Can I Handle a Motorcycle?

Can I Handle a Motorcycle?

by Maria

Well....

My girlfriend and I have just signed up for a basic motorcycle training course at a local community college. My husband has had a bike for a few years and excludes me quite often from his road trips so I figured I would see if I could drive/ride one myself. Of course, as soon as I told him I signed up for the course, he immediately told me it was too dangerous for me and totally discouraged me. I am 5'7" and 120 lbs. I see girls ride them all the time, but am concerned that I'm not coordinated enough. Any encouraging thoughts on this???

Thanks!

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Can I Handle a Motorcycle?

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Sep 15, 2009

Of Course You Can Ride!
by: Barb

Hi Ladies,

This attitude makes me so mad! Why is it that some men feel threatened by women on bikes? I don't get it, I honestly don't.

I've been married twice, and my bikes have outlasted both marriages.....gee, could it be me? 8^)

Seriously, you can ride, no matter your height or weight. I'm lucky that I'm tall--5'8"--and can reach the ground on most any bike, but lots of the women with whom I ride are shorter and they do just fine. Another nice thing about riding with other women is the lack of competition/speeding/racing on public roads....you know: "testosterone poisoning" ..heehee.

I also love riding with the guys now and then, and enjoy men in general, but would rather ride and camp with other women. It's so much more relaxed.

Maybe it is my age--I'm a Gramma--but if a man in my life told me I couldn't ride and discouraged me, I would have to wonder about him and his issues with women. Little too controlling, perhaps? Tiny bit insecure? It just seems like a big red flag to me, and my current boyfriend not only rides, but he loves it when we ride together. Now, that's fun!!

Oh. I also have balance issues due to my heart condition, and have found the solution in a sidecar. Not only can you not fall over, it's as cute as a new-born puppy and everyone loves it!

Ride, Ladies! Saying you can't ride is like saying you can't vote, and you wouldn't put up with that, would you?

Barb

Aug 29, 2009

You Can Do It!
by: kenberlyc

Yes you can do it! Women riders are everywhere, all shapes and sizes. I ride with my husband, but on days he wants to ride alone, I go out on my own. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. You can do whatever you want!

Aug 28, 2009

Final Comment...
by: Karon

LOL!!! How funny! I'm 48, am 5'1" tall and weigh in at 126 lbs. Girls, are we having a mid-life crisis? Hehehe

Aug 27, 2009

Thanks!
by: Maria

Thanks Girls...

That's all I needed to hear. My husband was definitely discouraging me and making me feel like it was too dangerous for me, but he has changed his tune since I decided to ignore him and go on with my plans to take the class. The classes fill up really quickly, but my girlfriend and I were able to get a spot at the end of September. I will let you know how I do. I am a little nervous, but I'm sure I will be fine. I have only ridden on the back of a bike, but have been wanting to do my own thing these days. I am 42 so I will never be barefoot and pregnant again!!! I'm tired of being left home with the kids so my husband can go riding. Maybe that's why he was discouraging me....he wouldn't have a babysitter if I came along. His days are numbered! Thanks!

Aug 27, 2009

Yes You Can!!!
by: Laura

I also told my now ex-husband that myself and 2 of my girlfriends were going to take the MS class, he did nothing but discourage me, belittle me, and whenever we would see a women on a bike, she was certainly a wh..re, and thats what I was getting myself into. Let me say the ex is now gone, I have been riding for 3 years, bought and paid for my second bike. I started out on a Rebel 250 and am now riding a Vulcan 500. I resent the fact that he and a select few feel that women can't and shouldn't ride. I don't want to intrude on a mans play time with the boys, but there are times when it would be nice to ride with a more experienced group of them who would be willing to let you know how to improve yourself. I can assure you, "YOU CAN" do this, its fun and if you pay attention in class and practice all the time what you learned you will do great. I'm 48, 5' 1", 116lbs. The men I know who ride, have nothing but praise for me, especially when I finally felt comfortable to ride to work at 4 in the morning.

So dont let anyone tell you "YOU CANT" You have a mind and are smart! Yes its dangerous, but if your husband has ridden for so many years, he should want to show you how to stay safe and not be so insensitive to want you to stay home barefoot and pregnant!

Aug 27, 2009

YES, You Can Learn to Ride!!!
by: Karon

First, I hate to hear your husband isn't supportive of your interest in sharing something he likes to do too. Honestly, I prefer to ride with my husband or someone else ... it just doesn't seem like it would be as fun alone (unless he goes with a group of friends). I guess I feel like having a "buddy" along, as in when you go on an adventure there is someone else there who can help you out if stuff happens and vice versa.

And, yes, you can learn to ride a bike! Years ago we rode bikes, sold them to get into a house and now, 16 years later (and a 15-yo son) we got bikes again. One BIG change since the earlier days when I rode is NOW I have MS! And one of my bigger issues with it, is balance. Don't even get me around a pair of roller skates, can't do it, however, thought I could overcome that on a motorcycle ... thru trial and error, patience and a couple of bruises, I'm feeling as if the balance issue is overcome-able.

We took the riding class years ago and my husband took a refresher with his brother before buying his bike. Please take the class ... there is a lot of critical information about riding you need to know. It isn't like riding a bicycle, at all.

Motorcycle riding IS dangerous and you must be vigilant when it comes to traffic and those around you. I've found that many car drivers have no respect for motorcycle riders and think nothing of pulling out in front of you, etc. Be careful!

Do you have any plans to get yourself a bike when you're done with the class? Keep me posted on your progress.

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Can I Handle a Motorcycle?

Comments for Can I Handle a Motorcycle?

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Can I Handle a Motorcycle?