Shared Experiences

[C@Woman]

Hey Ladies & all who want to jump right in,

I would like to hear some feed back from those who are learning to ride.
I was reading where Lisa & Susan were touching on the subject and that
gave me the idea to start a new thread devoted to the topic of learning &
shareing the experience.

For example: M@man & I try to get a ride in everyday even if it's a short one
around town & it seems like everytime I get a little better, & more confident
with every ride.
When I first started riding I only liked to go on long straight aways & would
get nervous about everything else. Then I got to the point where I felt better
about stopping & taking off from red lights - it was like I had to tell my feet to
get on the bike by looking at them, now they just do it - LOL. Recently I have
been improveing on my turns, except when I see gravel or when I feel like
M@Man is a too close to me then I freeze a little.

So come on ladies, I want to hear how things are going for you.

[Lisa]

I'm way behind you!! I have never taken a bike out on my own. Always been a passenger. I don't have the first clue what to do yet. Thats why I am going to take the MSF course.

The bike arrived today. I have my gear and I can't even take 'er for a spin... :embarasse

[AirportFF]

I'm way behind you!! I have never taken a bike out on my own. Always been a passenger. I don't have the first clue what to do yet. Thats why I am going to take the MSF course.

The bike arrived today. I have my gear and I can't even take 'er for a spin... :embarasse

Are you at least sitting on it going VROOOMMMM,VROOOMMMM

I know Susan did all winter :cheeky:

[FFsLady]

When I go out w/FF, I ride much slower than he does. I have to keep saying to myself, "If they (drivers) dont like that I'm going too slow, tough, I'm doing what I feel comfortable with, they can pass me." It might not be right but it's better than stressing about it while you're riding. I'm afraid of gravel and potholes. Going into a turn and not knowing how it ends up. Oh, Lisa..also, I rode on roads that I drive on constantly...the turns and all look different on the bike...just a little FYI.

[croach1]

I think all new riders go through the stages yall are talking about. It won't take long and you will feel natural on it.

[Menace]

I know this might sound harsh, but when I ride I never feel confident and I assume I will die that day. That way when I get home alive I am thankfull. Every time I ride with others somebody goes down and leaves in a copter or in an ambulance. Needless to say I don't ride as ofter as I should. :cyclist:

[M@Man]

Tha man of few words has spoken, and it is heavy.

Good advice nontheless. :thumb:
M@

[FFsLady]

Wow.
When I was coming back from the office today, I was thinking about what a beautiful day it was and should go for a ride..BUT there were so many assholes on the road (the weather just broke here and it was 70 today) I decided not to go. When I got home, Clint said "I thought you'd want to go out on the bikes" I just had a feeling and didnt want to ride with all the insanity. Ends up, I heard my first motorcycle vs. truck accident on the scanner, in an area that we probably would have been around. It's always like that around here in the early spring, too many people are killed on bikes because everyone has spring fever and the cars aren't used to looking out for bikes yet. Sad but true. :undecided

[C@Woman]

I'm way behind you!! I have never taken a bike out on my own. Always been a passenger. I don't have the first clue what to do yet. Thats why I am going to take the MSF course.

The bike arrived today. I have my gear and I can't even take 'er for a spin... :embarasse

Hang in there Lisa, you're day in the sun will come. You've got riding / passenger experience, that's a lot right there. You can use that when you're the driver b/c you'll already know what it feels like to lean with the bike or counter balance whichever the case is. You know what I mean? I think that it's great that you are going to take the MSF course! When will you be road ready?

[C@Woman]

Wow.
When I was coming back from the office today, I was thinking about what a beautiful day it was and should go for a ride..BUT there were so many assholes on the road (the weather just broke here and it was 70 today) I decided not to go. When I got home, Clint said "I thought you'd want to go out on the bikes" I just had a feeling and didnt want to ride with all the insanity. Ends up, I heard my first motorcycle vs. truck accident on the scanner, in an area that we probably would have been around. It's always like that around here in the early spring, too many people are killed on bikes because everyone has spring fever and the cars aren't used to looking out for bikes yet. Sad but true. :undecided

Wow! You've really got to respect the womans intiuition. Glad you & FF are safe!

[Lisa]

Hang in there Lisa, you're day in the sun will come. You've got riding / passenger experience, that's a lot right there. You can use that when you're the driver b/c you'll already know what it feels like to lean with the bike or counter balance whichever the case is. You know what I mean? I think that it's great that you are going to take the MSF course! When will you be road ready?


Tomorrow I'm gonna sit on her and make noises! It's a good start.

[FFsLady]

Vroom Vroom!! Meep Meep.

:happy:

[AirportFF]

Tomorrow I'm gonna sit on her and make noises! It's a good start.


That would be a good opportunity for you to get familiar with the controls. Make sure the bars are comfortable where they are. Close your eyes and practice hitting the switches and starting it. If your hubby is around just get used to the clutch by going up and down the driveway.

Stuff like that will make you a hell of a lot more comfortable when you go for your first ride. Getting to any switches should be an automatic reaction. If your in traffic you don't want to be hunting around for your horn button......

Have fun and relax

[RAZOR]

JUST MY WAY OF THINKING BUT LISA SHOULD RELATE TO THIS ONE..

REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU HAD SEX--HOW ACWARD IT WAS THE BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR STOMACH AND YOU DIDNT
KNOW HOW TO MOVE OR HOW TO ACT OR IF THIS HAPPNS WHAT NOW...
BUT AFTER YOU GOT USE TO IT U JUMP RIGHT ON THE OL MEAT POLE AND
RIDE IT LIKE ITS GOING OUT OF STYLE. :wink_2:

WELL MY POINT BEING ONCE U GET USE TO IT YOU WILL GET MORE AND MORE
COMFORTABLE AND U WILL BE RIDING YOUR BIKE LIKE ITS GOING OUT OF STYLE

but remember and everybody else remeber never get to comfortable riding
once you do you forget about all the little things, such as the crazy drivers
around you

M@MAN BACK OFF A LITTLE---DONT YOU GET CLOSE ENOUGH AT HOME. :happy:
FFS LADY--WELL YOU ARE RIDING IT LIKE ITS GOING OUT OF STYLE.and not just your bike :wink_2:

[98 ShadowT]

Well you all remember to stay tuned into what you are doing on the bike and WATCH all the other drivers including BIKES around you. We are only as safe as we are visible and loud (LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES) and practice safe riding habits. I always ride and watch for the other drivers around me, I watch their faces to be sure they see me and I would rather error on the side of safty than go down. Lisa, don't let what I am about to say scare you because riding your bike is one of the greatest experiences.

Don't be afraid, just ride and enjoy. Any of us that have rode for a while have had our share of experiences and many have gone down. I am always reminded that it is not a case of if you might go down on your bike, it is a case of when. The more you ride the greater the possibilities. The course you are taking is one of the best ideas for bikers in some time. I have a good friend that has rode for 12 years and he is taking the Course this month. He's already given our group some pointers and AMA told of two dangers.

(1) When entering a freeway onramp that is near a truck stop. Be carefull because when the trucks fuel up they oftentimes will spill out some disel onto the freeway as they get back on the road. This can be slicker than Black Ice.
(2) When you are riding on the freeway/highway and you see tire pieces that a truck has lost, change lanes if possible because sometimes the tire cuts into the brake line and the truck may loose some brake fluid which sprays onto the road and if you run thru this patch of fluid you most likly will go down.Above all everyone ride safe be carefull , you are the only one who will protect you on your bike. However riding in a group does have some advantages.

[RAZOR]

(1) When entering a freeway onramp that is near a truck stop. Be carefull because when the trucks fuel up they oftentimes will spill out some disel onto the freeway as they get back on the road. This can be slicker than Black Ice.
.
WOULDNT THAT BE THE OFF RAMP :happy:
SORRY JUST HAD TO POINT THAT OUT GOOD INFO THO..

[C@Woman]

M@MAN BACK OFF A LITTLE---DONT YOU GET CLOSE ENOUGH AT HOME. :happy:

Actually, I think that it was me getting too close to him. Today we took a quick
ride around, I made a pretty nice counter balance lefty (well, nicer than any so
far), when I came out of the turn I straightened out & got on it - didn't mean to
but I was feeling so good about that turn & I passed M@Man. When we got up to
the next stop light he put me in my place. That's OK, I needed it. I got a little
pouty-lip for about 2 blocks & realized that he was only looking out for my safety.

[C@Woman]

Only a biker understands why a dog hangs his head out of the car window! :cheeky:

[RAZOR]

Only a biker understands why a dog hangs his head out of the car window! :cheeky:
yeah but why does a dog lick his balls??????

[Lisa]

yeah but why does a dog lick his balls??????


because he can! I bet you would if you could! haha

[RAZOR]

because he can! I bet you would if you could! haha
YEAH I PROLLY WOULD. :wink_2:

[HoosierBaby]

I remember having all the same concerns...some I still do have. My honey gave me the advice " The day you quit being concerned about riding and being safe, then you have a problem"
HoosierBaby

[AirportFF]

That's good advice.

BTW welcome to the site :happy:

[HoosierBaby]

Thanx for the welcome. I had joined this group some months past and then it disappeared.....Glad to see your all back :happy:
HoosierBaby

[AirportFF]

There was a horrible crash around the end of Feb. There were no survivors :rolleyes5

[HoosierBaby]

LOL...."something" survived to carry on the madness1

[SmokeShowin]

LOL...."something" survived to carry on the madness1

I think that "something" may have been radioactive fallout. http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/burnnuke.gifhttp://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/offtheair.gif

Bwahahahaha!!! The madness lives on! http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/nut.gif http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/nut.gif http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/nut.gif http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/nut.gif

[FFsLady]

I'm scheduled for my safety course May 6, 7, and 8th. I'm taking it with my nephew. :happy:

[AirportFF]

I'm scheduled for my safety course May 6, 7, and 8th. I'm taking it with my nephew. :happy:

Hope we're not moving that weekend..... :wink_2:

[FFsLady]

I love you. :sweethear
Mikey (our nephew) doesnt even know yet.

[AirportFF]

Maybe I should get off my ass and get my permit. Then the three of us can go

[FFsLady]

There's a thought but that weekend is full. You can make your appt for late may then ask to be bumped up if someone cancels.

[Lisa]

I can't wait to hear how it went for you! :luxhello: I'd say good luck, but you wont need it!! :happy:

[C@Woman]

Okay, I've got to share what happened on Mothers Day for the new riders in hopes that you won't make the same mistake that I did.

M@Man & I went for a ride & I about wiped us both out b/c I was in his way while he was trying to turn. He had told me where we were going & he used his signal but since I was right beside him I didn't see his signal & when we got to the turn I didn't realize that you could turn on that street so I thought that we were going up the next block to turn... so here we are right beside each other, I'm on his right & he starts makeing a right-hand turn! He yelled "What are you doing? Jesus Christ!" It was too late for me to turn so I went up another block & waited for him to come around. Yeah, he chewed me out, then he told me he loved me & that I need to be more carefull & I need to back off a little especialy on the turns.

I figured this out the hard way but now I know that you need to let the leader lead.

[RustyJake]

At least neither of you tangled up together and no one got hurt. That's the main thing.
I think it's common with new riders to follow a little too close and not allow the right distance to see "BOTH" signals. If you can't see the signal on the opposite side of the bike you are following, you are too close. Another thing to think about, if you can't see him in his mirror, he can't see you......try to avoid the blind spots. I'm speaking from experience here and I don't think you are alone with what happened. It happened to my wife and I last year, and again almost this year.

[SmokeShowin]

Glad you're both OK. I was always told if theres 2 or more bikes not to ride side by side, you should be staggered. Just glad you guys didn't wipe out.

[M@Man]

Yeah, she made me fill my pants! I've only laid down a bike twice in my life, the first one was becuse of gravel in a parking lot (not payin attention and wavin' to a couple of ladies, Jeannie was one of them) and the second time was becuse I braked too hard with the rear brake on wet pavement, and the ass end slid out from under me. Then the bike hit a pot hole as it was sliding and flipped me up in the air, I don't know how, but I landed on my feet. :laugh4:
Both of those incidents happend my first year of riding.
She really is doin' great! We go to the local DMV and practice the course after they close. She's been getting a little cocky lately though, and she's been gettin' on the throttle a bit, before that she was hanging back a little too much.
We went out again today, and she did a fine job, I think she's learned her lesson. I'm just glad it didn't take an accident for her to learn it.
Next ride...The Local Cemetary! :grin:

M@

[FFsLady]

I'm glad everyone is ok. If you can learn from someone elses mistakes....all the better! Thanks for sharing :happy:
Catwoman, I'm glad your feeling more comfortable.
When FF and I go out he makes me stay ahead of him.

[Mr.Sinister]

In the Or DMV hand book it recomends that the inexperanced rider be up front for just that reson .The more experianced rider won't make them do things beyond their abillitys like sharp turns and going to fast . The rider in back also keeps cars from tailgating a new rider .Glad to hear nobody was hurt .

[usashadowrider]

When I got back into riding I remember feeling both excited & scared. :xyxnervou Everyday after work I'd start her up, even if didn't ride... just the sound of her engine made my heart skip :silly: . My uncle taught me how to ride when I was a kid so I was no stranger around bikes. My Shadow is my first bike so I was concerned about dropping her (which I did twice) & getting to know her "temperment". Each day I became more familiar & my confidence grew. I'll never forget the moment woman & machine became one! :melvin: Just remember to stay focused & if you have doubts about the riding that day, don't do it, wait til you're 100% ready.:stop:

[Lisa]

Wow! glad it turned out ok!

[C@Woman]

Thanks ya'll :wink_2:

[AirportFF]

In the Or DMV hand book it recomends that the inexperanced rider be up front for just that reson .The more experianced rider won't make them do things beyond their abillitys like sharp turns and going to fast . The rider in back also keeps cars from tailgating a new rider .Glad to hear nobody was hurt .


That's why I do it. That way I'm limited by her ability and she's not trying to do something that she shouldn't.
She's doing good. Just wish we had a decent day when we are both off of work.

[C@Woman]

I could see the benefits of having the new rider up front but in Illinois they’ve got to do everything ass backwards. Says in the IL. DMV handbook that the least experienced one should either be the one in the back or for 2 or more in the middle. :rolleyes5

[98 ShadowT]

Oregon sometimes has good ideas. Having the inexperienced rider in front can be a blessing. Riding staggerd when 2 or more sould be required.
I think at some point all of us have minor or major accidents on our bikes.
After purchased my bike last year and the first day riding from Indeo, CA to SanDiego, was being pushed by cars to ride faster in some curves. So when I was on a strait road with a pull off I turned in there.....and there was gravel and I braked with my front tire...slid and tipped over as I came to a stop. Did not know the bike was that heavy till then. Also need to watch it when pulling in and out of driveways getting gas or whatever. A couple of times I went to stop to allow cars to pull in and have almost went down 3 times. LEARNED my lesson now. Forget the cars DRIVE Defensively for myself. LOL.

[C@Woman]

Went for a ride today :Moped: & everything went smoothley.
I think I'm getting the hang of things,.... shifting, turning, etc., it's starting to feel natural.
Don't worry, I'm not too over confident. :wink_2:

[FFsLady]

Glad it went well! :happy: I have my MC safety course tomorrow and wednesday. I missed the last one and had to reschedule. wish me luck! :happy:

[M@Man]

I won't just wish you luck, I'm gonna wish you GOOD luck! :thumb:

M@

[Wicked Wanda]

I was on here "pre-site crash" and have just gotten back around to check things out again.

It's great to see all these other women learning to ride. Right now, I'm the only woman who rides in our group of locals but have gotten others interested! :wink_2:

I rode for about 2 months prior to taking MSF and am glad I did. It's not an easy course (at least here in Ohio it wasn't), but I passed :luxhello: and have used those skills repeatedly since then.

This is "year 2" of riding for me and I can tell you it does get easier the more you ride. Things now are second nature to me...you'll know you got it when you start doing things without thinking - quick stops, shifting up/down on curves/hills, etc. I did about 1600 miles my first year and loved every mile.

The best piece of advice I can give is to ride within your comfort zone. Don't let anyone push you to ride too hard/too fast. Definitely recommend having the experienced rider behind you. They're going to ride a lot faster than your comfortable and not realize it. I didn't ride in any "groups" my first year unless it was a small group of close friends and they let me lead to set the pace.

Talk to those experienced riders too - they can give you tons of helpful information.

[SmokeShowin]

I was on here "pre-site crash" and have just gotten back around to check things out again.

It's great to see all these other women learning to ride. Right now, I'm the only woman who rides in our group of locals but have gotten others interested! :wink_2:

I rode for about 2 months prior to taking MSF and am glad I did. It's not an easy course (at least here in Ohio it wasn't), but I passed :luxhello: and have used those skills repeatedly since then.

This is "year 2" of riding for me and I can tell you it does get easier the more you ride. Things now are second nature to me...you'll know you got it when you start doing things without thinking - quick stops, shifting up/down on curves/hills, etc. I did about 1600 miles my first year and loved every mile.

The best piece of advice I can give is to ride within your comfort zone. Don't let anyone push you to ride too hard/too fast. Definitely recommend having the experienced rider behind you. They're going to ride a lot faster than your comfortable and not realize it. I didn't ride in any "groups" my first year unless it was a small group of close friends and they let me lead to set the pace.

Talk to those experienced riders too - they can give you tons of helpful information.

I hate to do this, but I just have to. I'll censor myself though since I am a gentleman:

http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/flamethrower.gif F*CK OFF NOOB!!!


Welcome BACK to the nuthouse!:biggrinje

[usashadowrider]

Went for a ride today :Moped: & everything went smoothley.
I think I'm getting the hang of things,.... shifting, turning, etc., it's starting to feel natural.
Don't worry, I'm not too over confident. :wink_2: Good for you!http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/images/smilies/sign%20you%20da%20bomb%20diggity.gif

[Wicked Wanda]

I hate to do this, but I just have to. I'll censor myself though since I am a gentleman:

http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/flamethrower.gif F*CK OFF NOOB!!!


Welcome BACK to the nuthouse!:biggrinje





Ahhhh, thanks, :laugh3: ...feel right at home :silly:

[SmokeShowin]

Ahhhh, thanks, :laugh3: ...feel right at home :silly:

Not a problem Wicked. :fireman:

[FFsLady]

Wanda, I remember your name from the previous site. Welcome back :happy:
There are 2 other women in my course. Gotta go and read my book now.

[SmokeShowin]

Wanda, I remember your name from the previous site. Welcome back :happy:
There are 2 other women in my course. Gotta go and read my book now.

You won't need this, but good luck anyway :thumbsup:

[Wicked Wanda]

Wanda, I remember your name from the previous site. Welcome back :happy:
There are 2 other women in my course. Gotta go and read my book now.

Thanks! Hope all the testing goes smoothly today. Let us know how it goes... :sun_smile

[FFsLady]

Whew! I did it. :happy: I aced the written and just passed the road test. I got nervous because I was being judged. It was the worst I did all day. Anyhow, I passed and now I can go out and do some practicing. We have Americade next week! That's gonna be a helluva ride up there. Maybe we can take a few back roads instead of the thruway all the way up.

[FFsLady]

The people taking the course with me were great. Not one person was cocky. The instructors had a wealth of knowledge to share. There was one woman who actually lives a couple towns away! I would highly recommend the course. :luxhello:

[Shadow]

Whew! I did it. :happy: I aced the written and just passed the road test. I got nervous because I was being judged. It was the worst I did all day. Anyhow, I passed and now I can go out and do some practicing. We have Americade next week! That's gonna be a helluva ride up there. Maybe we can take a few back roads instead of the thruway all the way up.
:balloon: :jamming: :cheers: :luxhello: :balloon: :sign you
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I am so happy for you!!
I have to fly to PA to give you a big hug and kiss!! :sweethear
Just be carefull, don't let traffic push you out of your comfort zone.
Ride within your ablilities and you will be fine.
GOOD JOB SUSAN!!!!

[Wicked Wanda]

Whew! I did it. :happy: I aced the written and just passed the road test. I got nervous because I was being judged. It was the worst I did all day. Anyhow, I passed and now I can go out and do some practicing. We have Americade next week! That's gonna be a helluva ride up there. Maybe we can take a few back roads instead of the thruway all the way up.


YEAH!!!! Congrats! :toff: What a great feeling to pass and put all that stress behind you...

You'll be surprised how much you will retain from the course.

I totally agree with Shadow - stay withing YOUR comfort zone. You'll have a blast at Americade. I believe this should entitle you to some chrome purchase to celebrate :wink_2:

P.S. Your lucky with your instructors, one of ours was NOT nice...unfortunately she was a woman on a mission :veryangry and decided she didn't like me and the hubby (he took it with me for support).

[C@Woman]

Whew! I did it. :happy: I aced the written and just passed the road test. I got nervous because I was being judged. It was the worst I did all day. Anyhow, I passed and now I can go out and do some practicing. We have Americade next week! That's gonna be a helluva ride up there. Maybe we can take a few back roads instead of the thruway all the way up.

I knew you could! Way to go!! :thumb: Are you completely licensed now?

[RustyJake]

Congrats on passing Susan!! If they didn't want $600 for the course up here, I'd probably take it as a refresher.

[AirportFF]

I believe this should entitle you to some chrome purchase to celebrate.


Her rear CBR wheel will be in this week. Too bad I won't have time to get it set for Americade.

[AirportFF]

The instructors had a wealth of knowledge to share.
How you didn't mention that one of the instructors bit it with a student on the bike.....

[AirportFF]

I knew you could! Way to go!! :thumb: Are you completely licensed now?


She's more legal than me....I don't even have a permit anymore

[RustyJake]

She's more legal than me....I don't even have a permit anymore
They had a news story on the evening news here about the 'rash' of bike accidents and how many were new riders on the crotch rockets (they are pushing for a cc limit for new riders, and if it keeps up, they'll probably get it). The cops estimated that over 80% of the riders here were riding illegally (either without a license or without following the terms of the beginners licensing program...no passengers, no riding over 60 kmph, and not being on highways, or riding at night, etc.)

[FFsLady]

They will send me my license in approx 3 weeks!

[FFsLady]

:balloon: :jamming: :cheers: :luxhello: :balloon: :sign you
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I am so happy for you!!
I have to fly to PA to give you a big hug and kiss!! :sweethear
Just be carefull, don't let traffic push you out of your comfort zone.
Ride within your ablilities and you will be fine.
GOOD JOB SUSAN!!!!

Thank you so much for those colorful (literally) words. Big hug and kiss right back atcha :wink_2:

[FFsLady]

YEAH!!!! Congrats! :toff: What a great feeling to pass and put all that stress behind you...

You'll be surprised how much you will retain from the course.

I totally agree with Shadow - stay withing YOUR comfort zone. You'll have a blast at Americade. I believe this should entitle you to some chrome purchase to celebrate :wink_2:

P.S. Your lucky with your instructors, one of ours was NOT nice...unfortunately she was a woman on a mission :veryangry and decided she didn't like me and the hubby (he took it with me for support).
This is a serious course but we should have fun too!
I have a Tshirt that says "Chrome Girl" :happy:

[FFsLady]

How you didn't mention that one of the instructors bit it with a student on the bike.....
One of the other women in my course was riding a bit TOO slow. She was a sweetheart. One of the instructors took her for a ride to demonstrate to her that speed and momentum go together (leaning with the bike). He got pretty low and apparantly she wobbled on the back and he dumped the bike! He got a couple scrapes and she landed right ontop of him! We congratulated her on her land.
There's another Noob on here from Port Jervis, Cant think of her screen name cuz I'm brain dead now but she also passed and I'm sure that we'll be riding together.

[anaugi]

<waving>

That'd be me!!

Think Rene's recovered enough from the tumble to ride on her own yet?

[FFsLady]

<waving>

That'd be me!!

Think Rene's recovered enough from the tumble to ride on her own yet?


Hey! your first post!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Here we go.....ya ready???????


FUCK OFF NOOB!!! :happy:

YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN WELCOMED.

This is the best Shadow site in the world! We are like a family here. Must have a bit of a thick skin here. Join in :luxhello:

I think she'll do better without everyone watching her. Think she beat herself up too much when she was criticized?

[FFsLady]

Now go into the "introduce yourself" thread and um,,,introduce yourself.

If you're looking for anything in particular, please dont be afraid to use the search button on the top right of the screen. :Peace!:

[anaugi]

Hey! your first post!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Here we go.....ya ready???????


FUCK OFF NOOB!!! :happy:

YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN WELCOMED.

This is the best Shadow site in the world! We are like a family here. Must have a bit of a thick skin here. Join in :luxhello:

I think she'll do better without everyone watching her. Think she beat herself up too much when she was criticized?

Well... now I feel special! <G> You DID warn me about the greeting! :happy:

Yeah, I think that she did kinda kick her own butt on getting criticized... which kind of leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy... if you BELIEVE you're going to fail, then you pretty much set yourself up for failure. On her own, I'm sure she'll be fine.

I know that I keep hearing things the Mikes said to us during class when I've been out.... so, it does stick - time & experience, I think, will play a huge role.

[FFsLady]

OK...just got back from Americade. My first big hike. 200 miles there. I think I did pretty good. hit alot of different situations and handled them all well. The ride was great but the stay wasnt all that great. I LOST MY KEY!!! It started to pour, had to tow my bike to our motel cuz local dealer was closed. Called my insurance co. next morning and they called a locksmith for me. The guy was pretty quick. All happy now....let's ride! Vrmmmm Vrmmmm! Stop for gas. THE NEW KEY DOESNT OPEN THE GAS CAP!!!
Go to the local dealer to see if they can help. They make another key and this one works. Tried to get something to eat.....stopped at a little place and I take a tight "parking" turn too tight, put my foot down and slip......BIKE HITS GROUND!!!
No damage to bike just a scrape to the engine guards (I highly recommend them to all new riders) and bent bars but FF fixed them. Other than that, Had a great time!!! Jump in anytime FF. :happy: Oh yeah rode a 1/2 hour in the pouring rain. :no:

[AirportFF]

She did very well for the distance we went. Handled traffic well. I wish she would clear traffic a bit quicker while passing, but she'll get that.

I can't believe she dropped it........ :rolleyes5 .But, like she said, the engine guards did their job. Not a scratch in the bike. The guards aren't even dinged, just a scuff from the asphalt sealer. The bars were knocked off center in the tree, moved em right back in place. And the sidemount was bent, but that went right back in place. Ya know, there was a guy right next to me when it happened and he didn't even ask if she was ok, just got on his bike and rode away. DOUCHEBAG!!!!!! :veryangry

The key incident really sucked. The new key cost a total of about $250 between locksmith and towing. I can't even get into how high my blood pressure got. :veryangry

The event itself was ok. Last night I would have liked to hung out downtown a bit more and enjoy the sights. But their were too many drunken assholes riding around and we decided to hunker down at the motel instead.

Saw a couple bikes I recognized from TSW but had no clue who's they were.

If you ever go be prepared to get gouged as far as pricing goes. And people were pretty pissy. It originally started as a touring event (Goldwings, etc.) now it's more or less a kickoff to Laconia Bikeweek in NH. A little too loud and rowdy at times.

She can explain the dinner fiasco :furious2:

Overall, it wasn't the best trip I've had. And my stressometer was pegged a few times. But we got to spendsome quality time together. And she put almost 600 miles on her bike in 3 days.

[anaugi]

OK...just got back from Americade. My first big hike. 200 miles there. I think I did pretty good. hit alot of different situations and handled them all well. The ride was great but the stay wasnt all that great. I LOST MY KEY!!! It started to pour, had to tow my bike to our motel cuz local dealer was closed. Called my insurance co. next morning and they called a locksmith for me. The guy was pretty quick. All happy now....let's ride! Vrmmmm Vrmmmm! Stop for gas. THE NEW KEY DOESNT OPEN THE GAS CAP!!!
Go to the local dealer to see if they can help. They make another key and this one works. Tried to get something to eat.....stopped at a little place and I take a tight "parking" turn too tight, put my foot down and slip......BIKE HITS GROUND!!!
No damage to bike just a scrape to the engine guards (I highly recommend them to all new riders) and bent bars but FF fixed them. Other than that, Had a great time!!! Jump in anytime FF. :happy: Oh yeah rode a 1/2 hour in the pouring rain. :no:

Sounds fun! :wink_2: Minus the key incident & dumping the bike of course! Could always be worse (and more embarrassing!) I dumped mine... IN MY YARD! (Yes, I AM retarded!) Once you see my yard, you'll understand... TIGHT to turn around in... and my two little monster dogs just LOVE to leave holes for me to twist my ankles in!

The key incident woulda totally pissed me off! I had someone in PJ make a second key for me... and the damn thing only fits in one way (but, it DOES work for starting, the gas cap & the fork lock!)... so, at least it will work when ya mess with it.

And, rain SUCKS!! I got stuck in a downpour last week - just for 10 minutes or so... but it STILL sucked!! What sucked even more was NOT having any rain gear... AND coming over that steel bridge into Port! I hate that bridge on a clear day.... add some rain to it & it TOTALLY blows chunks!

[C@Woman]

Well, I'm an official BIKER BABE now!! :Boobs:

Yup, went & took the test today & passed with flying colors! :color_:

Let's hear it for the Ladies!! :luxhello: and our great teachers!! :kiss:

[SmokeShowin]

Well, I'm an official BIKER BABE now!! :Boobs:

Yup, went & took the test today & past with flying colors! :color_:

Let's hear it for the Ladies!! :luxhello: and our great teachers!! :kiss:


That's awesome C@!!! Congrats and be careful out there. :cheers:

[RustyJake]

Congrats!!! Definitely an accomplishment to be proud of.

[M@Man]

I'm proud of her! Right before the last part of the test the instructor come up to me and told me she had already passed.

The next step will be to get her a Shadow. She rode a friend of ours VLX and she just loves it! She wants one now, so that's on our shopping list for next spring.

M@

[Machinehead]

Well, I'm an official BIKER BABE now!!
Yup, went & took the test today & past with flying colors!
Let's hear it for the Ladies!!.., and our great teachers!!


Good for you girl....just stay aware of all of the surroundings and all will be golden.


WEBSTER (altered) DEFINITION OF SURROUNDINGS:


1."The cagers are purposely avoiding eyesight with you AND/ OR your means of travel thus meaning you must log in more miles than your average idiot before becoming somewhat comfortable in the saddle for the first 10k ."

Meaning...you will have to be more aware and anticipate the failure of cagers to process correct information at any time.

2. Be conscience of where your foot is placed when you come to a stop.....Do NOT plant foot on oil spot (or any liquid), loose gravel or M@'s tongue.

3. In wet weather....traction goes from 10 to 2 quickly....especially in the turns.

and....as always...the man carries the tp.

[M@Man]

and....as always...the man carries the tp.

I already carry the maps, tools, drinks...now tp? At this rate I'm gonna need to get bigger saddle bags. :laugh4:

[FFsLady]

Well, I'm an official BIKER BABE now!! :Boobs:

Yup, went & took the test today & passed with flying colors! :color_:

Let's hear it for the Ladies!! :luxhello: and our great teachers!! :kiss:

Congrats to you Cat! Keep safe and have fun! We're all proud of you :luxhello:
Blessings,
FFL

[C@Woman]

Thanks everyone for the kind words & good advice.

Ya'll rule! :smitten: