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2008 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Kristin, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Dallas Girl, Certainly if one types in "donating a motorcycle to charity" in a search engine, any number of sites will come up, but I don't know of any specific motorcycle non-profit organizations that could use the bike to help raise funds. Readers who have experience or ideas, please chime in now! – Mama Monday, February 18 For Dallas Girl who is looking to donate her motorcycle to a charity: Our local public (PBS) TV station (not for profit ... in San Antonio it's KLRN) accepts motorcycles, boats, vehicles, etc. so I am sure there is one in Dallas that would be thrilled to receive your donation, and it's a tax deduction for you. – Shadow Runner (note from Mama: I've included the PBS station finder link above!) THE BIKER (author unknown) Monday, March 31 THE BIKER II (author unknown) When you see us moving past you quickly: Don’t take offense or think we’re trying to "show off." Ninety five percent of the time, we’re trying to get out of your blind spot, or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us. Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we’re giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment. When you hear our horn: Don’t take offense or think we’re trying to aggravate you. All we’re doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we’re more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you’re talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It’s important to us, and you, that you know we’re there. When you hear our loud pipes: Don’t become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there’s a purpose behind being loud. It’s about letting you know we’re close by and we’re constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it’s a pride and personalization to our form of transportation. When you see us in our clothes: Don’t become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down ... nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we’re better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way. When you see us in a restaurant: You don’t have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity. When you see us in a parking lot: Don’t convince yourself that we’re there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another’s bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle. It’s what we do...it’s a part of our lives, and we’d be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you’d only ask. When you see aggressive riding bikers: Don’t put us all in the same stereotypical category. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don’t want that title...and don’t deserve it. When you see a group of bikers on the roadways: Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you. Please don’t "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it’s done with no due regard for our safety. Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don’t want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we’d lose that battle. When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway: Look, then look again...and then one more time. We can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we’re only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives. When you are behind us: Please give us the room we need and don’t tailgate us. If you hit us, we’re going down...HARD! We don’t w ant to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don’t interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We’re only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close. When, and if, you experience road rage: Don’t take it out on us just because we’re smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you’re doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones. Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm. When you have an opportunity to talk to us: You’ll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would brighten your day or console you in some way. We’re really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised that you’ll be met with open arms. Thank You for attempting to understand. Thursday, April 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kathy, Tuesday, April 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kathleen, Tuesday, August 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Tired, Add to that thought that we actually use a lot of muscles to keep us upright on two wheels, constantly making minor adjustments to keep us from going down ... very different than a four-wheel cage where balance is not an issue. And then there is the speed ... we're basically in one big wind tunnel going down the road! The constant force of Mother Nature against our bodies never ceases ... Those are my top three thoughts ... chime in now with more ideas! – Mama Tuesday, August 19 Petra, Dear Eileen, Thursday, September 4 Hi Petra, Dear Kelly, Thursday, September 4 Hi Petra, Dear Penney, Readers, if you're not a Newsletter subscriber ($12/year for weekly issues), this is an example of the type of things that I find when surfing the Internet for the latest news of use/interest to women riders. While I discourage political discussion on the VTM Message Board, as it is highly disruptive to the core mission, discussing all aspects of riding ... there is no reason one can't start a thread so we can have a central place for photos and news we find about Ms. Palin's riding! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marcelo, It makes sense that from the very outset of the motorcycle, riders have looked to add their own personal touch as riding was not only a form of transportation, but a lifestyle choice. If you look at a lot of the very early model motorcycles, you'll see that the handlebars were flat, wide arcs. If you think about it, just twist those up, bend the ends for the hand controls, and you have a primitive apehanger! Already in 1925 though, the H-D Streamliner was introduce and you'll see the graceful curve of the handlebar, what I consider the precursor of the apehanger look. By the 1930s, the buckhorn handlebar, although not a very radical rise, was introduced. My guess ... there were a lot of changes in the seating position ... changes that arose from the redesigned frames, suspensions, seat mounting, and front ends ... that needed a new solution to get hand controls at the right position for the rider. I also think it leant a touch of elegant flow to the line of the bikes. The art of customization really took off after WWII, when returning veterans, often with mechanic skills, looked for a hobby. Bikes were stripped of all extras for racing purposes. At the same time street bikes were refitted with smaller tanks, fenders, light elements, and more. One site suggested that a pair of removed crash bars was the inspiration, and while it may have been true for one person, I think more was going on way before then ... let's face it, if someone was interested in motorcycles and studied all previous makes/models, as a true aficionado would do, then the design element was really there from almost the very beginning! Enter the 60s, a time when people started to declare their dislike for anything that was standard. If you wanted an "in your face" reaction from everyone, starting with the manufacturer and ending with the general public, boring out the piston cylinders wasn't a visible way to do it! Rake the front end, lower the seat, get louder pipes ... exaggerate the curve of the handlebar. It simply screams anti- establishment! It's been suggested that motorcycle clubs/gangs, like the Hells Angels, popularized the apehanger look. Formed in the 1940s or 1950s, depending on the source, by the 60s their notorious actions got them media attention. So, if John Smith of Iowa adopted the apehanger to get away from a standard look, it's likely that photo got stuck in a personal photo album, rather than splashed in the newspapers! I read in one place that the high-rise handlebar was to ward off getting cut in the neck by wire strung across the road to hurt club/gang members. That seems a bit fanciful, but who knows! A kernel of proactive riding truth might be embedded in that! My conclusion ... riders wanted different looks and a play on the handlebar design was one way to do it. If you look at the spectrum of hand control placement, it makes sense that it would range from the very lowest to the very highest possible that still allows control of the front end. Then you run out of options! – Mama Wednesday, September 10 For Marcelo who is interested in the history of apehanger handlebars: You're right about the customization for sure. I wanted to add something I've heard ... believe it or not, early ape hangers are thought to have been "repurposed" parts of grocery carts. If you look at a standard grocery cart, you'll notice how the lower part, the part that connects the basket to the wheels, kind of looks like really tall ape hangers. Well, I guess these would be full-sized "old-fashioned" carts. I must be getting old. Anyway, it's another possibility.... – Laura (note from Mama: when one considers that the design of a motorcycle is often thought in terms of art, and art is often inspired from everyday items, then one can give some credence to this reported source! It does stretch one's giggle factor though!) Dear VTwin Mama, Also, do you have any advice I can give to my husband on this? He doesn't want me to get a bike. Thanks, – D.H. Dear D.H., Gas mileage is a delicate balance between a number of factors. First, it takes energy to propel a mass (the bike) ... the heavier it is, the more energy it takes overall to move it. Second, design engineers have to place an engine in a frame that will be as efficient as possible ... if you undersize it it will waste gas trying to move the vehicle forward and if you oversize it, there's a tendency to rev up that throttle and zoom off. It's like cars ... if you drive it in a conservative manner, you will most likely cruise in a range of most efficiency. 45-50mph is a good middle ground for a bike. If you want better gas mileage, you'll have to get a lightweight moped, but that restricts your travel ability. While most riders choose a bike for the life style there certainly is more emphasis on the statistics showing that an increase in ownership is due to the fact that many are seeking an alternative mode of transportation to save on gas. But motorcycles, like all vehicles, aren't just about the gas mileage. You have to factor in registration, insurance, proper riding gear, and items that need to be replaced and maintained (oil, other fluids, tires, etc.). The question about a reluctant significant other (s/o) is a tougher challenge, as this can stem from so many different sources. I think that when someone writes to this column about this type of challenge it's really that any or all discussion on the subject has broken down and there appears no way to bridge the "point of view" gap. Like any good debate, one has to examine both sides with a clear head. The worst case is that general statements are made that are too vague to base a conversation on. One example would be, "I don't want you to ride." Well, what exactly does that mean? Here it is important to ask the person to more clearly state the exact concerns ... and shouting doesn't count! Perhaps the s/o has read lots of media coverage on accidents and deaths and is worried that you will become one of these statistics. He doesn't want to lose you. He wouldn't want to lose you in a car accident either, but that's an understood form of necessary transportation, whereas the motorcycle could be viewed as an unnecessary risk. Perhaps the s/o is all for saving money/gas on a less expensive motorcycle, but as pointed out before, there are a lot of underlying costs that need to be figured in. Can the budget handle it? Is there concern about taking on another financed obligation? Then there is the very difficult emotional baggage that could be happening. Examples would be, "I don't want to ride, so why should you want to do that?" or "Women shouldn't ride." or "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Now it's time for you to sit down in a quiet moment and really review what your s/o has been trying to tell you, examine whether you've been making general statements and need to clarify for yourself and him what the real intention/feeling is ... and when you've got a handle on that ... reopen the discussion. This isn't easy as you may be pushing to change a more basic underlying understanding in your marriage that has worked for all this time, but now isn't. But you just can't discount the other person and you shouldn't shovel your own needs under the carpet. Give all this some thought and remember that when you ask for clearer statements that you might have to give him some time to formulate his thoughts. Not everyone can react immediately ... not if they really want to be truthful about their feelings. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, As I See It: By Leslie Coler The very idea of a motorcycles brings to mind sexy black leathers, tough men with tattoos and worn jeans, dark bars where only the bravest of females dare enter, and air filled with the roar of revving engines. Historically,
driving a motorcycle has been a predominately male hobby. Not any more.
Recent reports claim that women,
who have been approximately 10 percent of motorcycle drivers, are now the
fastest growing population of new drivers.
Being a woman myself and a fairly new rider, I have some observations to share with my
male counterparts. Some things that may help you understand our experience
better. First, we aren’t going away. Just like you we love the thrill and the skill. Many new
female bike riders are over 40, some well over.
Often, after the kids are grown we begin to focus on ourselves a
little more. We are just returning to the interesting women you fell for
originally, remember us? Riding
a motorcycle is thrilling, requires skill and practice, and makes us feel
alive. Sound familiar? The reasons we ride are the same as yours, but often the experience is different. Secondly, we may focus on safety more than the men we
ride with. We women are trained to look out for our kids, our husbands and
ourselves; this safety issue transfers to our riding. We will often wear a helmet (even if it messes up our hair),
gloves, leathers, etc.
The riding classes we take teach us the value of riding gear and we
listen; which is a great segue to the next difference. Clothing: We want to look good while we ride. I purchased chaps then quickly sent them off to be customized. I don’t necessarily want my chaps to look like all the rest; some bling here, some color there. I t all makes me happy while I ride. My husband doesn’t get that, but that is ok. He bought his leather coat at a garage sale. Next I may get a tank bib to hold my cell phone that is color coordinated to match by bike. He won’t get that either. So, now I am safer and looking pretty good at the same time, and am still loving the ride. Could this get any better? All this may seem confusing to you, the men in our lives, but keep these
things in mind: It takes the same skills for us to ride as you use. Women,
who do not always jump into new adventures fearlessly, may find it more
comfortable to ride with other women at first, and sometimes slowly. I remember the first time out on the road
after the MSF class. I did really well in class but nothing there prepared
me for the wind and the noise I found on the open road. My husband was
appalled at how slowly I was riding; I could see it in the look he gave
me. He had been at it for
years and rides with ease. Me? I was trying to remember to look, lean and
roll, all the while overcoming my fear of the noise involved. I chose to
ride alone for one full year rather than see “the look” again; my
issue not his. You might consider letting us lead when we ride together;
we might feel safer with you between us and the cagers. Also, the
motorcycle groups we join may revolve around food rather than drinks.
Poker runs aren’t always our idea of a great way to spend every weekend,
although if the charity is a good one we will certainly jump on board.
Monday, October 13 To DH who is looking to ride, has questions, but also her husband isn't supporting her dream: VTM is right about there being more to it than gas mileage, or even seat height. If you have a license, then you can test drive at a dealership and see what feels right. Some bikes are better for city, others for highway, others for maneuverability. Don't go by the name or class like cruiser. Some are more "cruiser" than others. The bike fit charts can show you an idea of the sizes of bikes and what height works with/without adaptations. I asked around my work about bikes, after I found myself too long legged for the bike I'd bought originally and it was more city than highway and I live in the country where almost all riding is highway. There are a lot of women riders where I work. Hope you and your significant other work it out amicably about the motorcycle. It is easy to say just do it for me as my husband also rides and doesn't object. He was a little worried at first, especially when I was going 10mph, but he's getting over it. However - I would ride even if he did object - unless he was truly hysterical (fearful, not bossy) ... then I might compromise by letting him get time to wrap his mind around it - or not. but only you know what you and your sig other can do. No relationship is the same, we all have different abilities and limits and things that matter more or less to us. – TTFN, Trish (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your insights with DH ... we're all wishing her well on her journey!) Thursday, November 13 Hi Ladies, Dear Denise, Wednesday, November 26 Flat Roads and Twisties by Ben Fourie Dear VTwin Mama, The
book is ideal for the overseas enthusiasts who wish to come and visit this
beautiful part of the world, and deals with various issues that might
confront the prospective traveller. I would be extremely grateful if you
could possibly add this information on your respective websites,
newsletters and databases. The book is available from Exclusive Books, CNA,
Estoril and other good bookstores throughout Southern Africa. Sales so far
have exceeded all expectations, and all indications are that it is
becoming a best seller both in Southern Africa and internationally. For further information, your readers and clients can also visit my website: www.flatroadsandtwisties.com. Yours Sincerely, – Ben Fourie Dear Ben, Hi Petra, Even in the spring I don't take my bike out until most of the salt has left the roads. So now Bluebell ('02 Honda Shadow 750) is stored for the winter, and I am feeling lonely without her : ( Riding for me and many others I think, is such a release, I am not sure what I will do to compensate until spring. I do see an occasional biker out riding, and I think, how do they do it? This was even farther north in Vermont last weekend. But it is a very hard past time/hobby to give up. So I can understand the compulsion to keep riding - even through the bitter cold. So warm wishes to all, and hold those happy riding thoughts! – Susan in Deerfield, MA Dear Susan, Most riders dole out their $$ for motorcycles and gear as either the need arises or we have a bit extra to spend on something we might not use as much. Over years of riding the gear accumulation makes for a workable set of clothing. Still, for some, the chiller temps means it's time to store the bike ... I prefer riding in at least 60 degree days, but will do a 40-50 degree day if it's a charity run. So far this year it's ok but I'm guessing by mid-January and into February, my mileage will drop off! There's no doubt that riding a motorcycle brings with it a singular type of release from every day chores and life's needs that can't be duplicated exactly. When I stilled lived in the north, I took to cross country skiing to commune with nature. To mimic my love of solo riding, I now find a quiet corner and read for a bit of "me" time. And I'm finding that by having joined some motorcycle groups in the area, there are plenty of social get-togethers this time of year to share stories and in many ways, to get know folks on an even more personal level. One fun thing to do is to think about the upcoming riding season and take the time now to plan a special trip, whether it's a weekend getaway or some longer adventure. There are plenty of travel books specifically for motorcycle riders ... you might enjoy dreaming and scheming and planning as a way to keep your spirits high! For ideas, check my Motorcycle Travel Center. – Mama Tuesday, December 9 For Susan who is battling PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome): As usual, I thoroughly enjoy reading your website! Another winter pastime I have discovered that helps with 'PMS' is to hop in the car with maps or GPS and preview some roads that I haven't driven before to see if they will make good additions to my favorite motorcycle routes! I am a person who likes to be somewhat familiar with a road before I take my trike on it, mainly because in my part of Maryland we have quite a mixture of roads and some of them are not really conducive to a pleasant 3-wheel experience (i.e. pot holes, etc.). Thanks for all you do for women motorcyclists! – Cathy, proud Suzuki/Lehman trike rider (note from Mama: what a tremendously brilliant idea! Often times we miss the wonders of our own "backyard" so this really makes sense!) Hi Petra, There were many great entries, but the winning video came from Vickie Sampson with Her Need for Speed.. You can check out Melissa Kosar’s Girls Night Out, and Marta Manferrer’s Here Comes the Bride as well. Enjoy! – Kelly Yahr, Harley-Davidson Dear Kelly, Friday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Trish, Dear VTwin Mama, My problem is that watching him injured and the pain involved had taken some of the fun out of the idea of riding my motorcycle. I can't help but think about the what ifs. I have been consumed with riding but now I may sell my bike for a convertible. – Leslie Dear Leslie, So, if the what ifs are crowding your brain and taking away from your riding enjoyment, leave it for now. A bit of absence as your hubby dearest continues on the mend might just be what you need. Especially if this sport was something you really enjoyed because the two of you did it together ... and now because of the way his body is mended, you'll be finding new things to do to spend time together. Or not. Is hubby gnashing his teeth in the hopes to get back to riding? If that's the case, then the what ifs might be addressed by you both enrolling in an advanced riding course to polish up skills together and get the dialog flowing once again about the risks and what you're both willing to assume as risk. Listen to your gut and remember that even if you take another pathway for now, you can always return to the adventure in riding ... many have done it and life should be fluid and flexible. – Mama Wednesday, February 4 WAIT! I used to do physical therapy before I became an RN. Recovery may take awhile but it usually happens. It takes a lot of work, he may need to see a pain specialist. He may need to get involved with a GOOD personal trainer if his insurance won't cover PT anymore. Tell him not to stop moving-it will only make things worse in the long run. Massage therapy, especially deep tissue or Rolfing may be very useful. Good luck to you both! TTFN,.– Trish (note from Mama: thank you for your thoughts on physical recovery and time ... one then acknowledges that mental recovery and healing is a very personal journey, no two of which are alike.) Friday, April 3 Dear VTwin Mama, I started a little podcast show ... it's silly to some, but I give my thanks to those that have helped me and you are one I've talked about on a couple of shows. I hope to have you on my little show and just do a chit chat one day. In the meantime I send best wishes and again, thank you for being V-Twin Mama! – Kathy H. Dear Kathy, How wonderful to hear that you've been mentioning the VTwin Mama site to your podcast listeners! I'd love to be on your show and chat with you! And that goes for anyone else out there in cyberspace who is putting up a women's motorcycle-related site or chatroom or podcast or show. The VTwin Mama site grew from two factors ... my commitment to the enterprise and everyone else's input over these 8 years. I stand ready to support other's efforts as you have supported me! As I am, and always have been, the chief cook and bottle washer of all things VTM, all email addresses on my contact page come to me. So vtwinmama@vtwinmama.com will work just as well as any others! Drop me a line and let's keep things flowing! P.S. Thank you for your warm wishes on my upcoming marriage ... we're just 3 weeks away from the big day now and I'm fairly jumping out of my skin in anticipation of the whole beautiful event! – Mama Tuesday, July 14 Dear VTwin Mama, When she told him she took the course he asked her if she was going to ride … she told him no. In '05 when we got together, I was still green to motorcycle riding, but was hooked and she would ride on the back. After we married, we bought her a bike and she was so afraid to tell her father but finally did. He was so happy ... he wanted her to ride and see him as soon as she could. He was so proud and supportive of his little girl. After she had ridden the Hyosung 250 for about 6 months (great learning bike for a beginner sportbike rider) I bought her a Ducati Monster 800 for Christmas (the bike she wanted). She is now an inspiration to those ladies she works with and several now ride and is looking at becoming a Rider Coach herself soon. If your site would have been around in '96, maybe she would have had the confidence to ride then. By the way, her father, mother, my wife, and I all went on a motorcycle ride in Hawaii while on vacation…1st time he has ridden since the accident…she inspired him too. As a separate note, as a rider Coach for Motorcycle Safety, I would just want to know what protective gear all the people were wearing when they had their accidents…I don’t care about thinking you look cool, it’s all about the fashion show of protection…leathers (preferred but textiles work), boots, and of course the Full Face Helmet. Thank you for your site, – Charles (Garcho) Dear Charles, I am so heart-happy upon learning that your wife's father than decided to ride again, as following an accident it really does pose a lot of questions about risk and desire. So here's a big cheer to you, your wife, and your wife's parents ... I can only imagine how big those grins where in Hawaii ... it just had to a truly joyful time together. – Mama Tuesday, August 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, I'm wondering if the "lack" is tied to the current economy, in that companies are tightening their belts to survive. Readers, if you know of a good job/internship site, please give me a shout by email. – Mama Thursday, November 12 MSF Slogan Winners Press Release Motorcycle Safety Foundation Announces Ride On! Write On! Contest Winners More than 2,300 votes were cast in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Ride on! Write on! contest, and the winners are: 1st Place,
submitted by Denise Porterfield of Kernersville, N.C.: 2nd Place,
submitted by Peggy Strickler of Lake Zurich, Ill.: 3rd Place,
submitted by Terri Brents of Sherwood, Ark.: Given her “Save a marriage…” slogan, it’s not surprising that first place winner Denise Porterfield is married and the mother of a 16-year old daughter. She works as a senior medical claims examiner and says she just started riding three years ago. “I ride 24/7,” said Porterfield. “I bought a Honda Shadow Spirit the day after I completed my MSF course and put 28,000 miles on it. Then last summer I bought a Kawasaki ZZR600, and I’ve put 17,000 miles on that.” “I constantly run into women who are so excited about bikes, but scared to learn. The MSF courses give women a chance to learn to ride without any commitment, and no pressure,” Porterfield continued. “I had so much fun the weekend that I took the course, and it's important that we spread the word so that women know what's available for them to experience.” Peggy Strickler, a 50-year old medical technologist who penned the second place-winning slogan, started riding in 1998, and became an MSF RiderCoach in 2003. She rides a 1995 Harley Davidson (FXSTS) Springer Softail and 1994 Honda Shadow VT1100C, logging about 10,000 miles a year. “We have taken all of our family vacations on motorcycles since 2000 when my son got his endorsement at age 16. Our 14-year-old daughter rode with my husband until she was old enough to get her license,” said Strickler. “I thought it would be cool to come up with a slogan that might inspire others to learn to ride right. Nothing is better than riding sweepers and tight curves with the knowledge that you do know how to do it safely.” Third place winner Terri Brents is a 47-year old legal assistant who took the MSF Basic RiderCourse in 2005, and who now splits her riding time between a pair of Kawasaki Ninjas, a 2006 250 and a 2006 650R. “I entered the contest because I'm a word junkie and I love a writing challenge,” said Brents. “I'm a fairly new rider. I've been piloting my own bike just shy of five years, now. I spent about eight years as a passenger prior to that. I try to ride every weekend that the weather permits and occasionally I even ride to work. The MSF course has made such a difference in my life.” “Women riders often share a strong sense of camaraderie with one another,” said Dr. Sherry Williams, MSF director of quality assurance and research. “We were thrilled to receive so many great slogan entries and will look forward to using the winning slogans to inspire other women to find out more about motorcycling.” The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes rider safety through rider training systems, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been internationally recognized since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org. Thursday, November 12 Hi Petra, In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we've put together a number of different ways for us all to salute men and women who serve our country. A special section of the Harley-Davidson web site allows visitors to salute active and retired military members on electronic postcards featuring H-D motorcycles and fellow rider and U.S. military supporter Marisa Miller. This is the link to the behind the scenes video from the recent photo shoot. - Participating H-D dealerships have free military-themed posters, postcards, and calendars featuring Marisa Miller (calendars available only to those with a military I.D.). While you're there, don't forget to sign the H-D flag that will be sent to troops overseas. - The "Harley Salutes the Military Contest," created in partnership with Maxim magazine, gives active or retired personnel the chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle of their choice - delivered personally by Marisa. The winner will also receive Rider's Edge training and four tickets to attend the Jan. 2, 2010, Ultimate Fighting Championship event in Las Vegas. Visit http://www.maxim.com/salutes to enter and get exclusive downloads. - Our YouTube channel has been revamped and now includes a bunch of historic videos of H-D & the military. Best, – Laura Vecchio, Harley-Davidson Note from Mama: as a Navy veteran, I appreciate H-D's effort to acknowledge the contribution of all those who have served and also those in active or reserve duty. I just wish H-D would stop collaborating with super models for photo shots ... it objectifies women (jeez, straddling the front tire in a skimpy outfit?!?!?), is unrealistic (so much for proper riding attire), and just panders to their core audience of men. Fine. Women get why H-D does it. But that doesn't mean we have to like it. Ever. Wednesday, March 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Justin, I wish you continued happiness on your own journey! – Mama
Thursday, April 15 Dear VTwin Mama, I've been in love with motorcycles for years, and despite getting my license in 2006, I didn't ride again until the end of last year. After getting my first 'grown up' job, I bought a 125 YBR as a birthday present to myself, took some lessons to refresh my memory, and have been riding almost every day since. I don't just want to ride; I want to be very good at it. I still practice in a parking lot a few nights a week after work, and I've bought more books on skills, safety and mechanics over the last few months than I have any other kind of book (and I love reading). I want to save up an eventually take an advanced riding course, and possibly learn to race with a track school. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find many other women riders of my skill level over here (France), but I’m hoping that will change some day. Still a long way to go, but getting there! Here’s my issue. In a few months I’m hoping to trade up to a Ninja 250. One of the things holding me back is my parents. Although I'm completely independent in many ways, their opinion still has some hold on me. I even asked for their blessing when I bought my bike (they said yes, thankfully). Every time I bring up the subject, somehow it turns into an argument – they think this is a temporary whim. My father has offered to buy me a car so I'll give up riding, but honestly, if I could afford only having a car, or only having a bike, I'd pick the bike. I can understand my parents’ fears - they trust me as a rider, but they don’t trust other road users. Also, they almost lost me to serious illness when I was a baby, so they are hard-wired to be over-protective at times. I can't seem to make them understand that even though I might be out of harm's way if I stop riding, something inside me will die if I do. How do you deal with people with good intentions who are guilt-tripping and pressuring you into stopping? – Debbie D. Dear Debbie, I understand your passion, as do 4 million other solo women motorcycle riders. I'm proud that you are taking so many well thought out steps to be the best rider you can be. I'm happy that you have many ideas on what your adventure will encompass. You are empowered and you know it. I am glad that I have created a website that you then found! Asking for your parent's blessing is declaring that you wish for them to support you as you move forward in your life. They saw you through a serious childhood illness, held your hand as they taught you the basic rules for crossing a street safely, consoled and counseled you when life wasn't smooth, and launched you into the world with as much knowledge as they could pass on. The difference with the motorcycle "thing" is that they are in uncharted territory. It apparently is a risk factor they can't quite fathom, but take a moment to think about risks you know they took in their lives. Sure, it wasn't the bike thing, but every person moving into and further along into adulthood takes risks. If you're not sure, then maybe now is the time to have an adult discussion on the topic ... what leaps of faith did they take, how did that make them feel, what did they learn? In the end, a young adult who has listened to loved ones' thoughts, concerns, and opinions, must then weigh and balance that against their own inner voice. At some point you may need to stop asking for a blessing (in many ways, permission) and declare your adult decision without apology. I can see that this all might be a bit easier if you had other women riders as friends in your life. My knowledge of overseas riding organizations is not that good ... I only know of the Women's International Motorcycle Association, of which there is a chapter in France. Click on National Groups, then France, and you will see an email to the chapter president as well as the link to their site. I am reminded of the story of Becky Brown, founder of the national U.S. riding organization, Women In The Wind. Back in the mid 1970s she put an ad in her local newspaper saying that she was looking for other women to ride with. Several called her and they started riding together. More women joined them. And eventually they put together hundreds of chapters across the U.S. (and some in other countries). All because of an ad in the paper ... is this an idea that might work for you? At the same time, while I realize that motorcycle dealerships wouldn't give you the names of women who have purchased motorcycles, perhaps they would let you put up a simple announcement on a bulletin board or in the window asking that all interested women meet at a certain time/place, say a month from now. See what happens! You are not alone ... although it can feel lonely out there ... as I remember from when I first started back in 1979. I just kept riding and along those thousands of miles (kms!) I said hello and made connections to kindred spirits, both women and men. I trusted that the pathway I had chosen would gradually lead me to where I wished to go. – Mama Thursday, April 29 Dear VTwin Mama, It's all about confidence and practice. I learned to ride about 15 years ago at my husband's urging, starting out on a 750cc Yamaha Virago. I now ride a 1800cc Victory Vision and have been to every state except Alaska and Hawaii on it. Just some thoughts of encouragement. – Anonymous Dear Anon, Wednesday, June 2 Brand New: Road Momma Podcast Dear VTwin Mama, I am in the final stages of production and I anticipate uploading the first episode in time for everyone to enjoy for the 4th of July weekend to listen to as you ride. In the meantime please take time to visit the show on Facebook and become a fan to receive updates or head to my Road Momma Podcast website. Don't miss the first episode's arrival ... subscribe via iTunes or podbean! If anyone has upcoming non-profit events, charity rides, etc. that they would like me to share on air, please email the information to me in advance of the date at roadmommapodcast@yahoo.com. Advertisement space is available for products, services, and/or major events and shows. Thank you for your time and support. – Pamela
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