I've mentioned that May is the official month of motorcycle awareness but did you know that May is also Women Riders month. I don't know why May is so lucky. In honor of all this I am investigating the American Motorcyclist Association's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, OH. It just so happens our youngest lives in Columbus and we're are planning to visit him in a couple weeks during this phenomenal month of motorcycle heralding and I think this may make a good addition to the trip.
You'll see on their site that they are changing up the place by prioritizing the Hall of Fame and rotating some exhibits. I also see down through the list of those honored a number of women. Not that they're a sizable percentage but they are in there. I'd like to know more about the women who have gone before me in the adventure.
In the meantime - watch the next few posts for some video footage of me learning to pick up my bike all by myself. I'm told it's easy. I hope so. I'll also be posting some of the area's rides set for the merry month of May.
Now I'm off to a meeting and it's cold - so I'm taking my little white Tib instead of my Aero. Ah well. Warmer days are coming.
Bikers as Community
It's all about community. Last Thursday the Maple Festival took over my hometown, coming back like a good ol' friend to spend the weekend. Today's the last day. This morning the runners run, the bathtubs race and the pancakes flip. In the afternoon the parade will weave through town as fire engines blast, bagpipes serenade and politicians wave, me included. I don't know if the camel will be in the parade again today but that was a sight yesterday - seeing a dromedary hoofing it down Main Street (pic below by Cindi Hido). Of course there's much more than what I listed filling Chardon Square but you get the idea. BTW - motorcycles park on Court Street at the top of the hill just off the Square. Access via Washington Street.
There's another community that's going into high gear. The motorcycle community is revving up for the 2010 riding season and in our area it starts off with the annual Louie Run, Sunday, May 2 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This event and its organizing foundation have many worthwhile goals including honoring fallen riders and building awareness of motorcycles on the roadway to help prevent more fallen riders. See their website for the day's schedule and for a list of starting locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Don't forget Geauga Powersports has its grand opening on May 1st. See Adventure Rider or their Facebook page for more info.
After the first weekend of May - the motorcycling world goes crazy with rides, events, etc. A lot of the events will benefit a good cause or a special need in the community. I've found some very capable calendars online - BikerPlaza, Let's Ride, and Motorcycle Monster that do a good job of listing local events. Also - when you visit your local bike shop, tattoo parlor or place where bikers might hang out - see if they have the latest print issue of Ridin' On. I talked with Darlene Bish, managing editor, a while back and was fascinated with her history of riding. The Ridin' On magazine includes classifieds, events and articles. And it's FREE.
If you have a favorite event or event resource - please let me know via email or post a comment. Otherwise -as riding season begins, may we ride safe, represent motorcycling well and help others whenever we can. See you on the road.
There's another community that's going into high gear. The motorcycle community is revving up for the 2010 riding season and in our area it starts off with the annual Louie Run, Sunday, May 2 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This event and its organizing foundation have many worthwhile goals including honoring fallen riders and building awareness of motorcycles on the roadway to help prevent more fallen riders. See their website for the day's schedule and for a list of starting locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Don't forget Geauga Powersports has its grand opening on May 1st. See Adventure Rider or their Facebook page for more info.
After the first weekend of May - the motorcycling world goes crazy with rides, events, etc. A lot of the events will benefit a good cause or a special need in the community. I've found some very capable calendars online - BikerPlaza, Let's Ride, and Motorcycle Monster that do a good job of listing local events. Also - when you visit your local bike shop, tattoo parlor or place where bikers might hang out - see if they have the latest print issue of Ridin' On. I talked with Darlene Bish, managing editor, a while back and was fascinated with her history of riding. The Ridin' On magazine includes classifieds, events and articles. And it's FREE.
If you have a favorite event or event resource - please let me know via email or post a comment. Otherwise -as riding season begins, may we ride safe, represent motorcycling well and help others whenever we can. See you on the road.
New Bikes
Has anyone seen the new Honda Stateline or it's traveling buddy the Interstate? The 2010 models are providing a fresh look for the modern cruiser. Bob and I were out at Just for Fun Honda in Middlefield and had the chance to look one over. They're having a hard time keeping any on the showroom floor because the bikes keep rolling out the door to new owners.
If dreams came true - we'd get one.
You Know a Biker
Chances are you know a biker and you just don't realize it. The recent promo of this blog in the News Herald certainly stirred up some conversation. (I hope it stirred up some readers, too.) I expected a lot of comments about the size of picture they ran. But what I'm hearing most often is "I didn't know you were biker." This is good. As you may know from reading this blog - I'm all about letting people know that I ride. Why? Because when motorists realize motorcyclists are real people - people they may know personally - it results in greater awareness of bikers on the road. Awareness makes the road safer for everyone.
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation works year round to protect the rights of bikers and to raise the public conscience towards bikers. The following is from their website:
"The MSF urges all car, bus, truck, and other motor vehicle drivers to follow the key safety messages listed below:
MSF’s 5 Key Messages for Drivers
1. Look for Motorcyclists – Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check the blind spots when you're changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.
2. Focus on Driving – Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers, and drive. And NO texting.
3. Use Your Turn Signals – Signal your intentions for everyone's safety.
4. Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Don't tailgate or pass too closely.
5. Take Your Time – Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.
For additional safety tips, video instruction, and other resources to help car, truck, and bus drivers learn how to safely interact with motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways, visit forcardrivers.com, a website launched by the MSF in 2008.
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, 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.
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."
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation works year round to protect the rights of bikers and to raise the public conscience towards bikers. The following is from their website:
"The MSF urges all car, bus, truck, and other motor vehicle drivers to follow the key safety messages listed below:
MSF’s 5 Key Messages for Drivers
1. Look for Motorcyclists – Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check the blind spots when you're changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.
2. Focus on Driving – Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers, and drive. And NO texting.
3. Use Your Turn Signals – Signal your intentions for everyone's safety.
4. Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Don't tailgate or pass too closely.
5. Take Your Time – Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.
For additional safety tips, video instruction, and other resources to help car, truck, and bus drivers learn how to safely interact with motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways, visit forcardrivers.com, a website launched by the MSF in 2008.
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, 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.
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."
Maiden Ride
Gotta tell ya - this spring has been phenom for biking. Even my son, Drew, who pushes pedals to make his gig go will tell you that the sunny days and decent temps have not only pushed all the plants and trees to bud but it's pushing us to the road. Love it!
I'll now bore you with my first two rides. Nothing too exciting. I'm making loops out in Geauga County. But circles don't bother me - I get to practice my turns.
My first solo ride was on the day I got the bike, Saturday, April 10th. My dear husband-man cleared off the bags, sissy bar and windshield and detailed it down to the spokes. It may be a 2000 but he made it shine! We left our drive going uphill. I guess the downhill way to a stop sign can throw you off balance so uphill I went. Three stalls later I took off from the light and headed south on Rt. 44. Shifting is so not a problem. Neither is acceleration.
As the the road opened up so did the throttles. Now my bike can make some noise - excellent pipes matched with that single crankpin raised a rousing chorus regarding the virtues of biking. Mind you - it was all wind in my face but then - I'm used to a back seat behind Bob and a windshield. It certainly didn't deter. It thrilled.
We looped down Rt. 44 then east on Rt. 87 and after rounding Burton Square we headed northeast via the back roads. To finish the trip I went through Chardon Square. Now that's a lot of clutch at the end of a first ride but it was wonderful to ride through my hometown on my maiden voyage going solo.
Speaking of maiden voyage - Matt out at Geauga Power Sports in Burton, OH is now open. This new shop supports a wide variety of machinery and riders. Their grand opening is May 1st - 11AM to 8PM. Matt's planning some great events so be sure to check it out.
Solo on a Shadow
I'm riding all by myself on a big bike now. It's a different world. No longer can I just gaze about the landscape daydreaming. I'm now responsible for about 700 lbs of motorcycle going 55 mph out on the highways of my neck of the woods. Sometimes I worry about my own neck. Sometimes I just relish the feel of the wind in my face.
My bike is a 2000 Honda Shadow Aero VT1100C. Yellow and black like a bee - or like the Steelers. Stinging - either way. It has nice Vance & Hines pipes, a great Mustang seat, and it is more than able to carry me down the road quite nicely.
My trips out have been limited by the amount of free time I have combined with weather and whether or not I have a riding companion. Call me chicken if you want but after just two trips totaling about 70 miles I still want another rider with me. Plus I still need to practice picking up this horse should I drop it. Don't want to have to rely on strangers to get the thing upright again.
So for now - I'm still counting gears and my hands are still a bit sweaty but the freedom is intoxicating. I'm a biker - all on my own.
My Ride is Here
Sometimes I write the longest sentences.
Here's a short one:
I got my bike.
Next post:
My first solo ride
Be Kind to Bikers
The U.K.'s "Think Biker" campaign has me really thinking. That's what we need in this homeland. A new public awareness campaign this side of the sea that really defends bikers and teaches all motorists to give us some room and some respect. That whole campaign was based on the fact that if you know a biker you are more aware of and careful around bikers. I like that.
Whatever the message we need it to go out fast because there are some people out there who REALLY need to hear it.
Late last summer Bob and I were rolling west on Rt. 322 when a minivan pulled out of a side street into our lane to head west ahead of us. Too bad we were so close that we almost slammed into their rear window. Bob handled the situation well and, as is custom, gave the bike horn a work out. (why aren't bike horns louder - they can save a life, y'know!?)
This situation is not unusual. All bikers have had too many cagers take a turn into or across their path. What made this situation different was the attitude of the adult female driver. And I use the term "adult" to indicate age not maturity. She decided to cheer us up by waving out her window in a happy manner. Then her young teen daughter did the same out the passenger window. Then they waved again - and again - and again and then they dangled their socked feet were out the window and honked their own horn.
For ten minutes they showed us how happy they were that we had nearly wrecked.
Nice.
Nice to teach the next generation to be so self - centered. How nice to come close to causing an accident and then take the time to belittle, taunt and generally make yourself look like an idiot AND teach the next generation to do the same.
Really nice.
Now what would truly be nice is if we could all share the road with some respect. If you're a biker - let everyone know. If you're not, put yourselves in our boots and imagine. See the bike, save a life.
For more on the Think! campaign you can see the Facebook page or visit their website.
Whatever the message we need it to go out fast because there are some people out there who REALLY need to hear it.
Late last summer Bob and I were rolling west on Rt. 322 when a minivan pulled out of a side street into our lane to head west ahead of us. Too bad we were so close that we almost slammed into their rear window. Bob handled the situation well and, as is custom, gave the bike horn a work out. (why aren't bike horns louder - they can save a life, y'know!?)
This situation is not unusual. All bikers have had too many cagers take a turn into or across their path. What made this situation different was the attitude of the adult female driver. And I use the term "adult" to indicate age not maturity. She decided to cheer us up by waving out her window in a happy manner. Then her young teen daughter did the same out the passenger window. Then they waved again - and again - and again and then they dangled their socked feet were out the window and honked their own horn.
For ten minutes they showed us how happy they were that we had nearly wrecked.
Nice.
Nice to teach the next generation to be so self - centered. How nice to come close to causing an accident and then take the time to belittle, taunt and generally make yourself look like an idiot AND teach the next generation to do the same.
Really nice.
Now what would truly be nice is if we could all share the road with some respect. If you're a biker - let everyone know. If you're not, put yourselves in our boots and imagine. See the bike, save a life.
For more on the Think! campaign you can see the Facebook page or visit their website.
Which Came First - the Biker or the Bike?
A friend mentioned recently that she might "take up the motorcycle." It sounded poetic to me - "take up the motorcycle" - like learning French cooking or endeavoring to start mountain climbing. It got me thinking - how did I come to be a biker?
Clearly there were signs even in my early years. When I was two and a plastic barrette held my honey blonde hair out of my eyes I would ride my metal-spring rocking horse as if to fly through the huge picture window filling one wall of my family's 20' x 20' living room. Those metal springs are outlawed now and my natural hair color hasn't been seen for years but I still want to fly. And I loved that horse.
At four I spun myself silly on the top of the long coffee table in front of the natty couch where my Silly Putty had ruined a cushion corner that would forever face down. Certain clothing additions were banned - no buttons, no rivets, no shoes were allowed as I laid on my belly on the smooth polished wood and whipped myself around and around. In my preschooler mind I was going so fast surely I was only a blur to those around me. At least the room was blurry to me. And the dizzy feeling was worth going "so fast." I wonder if my mom worried about me.
Roaring engines came into my life by the time I was nine when I would sit on the back fender of my folks' riding lawn mower while my neighborhood friend, Zane, who was three years my senior drove in top gear cutting our one acre front yard down to size. I honed my driving skills at 12 as I put my dad's old trusty Ford tractor (1950 8N, I think) through its paces out in the field mowing with the brush hog banging behind me. And yes - the corners could have been neater in both cases - but speed was more important.
I believe my fetishes all solidified into motorcycle lust when my dear dad gave me a second hand mini bike for my 11th birthday. It was a strong little mule of a trail bike with a Briggs & Stratton engine and was cream with black and blue. So was I - a pale, freckled thing that never tanned but I could take air on that shift-free two-wheeler and did so a couple times without the bike accompanying me. Therefore - add black & blue to me, too. And thank goodness I had a helmet. It sported tufts of grass and mud more than once in a while. BUT IT WAS LOVE. For two summers Zane and I rode the tar out of that poor little thing - especially through the hills and dales of another neighbor's homemade golf course. I'm sure our small ruts didn't hurt anyone's game.
Now - too many years later the stars have aligned. I was born with a biker spirit. Then motorcycling found me. Tomorrow I get my bike.
And I'm so very glad.
Clearly there were signs even in my early years. When I was two and a plastic barrette held my honey blonde hair out of my eyes I would ride my metal-spring rocking horse as if to fly through the huge picture window filling one wall of my family's 20' x 20' living room. Those metal springs are outlawed now and my natural hair color hasn't been seen for years but I still want to fly. And I loved that horse.
At four I spun myself silly on the top of the long coffee table in front of the natty couch where my Silly Putty had ruined a cushion corner that would forever face down. Certain clothing additions were banned - no buttons, no rivets, no shoes were allowed as I laid on my belly on the smooth polished wood and whipped myself around and around. In my preschooler mind I was going so fast surely I was only a blur to those around me. At least the room was blurry to me. And the dizzy feeling was worth going "so fast." I wonder if my mom worried about me.
Roaring engines came into my life by the time I was nine when I would sit on the back fender of my folks' riding lawn mower while my neighborhood friend, Zane, who was three years my senior drove in top gear cutting our one acre front yard down to size. I honed my driving skills at 12 as I put my dad's old trusty Ford tractor (1950 8N, I think) through its paces out in the field mowing with the brush hog banging behind me. And yes - the corners could have been neater in both cases - but speed was more important.
I believe my fetishes all solidified into motorcycle lust when my dear dad gave me a second hand mini bike for my 11th birthday. It was a strong little mule of a trail bike with a Briggs & Stratton engine and was cream with black and blue. So was I - a pale, freckled thing that never tanned but I could take air on that shift-free two-wheeler and did so a couple times without the bike accompanying me. Therefore - add black & blue to me, too. And thank goodness I had a helmet. It sported tufts of grass and mud more than once in a while. BUT IT WAS LOVE. For two summers Zane and I rode the tar out of that poor little thing - especially through the hills and dales of another neighbor's homemade golf course. I'm sure our small ruts didn't hurt anyone's game.
Now - too many years later the stars have aligned. I was born with a biker spirit. Then motorcycling found me. Tomorrow I get my bike.
And I'm so very glad.
Handlebars for Me
This weather is unbelievable. I love going down the road and thinking how the forecasts had made it sound like it wasn't gonna be a good day for riding. Hah! It looks like it might be a longer cycle season than usual here in Northeast Ohio.
And I'm gonna enjoy it from the behind the handlebars of my own bike!
I met a yellow and black 2002 Honda Shadow Aero 1100VTC last fall. Wasn't sure if that was the way to go - I had only had my license for a couple months and I was worried I may not be able to handle that big of a bike. But with some time on my husband's Honda VTX 1300 R - I'm proving myself capable. I'm still a bit conservative but I've got plenty of time to hone my skills and it will be so much easier on my own bike. I think the thought of dropping my husband's ride was suffocating my confidence. After a few spins this spring on the VTX I'm thinking I'm gonna be conquering asphalt like no other in just a few days. The seller just sent word yesterday that the Aero is coming out of hibernation TOMORROW! So unless there are new critical issues that I don't know about - I will be purchasing my own ride this week. I'll post pics as soon as I can.
In the meantime I want to let you know that the folks at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor hosted a good Garage Party on March 25th. About 50 women attended and enjoyed the info, refreshments and camaraderie. I would have liked to meet some of the other gals and find out their experience and hear their advice on bikes & gear, etc. but we were herded from one talking head session to the next. And why does there always have to be that one person who thinks they're God's gift to the group and talks WAY too much at every chance. Ah well - no fault of those who organized it. Looking forward to getting to know those who work the Honda showroom right next door in the same building. Western Reserve has it covered pretty good there on Tyler Blvd.
And I'm gonna enjoy it from the behind the handlebars of my own bike!
I met a yellow and black 2002 Honda Shadow Aero 1100VTC last fall. Wasn't sure if that was the way to go - I had only had my license for a couple months and I was worried I may not be able to handle that big of a bike. But with some time on my husband's Honda VTX 1300 R - I'm proving myself capable. I'm still a bit conservative but I've got plenty of time to hone my skills and it will be so much easier on my own bike. I think the thought of dropping my husband's ride was suffocating my confidence. After a few spins this spring on the VTX I'm thinking I'm gonna be conquering asphalt like no other in just a few days. The seller just sent word yesterday that the Aero is coming out of hibernation TOMORROW! So unless there are new critical issues that I don't know about - I will be purchasing my own ride this week. I'll post pics as soon as I can.
In the meantime I want to let you know that the folks at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor hosted a good Garage Party on March 25th. About 50 women attended and enjoyed the info, refreshments and camaraderie. I would have liked to meet some of the other gals and find out their experience and hear their advice on bikes & gear, etc. but we were herded from one talking head session to the next. And why does there always have to be that one person who thinks they're God's gift to the group and talks WAY too much at every chance. Ah well - no fault of those who organized it. Looking forward to getting to know those who work the Honda showroom right next door in the same building. Western Reserve has it covered pretty good there on Tyler Blvd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)