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Highway Riding

I did it!!! I rode the highway today. what a feeling. My husband rode behind me in the right lane and yes, I had my gum and boy was I chomping down on it. The gum was a really great idea because it kept me from holding my mouth tight, it really helped me to relax just a bit. I want give thanks for someone suggesting that to me. I am really sorry, but I do not remember who that was. We started off getting on and off, and from there kept going further and further. Now to get the nerve up to take small trips. I live in Kentucky maybe go to Ohio. Don't know yet, I will continue to practice around town for a while first though. It just makes you want to go and not stop. I have the most patient husband. I thought about triking it out, but I don't know about that yet. Need to think long and hard before I do anything. I have a Kawasaki Vulcan 500; I thought maybe if I had a heavier bike that I would feel more comfortable. Thank You for all of the encouragement and suggestions. Love this site. I am so glad that I found you. Be safe.

Comments for Highway Riding

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Jun 20, 2011

True
by: sassy@2731

Yes a bigger bike is better on the highway. I have a HD Fatboy for around town. But I like my HD Roadking for the open highway. Don't think you can't ride one either cause I'm barely 5'2". I'm just more comfortable on the lowered Fatboy which is more balanced for the ladies. The fatboy, heritage, and the deluxe are all the same frame just decorated different to make them look like different bikes. I have to ride the roadking just to keep up with all the guys on the highway rides. I'm just still partial to my fatboy. My hubby lowered both bikes to fit me. My riding boots give me an extra inch or so but once you ride a bigger bike its really hare to go back. He also put new handlebars that come back to me so I sit comfortable. Any bike can be made to fit anyone so they are comfortable. When I ride with just the girls I ride my fatboy cause most of them are on smaller bikes too. And don't ride like the guys do. The main thing is to make sure you are comfortable when riding. And when you stop and park just make sure you can back it up and turn it around by yourself unless you have friends that will help you. That is why I suggest the fatboy, heritage or deluxe for the ladies to ride.

Jun 20, 2011

Consider a Heavier Bike
by: Lori

I started out on a Honda Shadow 600 (about 6 years ago)- didn't have it much over a year because once you get that highway down you'll want a heavier bike...maybe. However, I learned so much from riding that Shadow without a windshield... yes, talk about "wind therapy" as mentioned below (I'm also from Texas). Anyway, a heavier bike does make a whole lotta difference. And don't ever think you can't ride anything bigger it's all in the way a bike is balanced and Harley-Davidson for one has some great balanced bikes! I ride a Harley Heritage Classic - big bike but oh soooo smooth! Good luck and have fun!

Jun 19, 2011

lol
by: sassy@2731

Yeah that button trick would work with the guys. LOL

Jun 19, 2011

Gum and Hair
by: idahokathy

Thanks for the gum chewing tip. My solution for helmet hair: Unbutton your blouse one more button!!

Jun 13, 2011

Yeah!
by: Steph

Nice! I'm just starting off also and I'll be trying the gum chewing trick.

Jun 13, 2011

Sassy's gum... my gum.
by: Linda

Sassy, I'm an avid gum chewer. I pop a piece of gum every time I light a cigarette lol It's a habit of mine. So I have gum pieces in every pocket of whatever I wear. But... don't recall chewing when on my bike. I'm going to now though!

Jun 13, 2011

gum
by: sassy@2731

Linda I've been riding for over 5 years now and still chew the gum. It's funny I always make sure I have some in my little windshield bag so I can reach it if I need it while riding. I guess it is a habit now. LOL All I know is it worked for me and still does.

Jun 13, 2011

Congrats, helmet hair, and gum...
by: ~Linda~

Congrats to the new highway rider! You did it girl! Doesn't that feel awesome and make you proud? I'm in the same boat as you. Also just got my license and my own bike, a Suzuki C50SE Boulevard, and my first road trip was 80 miles highway and city traffic. Ya gotta love a patient hubby huh? :-) They're the best!

Ride safely girls, and enjoy your travels!

Jun 13, 2011

We Call It
by: sassy@2731

Lynn we call that Wind Therapy here in Texas!

Jun 13, 2011

Hwy Riding
by: Lynn - Florida

Congrats on your accomplishment! It is satisfying every time you conquer a new challenge.

I love when our seasonal traffic dies down and a group of us hit the highway for a road trip. There is nothing like rolling along in overdrive, listening to your bike cruising and the wind washing away the worries of the world.

Jun 13, 2011

Real Simple
by: sassy@2731

There is really no solution to helmet hair. I've been looking for 30+ years and the only thing I've found is to find yourself a nice hat to wear when you take your helmet off. Or a doo rag.

Jun 13, 2011

Love the gum idea!
by: Noelle S

I have to say that I'm sorry I didn't read about the gum thing sooner. I have been chewing gum since I started riding last month, but honestly it was because I stopped smoking! But now that I think about it, it really does help with the tension of learning to ride! Now I'm looking for a quick easy solution for helmet hair and I'll be all set! PL&H

Jun 12, 2011

It Was Me
by: sassy@2731

It was me that told you about the gum. My BRC instructor gave me that little tip during my class. It really helps me too. I still make sure I have plenty of gum in my bag before I leave on my bike and I've been riding for over 5 years now. I recommend it to every new rider as it has always helped me to relax and I seem to be able to ride much easier when I chew gum. It takes that little edge off and seems to help me focus on riding and not so much on if I doing something wrong or not. Things like shifting just started coming natural without having to think about doing it. Not sure why or how the gum chewing works but yes it does for me anyways.

Jun 12, 2011

No limits now!
by: Sandra

Great job! I think the hardest thing for me is to remember to keep a watch for other drivers. I tend to forget that I'm not alone on the road, and that not everyone driving the roads with me is having as much fun!!

I can see how the gum chewing would help - great call!

Enjoy your travels!!

Jun 12, 2011

Congrats
by: Lois

It's just the beginning! As your confidence grows you'll be traveling where ever your heart desires.

Be safe have fun.

Jun 12, 2011

Yea
by: Anonymous

Well done!! Big pat on the back and hug to you for overcoming a huge fear! My hat (er...helmet) is off to you!

I have heard that a cross wind will whip the rear end of a trike, I don't know how true that is. You'll get moved around some on any bike with a cross wind.

Ride safe, be free!

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