| This is a column for the
Ladies of Harley that asks a question and encourages
the Ladies (riders and copilots) to participate and communicate
in their own words. No comments are edited and are translated to
this column exactly how the answers were shared. If you have a
question you would like to ask of the Ladies of Harley, please
bring them to any Ladies of Harley meeting or contact
Anitra
or Jackie.
What
3 (or more!) things would you tell someone who is a
new rider? What tips or advise would be ESSENTIAL
for them to know (male or female)?
Skills -
1. Take another class!
2. Practice! Practice! Practice!
3. You will go where you look so look where you want
to go.
Other stuff -
1. If you always have your rain gear with you the
liklihood of rain will be significantly decreased.
2. Take or wear extra clothes: you can always take
stuff off but if you don't have it you can't put it
on.
3. Chocolate and toilet paper are essential to a
great ride!
Susan - Rider
1. Ride a lot, alone and with
others.
2. Practice in all weather and road conditions so
you'll be prepared for whatever fate throws your
way!
3. One word for clothing: LAYERS!
(Oh, yeah, and remember to drink water! Riding is so
dehydrating!!)
Tempest – Rider
1. Read EVERYTHING you can get
your hands on regarding riding and doing it safely.
2. NEVER take anything for granted...keep in mind
that statistics show a huge amount of accidents
occur within a couple of miles of home
3. This is a very fun sport, but you have between
your legs a VERY deadly weapon.
Joyce - Rider
1. Practice....til your sick
of it! then practice some more!
2. ALWAYS bring rain gear, face mask and plenty of
clothes
3. Bring enough money for mochas...especially on
days less than 60 degrees!
4. (as related to #3) Try to scope out the rest
stops on your route! (you’re going to need em!)
Rebecca – Rider
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1. Never leave
home without water/snacks on board.
2. Wear layers. If you don't have saddlebags yet to
shed into, bring a couple bungee cords so that you
can strap extra layers on to your bike if you get
too warm.
3. Breathe! A lot of new riders forget to relax and
take a breath or two while riding. Oxygen is a good
thing for new riders...be sure and get enough of it!
Anitra - Rider
1. Keep in mind most will be
good rides, and some not-so-good rides. But they all
are learning experiences.
2. The actual riding is a lot easier than thinking
about riding.
3. Ride within your comfort zone - very important.
Don't let anyone talk you into going faster or
slower than you feel comfortable doing.
4. Don't panic if something unexpected happens on
the road - keep your cool and panic later.
5. Practice a lot.
6. Wear layers and take something to drink. Chewing
gum helps if you are nervous.
7. Always have an escape route.
8. If you drop your bike, there will be LOTS of
people who will come help pick it up!
9. Make sure you have enough gas in the tank at all
times.
Deborah - Rider
Being pretty darn new at this
I have all sorts of things I can think of, but
here's 3 right off the bat:
1. Never look where you don't want to
go.....especially down!!!
2. Practice, practice, practice and don't be too
hard on yourself because you're not perfect!!!
3. Take 2 deep breaths and relax your shoulders
frequently!!!
And........I always take water, toilet paper and a
cell phone with me. The essentials!!!!
Chris – Rider
1. Relax, enjoy.
2. Be aware.
3. Keep your mind on what you're doing.
4. Think and look ahead to where you and your bike
will be in a few seconds.
If you're a passenger and new at it, then see #1 and
#2. Also, lean with your partner on the curves and
try to stay awake on the long straight-aways!
(Confession: I used to read a book when I rode on
the back of really long rides. Why are people so
shocked when I tell them that??)
Jackie - Rider
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