Friday, April 30, 2010
128 ways to Dump your Bike
I couldn't resist this list of 128 ways to drop a motorycle. Rather than reprinting, thought I'd just share the link. It's a hoot. Thanks to Dave Dragon's blog, Ride it like you stole it.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Slight Case of Dropsy
No bike is safe around me.
We kept our eyes open for a small starter bike, thinking maybe something that's not so heavy would give me practice and more confidence. So we went to look at a smaller used motorcycle this week, and before I even got to ride it -- no kidding -- I dropped it, too.
This one has a center stand, which I've never dealt with before. I just wanted to see how the seat height felt, because it was one of the old-school style where the seat is flush with the tank. I'm partial to the cruiser style that slopes downward. Anyway, Ironman tells me to stand facing the side of the bike, put my foot on the stand, hold the handlebar with my left hand, grab the handle on the frame with my right and push the bike forward. For a split second I thought maybe he should be spotting me on the other side ... but I did as I was told and the bike slid forward and fell away from me, landing on the concrete. I broke the brake lever on this poor man's lovingly restored vintage motorcycle.
How embarrassing. "Sorry!" Gee, if that's not a sign this isn't the bike for me. We paid the man for his broken brake lever, thanked him for his time and beat a hasty retreat.
What do you say after that? Thanks for letting me break your bike! See ya!
Well, now, here's a bike I bet I can handle.
We kept our eyes open for a small starter bike, thinking maybe something that's not so heavy would give me practice and more confidence. So we went to look at a smaller used motorcycle this week, and before I even got to ride it -- no kidding -- I dropped it, too.
This one has a center stand, which I've never dealt with before. I just wanted to see how the seat height felt, because it was one of the old-school style where the seat is flush with the tank. I'm partial to the cruiser style that slopes downward. Anyway, Ironman tells me to stand facing the side of the bike, put my foot on the stand, hold the handlebar with my left hand, grab the handle on the frame with my right and push the bike forward. For a split second I thought maybe he should be spotting me on the other side ... but I did as I was told and the bike slid forward and fell away from me, landing on the concrete. I broke the brake lever on this poor man's lovingly restored vintage motorcycle.
How embarrassing. "Sorry!" Gee, if that's not a sign this isn't the bike for me. We paid the man for his broken brake lever, thanked him for his time and beat a hasty retreat.
What do you say after that? Thanks for letting me break your bike! See ya!
Well, now, here's a bike I bet I can handle.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Do it again, do it again
It was a long, trying weekend at Schoolcraft College, in wind and rain, working to get a certificate for my motorcycle endorsement. The first day went well, but I was tired and wet from sweat inside my rain gear.
Sunday I arrived early to practice before the test in the afternoon. We did a sudden stop in a curve, where we were instructed to get up to speed, lean into it, then straighten the bike and stop with both brakes. I fell on my butt. RiderCoach Scott asked if I knew what I did wrong. No. He said I hadn't fully straightened up before braking. He asked if I was OK and wanted to continue. Yes, of course I did.
Later, we did a quick stop. Again I fell, this time on my right side, hurting my arm slightly. He wanted to be sure I hadn't broken anything. Just my confidence. Again, I wasn't sure what went wrong. Scott said I grabbed too hard at the brake, and if it hadn't been wet I might not have fallen. Did I want to keep going? Yes.
After lunch, I spent a half-hour doing figure-8s, because I was unable to navigate the U-turn box required in testing. We were instructed to go slowly, work the clutch, shift your weight to the outside of the turn, look over your shoulder where you want to go and turn the wheel. Sounds simple. Looked simple when I watched others do it, but I didn't get it.
I hadn't expected the U-turn to be the first test. I tried to silence my inner critic, and lined up to try. But the bike slipped out from under me and landed on my leg just as I approached the entrance of the U-turn box. Again, I didn't know exactly what went wrong. I hadn't touched the brake as far as I know. I suspect my unconscious brain -- the part that says "you can't do it!" made me fall.
How DO I muzzle that thing?
I wasn't hurt bad, just a bruised knee, but at that point it was automatic failure.
After all I'd gone through, I sat down on the curb and cried. There's paperwork to fill out for every crash, so Paul, one of the range assistants, sat down with me to be sure I was OK and to fill out the paperwork; my third for that day. He asked if I wanted medical treatment (no). Then he asked if I wanted to retake the class. He said they don't encourage everybody who fails to retake it, it was clear I was gaining skill -- I just need to work on being smoother. I said yes, I do want to retake it, and would finish the class by taking the written exam at the end of the day.
So I passed the written exam and talked with Scott about a retake. Now I plan to show up like an hanger-on with a back-door invitation for another class in three weeks.
It was disappointing, but not a loss by any means. It only cost me $25, and I learned many valuable lessons. I had a chance to ride some bikes I'd otherwise never try, and practiced important maneuvers I hadn't seen before, let alone tried. I gained skill and confidence despite the falls, challenged myself to get WAY out of my comfort zone and met some great people.
But most of all, I learned something really important. This isn't a toy. Motorcycles are dangerous and need to be treated with utmost respect. You can't just jump on and ride, although some people do just that, and wind up hurt.
Sunday I arrived early to practice before the test in the afternoon. We did a sudden stop in a curve, where we were instructed to get up to speed, lean into it, then straighten the bike and stop with both brakes. I fell on my butt. RiderCoach Scott asked if I knew what I did wrong. No. He said I hadn't fully straightened up before braking. He asked if I was OK and wanted to continue. Yes, of course I did.Later, we did a quick stop. Again I fell, this time on my right side, hurting my arm slightly. He wanted to be sure I hadn't broken anything. Just my confidence. Again, I wasn't sure what went wrong. Scott said I grabbed too hard at the brake, and if it hadn't been wet I might not have fallen. Did I want to keep going? Yes.
I hadn't expected the U-turn to be the first test. I tried to silence my inner critic, and lined up to try. But the bike slipped out from under me and landed on my leg just as I approached the entrance of the U-turn box. Again, I didn't know exactly what went wrong. I hadn't touched the brake as far as I know. I suspect my unconscious brain -- the part that says "you can't do it!" made me fall.
How DO I muzzle that thing?
I wasn't hurt bad, just a bruised knee, but at that point it was automatic failure.
After all I'd gone through, I sat down on the curb and cried. There's paperwork to fill out for every crash, so Paul, one of the range assistants, sat down with me to be sure I was OK and to fill out the paperwork; my third for that day. He asked if I wanted medical treatment (no). Then he asked if I wanted to retake the class. He said they don't encourage everybody who fails to retake it, it was clear I was gaining skill -- I just need to work on being smoother. I said yes, I do want to retake it, and would finish the class by taking the written exam at the end of the day.
So I passed the written exam and talked with Scott about a retake. Now I plan to show up like an hanger-on with a back-door invitation for another class in three weeks.
It was disappointing, but not a loss by any means. It only cost me $25, and I learned many valuable lessons. I had a chance to ride some bikes I'd otherwise never try, and practiced important maneuvers I hadn't seen before, let alone tried. I gained skill and confidence despite the falls, challenged myself to get WAY out of my comfort zone and met some great people.
But most of all, I learned something really important. This isn't a toy. Motorcycles are dangerous and need to be treated with utmost respect. You can't just jump on and ride, although some people do just that, and wind up hurt.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Bad news
I always want to know what happened whenever I hear of a collision like this. Could the biker have avoided it? What can I do to ensure my own safety on the road?
A 27-year-old Troy motorcyclist died in an accident Monday when a motorist pulled out in front of him in Troy and the motorcyclist struck the car.
-- Click link for MORE --
Check out the comments from readers, below the article. Many car drivers don't appreciate having to share their roadway with us. But there are equally good comments from people who support us.
A 27-year-old Troy motorcyclist died in an accident Monday when a motorist pulled out in front of him in Troy and the motorcyclist struck the car.
-- Click link for MORE --
Check out the comments from readers, below the article. Many car drivers don't appreciate having to share their roadway with us. But there are equally good comments from people who support us.
Monday, April 26, 2010
A correction on licensing
I must correct some info I previously posted about licensing. I had thought passing the basic rider course entitled the graduate to a temporary instruction permit to drive within visual supervision of a licensed motorcyclist.That's not true.
Once you get your certificate from the basic rider course, you take it to the Secretary of State and take the Michigan knowledge test for motoryclists. If you pass that and pay the fee, you'll go home with a motorcycle endorsement.
You can, however, get a temporary instruction permit by passing the state knowledge test before you pass the road test given in the BRC course. One of the girls in my group had hers when she attended the course (like me, she didn't graduate, either).
I thought about going to the Secretary of State and getting my TIP the day after failing my class. But then I thought, what's the hurry? In three weeks I can take the class again, and until then why should I rush into traffic?
I need to slow down, take my time and do it right, because lives may depend on it.
Once you get your certificate from the basic rider course, you take it to the Secretary of State and take the Michigan knowledge test for motoryclists. If you pass that and pay the fee, you'll go home with a motorcycle endorsement.You can, however, get a temporary instruction permit by passing the state knowledge test before you pass the road test given in the BRC course. One of the girls in my group had hers when she attended the course (like me, she didn't graduate, either).
I thought about going to the Secretary of State and getting my TIP the day after failing my class. But then I thought, what's the hurry? In three weeks I can take the class again, and until then why should I rush into traffic?
I need to slow down, take my time and do it right, because lives may depend on it.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wipe Out!
I didn't make it.
But I wasn't the only one. Of the 96 people who started the basic rider course Friday at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, only 55 completed with a passing grade.
I won't blame the weather -- although it did increase my fatigue and decrease my ability to concentrate on the exercises. Some students just couldn't complete the maneuvers, but I fancy that I washed out in a most spectacular way. I fell not once, but three times -- the last one just as I was about to start the first test. That's an automatic fail.
If there's any consolation, it would be that my RiderCoach, Scott Durant, also crashed twice over the weekend. He said he hadn't done that in 12 years, and when he fell he said he laid there long enough for everybody to get a good laugh. Then he bought the staff sandwiches. He's a good guy.
As a souvenir, he offered me the turn signal I'd knocked off the cute little Kawasaki Eliminator 250 I crashed. I said no thanks -- I'll take home the bruises as my reminders.
There was one other consolation, actually: I got 100 percent on the written exam. That shows why I became a writer instead of an athlete.
But I wasn't the only one. Of the 96 people who started the basic rider course Friday at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, only 55 completed with a passing grade.
I won't blame the weather -- although it did increase my fatigue and decrease my ability to concentrate on the exercises. Some students just couldn't complete the maneuvers, but I fancy that I washed out in a most spectacular way. I fell not once, but three times -- the last one just as I was about to start the first test. That's an automatic fail.
If there's any consolation, it would be that my RiderCoach, Scott Durant, also crashed twice over the weekend. He said he hadn't done that in 12 years, and when he fell he said he laid there long enough for everybody to get a good laugh. Then he bought the staff sandwiches. He's a good guy.
As a souvenir, he offered me the turn signal I'd knocked off the cute little Kawasaki Eliminator 250 I crashed. I said no thanks -- I'll take home the bruises as my reminders.
There was one other consolation, actually: I got 100 percent on the written exam. That shows why I became a writer instead of an athlete.
I'd love to tell you more about the class and what I learned -- and what I'm going to do next -- but right now I have to go lick my wounds. And ice them.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Don't Look Down
A little over halfway through the basic rider course, I'm still having issues with smooth use of throttle and clutch. I see I have a lot of practice ahead of me. I'm not used to riding and stopping for two hours at a time, and my clutch-hand thumb was whining a lot.
One good thing, the rain stopped pretty early. The range was slick with oil and water in the morning before it dried. Later, standing around waiting our turn, it was cold in the breeze. But as long as we were working, I was sweating.
At least two people in our session fell down, but happily, not me. One was a woman in my group. The first time she got back on, but after a second fall she just stood on the side and watched till the session ended. I hope she wasn't hurt. She didn't come back after lunch.
We heard that a few people also left the first group before we began our session. Motorcycling isn't for everyone, we were reminded. Interestingly, nearly half the class appears to be women.
Most of the exercises weren't too tough, but smooth turning still eludes me. I found it impossible to make the two U-turns in a rectangle. RiderCoach Scott said it's easy if you use the right technique, but as soon as he showed us I already thought I'll be unable to execute this move. Mind is a powerful thing. I wish I just BELIEVED that I could do anything; then I could.
The most important thing, he said -- and I know it, but don't always do it -- is to "look where you want to go." I proved this to myself all of those times I landed on my ass.
"Don't look down," Scott told us. "There's nothing there but pain."
Don't I know it. I still have bruises from falling more than a week ago.
Now I'm pooped. Going to bed early -- if I can get there by 7 tomorrow I'll be able to practice those blasted U-turns before the test.
One good thing, the rain stopped pretty early. The range was slick with oil and water in the morning before it dried. Later, standing around waiting our turn, it was cold in the breeze. But as long as we were working, I was sweating.
At least two people in our session fell down, but happily, not me. One was a woman in my group. The first time she got back on, but after a second fall she just stood on the side and watched till the session ended. I hope she wasn't hurt. She didn't come back after lunch.
We heard that a few people also left the first group before we began our session. Motorcycling isn't for everyone, we were reminded. Interestingly, nearly half the class appears to be women.
Most of the exercises weren't too tough, but smooth turning still eludes me. I found it impossible to make the two U-turns in a rectangle. RiderCoach Scott said it's easy if you use the right technique, but as soon as he showed us I already thought I'll be unable to execute this move. Mind is a powerful thing. I wish I just BELIEVED that I could do anything; then I could.
The most important thing, he said -- and I know it, but don't always do it -- is to "look where you want to go." I proved this to myself all of those times I landed on my ass.
"Don't look down," Scott told us. "There's nothing there but pain."
Don't I know it. I still have bruises from falling more than a week ago.
Now I'm pooped. Going to bed early -- if I can get there by 7 tomorrow I'll be able to practice those blasted U-turns before the test.
Rain or Shine, We Ride
Today my class hits the range for basic rider training, sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Not sure how many are in the class, but it looks like close to 100, divided into two groups. Some have previously failed and are back to try again.
One of our RiderCoaches, Scott, told us last night that the rate of students successfully completing the course runs from 50 to 85 percent. That's daunting enough. More so, it's supposed to rain all weekend.
"Rain or shine -- we ride," Scott told us -- twice, to make sure we all heard it. "If you don't think you'll make it, don't waste your time. Sign up for another class. Go find something better to do this weekend."
It's true, I don't like riding in rain, and I've never driven a motorcycle in the rain. But I'm not giving up for a little wet weather. I figure it's a matter of attitude.
I've hardly slept the last two nights. Woke up today with one thing on my mind: Gotta oil the gauntlets! I don't want to ride with cold, wet hands. Then I remembered I have some silk glove liners, so I dug those out of a box in the closet and smeared bear grease on my gauntlets and boots. I think my jacket is pretty waterproof, but I'm taking along my Frogg Toggs, too.
Last night we saw some videos that gave me pause. We're looking at traffic and Scott asks if we noticed this or that, and what we'd do. I'm thinking, "uh ... oh ... no, I didn't see that ... and gee, I dunno!"
He reminded us that a pencil held at arm's length can block out a bike as little as 100 yards away. And many drivers can look right at a bike without noticing it.
So when approaching a car entering the road whose driver might not see you, what do you do? One student suggested flashing your headlights. Bad idea, Scott said. That usually means, "Come on in, I'll make room for you." Oh, yeah, I know that. Slow down, someone else suggested. No, Scott didn't like that either. If a driver waiting to enter the road sees you slow down, the driver will assume you're turning and pull out in front of you. So what's the right answer? Stay alert, weave a bit to make your headlight bob back and forth -- then the other driver will think "Ooooh, shiny thing!"
OK, I get that!
I wondered what it takes to fail the course. Women I've met told me dropping the bike is an automatic fail. Gulp. OK, I WON'T let that happen. Stalling counts as points against you. Failure to control your bike ... Scott named a few possibilities. Shooting across the range, nearly hitting someone, entering the no-ride areas, these things count toward the three-strikes-and-you're-out policy. "If you cause a collision, that's three strikes," Scott said. Or if you miss any of your classtime, you're out.
Naturally, this morning I dreamed I was late to class ...
One of our RiderCoaches, Scott, told us last night that the rate of students successfully completing the course runs from 50 to 85 percent. That's daunting enough. More so, it's supposed to rain all weekend.
"Rain or shine -- we ride," Scott told us -- twice, to make sure we all heard it. "If you don't think you'll make it, don't waste your time. Sign up for another class. Go find something better to do this weekend."
It's true, I don't like riding in rain, and I've never driven a motorcycle in the rain. But I'm not giving up for a little wet weather. I figure it's a matter of attitude.
I've hardly slept the last two nights. Woke up today with one thing on my mind: Gotta oil the gauntlets! I don't want to ride with cold, wet hands. Then I remembered I have some silk glove liners, so I dug those out of a box in the closet and smeared bear grease on my gauntlets and boots. I think my jacket is pretty waterproof, but I'm taking along my Frogg Toggs, too.
Last night we saw some videos that gave me pause. We're looking at traffic and Scott asks if we noticed this or that, and what we'd do. I'm thinking, "uh ... oh ... no, I didn't see that ... and gee, I dunno!"
He reminded us that a pencil held at arm's length can block out a bike as little as 100 yards away. And many drivers can look right at a bike without noticing it.
So when approaching a car entering the road whose driver might not see you, what do you do? One student suggested flashing your headlights. Bad idea, Scott said. That usually means, "Come on in, I'll make room for you." Oh, yeah, I know that. Slow down, someone else suggested. No, Scott didn't like that either. If a driver waiting to enter the road sees you slow down, the driver will assume you're turning and pull out in front of you. So what's the right answer? Stay alert, weave a bit to make your headlight bob back and forth -- then the other driver will think "Ooooh, shiny thing!"
OK, I get that!
I wondered what it takes to fail the course. Women I've met told me dropping the bike is an automatic fail. Gulp. OK, I WON'T let that happen. Stalling counts as points against you. Failure to control your bike ... Scott named a few possibilities. Shooting across the range, nearly hitting someone, entering the no-ride areas, these things count toward the three-strikes-and-you're-out policy. "If you cause a collision, that's three strikes," Scott said. Or if you miss any of your classtime, you're out.
Naturally, this morning I dreamed I was late to class ...
Friday, April 23, 2010
Rolling with Joy!
This is IT! Motorcycle class begins tonight! The forecast is for rain this weekend, so I'm thinking sunny thoughts.
Wish me luck!
To prepare, I wanted as much practice accelerating, shifting, stopping and turning as I could get this week. Unfortunately, with prior commitments, I got only a little bit after work Thursday night. I was nervous all day, but in a good way. I pictured myself sailing through turns effortlessly.
And when I got on, it was glorious. I practiced stopping with both brakes, shifted up to third gear and back down to first, stopped at every mailbox on my street -- with both feet and just one -- and swept around the cul-de-sac in both directions. I discovered the right turn was harder for me, holding the throttle steady while pressing the right handlebar. I kept telling the bike, "You're NOT going down, you're NOT going down ... NOT today."
There was nobody else on the street, but if there were they would have heard me giggle and shout, "THIS is GREAT!"
The trickiest is the turn into our gravel driveway. I didn't have the nerve on the first pass, but after several trips around I turned directly in and drove up the driveway without stopping or putting my feet down.
My biggest nemesis is the clutch; still don't quite have the hang of it. After a half-hour my trick left thumb got painful. But I'm confident that will come in time. True, I did stall her out a couple times (OK, three ...), but didn't drop it once. I even started wondering why I'd had so much trouble before.
Hallelujah! I'm ready to ride
Wish me luck!
To prepare, I wanted as much practice accelerating, shifting, stopping and turning as I could get this week. Unfortunately, with prior commitments, I got only a little bit after work Thursday night. I was nervous all day, but in a good way. I pictured myself sailing through turns effortlessly.
And when I got on, it was glorious. I practiced stopping with both brakes, shifted up to third gear and back down to first, stopped at every mailbox on my street -- with both feet and just one -- and swept around the cul-de-sac in both directions. I discovered the right turn was harder for me, holding the throttle steady while pressing the right handlebar. I kept telling the bike, "You're NOT going down, you're NOT going down ... NOT today."
There was nobody else on the street, but if there were they would have heard me giggle and shout, "THIS is GREAT!"
The trickiest is the turn into our gravel driveway. I didn't have the nerve on the first pass, but after several trips around I turned directly in and drove up the driveway without stopping or putting my feet down.
My biggest nemesis is the clutch; still don't quite have the hang of it. After a half-hour my trick left thumb got painful. But I'm confident that will come in time. True, I did stall her out a couple times (OK, three ...), but didn't drop it once. I even started wondering why I'd had so much trouble before.Hallelujah! I'm ready to ride
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Lady Riders
I was privileged to be invited to a meeting last weekend of the Lady Riders of Michigan, Wind Chasers chapter. What a great group of women.
My husband advised me not to join any clubs till I get my motorcycle endorsement. Ha! Yeah, everything I'm doing with regard to riding lately seems to be in haste. But the Ladies didn't even ask me to join -- they just made me feel like welcome.
Which is good, because the way things had been going lately I had started to feel like a fraud. You know, one of those people who spends hundreds of dollars on Harley gear and walk around like they know somethin'.
But I am trying hard to be a real rider. And I hope some day to join these wonderful women.
Unlike men's clubs, the Lady Riders of Michigan is a laid-back group focused on safety, acceptance and support for all members. They don't care what kind of bike you ride, they don't haze their members, they just have fun events and offer ride training -- what a concept! This weekend, in fact, while I'm taking my motorcycle safety class in Livonia, the Wind Chasers will be doing training for group ride leaders, because there is a right way to do it and an unsafe way to do it.
Their aim is to enjoy the sisterhood of fellow riders "without the drama associated with so many other groups we found." I love that.
I live down the street from a real outlaw bikers' club. My husband and I are friends with one of the members, and I'm amazed at his commitment to his club. It's stronger than many marriages.
And I don't know this firsthand, but I've heard that men's clubs enjoy humiliating prospects, make them shave their heads and do the dirty deeds like cleaning up cigarette butts and puke after parties. Stuff like that. I guess whatever it takes to feel wanted. My abandonment issues don't run that deep.
But I do appreciate the company of other women. That's something that took maturity for me to develop. When I was younger, I had issues with girlfriends. Rivalry, lies and betrayal seemed part of the bargain. Today I know true friendship is built on trust, and that friends -- whether on four wheels or two -- make life worthwhile.
The Wind Chasers' chapter coordinator, Lisa Myer, shared with me photos and a story she wrote of her adventures Out West last summer with two sisters of the road. She sent them to me with a note: "I hope this inspires girls to ride. It was a BLAST!" I'm posting her story here to share with you.
Which is good, because the way things had been going lately I had started to feel like a fraud. You know, one of those people who spends hundreds of dollars on Harley gear and walk around like they know somethin'.
But I am trying hard to be a real rider. And I hope some day to join these wonderful women.
Unlike men's clubs, the Lady Riders of Michigan is a laid-back group focused on safety, acceptance and support for all members. They don't care what kind of bike you ride, they don't haze their members, they just have fun events and offer ride training -- what a concept! This weekend, in fact, while I'm taking my motorcycle safety class in Livonia, the Wind Chasers will be doing training for group ride leaders, because there is a right way to do it and an unsafe way to do it.
Their aim is to enjoy the sisterhood of fellow riders "without the drama associated with so many other groups we found." I love that.
I live down the street from a real outlaw bikers' club. My husband and I are friends with one of the members, and I'm amazed at his commitment to his club. It's stronger than many marriages.
And I don't know this firsthand, but I've heard that men's clubs enjoy humiliating prospects, make them shave their heads and do the dirty deeds like cleaning up cigarette butts and puke after parties. Stuff like that. I guess whatever it takes to feel wanted. My abandonment issues don't run that deep.
But I do appreciate the company of other women. That's something that took maturity for me to develop. When I was younger, I had issues with girlfriends. Rivalry, lies and betrayal seemed part of the bargain. Today I know true friendship is built on trust, and that friends -- whether on four wheels or two -- make life worthwhile.The Wind Chasers' chapter coordinator, Lisa Myer, shared with me photos and a story she wrote of her adventures Out West last summer with two sisters of the road. She sent them to me with a note: "I hope this inspires girls to ride. It was a BLAST!" I'm posting her story here to share with you.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Back in the Saddle Again
Four Days to MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE!
Damn, I'm glad I listened to my cousin George.
After wiping out in a painful way last week, I had decided to wait till my motorcycle class Friday to get on a bike again. I felt depressed and like a failure. My body ached. I wondered if I needed to look for a smaller bike; if I'd ever be able to ride on the road.
But George encouraged me, and made a few simple suggestions. He said he'd taught the wives of his buddies how to ride. Just putt around your neighborhood, he advised. Well, that's what I originally had in mind, but my confidence was gone.
Here's a guy I haven't talked to in years, and he was so excited about the news I'd gotten a bike he called me back twice -- "Oh, I had a thought ..."
I couldn't let down a guy like that. So I put on all my crash apparel -- chaps and knee guards in addition to my boots, helmet and armored jacket -- and went out to try again. First I took George's suggestion and sat in the driveway with the engine off, just tossing the bike back and forth between my knees, leaning it to see how far I can without dropping it. Then I said a prayer, started it up and for the first time drove down my winding, gravel driveway onto my street.
Just so you know, I live on a private cul-de-sac, so I wasn't breaking the law -- at least I don't THINK I was. I'd thought about this long before going out on the lawn; drive down the street, turn around the cul-de-sac, drive back, see if I can make the tight right turn into the driveway, back it up and repeat that. "Marching up and down the Square," as the drill sergeant says in Monty Python's Flying Circus.
And thank God, I succeeded! After a few passes, I was able to make that broad U-turn without stopping or touching the ground with anything but my tires.
What a thrill. Neighbors I've never even met before stopped to say hello and compliment me and my bike.
And you know something else? My bruises don't even hurt anymore.
Damn, I'm glad I listened to my cousin George.
After wiping out in a painful way last week, I had decided to wait till my motorcycle class Friday to get on a bike again. I felt depressed and like a failure. My body ached. I wondered if I needed to look for a smaller bike; if I'd ever be able to ride on the road.
But George encouraged me, and made a few simple suggestions. He said he'd taught the wives of his buddies how to ride. Just putt around your neighborhood, he advised. Well, that's what I originally had in mind, but my confidence was gone.
Here's a guy I haven't talked to in years, and he was so excited about the news I'd gotten a bike he called me back twice -- "Oh, I had a thought ..."
I couldn't let down a guy like that. So I put on all my crash apparel -- chaps and knee guards in addition to my boots, helmet and armored jacket -- and went out to try again. First I took George's suggestion and sat in the driveway with the engine off, just tossing the bike back and forth between my knees, leaning it to see how far I can without dropping it. Then I said a prayer, started it up and for the first time drove down my winding, gravel driveway onto my street.
Just so you know, I live on a private cul-de-sac, so I wasn't breaking the law -- at least I don't THINK I was. I'd thought about this long before going out on the lawn; drive down the street, turn around the cul-de-sac, drive back, see if I can make the tight right turn into the driveway, back it up and repeat that. "Marching up and down the Square," as the drill sergeant says in Monty Python's Flying Circus.
And thank God, I succeeded! After a few passes, I was able to make that broad U-turn without stopping or touching the ground with anything but my tires.
What a thrill. Neighbors I've never even met before stopped to say hello and compliment me and my bike.
And you know something else? My bruises don't even hurt anymore.
Back in the saddle again, back where a friend is a friend ...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Gravity's Rainbow
I'd be doing great if it weren't for gravity.
I never read that book, "Gravity's Rainbow," but I think whoever wrote it must be like me -- falling down a lot.
And I know what color that rainbow is: Red-purple and blue, turning yellowish green as it heals up. That's what my shins look like now, and one elbow will be soon.
I must have dropped my pretty new bike a dozen times by now. The toll so far: Two bruised-up shins, one severely so, and swollen; one lightly scraped elbow; one nicely road-rashed forearm with lovely speading bruises around the other elbow; one banged-up hip; one jammed thumb; and one wrist that radiates severe pain if I try to rotate in either direction. Who knows what my chiropracter will notice that I haven't yet.
And that's just my body. There's also one face shield cracked beyond usefulness, one deeply scored -- albeit less than two weeks old -- riding boot, one scratched-up windshield, two mashed leather saddlebags, one scraped muffler, two scraped crash bars (well, why else would they call 'em "crash bars"?) and one slightly cocked license plate holder.
For a moment I thought I'd done some real damage on that last dump. The engine wouldn't even start at first. I was driving in the mostly empty parking lot at Summit Place, on the Pontiac/Waterford Township border.
Had the idea that if I went to a big enough empty parking lot I'd be able to tool around, shift into a higher gear, learn to turn -- and not fall this time. How silly of me. I went down twice in 15 minutes, and got up a spirit-crushed would-be biker.
I think my mistake in both drops was trying to brake while turning. The arc was too great, I wasn't leaning enough, and so before running into the curb, I hit the brake. The bike flipped in the opposite direction and skidded, along with me, for a couple of feet, leaving marks on the pavement and on parts of my body. Ouch.
Instead of the brake, I should have gone for the clutch, using the "friction zone" to slow my engine, or else goosed the throttle and leaned deeper. Either way, my fear of falling guaranteed it.
No amount of thinking will help me react properly in a split-second decision. I'm just not in control, and my fear is overcoming my enthusiasm.
What if I can't pass the three-day beginner's course? What if I wasted all of that money on a bike I can never master?
On the other hand, in those 15 measly minutes in the parking lot, I managed to shift successfully up and down from first to second and back, turned the bike both left and right, and even practiced countersteering.
Started thinking maybe I should be starting with a little dirt bike or something that doesn't outweigh me.
I called my cousin George, the first person I ever knew with a motorcycle. He's been riding almost as long as I've been alive. It comes as naturally to him as walking, and he always has some kind of machine he's working on.
But he didn't think the size of my bike was the problem. You just need more seat time, he assured me. What I need is confidence. And that gets harder to come by with every fall.
Gravity's rainbow is purple and green
Friday, April 16, 2010
What it Takes
ONE WEEK till my MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE!
Some people don’t know you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally drive a motorcycle on public roads in Michigan.
You must pass a road test and a written test to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement. You get that road test in the class. If you pass, you earn a temporary learner’s permit [I later corrected this info] -- just like in driver's ed -- that allows you to ride with a licensed cyclist.
Heck, I know a few of those!
Then you take the written test at the Secretary of State, and if you pass, and pay your endorsement fee ($13.50 for the first one, $5 for renewal), you're in.
First I have to get comfortable on a bike. The ones they use in the basic safety course are these little 175-250cc babies. After muscling my new Shadow around on the lawn, I think I can handle that! I still have to learn to shift and turn and brake all at the same time without dropping it to the pavement.
Well, I'm handy with a stick-shift, but I never had to balance the car to keep it upright. And hitting the brake at the wrong moment never flipped me to the ground.
Let's see ... throttle's on the right, the brake's on the left -- no, wait. That must be them British bikes. Uh, oh. Then there's something you have to do to flip up and down the gears with your toe. And the handlebar has just a FRONT brake, is that it? My ten-speed had one on each side!
Oh, man this is complicated.
What else do you need ... ? The class requires long pants, sturdy boots, a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt or jacket and eye protection. Yep, I have all that. I'm ready!
Now all I need is the skill.
The SOS has a handy guide (which I mentioned before) that even has diagrams (see below). According to SOS:
I can't wait.
Some people don’t know you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally drive a motorcycle on public roads in Michigan.
You must pass a road test and a written test to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement. You get that road test in the class. If you pass, you earn a temporary learner’s permit [I later corrected this info] -- just like in driver's ed -- that allows you to ride with a licensed cyclist.
Heck, I know a few of those!
Then you take the written test at the Secretary of State, and if you pass, and pay your endorsement fee ($13.50 for the first one, $5 for renewal), you're in.
First I have to get comfortable on a bike. The ones they use in the basic safety course are these little 175-250cc babies. After muscling my new Shadow around on the lawn, I think I can handle that! I still have to learn to shift and turn and brake all at the same time without dropping it to the pavement.
Well, I'm handy with a stick-shift, but I never had to balance the car to keep it upright. And hitting the brake at the wrong moment never flipped me to the ground.
Let's see ... throttle's on the right, the brake's on the left -- no, wait. That must be them British bikes. Uh, oh. Then there's something you have to do to flip up and down the gears with your toe. And the handlebar has just a FRONT brake, is that it? My ten-speed had one on each side!
Oh, man this is complicated.
What else do you need ... ? The class requires long pants, sturdy boots, a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt or jacket and eye protection. Yep, I have all that. I'm ready!
Now all I need is the skill.
The SOS has a handy guide (which I mentioned before) that even has diagrams (see below). According to SOS:
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. To earn your endorsement, you must pass both a knowledge test and on-cycle skills test. These tests cover information, practices, and ideas from the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual. For example, you will be tested for your ability to:
-
Keep yourself and your motorcycle in safe condition -
Accelerate, brake, shift, and turn safely -
Help others see you and to help you see and communicate with them -
Adjust speed and position to changes in traffic and riding conditions -
Stop and turn quickly to cope with problems while riding.
To take the rider skills test, you must have a legally equipped and registered motorcycle. If you ride the motorcycle to the test, you must have a valid motorcycle TIP and be under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator at least age 18.
Passing the Rider Skills Test
The motorcycle operator skills test authorized by the Secretary of State has seven exercises to test your ability to handle a motorcycle. You do not drive on the road. The exercises include:
-
Engine stall: This is scored during the entire test. Points are assessed each time you stall the engine during any exercise. -
Sharp turn: You ride a short path and then make a sharp left turn at low speed while staying inside a 5-foot path. -
Normal stop: You must make a smooth stop without skidding, with the front tire of your motorcycle in a painted box. -
Cone weave: You must weave though a series of five cones which are placed 15 feet apart with a 3 foot offset. -
U-turn: You must make a right U-turn in a marked area. Those operating motorcycles with more than 500 cc are allowed extra room to complete the U-turn. -
Quick stop: You accelerate along a straight path. At the end of the path which is marked by cones, you must stop your motorcycle as quickly and safely as possible. -
Obstacle turn: You accelerate along a straight path. At the end of the path which is marked by cones, you must swerve to avoid an obstacle line and then swerve again to avoid the sideline.
I can't wait.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Signing up to Drive
They call women who ride motorcycles “Lady Riders.”
I can assure you, I’m no lady.
I’ve been riding motorbikes since I met my husband more than 30 years ago. But I never learned how to drive one, I was just a passenger.
Till now.
Oh, yeah -- I did drive his Yamaha 500 once, when I was 17. Drove it about 50 feet into a parked car. The most embarrassing part is the people whose car I damaged were worried about ME. God bless 'em.
A couple of ladies I knew got their own bikes, and I tried not to be jealous. I remember watching one arrive at a meeting we were attending. I didn’t recognize her in her riding gear, cruising in on her Suzuki Intruder. I thought, “What a cool chick; she would never want to hang with me. I hate her.” To my surprise, it was my friend Kerri.
“You should take the basic motorcycle safety course!” she repeatedly urged. But I had excuses.
"I don’t have a bike to practice on. ... I can’t handle my husband’s Kawasaki. ... I’m too busy with other things. ... I can’t take time off from work."
But last month, I was editing an events calendar for The Oakland Press and saw a listing for motorcycle classes at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, one of the places that hosts motorcycle classes for newbies like me. It said, "Classes begin this week.”
Got that flutter in my stomach. This is it! This year I’m gonna do it!
Heck, it’s only 25 bucks. Two and a half intensive days over one weekend and I could be on my way to new adventure -- new empowerment.
The classes are cheap because they're subsidized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). You can learn at Harley-Davidson dealers, too -- and there's even a course just for women at the Ann Arbor Harley, June 24-27 -- but Harley's New Rider's Course costs $320 per person.
Women who learn to ride their own bikes rarely go back to riding two-up. As they say, if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.
So I sent an e-mail to Schoolcraft. Classes fill up fast, I was told -- only 30 spaces were open for the April 23 class. By the time I went to sign up -- the very next morning -- the number of slots was down to 18. Ten minutes and one credit-card charge later, it was down to 17, and I was registered.
I can assure you, I’m no lady.
I’ve been riding motorbikes since I met my husband more than 30 years ago. But I never learned how to drive one, I was just a passenger.
Till now.
Oh, yeah -- I did drive his Yamaha 500 once, when I was 17. Drove it about 50 feet into a parked car. The most embarrassing part is the people whose car I damaged were worried about ME. God bless 'em.
A couple of ladies I knew got their own bikes, and I tried not to be jealous. I remember watching one arrive at a meeting we were attending. I didn’t recognize her in her riding gear, cruising in on her Suzuki Intruder. I thought, “What a cool chick; she would never want to hang with me. I hate her.” To my surprise, it was my friend Kerri.
“You should take the basic motorcycle safety course!” she repeatedly urged. But I had excuses.
"I don’t have a bike to practice on. ... I can’t handle my husband’s Kawasaki. ... I’m too busy with other things. ... I can’t take time off from work."
But last month, I was editing an events calendar for The Oakland Press and saw a listing for motorcycle classes at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, one of the places that hosts motorcycle classes for newbies like me. It said, "Classes begin this week.”
Got that flutter in my stomach. This is it! This year I’m gonna do it!
Heck, it’s only 25 bucks. Two and a half intensive days over one weekend and I could be on my way to new adventure -- new empowerment.
The classes are cheap because they're subsidized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). You can learn at Harley-Davidson dealers, too -- and there's even a course just for women at the Ann Arbor Harley, June 24-27 -- but Harley's New Rider's Course costs $320 per person.
Women who learn to ride their own bikes rarely go back to riding two-up. As they say, if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.
So I sent an e-mail to Schoolcraft. Classes fill up fast, I was told -- only 30 spaces were open for the April 23 class. By the time I went to sign up -- the very next morning -- the number of slots was down to 18. Ten minutes and one credit-card charge later, it was down to 17, and I was registered.
Nic riding with her Ironman on the 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600
Monday, April 12, 2010
Splendor in the Grass
It didn't rain as predicted, so the grass was dry enough Sunday for another try at this motorcycle driving stuff. With an Ace bandage loosely wrapped around the bruises I put in my calf Saturday, I donned my boots, leather jacket and helmet and took another stab at it.
This time I did better, too. True, I dropped it a couple more times getting started, but I am learning.
For one thing, my dear spotter, Ironman, pointed out that I was failing to get my feet up onto the pegs fast enough. Clearly, I was unconsciously keeping my feet down to catch me if fall. But he was right again -- when I get them up on the pegs, knees against the tank, the bike is automatically balanced.
I was able to keep the Honda upright and moving forward for a dozen trips across the lawn, even learning how to lean into curves and maintaining balance over bumps. But then, I failed to listen to my instincts.
This is harder work than it first appears. I'm sweating, I'm breathing hard. My hands are cramping. Thinking I'm getting tired after 45 minutes and a mile or so of drills, I thought I'd do just one more pass and then take a break. As soon as I had that thought, I should have taken the break. Rather, I struggled to take the bike into a righthand curve and instead headed left toward a tree, finally dumping it in an uncomfortable crumple with my foot jammed between the bag and the exhaust pipe. I was unable to pull it out.
"Honey, I need you to get it off my foot!" I hollered, and my good man came running to help. What would I do if that happened to me on the road? Well, for now I do not plan on riding by myself, anyway.
We went inside, got some water and a snack, a cup of coffee and sat down with a movie and some ice for the sore places.
After the movie, we went out for more practice. This time I wore my new mesh jacket, because the sun was too hot for black leather. The bike felt good -- I went completely around the house and back without dropping it (strictly in first gear for now), but on a second pass I forgot to look where I wanted to go and instead looked at a tree I did not want to hit. Guess what happened.
For a second I forgot where the brake was, and my Shadow landed right under the low-hanging branches of a giant pine, etching some minor scratches into my windshield. I hit the engine kill switch, and beeped my horn for rescue.
Once we pushed it out of there, it was a smooth shot uphill to where I started. And despite all the baby missteps, for me, it was a triumph.
My lesson for today: Breathe, take your time, listen to your instincts.
And stay away from trees!
This time I did better, too. True, I dropped it a couple more times getting started, but I am learning.
For one thing, my dear spotter, Ironman, pointed out that I was failing to get my feet up onto the pegs fast enough. Clearly, I was unconsciously keeping my feet down to catch me if fall. But he was right again -- when I get them up on the pegs, knees against the tank, the bike is automatically balanced.
I was able to keep the Honda upright and moving forward for a dozen trips across the lawn, even learning how to lean into curves and maintaining balance over bumps. But then, I failed to listen to my instincts.
This is harder work than it first appears. I'm sweating, I'm breathing hard. My hands are cramping. Thinking I'm getting tired after 45 minutes and a mile or so of drills, I thought I'd do just one more pass and then take a break. As soon as I had that thought, I should have taken the break. Rather, I struggled to take the bike into a righthand curve and instead headed left toward a tree, finally dumping it in an uncomfortable crumple with my foot jammed between the bag and the exhaust pipe. I was unable to pull it out.
"Honey, I need you to get it off my foot!" I hollered, and my good man came running to help. What would I do if that happened to me on the road? Well, for now I do not plan on riding by myself, anyway.
We went inside, got some water and a snack, a cup of coffee and sat down with a movie and some ice for the sore places.
After the movie, we went out for more practice. This time I wore my new mesh jacket, because the sun was too hot for black leather. The bike felt good -- I went completely around the house and back without dropping it (strictly in first gear for now), but on a second pass I forgot to look where I wanted to go and instead looked at a tree I did not want to hit. Guess what happened.
For a second I forgot where the brake was, and my Shadow landed right under the low-hanging branches of a giant pine, etching some minor scratches into my windshield. I hit the engine kill switch, and beeped my horn for rescue.
Once we pushed it out of there, it was a smooth shot uphill to where I started. And despite all the baby missteps, for me, it was a triumph.
My lesson for today: Breathe, take your time, listen to your instincts.
And stay away from trees!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Harder They Fall
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then give up. There's no sense being a damn fool about it." - W.C. Fields
So, I finally tried to drive my bike for the first time, and I only dropped it three times!
... before giving up for the day.
Sigh.
I went out there all excited with a simple goal of accelerating forward about eight feet without stalling, stopping, rolling back and doing it again over and over to get practice with the clutch and brake. But it didn't take long before I was on the pavement. Worse, I had stupidly gone out there without my leather, after all of hundreds of thousands of safety warnings. Scraped up my elbow a bit, and although I was laughing about it all, it wasn't so fun by the second and third fall.
Ironman helped me get it back upright, and advised me to get it off the concrete and onto the grass. I was worried about bumps in the grass making it harder to control. But he was right -- the landing was a lot softer on the grass.
This time I was wearing my leather and helmet.
Of course, I haven't yet developed dexterity with the throttle, clutch and brake, which is why I'm out there drilling. But what I didn't expect was a feeling of not controlling the weight of the bike on stopping.
So what now ... weightlifting?
I can be a real wimp. When things get tough, I often turn tail and run. What little confidence I had was shaken.
But if others can do it, dammit, I can, too. Just have to keep that in my mind.
Fact is, I'm not the first to drop a motorcycle and here's proof: This video shows how to pick up a dropped motorcycle.
NB's motorcycle journal has lots of other interesting videos and technical discussions.
So, I finally tried to drive my bike for the first time, and I only dropped it three times!
... before giving up for the day.
Sigh.
I went out there all excited with a simple goal of accelerating forward about eight feet without stalling, stopping, rolling back and doing it again over and over to get practice with the clutch and brake. But it didn't take long before I was on the pavement. Worse, I had stupidly gone out there without my leather, after all of hundreds of thousands of safety warnings. Scraped up my elbow a bit, and although I was laughing about it all, it wasn't so fun by the second and third fall.
Ironman helped me get it back upright, and advised me to get it off the concrete and onto the grass. I was worried about bumps in the grass making it harder to control. But he was right -- the landing was a lot softer on the grass.
This time I was wearing my leather and helmet.
Of course, I haven't yet developed dexterity with the throttle, clutch and brake, which is why I'm out there drilling. But what I didn't expect was a feeling of not controlling the weight of the bike on stopping.
So what now ... weightlifting?
I can be a real wimp. When things get tough, I often turn tail and run. What little confidence I had was shaken.
But if others can do it, dammit, I can, too. Just have to keep that in my mind.
Fact is, I'm not the first to drop a motorcycle and here's proof: This video shows how to pick up a dropped motorcycle.
NB's motorcycle journal has lots of other interesting videos and technical discussions.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Exercising Your Demons
TWO WEEKS to my MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CLASS!
**************************************
The other day, I mentioned my husband bought me a demon bell, and I promised to explain.
The demon bell -- or gremlin bell, or guardian bell, as they're sometimes called -- is a kind of good luck charm to keep you safe on the road.
See, road hazards like nails and rocks and fallen front bumpers aren't there by accident. Oh, no. They are the work of Road Demons. When you hang a demon bell from your bike -- from the lowest part of the bike, usually dangling from the frame -- it attracts the demons' attention. A demon can grab ahold of the tinkling bell, but then he slips and falls off -- left behind where he can't cause you trouble and bring down your bike.
Demon bells are sold in bike shops, at rallies and on the Internet. Made of silver-color metal or brass, they're usually two or three inches tall and cost about $10. They're designed all kinds of ways for all kinds of bikers, with dragons and wizards, grinning skulls, roses, hogs, angels, eagles, peace signs, flames and "You are not forgotten" flags for fallen soldiers.
No way would I curse my bike with some kind of death's head symbol. Bleh. I chose a graphical design with arches and stars like a cathedral. It reminds me of a holy place.
You can read the myths of the bells at Wiki Answers. But the point is, we've been talking a lot about safety, and I know it's superstition, but bikers can use all the luck on the road they can get.
The most important thing to know is the bell must be a gift -- you can't buy it for yourself, or it will have no power against demons. But of course, if you don't have a friend who loves you enough to give you a demon bell, then you're already out of luck.
**************************************
The other day, I mentioned my husband bought me a demon bell, and I promised to explain.
The demon bell -- or gremlin bell, or guardian bell, as they're sometimes called -- is a kind of good luck charm to keep you safe on the road.
See, road hazards like nails and rocks and fallen front bumpers aren't there by accident. Oh, no. They are the work of Road Demons. When you hang a demon bell from your bike -- from the lowest part of the bike, usually dangling from the frame -- it attracts the demons' attention. A demon can grab ahold of the tinkling bell, but then he slips and falls off -- left behind where he can't cause you trouble and bring down your bike.
Demon bells are sold in bike shops, at rallies and on the Internet. Made of silver-color metal or brass, they're usually two or three inches tall and cost about $10. They're designed all kinds of ways for all kinds of bikers, with dragons and wizards, grinning skulls, roses, hogs, angels, eagles, peace signs, flames and "You are not forgotten" flags for fallen soldiers.
No way would I curse my bike with some kind of death's head symbol. Bleh. I chose a graphical design with arches and stars like a cathedral. It reminds me of a holy place.
You can read the myths of the bells at Wiki Answers. But the point is, we've been talking a lot about safety, and I know it's superstition, but bikers can use all the luck on the road they can get.
The most important thing to know is the bell must be a gift -- you can't buy it for yourself, or it will have no power against demons. But of course, if you don't have a friend who loves you enough to give you a demon bell, then you're already out of luck.
my bell rings true
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A visit to Rocky's
17 Days till my Motorcycle Safety Course!
*************************************
Although my new Honda Shadow has nearly everything I need, there's a few things I still wanted to outfit me and my bike. For one, I'd like to add footboards. Pegs are rough for long-distance touring. They put pressure on a narrow section of your foot, while boards support the entire length of your foot and are way more comfortable.
I went to two places looking at footboards. First the American Road Shop in Waterford Twp., then Rocky's Great Outdoors in Burton.
I love the Road Shop, but for an existential experience, Rocky's is a great place to shop. It's in a *fine* neighborhood outside of the crumbling City of Flint, but worth the ride from wherever you are.
It's a candy store for bikers -- every imaginable accessory plus cool antique and art bikes displayed on 46,000 square feet of showroom floor. With 37 years in business, Rocky's also carries tons of hunting, fishing and camping equipment, a nice combo for those who like to ride and camp. Me, I prefer motel camping after a long day on the road, but each to her own.
My husband, Ironman, was going to Rocky's to get a new front tire for his Vulcan Nomad, which has 20,000 miles on it. I jumped at the chance to ride along.
I needed a new pair of boots. The Blundstone work boots I've been wearing since 1993 are too slippery to push the bike around. Never had to think about that when I was only a passenger.
Just so you know, I'm no slave to foot fashion. I want comfort and functionality, not flames and high heels. So the Tourmaster Nomads looked good to me. They're touted as water-PROOF leather, not just water resistant, and breathable. Oil-resistant Vibram soles, too, like my Blundstones.
But I needed to try them for fit, and the Tourmaster site said Rocky's had 'em, so I went to check 'em out. Good thing, too, because I couldn't stuff my big, fat feet into the tall boots. But the shorter Tourmaster Response SC Road Boots were just right.
Then I found a bargain. On the sale rack at Rocky's was a light-blue, summerweight Joe Rocket brand jacket, originally $159, for half price. I'd been looking at similar jackets for a couple of years, so even though my Ironman admonished "you already have a jacket!" -- in fact, I have several leathers -- I didn't have a light-colored one with armor. So I bought it.
It even has reflective pinstriping across the back. I'm all about visibility.
And dig this: Just to drive another nail into that SAFETY message, my new jacket has the following warning sewn inside: "DANGER! Riding motorcycles can be very dangerous. This product cannot protect you against all possible injuries. By using this product, you observe that you are riding at your own risk."
That's something you don't find stuck to the door of your new car.
I didn't buy the footboards on our recent visit, but I did come home with a Kuryakyn catalog. That's the brand Barbara at American Road suggested. I think I'll go back to her when I order them. I like Barbara.
Before we checked out, my Ironman also bought me a demon bell.
That's love.
Wait ... what's a demon bell?? Well, that's another blog for another day ... come back on Friday and maybe I'll tell ya ...
*************************************
Although my new Honda Shadow has nearly everything I need, there's a few things I still wanted to outfit me and my bike. For one, I'd like to add footboards. Pegs are rough for long-distance touring. They put pressure on a narrow section of your foot, while boards support the entire length of your foot and are way more comfortable.
I went to two places looking at footboards. First the American Road Shop in Waterford Twp., then Rocky's Great Outdoors in Burton.
I love the Road Shop, but for an existential experience, Rocky's is a great place to shop. It's in a *fine* neighborhood outside of the crumbling City of Flint, but worth the ride from wherever you are.
It's a candy store for bikers -- every imaginable accessory plus cool antique and art bikes displayed on 46,000 square feet of showroom floor. With 37 years in business, Rocky's also carries tons of hunting, fishing and camping equipment, a nice combo for those who like to ride and camp. Me, I prefer motel camping after a long day on the road, but each to her own.
My husband, Ironman, was going to Rocky's to get a new front tire for his Vulcan Nomad, which has 20,000 miles on it. I jumped at the chance to ride along.
I needed a new pair of boots. The Blundstone work boots I've been wearing since 1993 are too slippery to push the bike around. Never had to think about that when I was only a passenger.
Then I found a bargain. On the sale rack at Rocky's was a light-blue, summerweight Joe Rocket brand jacket, originally $159, for half price. I'd been looking at similar jackets for a couple of years, so even though my Ironman admonished "you already have a jacket!" -- in fact, I have several leathers -- I didn't have a light-colored one with armor. So I bought it.
And dig this: Just to drive another nail into that SAFETY message, my new jacket has the following warning sewn inside: "DANGER! Riding motorcycles can be very dangerous. This product cannot protect you against all possible injuries. By using this product, you observe that you are riding at your own risk."
That's something you don't find stuck to the door of your new car.
I didn't buy the footboards on our recent visit, but I did come home with a Kuryakyn catalog. That's the brand Barbara at American Road suggested. I think I'll go back to her when I order them. I like Barbara.
Before we checked out, my Ironman also bought me a demon bell.
That's love.
Wait ... what's a demon bell?? Well, that's another blog for another day ... come back on Friday and maybe I'll tell ya ...
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Doing My Homework, Part I
Once I signed up for my motorcycle safety course, I decided rather than wait a month just twiddling my thumbs, I'd get started learning what I can ahead of time.
So I ordered two books from Amazon.com that looked promising: "Motorcycle Rider Basics," by Frank Gates; and "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well," by David L. Hough.
I'll tell you more about the second one when I've read more of it. I finished the first in just a few nights of reading before bed. Here's the skinny:
Gates has been a rider for years and he's a technical writer by trade. He wrote this self-published book to share his mistakes with others so they wouldn't have to learn the hard way.
He introduced me to the Air Vest. It contains a replaceable CO2 cartridge that inflates it like an airbag if the rider is thrown from the bike, protecting ribs and vital organs. A great idea. It's a hefty investment at $500, but what are YOUR vital organs worth to YOU?
He has a lot of good tips and a funny "Cool/Safe Matrix" chart that shows what's safe and what's a pretty good compromise for daily riding. Example: T-shirt & shorts, cool; RideSuit and armor, safe; chaps and a jacket, half cool/half safe.
His basic rules are pared down to ten:
1. Always wear a helmet, Air-Vest (how many do this if I've never even heard it before?), gloves & boots
2. No alcohol, no drugs while riding, never
3. Always use turn signals
4. Always look over my shoulder before changing directions
5. Bright beams on during daylight
6. Always maintain a buffer zone (space between you and other vehicles)
7. Stay out of cars' blind spots
8. No front brake use below 5 mph
9. Always keep it in gear when stopped at a light
10. Never be first away from the stoplight
The 220-page book is an easy read, with an honest, friendly approach. The one mistake he made in writing it was not hiring a real editor. Typos are rampant throughout the book: Only a spell-checker could put attaché where he tells you to ATTACH something to your bike. Maybe it's just me, but I find these many blunders a huge distraction.
Nevertheless, I liked Frank and what he had to say. His advice is common sense that should be common to all riders.
So I ordered two books from Amazon.com that looked promising: "Motorcycle Rider Basics," by Frank Gates; and "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well," by David L. Hough.
I'll tell you more about the second one when I've read more of it. I finished the first in just a few nights of reading before bed. Here's the skinny:
Gates has been a rider for years and he's a technical writer by trade. He wrote this self-published book to share his mistakes with others so they wouldn't have to learn the hard way.
He introduced me to the Air Vest. It contains a replaceable CO2 cartridge that inflates it like an airbag if the rider is thrown from the bike, protecting ribs and vital organs. A great idea. It's a hefty investment at $500, but what are YOUR vital organs worth to YOU?
He has a lot of good tips and a funny "Cool/Safe Matrix" chart that shows what's safe and what's a pretty good compromise for daily riding. Example: T-shirt & shorts, cool; RideSuit and armor, safe; chaps and a jacket, half cool/half safe.
His basic rules are pared down to ten:
1. Always wear a helmet, Air-Vest (how many do this if I've never even heard it before?), gloves & boots
2. No alcohol, no drugs while riding, never
3. Always use turn signals
4. Always look over my shoulder before changing directions
5. Bright beams on during daylight
6. Always maintain a buffer zone (space between you and other vehicles)
7. Stay out of cars' blind spots
8. No front brake use below 5 mph
9. Always keep it in gear when stopped at a light
10. Never be first away from the stoplight
The 220-page book is an easy read, with an honest, friendly approach. The one mistake he made in writing it was not hiring a real editor. Typos are rampant throughout the book: Only a spell-checker could put attaché where he tells you to ATTACH something to your bike. Maybe it's just me, but I find these many blunders a huge distraction.
Nevertheless, I liked Frank and what he had to say. His advice is common sense that should be common to all riders.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Making it legal
My new Honda Shadow is 100 percent official now, with a shiny new Michigan license plate.
Originally I thought I would keep the plate on the bike and transfer it to my name. But I found out you cannot transfer a plate from one person to another unless they're family. So I bought a new plate. Seems wasteful to me.
As if to really drive home that safety message I was talking about earlier, while I waited my turn in the Pontiac office of the Secretary of State, a big TV screen was showing PSAs with former WDIV anchor Lila Lazarus.
She was saying how important her leather and helmet are when she gets on her motorcycle, and warning other drivers to watch for motorcycles.
This was followed promptly by a plea to become an organ donor. Hmmm ... motorcyclist = organ donor. Coincidence? I think not. I don't believe in coincidence.
The good thing at the SOS office now is you can pay with your MasterCard -- my favorite way to pay. The bad thing is the state charges you that premium 2 percent fee that credit companies normally pass on to the seller. I paid another premium, $5 extra to get my title instantly instead of through the mail. I told you I'm impatient, right?
But I did get something for free -- a 50-page Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual that tells you everything you need to know to pass the state licensing test. As I was leaving the office, I noticed a young man sitting there reading it, so asked where he got it. He pointed to the front desk and said, "I failed my test, and have to take it again." I asked, "Do they only give that to you if you fail?" "No," he said, so being someone who loves a freebie, I trooped on up there and got mine.
The booklet tells all about the state laws with regard to road riding, what to watch out for, equipment for you and your bike, safely sharing the road and why drinking and biking don't mix. There's even a little sample test at the back to see if you get it.
You can download pdfs of different sections of the booklet right now, if you want your own.
Funny thing, my hubby, Ironman, failed his test when he bought a Yamaha V-Star years after he sold his old Yamaha 550 to his brother. He took home that booklet and studied it, and when he went back to take the test again the clerk said, "Why are you here? You have a motorcycle endorsement on your license."
HUH! Is THAT what that little "cy" means...
Originally I thought I would keep the plate on the bike and transfer it to my name. But I found out you cannot transfer a plate from one person to another unless they're family. So I bought a new plate. Seems wasteful to me.
As if to really drive home that safety message I was talking about earlier, while I waited my turn in the Pontiac office of the Secretary of State, a big TV screen was showing PSAs with former WDIV anchor Lila Lazarus.
She was saying how important her leather and helmet are when she gets on her motorcycle, and warning other drivers to watch for motorcycles.
This was followed promptly by a plea to become an organ donor. Hmmm ... motorcyclist = organ donor. Coincidence? I think not. I don't believe in coincidence.
The good thing at the SOS office now is you can pay with your MasterCard -- my favorite way to pay. The bad thing is the state charges you that premium 2 percent fee that credit companies normally pass on to the seller. I paid another premium, $5 extra to get my title instantly instead of through the mail. I told you I'm impatient, right?
But I did get something for free -- a 50-page Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual that tells you everything you need to know to pass the state licensing test. As I was leaving the office, I noticed a young man sitting there reading it, so asked where he got it. He pointed to the front desk and said, "I failed my test, and have to take it again." I asked, "Do they only give that to you if you fail?" "No," he said, so being someone who loves a freebie, I trooped on up there and got mine. The booklet tells all about the state laws with regard to road riding, what to watch out for, equipment for you and your bike, safely sharing the road and why drinking and biking don't mix. There's even a little sample test at the back to see if you get it.
You can download pdfs of different sections of the booklet right now, if you want your own.
Funny thing, my hubby, Ironman, failed his test when he bought a Yamaha V-Star years after he sold his old Yamaha 550 to his brother. He took home that booklet and studied it, and when he went back to take the test again the clerk said, "Why are you here? You have a motorcycle endorsement on your license."
HUH! Is THAT what that little "cy" means...
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