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Hooking Up 2002
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2001Wednesday, May 23Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Eager, In answer to your question, one suggestion I would strongly advocate is to get in contact with the Women on Wheels organization. I hopped onto their site just the other day, and lo and behold, they had a directory, by state, of women riders in your area who are willingly to talk to you about what's going on. Doesn't that sound like a good place to start?!?!?! Why, there are 19 contacts names and email addresses for Maryland alone! Yipee. If anyone from Maryland is reading this and would like to share information, send a note to Ask VTwin Mama, and I'll be sure to post it pronto. If anyone has another directory suggestion, pass that on as well. That's what the VTwin Mama forum is all about! Mama Wednesday, May 30Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Spinning, One tool you can use is to sign up for the VTwin Mama newsletter, a weekly short insight into some news and a cool link and stuff like that. How's that for raising my own flag and saluting it? Another place I like for information and links is Motorcycle Madness. Check it out! Readers of this column are always welcome to submit a top-notch site that they think will benefit others. Just send an email. Mama Wednesday, June 20New Note to Elda from VTwin Mama, Monday, June 25Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Linda, Ok, well really, I was thinking about getting there (better to ride the bike than trailering it to the event if at all possible), cruising down some sort of main strip (at really slow speeds so be ready for a death grip on the clutch), looking at other cool bikes and guys (self explanatory), and having others look at you and your bike (because you're a highly valued VTwin Mama of course)! Pretend you are going on vacation on your bike and there just happens to be a gazillion other bikers in the same neighborhood at the same time! There are usually rider-specific events; maybe a bike contest or bike racing, or cool sites to visit in the area, and maybe even a special women's rally, but really it's just a chance to be with other people who enjoy riding like you do. The event might even have its own website, like Daytona and Sturgis do, so do a search engine check on the Internet. About the only thing I try to do special is keep the bike totally clean at all times so it looks its best. If it's an overnight or longer thing, camping usually is pretty easy and affordable, but motel rooms get scarce quickly, so plan ahead. You might want to try visiting the Women on Wheels website and look up women in your area who would be glad to have you join them at the next event. Three notes of special interest (at least I think for any woman attending a rally): Alcohol is never your friend. Watch your ass like you would in any strange place (let's face it, not all bikers are friendly, cool or interested in your well being, just like in the real world). And make sure friends know where and when you'll be, etc. Other than that, revel in your VTwin Mama-ness and have fun! Buy cool T-shirts, cruise, and be happy! Mama Tuesday, June 26Howdy
Dear Marian, Wednesday, June 27Dear VTwin Mama, But I really, really enjoyed myself. The feeling of sheer independence I felt traveling to it was out of this world. No man leading me the way!!! No one making all the decisions!!!!! Just me, my bike and the open road!!!!! I stopped when I wanted, where I wanted, and only had myself to argue with when I went the wrong way!!!!! I really, really enjoyed myself. I got to the rally and I knew nobody. But it wasn't long before I got chatting and by the end of the night I'd had a great time. I was very nervous about pulling up in front of a lot of bikers as I'm just learning, but I did it without any hassle!!!!! And I made some new friends. The only advise I can give is to look after yourself, don't over-do-it on the beer {best not to drink at all if alone}. And most importantly have a bloody great time!!!!!! Maggie
Dear Maggie, Thursday, June 28Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear SoftailCyn, Monday, July 16Dear VTwin Mama, I only wish I knew how to get in touch with women riders when I had my bike. Lot's of times it was a blast being in the only chick in the pack, and I did lots of my own work on the bike so I could carry on a decent conversation mechanically speaking. but the camaraderie of female to female was sorely missed and I, too, encountered the problem of a boyfriend who had no interest in riding. Women who road on the back of the bikes didn't seem to want much to do with me and the men in front seemed to have only one thing in mind. Like I said, it's just good to know there are so many out there that run into the same things I did. And that we now have many alternatives to the old saying, "ass, gas or grass". Take care and keep the rubber side down and the wind in your hair, Trish in Anaheim, CA
Dear Trish, You are right, "ass, gas or grass" has given way to sass, class and mass, that is to say, a mass of VTwin Mamas on the road today! So let those guys bask in the glow of OUR exhaust fumes for once! Mama Tuesday, July 31 Hi VTwin Mama,
Dear Kris, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty, I'm afraid that you might not find this a useful coping tool so short of moving to a warmer climate, it looks like you'll have to find another passionate part-time thing to occupy yourself with. Since not being able to ride brings out the selfish side of us, I would strongly suggest volunteering somewhere, anywhere. If you choose a place that has a captive audience and maybe short memories, you could regale them with riding stories gleaned from your first 4000 miles! Be prepared however to hear about the time Aunt Snookie got drunk at Christmas and Uncle Herbert drove into a tree at the edge of town because she was getting "amorous." Seriously though, lots of folks could use volunteer help at a wide variety of places. Check into it. Or perhaps now is the time to read about bikes. I personally am picking up a copy of Hear Me Roar and Bike Lust in hopes of them explaining to me why my love of riding has extended for over 22 years. I'm pretty sure I know why, but a book should make that official! And I love to read. So VTwin Mama sisters, what are your remedies for the winter blues? A visit to Daytona for the winter rally? Stripping down your bike and rebuilding it (hopefully in a heated garage)? Visiting this site often and flooding me with questions and responses? Let's hear what you've got to say! Mama Friday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, We keep our bikes ready to go year round, just in case a nice day comes up when we can get away ( a winter bonus). We have also gone south for vacation and rented bikes for a day of riding around. We found that more fun than Disney. Good luck and Have Fun. 2B4W Monday, December 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Betty, I got the subscription, signed up for the email and got a nice note from Rain (Renate) who is the publisher/editor. As soon as I see my first issue (she's been up and running since June 2000) I'll see how VTwin Mama can contribute and we can all join in the fun. Meanwhile, check it out at www.bikerallymag.com to see if you are interested also! Mama Wednesday, January 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vikki, If you're interested in seeing some of the women-specific events coming up throughout the country, click on the Events section of Motorcycle Madness. Mama Thursday, January 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, So now I want to be nominated for sainthood, or something equally cool! Mama (note on 01/01/03: this site seems to have gone belly up) Dear VTwin Mama, I am wondering if anyone knows if there is somewhere that a beginner, with a license, can hire a bike, practice and/or get a little experience. Any direction or help you can offer would be appreciated. I am really interested in this but don't know where to start. Many thanks and I am looking forward to the next installment of the newsletter. Gayle in the UK (who turns out to be in Atlanta, GA actually!) Dear Gayle, Well, seriously . . . it's true -- who is going to let a novice practice on their bike? And if you can't practice, how are you to know what bike you really want to get? Here's one thing I think might help -- get in contact with other women riders in your area -- they can offer local guidance and support. Try visiting the Women's International Motorcycle Association in the UK (WIMA-UK) to get you started. Any of my regular UK readers -- it's time to chime in! Mama Thursday, February 7 For Gayle who needs practice bikes (who turns out to be from Atlanta, GA not the UK, but then that was my ass-umption and well let's face it, I'm not perfect. Although I don't brag about that a lot. At least not in public!) When I first started motorcycle riding. I bought a Honda 550cb for $150. The motorcycle wasn't running at the time, but that wasn't too much of a challenge. Two hours, the carbs got cleaned, and it was running again. It became my practice bike. We still own that one. It belongs to my son now. My suggestion is buy an old motorcycle that you wouldn't worry too much about putting a dent in it. Make sure though that it is a good runner. It wouldn't hurt to have knowledge on how to fix them either. Foxee Have you tried to see if there are any motorcycle rental places in your vicinity? I have never rented a bike, but that might be a good place to start! Good luck! Betsy Ok, although I goofed up on the UK thing, I still think that contacting women in your area is good stuff. You can try Women on Wheels (just click on your state and see the list of women willing to talk with you) or try the chat room at Shinny Side Up to find area riders. (link is at the bottom of this page also). Mama Dear VTwin Mama, My next question is about joining an organization like Motor Maids or Women on Wheels. Do most women only belong to one? Can you belong to two or is that unheard of? It seems like both of them have a lot of exciting things going on, but neither of them have a chapter near me, and as a beginner I can't drive out to meet them in different cities. What is the protocol in this situation? Your help is much appreciated. I have already contacted both organizations (WOW and Motor Maids), and now I just can't decide which one would be better, or if it was fine to join both. I think that WOW will have something closer to Baltimore, but you can still find out for me. I would appreciate it. So, I picked up my bike on Saturday and did some driveway practice. What a rush. I am so excited. I am like a little kid in a candy store. I have a huge smile on my face. Thanks for everything. I will talk to you soon. Tcool in Baltimore Dear Tcool (Terri), Good to hear from you. Let me see if I can add some insight to some of the questions you have shared. First, do most women belong to an organization such as the MMs or WOW. That is hard to say -- how do you define most. Joining an organization isn't for everyone. But more and more women seem to enjoy the networking one gains from being a part of an organization. I personally have gained friendships through the MMs that I would maintain even if I was no longer in the organization. There are several other benefits of being a part of a club. One is the support you have readily available. There are more women coming to the sport of motorcycling who have never had any experience with it. So being involved in an organization adds valuable support from others who have 'been there, done that." Another asset of belong to an organization is the organizational activities provide a varied assortment of destinations. I have been in every state (except HA) on a motorcycle and several of those I may not have gone to except that we had a MM event there to attend. Can you belong to two organizations -- yes, you can belong to as many organizations as you wish. We have many MM members who also belong to WOW, WITW, BMWMOA, GWRRA, etc. As to 'chapters' near Terri -- I know WOW as well as WITW have local chapters. The Motor Maid membership is divided instead by district. A district can be one or more states, or even an half a state. The district size can be intimidating for a new rider. In our districts though, the veteran riders will always try work with the limitations of a new rider. As the new rider develops in her experience, it will gradually become easier to venture out of her familiar turf. The more you ride the distance you ride becomes less of a factor. I hope this adds some insight or at least a different perspective. Thanks. Jan Barrett, President, Motor Maids Friday, March 29 Dear VTwin Mama and Terri (who wanted more info on joining riding orgs), Motor Maids and Women On Wheelsฎ have several members in common. Many women enjoy the benefits of both organizations. As you mentioned, both groups provide many exciting activities while offering completely different group dynamics. As far as not being able to commute to participate with either group because of the distance involved, there is really only one solution. Perhaps you could pay them one visit, see how they do things and start your own chapter!! I have frequently seen this situation and have been able to assist a new rider in recruiting others to her new sport! Some have felt that they don' t know enough about motorcycling yet to charge off and do something so risky, but after learning just how much support they can get from Women On Wheelsฎ, they've given it a try. Barb Grueschow, President, Women on Wheels Tuesday, April 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Teazer, Wednesday, April 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Re-Newbie (CJ), Also, check out the Archive Section under the Type of Bike to Ride -- lots of women's opinions of many of the most popular bike models around. Mama Thursday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anu, Here are some basics -- make sure the clutch is in "neutral", the gas lever is in the "on" position, turn the key in the ignition to "on" and hit the start switch. If the bike you have is running at all, this should start it. Walter Kern writes a good basic beginning guide to motorcycles on his website (click on the underlined link). And, if you go to my Links section, you will find other websites for beginner bikers, like the online magazine Beginner Bikes. If any of the VTwin Mama sisters is interested in becoming an "email pal," contact Anu at buksi79@yahoo.co.in. Mama Thursday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Great site ! If any of you are in England, look me up, you would be most welcome. Kind Regards Mark Chamberlin Dear Mark, Wednesday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barbara, Let me know exactly when you'll be in the area and maybe we can meet up with a group from Carson City/Reno area! Mama Tuesday, May 21 Dear VTwin Mama, And if anybody lives in the Scranton, PA area -- I'd love to ride with a few VTwin Mamas! I do ride with my boyfriend but he doesn't have the time to go on a lot of rides. Thanks again. Debbie tigerdrusso@netscape.net Dear Debbie, Thursday, May 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cindy, And yes, this site promotes well-being among all women riders, no matter what style of bike, make or model. We're non-demoninational! So jump right in with your questions, responses or observations. It's the fuel that powers this site. Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Ten years later, after my divorce, I thought I would ride again. So I bought a '95 Virago 750, and I love it. It's red & cream in color and its all mine. I'm looking for a female bike club in the Chicago area -- if you know of any please let me know -- a cruiser club would be really cool. Also, is it out-dated to wear the fringe leather jackets -- are there still a lot of bikers into fringe. I'm 44 years old and I don't want to look too dated. This web site, Fox Creek Leather has a really cool fringe jacket I like..Looking forward to hearing from you. No name Dear No name but we love you
anyway, Meanwhile, check the links at the bottom of the home page and connect up with a Motor Maids, Women in the Wind or Women on Wheels chapter in your area. Tons to choose from. Also, as I mentioned in my personal email to you, my old friend Skip (nice male type) runs a site specifically for Chicago motorcyclists at http://www.chicagomotorcycleguide.com, so check that out as well. So you just go VTwin Mama sister. Your sass and class will carry you far, and for anything else, we're here for you 100%. Mama Monday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Betty, Friday, June 7 New Chicago WOW chapter forming Dear VTwin Mama, Wednesday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Friday, August 2 Dear VTwin Mama, We moved into the USA in March 02 with our 2 boys. In our former home (Germany) is it allowed to take the kids, who can reach the foot rest and wear a helmet, on the back of the motorcycle. Now we are also looking for the law here in Virginia. Can you tell me someone who can give me the right law? Andrea Tolk Dear Andrea, At the bottom of the home page you'll find a number of wonderful women riding organizations and their links -- these groups have chapters all over the U.S. No, VTwin Mama is just an advice column at this point, but who knows what the future will bring. Check out Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels and Motor Maids for like-minded women riders. Also, consider going to the ShinnySideUp chat room and posting your message -- they have an active group of readers and you might hook up with women riders there. This link is at the bottom of this home page as well. For the riding laws in this country, there is a great page on the American Motorcycle Association's (AMA) website at http://www.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/. Just click on the state you need to know about and everything is spelled out. Also, check out the Archive Page at VTwin Mama -- there are lots of great websites that we've investigated that you might find interesting as well. Mama Friday, August 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shadow Mama, This is from their site: "Currently, our meetings are held in Piscataway, New Jersey. Our President, Barbara Zimmerman, may be reached at 732-967-9211. If you get an answering machine, just leave a message and Barbara will get back to you." Sound like the thing to do! Mama Monday, August 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Georgia, Friday, October 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Patti, Tuesday, October 22 Dear VTwin Mama, I'll be an active contributor to this site from now on, and I will be ordering T-shirts, not only for me but for all my other compadres who ride. Concerning the MSF class - People tell me I handle my bike at least better if not much better than most men around and I almost failed the MSF class. I think it was the perfectionist streak in me - wanting to do everything absolutely perfect first time around. Well, surprise. What you do in the class and how you do it really, in the end, has very little bearing on how you will succeed with your motorcycle. Take the basic info, put it to use, and RIDE, RIDE, RIDE. I have 23,000 miles on my bike, mostly 400-500 mile trips, a couple of 2500 mile trips, and seriously, that is what it takes. I look forward to communicating with all the VTMs - glad I found you! K. Knapp, Snohomish, WA Dear K., Wednesday, October 23 For Santa Barbara, CA area riders Dear VTwin Mama, The site is free to all users and is focused on rides located in Santa Barbara County. The site went online 8/5/02 and already has an enormous amount of content. New rides will be added each week until we have all of SB County included. Cheers! Jeffrey Donovan (jeff@sbc-rides.com) Friday, October 25 Dear VTwin Mama, http://www.ridemyown.com/riders/ Dear Sharon, Wednesday, November 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Karen, That said, now there are multitudes of ways to find riding groups in any area. For you, I'd log onto the SierraScooterScope site which broadcasts all the rides, events, etc. in our Sierra Mountain area (and under the Local Interest side link, they've got a listing of local clubs). I've also just recently discovered a new site dedicated to hooking up riders at http://www.ridemyown.com/riders for U.S., Canada and the International scene. Then, you can also check the links at the bottom of the home page for the more organized women groups and chat forums to see what's around. I know that one of the local Carson City sisters (Amy) was working on getting a chapter of Women on Wheels started here. Last, but not least, there are riding groups organized around the manufacturer of your bike (like Honda groups, etc.) which can be found by using a good search engine. So, begin your search there and maybe we'll put together a VTwin Mama ride next year around Lake Tahoe! Mama Thursday, January 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Donna, Thursday, January 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear E., Wednesday, February 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Thumper, Monday, March 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear April, Monday, March 10 Was reading some old posts and came across the one from E. I have been searching the web for a while (a few months ago now) and have found some sites possibly more useful to E. than me as I'm from New Zealand and they are all U.S. clubs (I am assuming she is American). There is a group called Desert Hearts Club and one called Dykes on Bikes (she may have to search the names as I don't remember the URL) I had to do a number of searches using different phrasing to find sites "gay biker" etc.. some were specifically lesbian some were men only and some were for both. I'm sorry I can't remember them now, it was a while ago now. There are also some gay search engines. E. might like to try one called Gayzoo. There are a few and it looks like I cleaned out my favorites folder too well -- opps! If E. would like to e mail me she is more than welcome to. I hope some of this helps. MJ Dear MJ, Wednesday, April 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Fortunately, one of the wives of the guys we rode with wanted to start riding. She contacted me and it was the start of what I dreamed of, a group of my own. She knew of other women riders who were just getting started or had ridden for a few years. We had our first meeting of the Hi-way Honey's last year and we've had several group rides or short destinations since. We are planning for another summer of riding together when we can. Our ages are varied and our bikes are non-denominational. Any thing you want. We just enjoy getting together and riding. If you are interested in our group which is located within the Orland Park to New Lenox area, contact me at Don3845jo@aol.com or call Joanne at 815-485-3351. We're glad to have new members. There are no dues to pay, just enthusiasm to ride. Joanne Dear Joanne, Friday, May 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Terri was delighted to find info about making clutch pull easier, I've emailed American Legends to see if the AMP clutch reduction kit will fit on Terri's Ducati. Terri has recently got a 600 Ducati Monster with a factory fitted 680 racing kit, twin disc kit, solo seat and two into one Conti Italian pipe. ( sounds awesome). She's been riding for many years and holds a Motorcycle Instructors license. I've been riding so long I'm outlasted several bike manufacturers. That's all for now, again, great site. Best wishes Kevin and Terri PS: If anyone wants any info about touring Oz on a bike just send an email to jaqhama@yahoo.com. Dear Kevin and Terri, Top Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Billy, Top Tuesday, May 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Liz, Top Tuesday, May 13 For Billy who cruises regularly but isn't meeting anyone: Hubby says chances are he's a real dog. Even so, a little common courtesy and a little less cave-man ought to do the trick. Women like bikes, women also like dangerous men (but only for a short time). We're all looking for that special someone with sticking power, to be our rocks when the going gets rough. (I feel like I'm telling our secrets here). . . Traci (note from Mama: secrets, no -- common sense, yes! Still, not everyone has a clue!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Saturday, May 17 For Billy who cruises regularly but isn't meeting anyone: Put on your Sponge Bob shorts and invite a woman to Chuckie Cheese! It'll show you at least have a sense of humor! Viki (note from Mama: can you believe I had to do a Google search to see what these were?!?!?! Hilarious. Thanks for the laugh!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lou Ann, Top Monday, June 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Terri, Meanwhile, don't be shy about asking questions or providing your own insights to other questions posed at this site. We'd love to hear more from you! Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 24 For Lou Ann who is looking for people to ride with in Oklahoma: About a women's riding site in OKC, (I live in Hinton, 50 miles West of OKC), there is one called Just Us Girls (J.U.G.S.) at 405-409-5742, www.jugsokc.org. They meet once a week, take rides around Oklahoma, etc. Hope this helps. Snoma (note from Mama: thanks for the tip. Lou Ann could also check the riders map at I Ride My Own for more women riders in her area.) Share Your ThoughtsTop New WITW Chapter Forms in Central Florida A new Central Florida Chapter of Women in the Wind (WITW) called the Chrome Angels has formed in Orlando. While they had their kickoff meeting and ride on Sunday, August 17th, you can contact Jessi "SunDancer" Sills at SunDancer1@cfl.rr.com or (407) 719-0745 for more information. The Chapter is open to all women over 18 and all bike types and will focus on supporting charities to benefit women and children, particularly the battle against breast cancer both nationally and locally. Tuesday, September 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lonely, While riding is a unifying force between riders, the fact is that riders come from such a diversified group of individuals who don't necessarily define themselves only by their riding, but by their work or play or volunteering or . . . you get my drift. Unless they are hardcore bikers. And my guess is that you're interested in someone a bit more well-rounded in life choices, but who also rides. I won't dribble on about "appearing desperate" as this is truly a demeaning way to make women feel guilty about being honest about what they want. However, you don't mention whether or not you have cultivated a wider range of riding friends to spend time with. Is your desire to meet a man overshadowing your ability to make friends in general because it's so obvious that you're not interested in people who might not be potential date mates? So, get your butt out there in the big wide world of potential. If you ride a Harley, join the local HOG chapter to ride with both men and women and get to know the group. If you ride a metric bike, then check with the local dealers to discover what riding groups are around. Or, approach this from another direction -- get in touch with women riding groups in your area -- check the top of my Cool Links page for the top groups and do a little searching on the Internet for other local groups. Where there are women riders, there is fun! And where there is fun . . . ! And these gals are going to know the local scene, where to go, what to avoid, etc. maybe even better than you already do. And friends are always good to have. Or, try a specific match-making Internet site for riders. There are several. Try Biker Date or Harley Match (which is not only Harley riders). I truly understand your desire to meet someone -- I am in exactly the same position -- so hopefully these suggestions may help. Mama Thursday, November 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Wizzerd, Tuesday, January 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Debbie, Wednesday, March 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Have fun at the show coming up this weekend, and any readers interested in hooking up, just send me an email and I'll forward them to Diane. Keep in mind that the VTwin Mama Let's Ride List is an option to explore for like-minded VTwin Mama sisters! Mama Tuesday, April 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michelle, Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have a Women on Wheels or Women In The Wind chapters here in Northern Nevada, but many Northern Nevada women riders get in touch with the closest California chapters and join them! Check my Cool Links page for links to these sites. Although my own personal schedule tends to be jammed, I'd be happy to join you in a ride to show you around the "neighborhood" so to speak and will email you separately with my contact info so we can talk! Mama Sunday, May 30 Great
site, Mama! My question: Given the male-rider to female rider ratio is 2000 to 1, how does one go about meeting eligible female bikers? Have you ever considered a personal-ad section to your website? I would be the first in-line to place a personal-ad (LoL). Keep up the GREAT work! LoneSomeDove in New Orleans ('97 Valkyrie Tourer) Dear
LoneSomeDove, Ok, by any chance are you 45-55, over 5'10", employed, like dogs and camping, and live anywhere near Carson City, NV? Hey, it's MY site, and I'm looking, so I thought I'd ask! So, what other suggestions do I have? Hmmmm . . . let's start with . . . have you tried hooking up with local riding groups? While these people may already be with others, you never know who they know! Next, while I find big rallies and the like useless in meeting anyone, I DO have better success in meeting people in general at charity rides. I'm not stuck on trying to figure out who is eligible . . . just go around and admire bikes and strike up "hello" conversations. For you, that might mean seeing a woman on her own bike and asking her about her bike, etc. Now, for something different . . . are you by any chance really good at showing others how to do basic work on their bikes?!?!?! How about contacting the local chapters of women's riding organizations (see my Cool Links page) and offering a half day class?! Use your imagination! This next one is a bit extreme, but hop onto my Let's Ride page and see if there is anyone in your area! While this page is meant for women seeking other women to ride with, a sincere email introducing yourself with an "aw' shucks" thing might get you introduced! Last, but not least, there ARE specialty dating sites for riders on the Internet. You may have seen the Riders2Love ad on my Photo Gallery page. Hey, I'm just typing out loud here! Check again on my Cool Links page for other dating services. Good luck and let us know where you're at -- 'cause you never know! I do get over 40,000 hits/month, so I've got some kind of odds working here! Mama Tuesday, June 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, My husband and I both ride Indians, mine is a 2002 Black & cream Spirit Deluxe, and his is a 2002 Black & cream Chief Roadmaster. We draw a lot of attention whenever we ride together and even when we ride alone. The Spirit was originally his, when we started riding two years ago I was on a Honda Shadow 600, if you recall. I got on his bike after taking the Rider's course here in MA and that boosted my confidence 100%!! Of course then I wouldn't give him back the Spirit so we bought him a Chief to match.... Did you ever think about coming to Americade? I'm sure you know it's in Lake George NY; this year they expected over 60,000 bikes to attend. Next year's show is June 6 -11 and it would be great to see you if you could make it. Lots of lady bikers this year compared to last year, I'd say 200% more than last year. We're a growing breed! Claire Dear
Claire, And yes, there are more and more women out on the road and visible, and this is a great trend! Kudos to you and hubby on the Indians -- they are a beautiful bike (slobber, slobber)! Mama Tuesday, June 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Question - Is there anyway that you could add a forum to the site? It would be great for us to be able to post and respond to one another. It also might make your life a bit easier. Thank you again for such a wonderful site. I posted the link to your site at Beginners Bikes Magazine forum and received several emails thanking me as the other ladies just loved what they found at your site. Susan Elliott Dear
Susan, My suggestion is that you hop onto the ShinnySideUp.com forum -- run by a wonderful woman, Terry (HammerLady), who often visits my site, but does a bang-up job on her own! And thanks for being a champion of my cause by noting my site at another! It's help like this that makes all of us stronger! Mama Sunday, July 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, You could also check my Cool Links page -- at the top you'll find the logos (and links) to all the top women's riding organizations. Check for local chapters. You might also just call your local dealer -- they often have a group or know what's around. Good luck meeting people in your area! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joan, Monday, August 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
SusyQ, Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Janice, Hi
VTwin Mama, Dear
Carla, While I understand that not everyone wants to join a riding organization, did you know that the Women on Wheels group maintains a rider's list on their site? Here is the link to the state-by-state directory. Check other organizations on my Cool Links page (logos with links at the top) . . . just because you drop in to say hi at a meeting or email the state coordinator does not obligate you to join. But don't count out the possibilities of finding women riders who ride "outside" their organization's events, because of course they do! Mama For Carla who wants to meet other women riders but not join a women's riding organization: I read the post about the lady who was wanting to meet other women riders but not wanting to join WOW in the DC area. I joined a WOW chapter last November, the one nearest me. What a disappointment. I stared riding in September, so joined just as soon as I could hoping to get riding in with more gals, etc. That has never happened. I went to all meetings, except this last August (we were in Sturgis!!). I have recruited 2 new members. One of them is a gal I met in my MSF class and we have been great friends and riding buddies ever since. But nobody ever rides. There are no group rides, might be 3 people ride to a meeting, but no rides afterwards. I don't get it. They always discuss fund raising ideas to raise money to get a banner, I guess to use in parades to promote membership -- members for what? There are no rides planned, no informal rides, nothing. My girlfriend and I ride when she can; she has little ones. My hubby is my all-time riding partner. I thought it would be great to go on rides and do "girl power stuff." I'm seriously considering not renewing. I understand people not wanting to go do meetings, etc., but to not ride? I thought that was the point. Any ideas/insights? Thanks, Glenda (note from Mama: although I have always been a lone she-wolf rider myself, and therefore do not have first-hand experience with riding organizations on any continual level, I am going to draw on a more general concept to answer your questions. Please do not take my reply to you as a criticism; it is meant as an affirmation of the inner power you have and hold and can share. Any experience is in part that which is already in place but also what you bring to the table. Each chapter or riding club sets its agenda . . . if you were expecting more, or more importantly, want more, then you have to say so and be ready to be a leader. Yes, it would nice if the chapter you joined already had everything you were hoping for, for in many instances that which you seek is already a reality. In your case, it is not. So what are you going to do about it? Shrug your shoulders and walk away? Perhaps this chapter DID have women that organized the types of rides you want . . . but over time, it changed. Is it not possible that they truly wish for someone to step up to the plate and say, "here I am and this is what I would like to do and I'm willing to do the work to organize it?" I think it's good that you first sat back during the meetings to look, listen, and learn . . . now it's time for action. Plan an interesting ride, set the meeting place and time, put together a flyer with the information and route, ask the chapter leaders how to get the word out, do it in plenty of time so as many as possible can participate, and watch in glee at the number of women, how ever many it turns out to be, will be glad to join you! If you are not ready to lead the actual ride, enlist a more experienced rider from the chapter to do this, or perhaps your husband could serve in this role until you are ready to do so yourself! One of my favorite sayings on the bulletin board above my desk where I do all my VTwin Mama work is this: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Go forge a trail Glenda . . . and your dream can be realized.) For Glenda and her disappointment with a WOW chapter: I too joined the WOW group, here in NC, and although it was just starting up, they only ride once a month if that. I joined so that I could ride with other women mainly so that I would not be intimidated by men or other riders. Needless to say it is all meeting and not enough riding. I also will not be joining that group. I did join the Southern Cruisers of Raleigh and that is a great bunch of people. It has a great mix of women and men riders and the men riders are very nice and very patient. We ride every Friday night rain or shine about 60 miles and we do have meetings but everyone always rides to where we are going. We have a long ride one Saturday out of the month and we will ride anywhere from 100 to 250 miles in one day. We also ride all year long winter, spring, summer and fall no matter what the weather. And there is no membership fee. September 11th was the first time I ever did a run, about 80 miles. We raised over $20,000 for the Duke Children's hospital here in Chapel Hill. It was soooo awesome . . . there were about 320 motorcycles of all sorts. All the roads were blocked so we had full run of the lights. It was also my first poker run, no luck there though. Although I did have a bit of bad luck two days prior. I was coming down this road not very fast and the light turned yellow so I locked up my back brakes and literally skidded through the light, scared the heck out of me. All I saw was my back end coming around to the front, I guess I must have hit them a little to hard. ST (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a group that makes sense for you! I think that no matter what national level group you join, it's the individual chapters' "flavor" that makes it right for any particular person.) Thursday, September 23 For Glenda and ST who are disappointed in the WOW chapters they visited: I too was disappointed when I joined a year and a half ago. The local chapter rode sporadically, were not very friendly to visitors or new members, and the meetings were not productive. I'd just about given up when I called one woman that lived near me. We rode a couple of times, I attended a couple of more meetings, found out I wasn't the only one feeling this way. I am now the chapter director, we have regular monthly rides, have increased our membership by almost one-half, and have many more happy members (old and new). It has been worth my time to stick with it. I've made some good friends and have enjoyed some wonderful rides with (and without) these gals. I agree with Petra, maybe what your local chapter needs is a shot in the arm and YOU are the person to administer that shot! Maybe all they need is some direction, they've just stagnated. I'm glad that I took the time to find out that is all our local chapter needed...it has been worth my time, I've met some wonderful women (and support members). Tracy (note from Mama: a shining example of how one person can make a difference. Kudos to you Tracy for stepping in with your energy!) Saturday, September 25 For women (and guys) who want to met people that actually ride: Go to www.rideoutclub.com and register. If no one in your area has a ride day planned . . . submit your own. This site is huge in the UK and growing fast in Oz. I checked and it does have an American section. Kevin in Australia (note from Mama: once again, thank you for taking the time to share so many thoughts and helping out! Each piece of the puzzle is better understood when we have more information!) Wednesday, October 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Candye, By the by readers , I never give out info without permission, but will go to great lengths to connect two readers if they are mutually interested. Mama Wednesday, October 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lee Anne, So, here is your post for all to see . . . you can check for women riders in your area a number of other ways. First, hop onto my Let's Ride page, a listing by city/state with email addresses for contact purposes. Another good site for a women's rider list is I Ride My Own. If you haven't tried an established women's riding organization, but would like to explore local chapter options, then click over to my Women's Sites page which has them linked up! Glad you wrote in to say hi . . . this forum explores women's (and men's) questions, offers an opportunity for you to respond with useful information you might have, or to share an observation that is near and dear to you! Your newest bike sounds just yummy . . . can I come over and play?!?!?!? Just kidding . . . but we'd love to see you and your bike sometime . . . so email a pic and get 15 minutes of fame on the home page! To this day, the Photo Gallery continues to be the number ONE page visited on this site besides the home page! Go figure! Mama |
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