Friday, February 9

For April looking for reasonably priced riding gear: Have you tried www.denniskirk.com? I get a lot of my stuff from them and I think they are pretty reasonable. Order online or you can get a catalog. Postage is free if order is over $100 -- don't know anyone who offers that deal. Never thought about e-bay -- will try that one myself. – Barbara in AZ

Dear Barbara,
Thanks for chiming in with multiple insights. As you well know, participation is the fuel that drives this site and keeps it interesting, alive, relevant, sassy and fun! Don't be shy readers -- ask a question or share your inspiration -- that's how we learn and grow stronger. – Mama

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Monday, February 11

Dear VTwin Mama,
One thing I've been thinking about -- you know I have been trying to find a local place (Harley Shop) to find like dog tags that I could  wear when I ride -- in case God Forbid -- a bad accident. Have you ever thought about that??? My ID is usually in my windshield bag, like allergies, name, phone#, etc. I think it is such a good idea to wear this. You could become separated from your ID real easy when on bike. I do not wear the bikers wallet, it would be good for men too. And should come in 14k gold. Something I would buy. How about a a VTwin Mama logo on one side and all the info on the other???  Good idea Petra...Hummmm..... – Jo Ann F.

Dear Jo Ann,
You are right -- caring indestructible ID is a great idea! For now though I'll have to place it on the VTwin Mama wish list of products to offer. Perhaps another sister has an interim solution (hint, hint, HELP).  – Mama

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Wednesday, February 13

Dear VTwin Mama,
In response to Jo Ann F. (who is looking for wearable ID): What about something like the medical ID bracelets and necklaces that are made for people with allergies, heart problems, etc.?  Or, you should be able to get a plain flat charm that you could have engraved with your info. We used to get round discs in when I worked at a jewelry store years ago. Not sure what the cost would be to engrave but I'm sure it's be worth it in an emergency. – VTwin Mama sister Laura

Dear Laura,
Nifty idea on engraving a jewelry item -- something you would wear otherwise, but now it performs a unique service! – Mama

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Wednesday, February 20

Dear VTwin Mama,
Here is a great link for JoAnn for an ID that she can have that will have all pertinent information needed by emergency professionals or Good Samaritans if, God forbid, she should have an accident or other problem. It was noted by one of my Motor Maids sisters on our regional groups website. Here is the link so all sisters can benefit from it...and the best part ITS FREE!!: http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/safety.htm  – Deb Owens (Black Shadow Woman)

Dear VTwin Mama,
(For Jo Ann who is looking for ID tags) The AMA has a tag -- info on one side, AMA logo on the other. $12.95 plus postage and handling of $5.50. 5 lines with 15 spaces each line. Page 62 of Oct 2001 issue. I'm sure you can call for more details or place an order (614-856-1900 ext 1272). I got two -- one for me and put one on my Magna. You might also try an army/navy store. They will do dog tags -- one on the long chain and one on a short chain. Hope that helps. – Linda in Texas

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Friday, March 1

Dear VTwin Mama,
This is for "Longing for Length" (who is only 4'10"). While waiting for a more permanent fix to her problem (lowering the bike), there is always the option of those high-soled boots. You need to be careful when you purchase them though, and make sure they won't interfere with shifter or brake operation. Good luck! – Chris

Dear Chris,
What a thoughtful suggestion! I remember now that my friend Cindy had a pair of her riding boots altered (several times!) until they let her firmly rest her feet on the ground and yet not interfere with shifting, etc. I think the boot maker was scratching his head somewhere along the way! Still, a wise insight that might help Longing for Length in the short or even long term. – Mama

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Thursday, March 21

Dear VTwin Mama,
I am looking for what they put in those cool gel head and neck bands to make them swell after soaking. They are awesome and stay cool for hours. – Karen

Dear Karen,
Good question, and in the week since you submitted it I've been struggling to find a manufacturer for you, but to no avail. Even my local craft shops didn't know what it was officially called and couldn't give me a source. And an Internet search proved useless. Ok sisters, anyone have a clue who makes these pellets? – Mama

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Friday, March 22

Dear VTwin Mama,
I'm not sure what those pellets are but I found the name and number of the people that made mine, perhaps it will help. Mine is from "Cool Snake" (602) 758-5646 in Bullhead, AZ. 

Otherwise, just wanted to say you have a great site here. Great info, interesting and inspirational. Going to highly recommend it in a women's m/c seminar I'll be doing in April. I also have been riding solo well over 20 years, the majority on an HD, as well as a patch-holder in a women's M/C. It so excites me to see more ladies and youth getting involved and enjoying the freedom. My husband and I have been in motorcycle rights for almost that many years and it is our "lifestyle." Thanks!!! – Darlene (BJ)

Dear Darlene (BJ),
Thanks for the pellet tip -- who knew it would be so difficult to find those little suckers?!?!?! Glad you found the site and thanks for letting me know it's useful material to recommend in your upcoming seminar. Wow! – Mama

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 Friday, May 31

Dear VTwin Mama,
Hi! I love getting your emails --  it keeps me up on things. I'm a fairly new rider, I had my license since 1993 but never got to ride much because of the birth of my son.  My husband and I had a Suzuki Intruder 1400, I learned on that bike, but always thought it was to big for me.

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,
Fringe out of style?!?!?!?! -- NEVER NEVER NEVER. That would mean the Bon Jovi style jacket in leather and suede I bought back in the 80's (ok, it's a little tight on me these days!) would be dated and trust me on this -- Bon Jovi NEVER goes out of style! ! ! ! People have often told me that they LOVE seeing fringe flying down the road -- it's just sooooo inspiring! If YOU like it -- buy it! The essence of a rider is freedom -- freedom of choice in any matter! So there. (Does anyone know the computer symbol/emoticon for sticking out their tongue?)

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

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Monday, June 3

Dear VTwin Mama,
For No Name on fringe: I agree, fringe out of date? Never, well maybe on men. Personally I can't get enough -- even my bike wears it. One word of caution, there is a price for looking cool. If the fringe in the front of your jacket is long, on a windy day its going to slap you in the face as your heading down the highway. (Man that smarts) Put a smile on your face anyway, you look soooooooo good! – Barbara

Dear Barbara,
I just had to laugh long and loud about that fringe hitting you and hurting -- it brought to mind the fact that I have some fringe on the ends of my handlebar and when I'm wearing just a T-shirt and abbreviated gloves, I get stung sometimes on my bare lower arms. Ouch! Still, I'll live with that 'cause I'm just a nut for fringe! I've thought about braiding or shortening it, but have done nothing so far in the guise of "cool." – Mama

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Wednesday, June 26

Dear VTwin Mama,
In regard to No Name, the message in which she asked about fringe being outdated and if there was a riding club near her in the Chicago area. Yes, there is a WOW chapter and there is a chapter of the Virago Owners Club called the Chicago Cruisers. I happen to be the President of both the local chapter and the international club. If she has any problems with her Virago, my group is ready and willing to help out (we know these bikes inside out). I ride a '94 750 Virago and it's loaded with fringe. In fact my levers and hand grips have fringe that go all the way to the ground. And no, they don't even hit me, so no pain on the road, just a cool look. However, if I had a passenger they would be slapped silly. – Rain at www.bikerallymag.com (note from Mama: thanks for the input Rain -- I think a little "sting" from fringe can be really good when you've been on the road all day and need something to keep you awake!)

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Monday, July 1

Dear VTwin Mama,
On the subject of fringe . . . I love it too! I've been searching high and low for long fringe for handle bars and levers and 20" is the longest I can find. Do you know where I can find it longer? Rain says hers drag the ground. Help! I have fringe envy! Thanks! : ) – Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
Well, I'm stumped! I tried to find things for you doing an Internet search and came up with nothing longer than 16". So what does that tell us? Well, either I'm a lousy researcher or nobody wants to talk about long fringe! I've sent a message to Rain to see where she got hers and hopefully other VTwin Mama sisters will chime in with any suggestions of how to achieve the look you are dying for! – Mama

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Friday, July 5

Dear VTwin Mama,
I too am a nut about fringe! I could not find long ones at all other than the 16's so, I had them made 22''at a local saddle/ leather shop and I went to a local bead shop and strung 3 strands of silver and purple bone beads for the clutch and break levers and for the grips put in six. I have had so many complements on them. Oh, by the way the cost  was so much less and they are custom, and the bead choices are endless! Hope this helps. – Debbi G and Tanzinight Star

Dear Debbi,
Good suggestion! That way you can make the fringe any length and choose colored beads to coordinate with the bike colors. That's so VTwin Mama cool! – Mama

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Tuesday, July 30

Dear VTwin Mama,
Hello! I'm a new rider, and I really need to get a pair of leather pants for riding. Have any VTwin Mamas had good luck in ordering a pair from the Web? – Holly in Vermont

Dear Holly,
Well, I've got to admit I've never even tried on a pair of leather pants before! My guess is that you would do better to locate a good leather shop somewhere in your area because as with all clothes, what you see isn't often a measure of how they'll fit. So, even if you have to make a day trip of it -- that's my advice. Have you consider leather chaps instead of full leather pants? Same advice holds true though. What say thee VTwin Mama sisters? – Mama

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Thursday, August 1

Dear VTwin Mama,
For Holly in Vermont who is looking for leather pants on the Internet:

Try www.Womanbiker.com in Concord, NH. I also found a pair of motorcycle leather pants in the Sears leather catalog. – Bobbye

I'm lucky to have a couple of pair.  I did order from the web and had to return them as they were not sized like other clothes.  First Gear seems to size to full normal sizes where a 10 is a 10 and will fit if you normally wear a 10.  One I bought a size large and it was still to small.  I found most of mine at the local riding leather stores and at the Motorcycle shows.  There are lots of vendors at them so the prices are very good too.  My favorites are Naked Leather Chaps for summer and First Gear over pants for fall, winter and early spring (they are worn over your normal clothing and are full pants).  The other reason (beyond fit) to buy in person is you want to make sure the quality of the leather is good; heavy and supple.  It makes a big difference in the comfort of wearing and feeling protected. – 2B4W (Two Bikes, Four Wheels)

New to the site and loving it -- keep up the good work. In reply to Holly's question on ordering leather riding pants; there is a cool company called Jamin' Leather that sells all kinds of clothes and riding gear, leather of course. The website is www.leather1.com  They have full pants and chaps too. – Teresa in Illinois

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Monday, August 5

Dear VTwin Mama,
For Sherry and dealing with riding in the heat: Living in Arizona I also know what heat can do to a biker. So we try to avoid the heat of the day, major Highways and drink plenty of water, before we need it. We always carry ice water, short or long trips and even when its cool out. Recycle those plastic 16oz or larger soda bottles, fill half way with water and freeze, when your ready for a ride fill up with more water and hit the road. Better to be prepared. A few other things that has saved my butt are a "Cool Wrap" for your neck (now they have a "Cool Vest" too) I have the one for your neck and use it all the time. It only cost 3.99, everyone should have one. Another thing I do is keep a small spray bottle in my windshield bag and spray myself often. Oh and if you intent to visit Phoenix don't make it in July or August :)

I purchased my neck wrap from jcwmotorcycle.com for $3.99, denniskirk.com has Kool rags (head caps) for $12.99 and whitehorsepress.com has a hydro cooling vest for $125. I have purchased items from all these places (above) with no problem. I also found tons of other places on the web -- here are some. 

barbosacoolproducts.com, stacoolvest.com prices starting at $125 for vests with a liquid coolant type.  ridecool.com has  the vest for $27.95 with the bead type (like the neck wrap). – Barbara (note from Mama: thanks for further exploring some websites which offer "stay cool" products. It's much appreciated!)

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Tuesday, August 27

Dear VTwin Mama,
Well, I took that much talked about trip to Sturgis this year. I went with some friends and we put the bikes on a trailer due to a time constraint. Actually, I'm glad we did as I didn't feel as exhausted when I got back home. 

As I was planning for the trip, I happened to read in one of your newsletters about a website that had women's riding clothes. Being petite and wanting to wear protection in the summer, I decided to look at the site (www.she-rides.com). Well, to make a long story short, I ended up ordering the draggin' jeans with Kevlar in them and a FieldSheer jacket that has padding and can be worn in 95 degree heat. Their service was excellent as I had to return the jeans for a different size. They overnighted the jeans so the jeans would make my trip. 

During a ride on the trip, I was stopped at the exit of a gas station waiting to pull onto the street. I'm stopped and all of a sudden, I felt my bike lurch forward and I went down. I had my jeans, jacket and helmet on. I immediately looked up behind me and there is the back end of a pickup truck right at the end of my bike. I've never moved up so quickly in my life! I got people to help me pick up my bike and I was fortunately ok although a bit shaken up. The guy never looked to his back as he was backing up his truck. I was there and he backed into my bike.

Fortunately the one time I packed heavy in my saddle bags allowed my foot to not get caught and the bike to not get scratched; and only the windshield bracket bent closer to the bike......AND the clothing I had on was my saving grace.

Thanks for sharing websites that give all of us opportunity to have better riding equipment. Guess there's nothing to say for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the person's insurance paid for a new windshield and he was very apologetic to the whole incident.

Its made me a lot more conscious of where everyone is when I leave a gas station! Even standing still, we can't always be seen and anything can happen. Just thought it would help to share the experience. Riding with awareness! – Shar

Dear Shar,
Well, that's it for me. I'm staying in my garage from now on!

Well, not really, but you've really brought up an excellent example of how easy cages miss seeing us little ol' bikers. And I'm so glad that information from the weekly newsletter made a difference in your riding experience! Thanks for sharing your observations -- someone like me actually learns from this stuff! ! ! ! – Mama

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Thursday, November 14

Dear VTwin Mama,
OK, can anyone help me? I'm trying to locate some nice female motorcycle jewelry. Does anyone have any web site that I should look at. Christmas is coming and Jay wants a list. Hehe – Cathy

Dear Cathy,
What a smart husband you have! I did an Internet search using the words Motorcycle Jewelry as the search words and came up with these:

Wings of Gold
Custom Touch Motorcycle Jewelry
Majestic Jewelers
Serious Silver
Jewelry Central -- a mini directory of motorcycle jewelry
Biker Jewelry

And the list goes on and on. VTwin Mama sisters -- any favorite sites you would recommend? – Mama

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Monday, November 25

Dear VTwin Mama,
Great website!!! I was just hunting around for some interesting women and bikes stuff and lo and behold - I found you! Okay, here's my question -- do you know of any leather motorcycle jackets that are made especially for full-figured women? The sleeves on men's jackets are too long and the XXXL jackets for women are too short in length. Any suggestions? P.S. I ride a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate (awesome bike!!!) – Mama Sally

Dear Mama Sally,
Glad you found us (and thanks for sharing your bike type)! I reviewed the input we've received over time and found a similar question asked and answered -- the number one suggestion was to check out WomanBiker.com (http://www.womanbiker.com). Also, check out the Riding Gear archive section for other suggestions (posted December 21). Hope this helps. If any sisters have more suggestions, let me know! – Mama

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Thursday, December 5

For Mama Sally who is looking for 3X motorcycle jackets and for Cathy who was looking for motorcycle-related jewelry:

I just got a new subscriber to the VTwin Mama Newsletter -- Pat -- whose address intrigued me enough to want to check it out. It's Biker Girl Hardware, and she's got jewelry and a selection of jackets that run up to 3X. So check out her link because it looks likes she's offering solutions that might prove useful! – Mama

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Tuesday, December 10

Dear VTwin Mama,
I wanted a motorcycle bracelet so I found a lady who makes them. I thought you'd like to see them. They cost $20 each. If anyone wants one, they can contact me and I'll get one for them. Warm woofs – Cathy, Cookie, Heidi, Dinky, Heather (note from Mama: click on the image for a better view -- you can contact Cathy at CLatham102@aol.com)

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