT it was the ONLY bike I started on so that was what I had to learn on and did fine. But one shoe doesn't fit all. Also, I'd like to share what my dingbat boyfriend has recently decided to do. He wants to ride right along side of me. Ummmm I don't think so. I know many people say to ride close, but how close is close? I want people far enough behind me in case a car comes swerving over the line and I need to move over fast. Hello boyfriend, either he's going off the road or we're both going down. I asked him what if a car was turning, how do I go around him when you're next to me. What if we come up to something lying in the road that I need to avoid. And finally when he doesn't think I'm going fast enough, he pulls in front of me and keeps waving to me to go faster. GRRRRR. If it says 50 miles per hour, I'll do 55, especially if it is not a highway. He'll do 65. So I finally told him today, you ride you're way and I'll ride mine. 1. Stay away from me. Well girls, how did I do? Thanks for your site Mama and to all you ladies, ride the wind. Carol Dear
Carol, Tuesday, August 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, I will say that I'm SO GLAD I did it the way I did, practicing so many hours in the parking lot on the friction zone, curves, corners, etc. Everyone in my class did not make it because they were just "too green" and couldn't keep up. I definitely suggest anyone who is new to riding, practice a lot, just the basics, before taking this course. Now I have the confidence that I need to go out and learn more on a bigger bike. Also, I purchased "Riding Like A Pro For The Ladies" and highly suggest this DVD! I emailed the Palladino's to ask where they purchased the risers for Donna's bike, and within an hour, Donna herself emailed me back with a lot of help. I will send the photo as soon as I get the "extras" I have ordered for my bike. I am very happy and extremely excited! Thanks SO MUCH, I read the site every day, and can relate so much to the "newbies" who write in. Also, regarding your possible book next year, I will be FIRST IN LINE to buy it! Thanks again VTwin Mama! Penney from Iowa Dear
Penney, And thanks for the support on my book idea . . . I can report that I've now finished selecting a title (unless I change my mind!) and have written the first draft of the introduction chapter! To say I'm jazzed would be an understatement . . . I've been thinking of doing this for over a year and finally found something inside myself to begin. It's proving to be both terrifying and exhilarating . . . but I'm bound and determined to do it! Then, let the chips fall where they may (finding a publisher, etc.). At my desk I have a quote from Goethe taped up: "Whatever you can, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Doesn't that capture everything beautifully?!?!?! Mama Wednesday, August 24 G'day
Petra and all at VTW, I managed almost 6000 miles in four weeks accompanied by VTM sister Purpleponygal. What a great lady, gorgeous, smart and so witty. We camped most nights, in desert heat and mountain cold, we once went without a shower for four days, she never complained once, about anything. Best traveling companion I have ever had! I had a used 600 Honda Shadow. Most comfortable bike I have ridden long distance on. Luggage carrying could be better thought out on this model, but the rest of the thing was spot on. Those people who say a 600 is too small to tour on and keep up with bigger bikes are are full of it. It will sit on 75 mph all day. My normal speed was 70 on secondary roads, we never used interstates if we could avoid them. I made one and only one modification to the bike to make it more comfortable, lowered the handlebars so my arms were downwards, in that position I could keep my back straight. The Honda does not mind dirt roads and gravel tracks, Pony's V Star likes neither. Big diff in balance and control between a 600 Shadow and a V Star 650. We dropped both bikes a couple of times but even with lots of luggage they were easy to pick up. We had so many adventures in so many states that I am currently writing a book about them. I'll send the odd interesting or amusing tale as I do the chapters. I'll also send some photos of weird or unusual things that we saw. (And we saw lots of them!) I liked the USA so much that I will probably be back there to live in the near future. That's it for now. Y'all ride safe. Kevin in Sydney, Oz Dear
Kevin, Friday, August 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, I'm so glad I took a registered motorcycle safety course and can't stress enough the importance of them and continued practice because I CAN make those sharp right and left turns with my 750 Aero Shadow (and he can't, LOL- old school guy from back in the late 60's). He too does the 80 in a 50, or 40 in a 60, or whatever grabs him at the time. I just smile and say see ya later!! Drive at my own pace 5-10 over but nothing more and usually find him up ahead wondering where I am. Then I smile and pass him while he tries to collect himself . . . ain't love grand!! With respect to protective clothing and too hot weather. Shop around gals, I found a Joe Rocket jacket with a water/wind proof detachable liner. The outer part has a tiny mesh look. It's silver (comes in white, black, baby blue even pink), but it has the elbow, shoulder and back protection but allows in the cool air so instead of sweating to death I'm cool and protected! It looks really great and isn't bulky at all. After all, gotta look good!! You only have one body, so protect it well. I also heard a tinkling sound on my bike but after checking all the nuts n' bolts was completely stumped as to the problem. Low and behold, check what you wear sometimes, seems the little earrings with the tiny dangling cross was the "tinkle" I was looking for as they "danced in the wind". DUH!! Can I blame stupidity on menopause? Since the completion of my M1 (Ontario) licensing I have successfully completed my 60 days and am now on the second part of the term better known as the M2 (can now drive at night and on the highway) Yee Haw, looking forward to that one! I have racked up 1550 clicks so far just town and around driving. I have only dropped the bike once, or should I say laid gracefully down, while realizing that the ground under my feet wasn't level on both sides and only one foot reached the ground (Oh sh*t). Should have read the "easy formula to pick up you bike" site earlier. Thank God for saddlebags and the 5 hunks that came to my rescue . . . the front roll bars will be added shortly. Helps to save the legs if you know what I mean!! These bikes can be real guy magnets . . . should have started this way back when!! (Did I mention I was happily married? But hey there's no harm in lookin!) Well yakked enough for now . . . still love this site, found some new sites in the letter to check out. Hope all the newbie's like me keep on tryin', it's so worth it! Jackie in Ontario, Canada Dear
Jackie, For Carol who shared lots of details about her beginning bike riding experiences: I LOVE, LOVE your site! (thanks, thanks!) It is AWESOME, chock full of great information and great women sharing tips and experiences. I have found so many great tips and info on here and I love hearing experiences of other woman riders, it lets me know I am not alone! This is in response to Carol sharing what she learned on her first bike. All I can say is YOU GO GIRL! Her letter makes me proud to be a woman rider, we definitely need more of them. Here I am at 32 kicking myself because I thought I was too "old" to learn how to ride. My boyfriend has 22 years of riding experience so you can imagine how I felt! However, needless to say, I am doing great and I can't wait to get home every day after work and go riding. I loved Carol's message, it is so great to see other women riding and having the same experience, especially when it comes to dropping the bike. I dropped mine three times, the third time was because I forgot to put the kickstand down!! How bad is that?! Rode 800 miles to Massachusetts one weekend, made it no problem, only to forget the kickstand. Boy, did I feel dumb! Carol - I'm so glad you told your boyfriend how it's gonna be. Riding next to someone is just not right and he should know that. Especially with a new rider. They may not be nervous about it, but she is right, what happens when a car is coming at you and you have to move? I know people like that and they make me nervous, my boyfriend won't let me ride with them and you know what, I agree, I don't want to accidentally lose my life or get hurt because other people can't "ride nice." Thanks for letting me "talk." Keep up the great work, Mama and I wish Carol and every other woman rider nothing but lots more happy years riding! Doreen from NJ (note from Mama: maybe the bike mfgs. need to add a kickstand alert feature! Let's face it, stuff happens! Glad to hear though that by and large, things are going well for you, that this site is helping, and for sharing your support with Carol. We are NOT ALONE, and the sooner we realize that, the better off we are! We move more quickly from kicking ourselves to crafting really funny stories to be shared somewhere down the line!) Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Found your site by accident and come back every day for more! How wonderful to find other women who had the same sick feeling in their stomachs before riding, shaking in our boots, wondering just what the hell we got ourselves into, and worst of all, thinking we are too old! Just as you've said, practice makes the difference. I put 500 miles on a Honda Rebel then switched to a VStar 650 Classic. Big change in handling but I finally got the hang of it. Now fall is coming - just when I'm ready to rock and roll! I can always look forward to Christmas and my wish list for more chrome! Lynn from WNY Dear
Lynn, Tuesday, September 13 Greetings Mama, Dear
Patti, I had the chance to ride a 1986 750 BMW over the last few years, courtesy of VTM sister Cindy. What caught my attention was the excellent handling in curves and the reliability of the bike even in the nastiest hot weather (Arizona in August!). What I didn't like was how my feet were cocked back on the controls (I'm 5'10" and it really cramped my thighs). Still, having visited the BMW dealer to have some work done on that bike, I happened to see a huge wall poster of a cruiser style BMW and thought that if I ever had the money, that's what I wanted. So, flash forward to this year . I had forgotten about that picture, but was checking the want ads, and didn't recognize the BMW model listed, so researched it on the Internet, and voila!, there it was! I immediately called the seller and out we went for an hour ride (he on another of his bikes). Omigosh . . . pure poetry in motion. The boxer engine sits so low (so a low Center of Gravity) that she ate up curves like she was born to ride them (which the old Harley really struggled with and I hated it)! Then there's the German engine and the fact that they've really been honing this technology for some time now. The bike is only 482 pounds, so easy for me to move around when necessary, but also did struggle a little bit last Saturday in higher wind conditions (the wheel rim design is more solid in nature). I like having the ABS brake system available and the previous owner had already added many features like the engine guard and highway leg rest top, fog lights, small windshield, and pillion seating. I'm considering changing the windshield to a higher, wider model that is available. At this point I've gotten use to my feet position to the controls (I feel like I'm sitting on my kitchen chair which I love as it keeps my back straight for tons less stress) and still have to look if I can move the shifter control "up" a bit for more room between the peg and control, but even that's not really too much of an issue . . . just different! I did 550 miles in one day and have to say that while I was tired overall, my arms, legs, and back were not fatigued and sore. Very cruising happy and the bike just purrs at higher speeds so I never feel like that 1170cc is straining to handle the 70-80mph range. On another note, the bike only had 2500 miles on it because the previous owner kept going oversees for his job . . . so I got a 2001 bike in beautiful condition and low mileage! I paid $9990, which was over NADA suggested pricing, but the low mileage and extras convinced me it was an excellent deal. I still say that the BMW tank looks like the alien popping out of that character's stomach from the movie Alien (like it's barfing out of the bike frame!) but the ride is soooo sweet that I'm going to be in love for a very long time! Is this bike my dream bike? Well, I've come to learn that I love just about any bike as long as I'm riding! Mama Thursday, September 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear B., Well, I did find a site with a calorie burner equation that offered a motorcycle factor! (note that you choose the subset: driving, motor scooter or motorcycle) I put in my weight and chose 1 hour and came up with 215 calories burned. Then I compared this to sitting quietly watching T.V., which the net result was 150 calories per hour and walking at 2mph which was the same as riding the bike, 215 calories! It is my understanding that the only way to strengthen, firm, and tone muscles is to work them against resistance (i.e. weights or exercise). I don't see how sitting on a bike would do this as the body is relatively in a stationary position. Ok, there is wind resistance, but somehow this doesn't seem enough to have a significant impact. I couldn't find any related articles on the Internet . . . readers, do you have any input? Mama Thursday, October 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Tina, Dear
VTwin Mama, Wow, I was beginning to think that I was the only woman who'd failed the Motorcycle Safety Training Course until I read Marsha's post on Sept. 1 2005. Whew, I'm not alone! Holy Cow. I took this course at Team Arizona on 9/30, 10/1 & 10/2. I passed the written test with a 94 out of 100 but I was beginning to think I was the "only one" (of course there are others, but I hadn't yet found a "failure" post) who'd failed this course. I scored a 24 (you need 20 points and under to pass). I was super bummed until I talked to HammerLady (one of your mentors and an instructor) who gave me renewed confidence and some seriously sane advice that help make sense of what the instructors were teaching. She also helped me see that I should be proud of the fact that having never owned, ridden on or even sat on a bike prior to my training weekend, I'd managed to accomplish as much as I had. (It was hard to see that past my wounded ego) So thanks to you for starting this site, Marsha for letting me know there's a "club," and HammerLady for inspiring this newbie to try and try again! Big Virtual Bear Hugs all around! : ))) Tammi in Arizona Dear Tammi, Monday, October 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Let me back up a little bit. Me, the girl who got 24 points on her motorcycle course the previous weekend, got a lovely 4 points Friday. Zero being a perfect score. Who's the woman? The difference? The one-on-one training for my problem areas that I received Friday in a short 1.5 hour lesson. Amazing the difference in my level of understanding when I had one instructor focused on me and what I needed to change to be a safer, more efficient rider. My instructor was patient (unlike the first guy) and helpful and I kicked ass. And so as a treat, I bought the 2006 Silver Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe I've had my eye on for the past two months. 600cc's is very different from the 250's I learned on, but I rode her home today (after getting the blessed "M" from motor vehicles today....woo ha!). Thanks to woman like you and HammerLady, I was a lot more confident this time around and I am so stoked to be in "the cool club" of Lady Riders now. Wow, who'd a thunk it. Oh and I have to explain to my boss today why I blew off work when I promised to work a half day. It kinda just happened. I passed the test, I went to DMV, and while at lunch with a friend, my local dealer called as I'd asked to say MY silver Shadow had come in minutes ago, I went, I bought, I drove my first 11 miles home on my own bike . . . Oh My God . . . I could explode from the perfect day I had. I apologize for the ramble. Surely you remember your first bike? Thanks again for creating a forum for women like me. Big ole hugs and a sloppy kiss on the cheek, Tammi, grinning ear to ear Dear Tammie, Monday, October 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Denise, As a sidenote, I only post events that benefit breast cancer awareness and research on the VTwin Mama site if they are motorcycle-related. I do have my 2006 calendar marked to post the pink ribbon again next October. Mama Monday, October 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, 10 Years on 2 Wheels by Helge Pedersen A coffee table book filled with the most wonderful photography of Helge's ten year journey around the world. Yes, he really did take ten years to see the world on a BMW R80 GS. Unlike a lot of modern bike travelers he did not just ride through other peoples countries with nothing more than a quick hello. He stopped and worked with them, lived with them, gained an insight into how they lived. As I understand it he was the first person with a motorcycle to cross the Darien Gap in the jungle around Panama. This fact still recorded in the Road Knights (the local USA Marine detachment bike club) visitors book. You want adversity . . . Helge lived it, weeks of rain, days of mud, snow, desert heat, few bikers could really put up with the trials that this man suffered in his ten year odyssey. This is the kind of adventure that all motorcyclists dream of doing, but few ever will. As a book of great photos and insightful observations this is a must for armchair adventurers and riders who have that " Big Dream Ride". Helge now runs biker's tours in different parts of the world, so you can have the adventure without the hardship if you're keen to try adventure biking yourself. Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon Ted leaves Britain in 1973 and rides around the world for the next 5 years. On a 500cc Triumph he rides to places most of us only ever dream about. This book has been in print ever since the day it was first published and is generally acknowledged by most world motorcycle travelers to be the inspiration for their journeys. It certainly was for me when I rode around half the world in 1994. The world was a different place back then and Ted has adventures and misadventures in some of the most inhospitable places. As any traveler will tell you, its not the destination its the journey that matters, and also the people you meet along the way. This book shines with Teds enthusiasm for riding. Its hard to finish this novel and not start planning your own world trip. ( Luckily I just came back from the USA so I am sated for a few months myself.) I could go on and on about Jupiters Travels but the best thing I can say is . . . go and buy it. After several readings of it I still enjoy it immensely! You will too. (A
shameless ego plug for myself here, the day after I bought a bike to tour
Europe on in 1994, I was at the Museum of British Road Transport in
Coventry first thing the next morning. Its where Teds Triumph now
resides on display. The staff were great, I have pics of me actually
sitting on the bike, still in the same condition it was in after Ted
returned from his 5 year adventure. It was one of the great days in my
life. Immortalized forever on tape because the local radio station,
hearing about an Aussie in town just to see Teds bike interviewed me a
few hours later on air. So there you go, Ted Simon really WAS my reason
for touring some of the world!) Dear Kevin, Thursday, November 3 Lindby engine guards for sale! Dear
VTwin Mama, I also would like to know if you could post this: I bought a set of Lindby engine guards that I used for just a short period of time. Not a scratch on them. Want to sell them for cheap: $200. I will have to find out how much shipping is and of course, add that onto the price, but depending where it goes I will wait on that. They usually run a good $300+ or more. They are great but my husband bought me another set instead and I used those. I love reading this site. My friend in Northern California has passed her course just last weekend. I intend on riding up there this Spring and having fun riding in the wine country where beautiful roads are all over the place. Kathy H. Dear
Kathy, Those interested in the engine guards, please email me at vtwinmama@vtwinmama.com. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dawn, Now, don't let the winter months simply slip by without any motorcycle learning! I would like to suggest that you visit my Education Center page, where you'll find a number of books and DVDs on the subject . . . all chock full of practical advice to extend the knowledge you gathered during your course. In this way you'll retain the connection to the course material, be able to further your knowledge, and be that much more ahead when spring arrives! Believe it or not, sitting at a kitchen chair, with your arms and legs extended into position for hand and foot controls, with your eyes closed and imaging a course route or street route, and thinking through the sequence of maneuvers WILL help you gain confidence! I'm glad my site has already been of help to you. In the Riding Techniques pages you'll find so many previous letters addressing issues and concerns and how to overcome challenges. Read through these subject by subject to drink in what others have gone through and what you'll most likely encounter when you get your first bike and get ready to practice. Also, if you're getting ready to shop for a bike, you should check to see if a motorcycle show is coming to your area . . . lots of them are during the winter months! The Motorcycle Events site is a good place to start your research on this. And there is no reason you can't check into women's riding organizations and local chapters now if you're thinking you would like to meet other women riders in the area. Check my Women's Sites page for these! Why not make contact, attend a few meetings, and get involved. Toy runs are coming up and they always need helpers . . . wouldn't this be a fun way to get to know riders?! Mama Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Henrietta, I understand that you don't have courses nearby, but quite frankly, I started out on a 750cc bike and just learned by myself. Slowly, in an empty parking lot, and then "graduated" myself to the streets on early, quiet Sunday mornings. Then a bit more. Then some traffic. This is a natural progression. Otherwise, what's the point of having the bike? So, now let's address the issue of "not being allowed." Horse puckies. You are a grown woman who clearly has a goal to achieve. Is this a control issue dynamic between the two of you or truly overprotection? Have you had a heart-to-heart discussion in which your hubby has clearly stated his deepest fears about your riding? Have you asked him to be specific? What are they? This is the starting point of addressing the concerns and finding the pathway to learning in a way that satisfies both of you. I would call that school and ask them if they have any recommendations. Perhaps they know of someone in your area who provides private instruction. Or perhaps you simply need to save the money so you can drive a car to the school and stay over in order to do the course if taking the course would ease your hubby's fears. Or, how about calling the nearest m/c dealer (of any kind) and checking to see if they have a women's riding group or know of one, or know of women who would be willing to go with you. Would your hubby be less fearful if you had an experienced rider go out with you on the streets? Or, how about if he followed you in a car for your first steps into riding on the streets so he's there to assist in case you need it? I think you're seeing that I'm trying to open the window of discussion for you. For instance, if you and your hubby sat down and listed (by writing down) his actual concerns, then you could also write down how to get on with it. I.e., let's say one of his concerns is that you might fall over in a simple turn because you're not use to it and have an oopsie and he's worried you couldn't pick the bike up again. Then, if he followed you in the car, wouldn't that be one way he could manage his fear and be there to help? I've got another idea on learning. There is a DVD called Surviving the Mean Streets . . . this DVD from the Ride Like a Pro company addresses issues about street riding. And they ship internationally. Perhaps you might look into getting this, watching it with your husband, discussing each thing addressed in the DVD, talking it out, and then forming a battle plan together. It would be wonderful if I could simple say, "the heck with him," but that's not right. We can't just not poo-poo a loved one's concerns. So, find a quiet moment and talk and then develop a battle plan together. If he is unwillingly to sit down and talk this through, then you've got bigger issues than can be addressed on this site. I'm truly hoping this is not the case. I can only simply add that YOU ARE NOT ALONE on this . . . several women have written in about it, and when the loved one is standing in their way, they had to make a choice. I'm wishing you the very best in your next steps. Mama Monday, November 28 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Henrietta, Tuesday, November 29 Hi
there
Mama, More information on our adventures can be found at www.sorebums.net. I hope this may inspire your readers. Georgie McCarthy Dear
Georgie Wednesday, December 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Stacy, Friday, December 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, So I stopped at home, checked out the bike, and rode it roughly 15 miles to go pick up a gift certificate for mom and back! It was early enough to not have rush hour traffic, just the usual mix of Orlando drivers. It was more congested near the shopping center, but I did okay. Made a few shifting errors, and it will take awhile for me to remember that the turn signals don't cancel on their own, but other than that, it was a blast! The only time I stalled the bike was when I came up our sloped driveway a little too slow . . . and then had lots of fun practice at starting from a slope . . . not as easy as a stick shift car, but I'll keep practicing! I lived and have driven in a lot of areas, including New York City, but I swear Florida drivers are the absolute worst. So imagine my surprise when I only had one car up my butt for awhile. Fortunately I'm passive aggressive, and you know, if you go slower and slower, they eventually go around you. They didn't box me in as much as I had expected, so that initial fear of driving in traffic with several traffic lights to contend with, is behind me. I'm still going to wait until off peak times to ride, but at least I know I can do it. Okay, that's all . . . hope you are having a wonderful holiday : ) Kat Dear
Kat, |
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