Women Motorcycle Riders Share Insights!

Dear Readers,
I've been working on the website this last week ... updating the site map, checking links, etc. I happened to come across a lovely 18-page booklet in PDF format entitled Motorcycling for Women: Beginner Bikes. Written by Carla King, it's a great introduction for the truly new person to the sport and points out the different types of motorcycles one might consider getting started on.

Many folks know that a few years back, Harley-Davidson added a specific section on its website for women and more recently published We Ride: Harley-Davidson's Guide for Women (it's a free download or can be found in print at dealerships). And I noted that in a recent email from Helmet Hair magazine that back in July 2009, BMW came out with a brochure for women titled "Riding is too much fun to be left to the guys.".Alas, I can't find that as a download, so I'm guessing one could find it at dealerships. Onward! – Mama

Dear VTwin Mama,
I suppose it should be known that I'm a guy and that I've had this site bookmarked for quite some time. Anyway, I wanted to take a moment and say, "nice job"! I think what you're doing with this site is great for women riders! Riding is for everyone and I love seeing women operators. I've learned quite a lot from your site about selecting the right bike and gear. Your approach in helping riders of all experiences is simply awesome and I love how you incorporate the ideas of other riders in your posts! Keep up the good work! – Justin

DearJustin,
Thanks sooo much for chiming in on how visiting the VTwin Mama site has been a help to you! Although the focus will always remain on the adventure from a woman's perspective, so much of the information pertains to anyone seeking information, and yes, the approach is of super importance to me. It's done with respect, kindness, and empathy ... there is no question too "simple" and the bonus is that readers chime in with their thoughts, wrapping up the exchange very nicely.

Thanks for all of the encouragement. It has been really great and a pick-me-up to hear everyone’s stories. I am a nervous wreck when I go out but it is fun!!!! On another note I have read many ideas for changing the levers to reduce the distance from the handle/grip to the clutch or brake lever to help people with small hands (extra small gloves sometimes don’t fit). Unfortunately those solutions sited in the emails don’t work with a 2009 Harley Sportster 883Low. The head parts guy at the Harley dealership is having a tough time finding a solution. So if anyone knows what levers will work with my kind of bike I would appreciate it ideas!!!! – kimzim (note from Mama: I'm glad you're moving forward despite any nervousness ... it truly will get easier! This morning I communicated the problem of small hands and clutch/brake lever reach challenges to H-D via their suggestion email system. I asked if there was a product I simply didn't know about and if not, if the design engineers would take up the cause and get a solution crafted. Let's see if we get anywhere ... I can't believe mine would be the only email about this topic!)

Dear Petra,
Congrats on another anniversary! Enjoying what we do really makes a difference doesn't it? : )

I continue to sell my angel wing shirts but have recently designed something that is "one size fits all." It's an iron-on rhinestone crystal design with the words "Lady Rider" and then underneath is a heart with wings ... almost 1,000 crystals in clear and red .... and 8" by 8", so it's large enough for the front or back of shirts, denim jackets, etc.

My Lady Bling website page shows the application on black, red, turquoise and purple. Easy iron on and machine washable. $11 each. Click on the picture below to see it "in action!" – Becky

Dear Becky,
Love it, love it, love it! Very eye catching and a great bargain ... whether someone wants it for themselves or as a gift to a fellow rider! – Mama

Dear Readers,
I received a copy of RoadRUNNER magazine's new book, Riding America's Backroads: 20 Top Motorcycle Tours, just before the winter holidays. Today I took great joy in letting my imagination loose on possible trips for the future.

For many riders, dreaming of their first, or next, extended motorcycle trip eventually leads to seeking sources of inspiration and information. At the forefront of chronicling these adventures ... read the rest of my review! – Mama

Dear Readers,
A reader of the VTwin Mama site, Brenda, emailed in asking how she could be a ride mentor for the Northeast Alabama area. Well, that just got my brain cells a chuggin' away! While we have a decent email mentoring system with volunteers for one-on-one communication, this idea is a bit different.

So today I added a new pin category on the Women's Ride Map ... we show women's riding groups, individual riders, women's and general events ... and now have a new pink heart pin for Ride Mentors. These are gals who are willing to help a new rider in parking lot practice or road rides crafted for their skill level ... or whatever the Ride Mentor feels they can offer.

A number of moons ago, Sherry Walrath, who runs the Lace Wheels - Women and Motorcycles site, noted she was starting a state-by-state mentor program, and I added her link on my Get Started page. I hopped on her site this morning and am happy to report that since our last email contact she's signed up a number of women ride mentors. Yahoo!

It's an excellent idea as so many new women riders need a mentor but aren't always comfortable contacting a women's riding chapter or independent club ... or simply aren't near one. So, let's see what we can build together. Beneath the actual Ride Map you'll see the online submission form to join up! – Mama