As I continue advising women on the many aspects of motorcycles, my sincere aspiration is to reach all riders of all walks of life. Though my primary goal is to help female riders avoid the pitfalls I have learned the hard way (or witnessed others learning), I would like to share my stories in hopes that any rider may gain insight and a laugh or two. Before I forget, I'd like to add a few more pointers that I previously overlooked.

4. Learn how to ride from the professionals. Many riding courses provide motorcycles versus requiring new (and very inexperienced) riders to bring a bike with them. Riding courses are closed areas not exposed to traffic, and hence much safer for everyone. Plus, typically you receive a certificate of completion to aid in acquiring your motorcycle endorsement  (many states require this to obtain your license). Your friends may know how to ride (maybe even better than those "instructors") but they won't be happy when your wreck their bike learning. The riding school is also the place where you ask questions!! My friend just spent $700 replacing her motor because she was not shifting properly and blew up her engine. No one told her (though many riders saw her not shifting early enough) and she did not take a course, how to ride---or her "friend" who taught her how to ride, was not as knowledgeable as he thought.
5. Your first aftermarket purchase --frame sliders. Frame sliders protect your motorcycle frame. In the case where I dropped my bike, at a standstill, the frame sliders saved me from having to spend hundreds of dollars repainting my fairings. Frame sliders are a cheap investment that will pay themselves off the first time you drop your bike with them on. Now, these may also protect your bike when you crash going down the highway, but when your bike is flipping end over end (or down the side of a cliff -- which I've seen in Arizona) just be thankful you survive and you can count on your bike being totaled anyways.
6. Always ALWAYS !! wear a helmet, gloves, and jacket. This should have been my first piece of advice, but to prove a point it is something many experienced riders seems to take for granted. Even in the middle of the Arizona summers, protective gear is a must. Though I have almost passed out from the heat many times (even at night it is still over 100 degrees), I ensure these items are never left at home. I could state the obvious reasons to wear all of these things, but seeing many road rashes, losing 11 friends in 6 months to crashes, and being run off the road by many vehicles has provided me constant reminders of how important protective gear is.

I am not a mechanic, nor do I work on my own motorcycle, but I do know my limits. I am not afraid to ask questions, nor be at the rear of the pack of riders. I am simply a passionate rider who wants to spend the rest of my life on two wheels. There are many bikes to be ridden, many highways and curves to be conquered, but it all starts with your first ride.
There are well known phrases in the biker community. "Live Hard. Ride Free." or  "Live to Ride, Ride to Live." and many others about Harley's and sport bikes. But, most importantly, no matter who you may meet on the road, everyone shares that same passion.

Till next time..."Take your time, Ride your Ride."

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Motorcycle Advice for Women (and Men)

Motorcycle Advice for Women (and Men) part 2.

Motorcycle Advice for Women (and Men) part 3

Motorcycle Advice for Women (and Men) part 4

Motorcycle Advice for Women (and Men) part 5