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2007 Thursday, January 4 Hi
Petra, There is one "foreign" bike on display which is an "Indian," a present donated by the New York City Police. I would strongly recommend any biker visiting the UK to see this Museum. It is of course based in Birmingham where most of the bikes were made and is located at Junction 6 on the M42 motorway, about 90 miles outside of London. Best regards, – Tim Dear
Tim, Monday, January 8 Dear
VTwin Mama,
Dear
Megan, Dear
VTwin Mama, I have no choice. I have to force dropping my planning to buy the motorcycle. Reason My brother, older sister and I help my mom to pay the flower, hospital, and funeral.... Of course it is very expansive. I feel being poor again. I don't know what I plan to . . . buying the motorcycle in the future . . . or not . . . I never forget the best moment about my dad bought his first brand new motorcycle in 1973. I have old picture with me, But I don't remember where I put somewhere in the house. So. This biker was very very rare. Not America bike. That bike came from Italy in the larger company of foreign motorcycle. It called " Benilli " that motorcycle company. Look alike shape like Triumph or BSA bike. It come to America from Italy. Very hard to find this kind of rare motorcycle in anywhere U.S.!! Anyway, I was around 9 years old. I hopped back seat with him on his Benilli biker. I rode with him feeling good a breeze wind. I loved it. I fell in love with Benilli very much. He said to me, "Someday. When You get older. I will give you this Benilli." Short time. Very sad . . . he sold someone for his motorcycle beecause he needed money. More than 20 years ago. I was very disappointed about my favorite Benilli. Myself hate being mourn about my father is gone very sad. Now, Myself never have been in my dream come true about being Deaf Woman Biker.... I really want deserve it. Hummm I don't know what to do.. :::sigh::: My mother still on and off mood... I feel sort of okay. – Michelle DellaPelle in Basking Ridge, NJ Dear
Michelle While I can appreciate that you have a "dream" motorcycle in mind, you may wish to consider buying a small used motorcycle so that you can continue practicing your skills. Take a look in the classified section of your local newspaper to see what might be available and then save your money! Many women (and men) start this way and then, after a year or two, are ready to handle and afford their dream bike. It's just so important not to let your skills sit on a shelf. Yes, taking a full mechanics school course can be quite expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't start learning how motorcycles work and how to do maintenance and repair on them! I like Dan's Online Motorcycle Repair Course (free) and also Mark Zimmerman's The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance (about $20). Why not begin your studies this way?!?! I wish you the very best as you continue to pursue your adventure in motorcycle riding. Don't give up . . . dreams can be realized if you stick with it. – Mama Wednesday, January 17 For Michelle who wants to learn motorcycle maintenance and repair as a career: I am very sorry about your father's passing but it sounds like you have many good memories of him to keep with you. You sound like a very capable and determined woman to me, congratulations on getting your license! You may not be able to go the the repair institute right now but if you are just wanting to learn some basic repairs for a motorcycle, check with a local community college. A lot of them offer a course and at a reasonable price, it's a start at least. I have no doubt that with your determination you will be able to achieve what you want. Good luck and keep trying. – Camilla (note from Mama: thanks for the reminder about community college courses and letting Michelle know that pursuing goals is always a good thing!) Wednesday, January 24 Hello
Petra, Dear
Sandy, Monday, January 29 G'day
Petra, Dear
Kevin, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Beth, If we look at Harley-Davidson's core customer base, of course we note that the greater percentage is men . . . and while we know of many men who have greater sense than to reduce women to objects, HD wouldn't continue to display this type of magazine if the $$ in doing so weren't there. But that doesn't mean you don't have a voice! Consider
writing to U.S. headquarters at: Make sure to include your contact information and that you are asking for an accounting of this type of product display. Or contact Lara Lee, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Enthusiast Services. Although I don't have her direct contact information, if you call Customer Service at (414) 343-4056, I'm sure they'll be able to direct you. – Mama Thursday, February 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, What we need are more motorcycle stories, rally and charity information, articles that feature your organization. What about information on safety clinics and your mission? Or, send me articles on great hang outs, great roads, great people you met on your travels , great places you visited and help me make this website an amazing place for the whole bike community (no matter what motorcycle you own) to come and hang out. Ride safe, – Jodi Lipson, INB Communications, jlipson@inb.net Dear
Jodi, Monday, February 5 For Beth who noted an unease that certain dealers display "naked women" magazines: Where are you seeing these half naked Harley advertisements? I have been in all 3 of my local dealers and have read at least 4 motorcycle magazines this month alone and have not seen a single Harley ad that bears a half naked woman. These models are much more covered up that 90% of the females under 30 at the local shopping mall. If she were to frequent the Honda and Yamaha shops in her region she would find some of the same magazines, i.e. the only magazine that comes to my mind is the Easyrider magazine. That has nothing to do with Harley-Davidson. If Beth has a problem with those magazines then that should be brought up with the dealership's General Manager, not Harley-Davidson Company! – Anonymous (note from Mama: I stand corrected . . . you are absolutely right . . . I don't know how much HD headquarters "controls" their individually-owned dealerships and the first line of inquiry should be at the dealership level. I'll also note that the wording of Beth's letter was a tad confusing . . . I feel she definitely was referring to magazines displayed in-store, not actual HD ads in any form themselves.) Like VTM, I find the use of scantly-clad women tiring, but I don't find it offensive. If women choose to objectify themselves for HD, that's their choice. I don't get any enjoyment out of seeing shirtless men in jeans advertisements or scantly clad women in Victoria's Secret catalogs, but they don't bother me. Using a mannequin or an ugly person would probably work just as well, but we as consumers don't want to see that. It doesn't make me feel uncomfortable, so I've never devoted any effort into it. Other's have though, and if you are interested in joining the movement for changing the advertising media's presentation of women, I'd urge you to look into Jean Kilborne's site, who has done a lot of work in the field. In college I watched several films she produced on the subject, and thought they were well done and informative. – Skippii (note from Mama: yes, each of us has our comfort level and each of us the power to voice our opinion. Thank you for including Ms. Kilbourne's site information . . . I have just sent her an email asking if she could lend us any insights from her body of alcohol, smoking, etc. work that mirrors our experience in the motorcycling industry.) Dear
VTwin Mama, I would like to request any input you could give towards helping me start this business. I am calling it N.A.G.S. Motorsports after my four children Nick, Alicia, Gabby, and Sean. As I mentioned, I wish to gear this business towards female riders and also perhaps those with special needs. My son Sean is a diabetic and is beginning to learn to ride. I have been in touch with Christine and Dan Vaughn of Wicked Women Choppers and spoken (primarily with Dan, Christine is busy with the bikes) with them about a dealership and a shop that supports the lady biker. I have found that there are 4 shops in this area (about 45 min south of Columbus) but they aren't interested in serving the female market. I genuinely love motorcycles and being in education, love to work with people and want to make a go of it. I am looking for any input or advice that you and your readership might offer. I also want to support lady rider clubs in this area and give them a chance to grow and a place to meet. Having two daughters (Gabby and Alicia) that love bikes, I wish to make the sport as safe and enjoyable for them as possible (along with making it so for my sons Sean and Nick) and am just attempting to get some ideas and maybe info about lady's clubs in the area and maybe make this a shop that they would feel comfortable using. My email address is rickeyrb@hotmail.com and my phone is 513-304-3696. About me: I have ridden since 1974 on everything from small dirt bikes to Harley Ultra Classics. I am seeking a career change but still want to be in a business to help people. I would be grateful for any help or input you would be willing to give. With much appreciation and admiration, – Beau Rickey Dear
Beau, Well, to start with, sales and service people who don't talk down to them but also recognize that sometimes clear explanations for basic things are needed. Dare to flip open a service manual in front of them and show them where you think work might be needed or the problem is . . . ! Understanding options is a big part of any dealership and that includes getting a motorcycle sized correctly (lowering, pullback risers, foot controls) and the level of aftermarket support there is (add-ons is big!) . . . so know your stuff there! You may want to put together a loose leaf binder for every model you'll carry so you can slip useful information in and out of clear binder sheets . . . a copy of a page on a lowering kit, what the manufacturer is offering in options, etc. Wouldn't that be something?! What also may be in short supply . . . why not offer a women's only maintenance session . . . so the rider can watch a mechanic actually change oil, check brake fluid levels, etc. I'll bet single buyers and the local women's riding groups would like something like that! How to gather more info? Well, you could start by hopping onto my Women's Sites page and checking the national and local listings for riding groups and make contact. They usually hold monthly meetings . . . maybe they would be interested in having you as a guest speaker . . . someone who is interested in a dialog exchange on what they've been experiencing, etc. Make contact now! As with all things though, you're only going to capture part of the 10% market that is women, so I wouldn't exactly ignore the guys . . . there are plenty out there that have just as many questions and concerns as women! Wouldn't they love to have a non-threatening environment where they are made to feel they have the right to ask questions?!?!?! One other thing to consider . . . there is no doubt that the scooter sector is growing . . . while you might not be interested in those little 125cc types, there are plenty of mid-range and mega-scooters that women are loving. Also, be ready with trike options . . . a shop that can extend its knowledge from two wheel to trike is a winner! And don't forget the auto tranny bikes . . . some people just don't get the hang of the clutch or want to deal with it . . . it's all good stuff to know, even if you send them to the nearest source . . .women appreciate being told the straight scoop. Honesty at all times with clear explanations does the trick for me! It's better to say, "I don't know, but let me research that for you," then pretend you have the answer when you don't! – Mama Monday, February 12 For Beau who is planning a motorcycle dealership/shop in Ohio geared for women: Loved the idea about a maintenance class. Wish I could find one here. The other thing I'm always looking for and never find is TRULY large sizes. I wear a 4x or 5x and there just aren't any to be found OR they're men's sizes with tiny butts. – Anonymous (note from Mama: something for Beau to keep in mind if he'll be offering riding gear . . . thanks for noting how important that is. Readers, I hope you've been emailing Beau directly . . . it's a chance to voice what you would really like in a shop . . . and he is truly appreciate of the input.) Dear
VTwin Mama, I have chosen this subject, not only because of personal interest, but because it is such an empty area of the market, especially in the UK. My target audience will be women aged between 21 and 40, with disposable incomes, independent and career driven. At the moment I have yet to decide whether to create the media for a motorcycle magazine/newspaper, group/organization (such as yourself), or motorcycle/motorcycle clothing company.
I would be most appreciative if you could send me any relevant ideas, images, previous advertisements/media, and information that may help me in my project. My contact e-mail is cjolley@hotmail.co.uk. – Charlotte Dear
Charlotte, Wednesday, February 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Susan, Stop by often . . . we're a daily weekday dose of sharing and caring . . . and once the "season" really starts, and more letters roll in, I'll be posting on weekends as well. Don't forget about the VTwin Mama Message Board, which I started late last October . . . another way to connect with riders and talk things out. – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Terry, There is little you can really do to change other people's perceptions about riding. They only know what they hear from the media, which at best is rarely in our favor. What you can do is help them see how you'll be pursing your dream because I doubt highly that you're just going to jump on the biggest Hog you can find and roar down the road with your new outlaw biker buddies . . . But what do you have in mind? Perhaps you'll start by signing up for a motorcycle safety course . . . one where safety is reviewed and stressed and getting back on the bike will be done under the watchful eye of an instructor. What's next? How about joining a chapter of a women's riding group . . . it's a great place to share and maybe even find a mentor for your early stages! The purchase of a small used bike? Practice in a big empty parking lot? Mini trips on no/low traffic day/time? If these mini steps sound something like the plan you have in your head . . . then write it all down! It clearly shows that you'll be doing lots of learning and practice way before other drivers have a chance to enter your riding world. Show it to those naysayers in the family. If the negative comments don't stop, it time to be firm. You appreciate their input, you heard them the first time, you'll thank them for finding some encouraging words to say . . . and if necessary, ask them if the reason they are so worried about other drivers is that they harbor a secret fear that their own driving skills stink (say it with a wink and a smile and move on!). Take a deep breath, but by all means, get on with the first step. See how it goes, share your experiences and thoughts, decide if you want to take the next step! We'll be here for you! – Mama Wednesday, March 7 For Terry who is getting back into riding and has family with negative views: Maybe you could try to recruit one of the family members to take the MSF beginner course with you. Then you'll have at least one that will be able to tell the others, that your not totally out of your mind. It's happened before. A husband tags along and ends up riding too.– Jen (note from Mama: a very constructive idea!) Thursday, March 15 For Terry who at 50 wants to ride again but has some family not supporting her: I had a similar problem . . . except that it was my husband who wanted to get back into riding at the age of 48, and I was the naysayer. Needless to say, it took him several months of going around to bike shops with me and wearing me down . . . we finally found a bike I could fit on and feel comfortable with (Honda Shadow 600), and since he had promised to go to the MSF course with me, we went. We couldn't get in right away, (it took 2 months), so after I'd passed my learner's permit test, we bought my bike (he had to ride it home for me though). He taught me in our neighbor's parking lot for about 3 days before he had to go back to work (cross-country). So it was up to me to go it alone. I practiced with traffic cones and markings on the asphalt and practiced and practiced. I finally took it out early one Saturday morning by myself (cause I wanted to prove to him I COULD do it) and took it to work (4 miles) where I parked it and tipped it over!! No one was around, so I had to lift it back up by myself, and the only thing hurt was my pride and a scratch on the left rear taillight. But since he wasn't there I absolutely had no one to call, so guess what - I got back on that bike, rode it back home, and then went out the next morning again. Then during the week I would go out just around town, after the work rush hour traffic died down, and use the "back" roads (AND the high school parking lot). When he got home is when I finally went out in "daytime" traffic - but we both had Chatterboxes, so he followed me and talked to me, or if I had a question I could talk to him. Great invention, Chatterboxes, if you have someone to ride with who has more experience. Terry, I refused to tell my family about it until I had gone through MSF and had my license. Only my nephew knew, and he only found out because he bought his new bike at the same shop, and they asked him if he was related to me. Was HE ever surprised! Take the MSF course, look and look and look at bikes and find something you really feel comfortable on before you buy it. And you go girl! – Claire from Ludlow, MA (note from Mama: how wonderful of you to share how it all came together for you . . . it's sure to give Terry the encouragement she needs to move forward with her plans!) Friday, March 16 More for Terry who at 50 wants to ride again but has some family not supporting her: Prove them wrong. Ride safely. Lots of people do, why shouldn't you? – Chris (note from Mama: well said!) Tuesday, April 10 Dear
Petra, I found that a CrampBuster really helps me to enjoy longer rides because of some nerve damage to my right hand. There are things out there that will help you and your motorcycle become a team, just ask someone and it has probably already been invented and you can walk into a dealer and have it installed. Oh, I would also like to recommend a couple of DVDs to all. The first is the Ride Like a Pro series, I have #4 and it is invaluable to the beginner. The correct use of the friction zone is a great skill to have when you go for the Motorcycle safety course. The other one is the DVD The World's Fastest Indian, which I bought for my dad for Christmas. He rode an Indian in his younger days and still loves them. The story is great, the bikes and vintage cars and pickups are authentic and very cool, and if you are familiar at all with the Burt Munro story, you will love it. If you like great movies on a rainy night, (or a rainy day when you can't ride) these have a lot of information, and are a lot of fun. Keep on informing and empowering us, Petra! – Patty Dear
Patty, Friday, April 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, You can find the nomination under sports blog and education blog. If you want to nominate her for another category, feel free. Thanks for your vote! – Mel Dear
Mel, Monday, April 30 An update from Terry who is back into riding and has family with negative views: Well, the parents went back up north and the day after I picked up my bike. Her name is Star, and yes you guessed it, she is a V Star Classic 750. I've already made a few adjustments to her, engine guards, windshield and shifter cut down. She is gray and I now have a new love in my life. I just got the engine guards so now I'm ready to take her to a parking lot to practice. I got some real good advice yesterday to not over think everything and just do it. This advice came straight from Dr. Donna and Jerry Palladino [Ride Like a Pro DVD]. They are awesome people and what an inspiring show they put on. I went to see them perform their show at the Leesburg Bike Festival in Leesburg, Florida (about an hour drive from my house). I plan to follow her advice and quit worrying about everything and just do it! Of course I didn't ride Star there but you just wait until next year.– Progressing slowly in Thonotosassa, Terry (note from Mama: congrats on the new motorcycle and continuing your journey . . . I have meet Donna and Jerry several times and I agree, seeing their demonstration of riding techniques is very inspirational and they are very passionate about their mission to educate . . . I'm glad Donna had a viewpoint that helped clear your head a bit so that practice sessions can be approached with a little less baggage effect!) Friday, May 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, As I see the eyes of grrrls looking at me and think of the example we set for the next generation of women, I meditate my mantra which I think will resonate w/ you: "May I go forward with the power of empowering and the passion for compassion, smib!" Priestess J'Noel – Ginnie Dear
Ginnie, Tuesday, June 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
EODWIF, Wednesday, June 6 Dear Mama and
fellow riders, Dear
Beth, Tuesday, June 12 Dear VTwin
Mama, 1) No matter your experience level, take an advanced motorcycle course. The advanced course is conducted on the rider's bike, not a 125 or 250. I just took mine this past Saturday and it was very educational. The course was on my bike ('06 Roadking). I learned more about my bike and the performance of it. 2) For those riding in extreme temperature conditions like here in Arizona, try wearing undergarments like those made by Under Armor. They are great for keeping cool, weigh almost nothing, and breathe. They block sun exposure. I wear a knock off purchased from Wal-Mart for about $8. I wear a long sleeve one with a light weight long sleeved shirt over the top. 3) I love your advice for others to ride at their own pace and not another's or the groups. Cannot stress this point enough. 4) Ladies, ride, ride, and ride. My wife has her own ride so I support her in it. It is tough starting out and I had to be patient. I want us to enjoy our time together and riding is a form of us spending quality time together without the kids. If your spouse isn't head over heels in love with you riding, put them in a chase group and take them to a rally. Once they experience the camaraderie, they will not look back. Probably be a little jealous though! Question: When are the states going to make it illegal for people to drive down the road beating their gums on cell phones? I don't know how many times people pull out in front of me talking on their cell phones. Keep up with the good work. Happy riding days are upon us, so have fun. – John Wright Dear
John, Re: cell phone loving cagers . . . I'm thinking of packing a squirt gun and strapping it to the bike so my left hand can reach it. Hee, hee! Imagine the surprise on their faces when their driver window is hit! Unfortunately, this could set up road rage, so let's take this as sort of a fantasy wish! When will cell phones while driving be outlawed? When the injury/death rates reach unacceptable levels, whatever that might be. It's horrible to report . . . but I scan all drivers for that telltale upward crook at their elbow . . . cell phone user alert . . . . and always make sure to clear them as quickly as possible as I don't trust them to care as much about me as the person they are talking to. – Mama Monday, July 2 Hi VTwin Mama, I think it is fantastic there is a supportive site for women riders -- I haven't cruised all the pages yet, but judging by the responses and posts you are doing an amazing job. I will be certainly referring your site to the female riders know and any more I meet!. I have to admit I get tired of the stereotypical way women are presented in motorcycling, particularly in "biker lifestyle" subgroup. Thank you for liberating so many women! You rock! The best thing I think, and what says it all about your site, is the expressions of sheer joy in your gallery pages, in the pics and in print. All those ear-to-ear grins are contagious! Anyone who loves the sport will recognize them and the feelings behind them. I ride a '87 Yamaha Virago 750 and my friend Saryta rides a '96 Kawasaki Ninja 500 -- a sweet ride, but a bit of a "racehorse" for a first bike. We've taken a couple trips together but she needs some more experience to boost her confidence a bit. (A delightful on-going project). I've attached a picture on one of her first rides on a beautiful fall day shortly after we got our bikes in the fall of 2005. (She's looking a little shell-shocked as she is recovering from a small "oopsie" - nothing a nice scone and tea couldn't cure!). I have been riding on and off for nearly 20 years but it was her first season. Thanks and keep up the great work! – Simon Coles Dear
Simon, Tuesday, July 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Barbara, Continue learning and soon you'll be offering your guidance, whether here or another good forum, or to someone who is just starting out and needs your help. I feel blessed in soooo many ways as the creator of this site, as I've learned as much as I've offered in return. – Mama Monday, July 23 Hello Petra, I have linked you onto the links page of my own website, Roadgypsy.com. Thank you for your time and keep them on the pavement! – Liz Dear
Liz, Wednesday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Lou Ann, It's true that the navigation of the site has changed in the last years. While you can see that many of the buttons in the top navigation bar are quite intuitive, it's the Directories button that leads people to many women-specific areas as well as the education center and other things. Women-specific pages include women's sites, women's riding organizations and clubs, women's event calendar, women riders who wish to connect with one another, women's riding gear links, advocacy and more! In addition, last October I started a wonderful VTwin Mama Message Board. Here registered and approved members can chit chat with one another about motorcycle-related issues, including getting together, and also a section for other things in our lives. It's highly active, very informative, and a great extension to this main site. Good to have you back in action! – Mama Tuesday, September 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I do have a question I don't think I've seen lately: now that I am trying out new bikes in contemplation where to go from my Honda Rebel 250, I noticed that just standing some of the larger bikes upright from their kickstands requires some good upper body strength. Can you suggest some good lateral arm strengthening exercises for a (more than) slightly out of condition middle aged Wannabee can manage to help steady the beastie? – Biker Wannabee Dear
Biker Wannabee, So, first, let's share a little "trick" for those bigger bikes. Yes, if the wheel is turned to the left, it's a bear getting it off the kickstand and centered. Tons easier if you simply twist the handlebar so the wheel is to the right. Pops right up! The reason is that you're not fighting the front tire and having to overcome the side tread to get to the center. Take a look and I think you'll see what I mean! I always advocate exercise for riders as riding does take a toll on the body. The better shape you're in, the easier it is! That includes sit ups (as they strengthen the belly, which supports the back muscles), leg squats (because thighs are our best helpers in lots of different moves, including picking up a bike that took a nap on its side!), and free weights for upper arm strength. There are a ton of online sources for simple exercises, so get going! – Mama |
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