I'm growing some---

[Victoria]

Hi all this is my first post. Its been 6 months since I got my "M" on my license. Yesterday, I put my gear on and for the first time took my bike (2007 gz250) out for a 20 minute ride. I was nervous but determined and very careful. I just kept to the side roads and worked on my skills. I think i am content to do this for a while until I have mastered all the skills. Those that don't know I am is direct violation of my in-laws who live next door. They are completely against their 41 year old daughter-in-law riding a motorcycle and are vocal about it. I am still in the process of "growing my balls" and I took off on my bike when I knew they weren't home, although I didn't know when they were getting back so I think that may be a bit "ballsy" on my end. Its just a matter of time until they catch me and I just need to let them know its none of their business--very hard for me since I have always been the type to want to make others happy and not be confrontational. This just may be healthy for me.
As for my husband he was surprisingly "OK". I called him before i left and he just said," please be careful". He still wants me to sell the bike and get something "smaller". like a 50cc moped---NO WAY!
I am hoping to get out again today or tomorrow.

_________________
Vicki
See pics of my blue beauty.
http://attitudeallmyown.blogspot.com/

[alantf]

Hi there, & welcome to the riding community. I'm really furious that some people ( your in laws) think that they have the right to treat a grown person as though she were a child, & try to make her conform to their wishes. I reckon that the first thing to do is learn the following by heart, & repeat it to them every time they try to make you bend to their will - "GO F**K YOURSELF" :roll:

[Victoria]

Thanks! I will surely keep that in mind. LOL

[Easy Rider]

I am hoping to get out again today or tomorrow.


Welcome!

It's been said before on here but bears repeating:
NOW is the time in your riding career where you need to find an empty parking lot (churches are good during the week) and practice your basic skills OUT OF TRAFFIC. It is also good to do this at the beginning of each riding season.

Don't stay TOO close to the side of the road as that shoulder drop off ......or the dip of a curb/gutter can throw you for a loop if you drift TOO far to the right.

The best revenge on the nay-sayers is to ride without an accident !!!

[dhgeyer]

I just read your bio. Nice looking bike, even for a GZ250, which generally are good looking. I think you're old enough to make up your own mind about riding. I'm going to assume that you got your license by taking the BRC. In some states it's the only way. Anyway, if it's been 6 months since you took the course, and you haven't ridden since then, then I second Easy Rider's advice: find a parking lot and start to rebuild your skills and confidence. See if you can dig up the booklet from the course, and go through that again, too. That course crams so much into so little time, I've found that most people have forgotten most of it in a few months, especially if they're not using it.

While you're at it, get "Proficient Motorcycling" by David L. Hough - available at Amazon.com. That's a book that can easily save your life.

Staying on the side roads for a while is good. Riding too close to the shoulder is not. You have to assert your lane or you'll end up getting run off the road. If you're too close to the side, people can't see you. In the course they taught you to spend most of your time in the left third of your lane for visibility. That's my basic position, although I move around a lot based on cornering technique, traffic, surface conditions, etc. etc. etc.

Riding has risk involved, but for most of us it is so rewarding that it is worth it.

I personally advocate the safest safety gear you can get: DOT and Snell approved full face helmet, good quality motorcycle jacket with full protective padding including the new backbone protectors, motorcycle specific gloves, and good solid boots. But that's up to you of course.

Welcome to this funhouse by the way!

[Victoria]

I have a church parking lot that I can get to via the back roads about 5 blocks away. I can't trailer it but i can stay out of the traffic. Thanks for the advice.

[Victoria]

dhgeyer,
I have motorcycle excellence book that is the same format as the MSF course I took. I will also post some pics of me in my gear. I think I got some good stuff.

[Victoria]

I just added my gear to my website---you can check it out if you like.
http://attitudeallmyown.blogspot.com/

[blaine]

Welcome Victoria,be careful ,ride safe.All you need to do now is talk your husband into buying a bike. :2tup:

[SuziQ07]

Hi Victoria and Welcome!
I'm a 34 year old female and new rider as well. I purchased a blue 2007 GZ250 a few weeks ago. I've only been practicing in parking lots and side streets over the last several weeks. I love my new bike and new found freedom as well! My father has been helping me with this new stage in my life thus far (my husband has no interest). I personally do not know any other females that have their motorcycle license and ride. Your bike is super nice and I love your extra accessories! Your jacket is lovely too! I'm still shopping and considering different options for jackets...leather and textiles etc. As a female I'm really proud to be riding a motorcycle and doing something that other women only dream of doing. Best wishes to you and enjoy your new "Blue Beauty!" :2tup:

[BillInGA]

Welcome aboard, Vicki!

Good looking bike and good looking gear. You didn't mention it, but I presume you have gloves as well?

:rawk:

[Mercutio57]

Hey, at age 52 I still haven't told my mother that I have a motorcycle, and it's been about a year now. She's always been a nervous person, and I can't imagine here ever sleeping the night again if she knew!

[music man]

Hey, at age 52 I still haven't told my mother that I have a motorcycle, and it's been about a year now. She's always been a nervous person, and I can't imagine here ever sleeping the night again if she knew!


My mom is the same way, me and both of my older sisters ride, and all she asks is that we tell her about our rides, AFTER we go on them. I accidently broke this rule and told her about a little trip I was going on last weekend and she griped me out, she said she can handle hearing about it afterwards because we are already back safe and sound.

[Victoria]

Thanks Bill, I have 2. My first pair was too thin. I fell during the MSF course and quickly realized this, My new pair are well padded in the palm and a little better quality. They are also pink and black and match my jacket nicely (wink).

Thanks for all the support. My mom is great with all this and thinks its a shame. She got cornered by my mother in-law who grilled her, how could she allow me to get a motorcycle. I have a great picture of my grandmother on her motorcycle. I gotta get that picture and see if I can figure out what type of bike she had.

[dhgeyer]

I am not familiar with the Scorpion brand, but I looked up the specs on the web. Looks like you made good choices. Does the jacket have a foam back protector in it? I may look into this brand, as we have to re-outfit my daughter. Anyway, I'd say you're off to a great start!

[burkbuilds]

Other people's reactions when they find out you ride a motorcycle is always interesting. My mom doesn't like it much but she's known me long enough to know that if she objected out loud I'd ride just to show her that she's not going to tell me what to do. (She's 75 by the way). When I told my wife I was going to buy a bike a few years ago (I had not had one since we got married over 25 years ago), she simply told me to make sure my life insurance was paid up and to get the accident rider on my motorcycle insurance to help with medical expenses in case of an accident. (She won't ride with me.) My oldest daughter was excited and wanted to go for a ride with me the next time she was in town, she loved it and then she and her husband went out and bought motorcycles. My youngest daughter rode double with me for almost a year and then my wife decided that she couldn't ride with me anymore and there wouldn't be any discussion about it. When I tried to talk to her about it, she took all my clothes and stuff and threw them out on the driveway, . . . so my youngest daughter doesn't ride with me anymore and we don't talk about it. My middle daughter thinks I'm crazy and she refuses to even consider going on a ride.

Be yourself and enjoy riding!

[alanmcorcoran]

I think I posted about this somewhere else, but basically, I generally agree with the naysayers (that it is dangerous, and I probably will eventually kill myself or get seriously injured) but I'm bored, it's fun and my best years are behind me anyway. I think people mean well, but it's hard for them to understand that some of us want to take risks and experience more of what life has to offer, knowing that sooner or later, it's gonna be over regardless of how cautious you approach it.

I think burkbuilds wife has the right idea - make sure your dependents and medical bills are taken care of and have fun.

It appears you are overly cautious anyway, but it is smart to take things slowly and build good habits as you are starting out. You'll feel much less nervous as time goes on, but you want to retain some healthy vigilance and respect for the risks and dangers. If you make it through your first year unscathed, which you probably will, your friends and family will be less uptight about it.

[blaine]

Its dangerous leaving your house in the morning,that doesn't mean you don't live life.RIDE ON!!

[music man]

I think I posted about this somewhere else, but basically, I generally agree with the naysayers (that it is dangerous, and I probably will eventually kill myself or get seriously injured) but I'm bored, it's fun and my best years are behind me anyway. I think people mean well, but it's hard for them to understand that some of us want to take risks and experience more of what life has to offer, knowing that sooner or later, it's gonna be over regardless of how cautious you approach it.


:plus1: :plus1: :plus1: :smallrawk:

[Victoria]

I am not familiar with the Scorpion brand, but I looked up the specs on the web. Looks like you made good choices. Does the jacket have a foam back protector in it?

Here is a link to the jacket with a video. Yes it has the foam back protector. I hope this helps. BTW I am a medium and the large fits snug.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... acket.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/2/49/13689/ITEM/Scorpion-Womens-Dahlia-Jacket.aspx)

Vicki

[alanmcorcoran]

My 3/4 helmet is a scorpion and my wife's jacket is too. both are top quality.

[Victoria]

here is the link for the helmet
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... elmet.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/6961/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-1000-Helmet.aspx)
:-)

[alantf]

My mom ....... She got cornered by my mother in-law who grilled her, how could she allow me to get a motorcycle.

You mean that your mother in law is so full of her own importance that she thinks that a mother should be immediately obeyed by a 41 year old married woman? and you seriously don't mind living next door to her? I wouldn't even consider living in the same state as her! :cry:

[BillInGA]

I think I posted about this somewhere else, but basically, I generally agree with the naysayers (that it is dangerous, and I probably will eventually kill myself or get seriously injured) but I'm bored, it's fun and my best years are behind me anyway. I think people mean well, but it's hard for them to understand that some of us want to take risks and experience more of what life has to offer, knowing that sooner or later, it's gonna be over regardless of how cautious you approach it.


:plus1: :plus1: :plus1: :smallrawk:

We all enjoy riding for different reasons.

I don't ride for adrenaline rush or thrills. Sure, a motorcycle accelerates faster than a car and can corner at higher speeds. And that's fun, but it is just a transitory part of the riding experience.

What I enjoy about riding is that I am riding through my environment as a part of it. I am immersed in the sights, smells and weather, rather that being insulated from all that in a car.

That being said, there is more risk in riding than driving. As such, I do my best to understand the risks and do my best to mitigate them with protective gear, maintenance, riding habits, route selection, weather planning, etc.

When I leave for a ride on my GZ I fully expect that I will make it back in one piece.

[Easy Rider]

BTW I am a medium and the large fits snug.


Mmmmm.....good straight line there for a joke/jab but I'll let it pass. :whistle:

Somewhat like the helmet I have which is an XXL and there is NO WAY that my head is that big !!! :cool:

[dhgeyer]

Somewhat like the helmet I have which is an XXL and there is NO WAY that my head is that big !!! :cool:

Talk about leaving yourself open........ :biggrin:

[Krazy Kraut]

Hi and welcome!
I just jad my first 100miles ride yesterday and it was great! You'll get more balls, as you go on. :) I wouldn't go any smaller than a 250, 250 is just enough fun for an entry level rider. Maybe you can fnid someone in you area to ride with you, makes it much easier to relax. Just enjoy your ride and don't think about your in-laws too much, ride hard or stay home (without in-laws!!_)

Have a wonderful time riding and good to have you with us

[mole2]

I am not familiar with the Scorpion brand, but I looked up the specs on the web. Looks like you made good choices. Does the jacket have a foam back protector in it? I may look into this brand, as we have to re-outfit my daughter. Anyway, I'd say you're off to a great start!

Below is a picture of my jacket that I bought from New Enough. Yes, it has the armor and the back protector. It's a heavy jacket with a liner but once you remove the liner and open the vents it's fine in 80 degree weather (thus far). It is really well built and you can't beat the price from New Enough...I know.

Scorpion All In Leather Jacket (http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/leather_suits_jackets_and_pants/scorpion/all_in_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html)

http://cdn.newenough.com/image/path/12626/small/black.jpg


:)

[mole2]

Welcome Aboard Victoria!! It's good to see you took the MSF BRC. As mentioned, go somewhere where you can practice the slow riding techniques as you will need them. Also practice your stopping from speed. That is something you WILL need at sometime in your riding career. Ride Safe.


:)

[TheWife]

I know you!! I read your blog before I ever found this site. :biggrin: Sounds like Everybody Loves Raymond around your parts... good luck dealing with that.

[GZBrian]

Hi Victoria and welcome. My wife also has Scorpion helmets. 1 EXO400, 200 and (2) EXO700's. The 700's are her favorites. Enjoy your ride and be safe. GZ Brian

[superdave]

Don't stay TOO close to the side of the road as that shoulder drop off ......or the dip of a curb/gutter can throw you for a loop if you drift TOO far to the right.




Easy rider...she said she rides the side roads, not on the side of the road. hahaha

[Viirin]

The body armour i wear during the summer is made by scorpion - good stuff even though i look like batman on a GZ....

[Mercutio57]

When I was young, the saying was "everything that I like to do is either immoral, illegal, or fattening." The new version appears to be "everything that I like to do is either immoral, illegal, fattening or dangerous."

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!