| It doesn’t matter if you’re tall or short, | | | | 600+lb motorcycle, start it and take off confidently. |
| younger or older, if you want to ride your own | | | | I was ready for real street practice, and practice I |
| motorcycle, YOU CAN! I thought I would never | | | | did. I rode every weekend from May to August. |
| have my own ride. I thought I was too short, I | | | | By the end of August I was ready for a road trip. |
| wasn’t strong enough, and I was too old. I | | | | We set off for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Imagine, |
| WAS WRONG. Here’s how I got started. | | | | a brand new rider heading for the back mountain |
| I had been riding behind my husband for probably 20 | | | | roads. What a blast! |
| years off and on, never going anywhere in particular, | | | | I learned a few things on that trip, like how great a |
| and just seeing the country roads on the | | | | group of bikers can be and how much fun it is to |
| weekends. One day it struck me like a bolt out of | | | | just take off. I also learned what I needed to take |
| the blue. I could see a whole lot more if his head | | | | and how to pack my gear. Saddle bags work great |
| wasn’t in the way! I’d has my own bike | | | | on a non-touring model, just slip ‘em under the |
| once before, but I either had to stop at a curb or | | | | seat. For a longer trip, I add a leather backpack |
| have someone taller on the back. What a joke that | | | | style bag that fits over the sissy bar. A tent and |
| was, not to mention dangerous. That was 1984 and | | | | sleeping bag save on room costs, too. Always |
| I never tried to learn again after that fiasco. I just | | | | remember a good leather coat, chaps and gloves |
| thought I was stuck on the back forever. | | | | because sixty degrees in the yard is a lot warmer |
| After my epiphany that day on the country road, I | | | | than sixty degrees at highway speeds. Rain gear |
| bought a 2003 Harley Superglide and just thought I | | | | is a good idea, too. It’s nice to have some |
| could jump on and go. WRONG!! Riding responsibly | | | | tunes on the road as well, so I carry an MP3 player |
| and having a good time takes some preparation. I | | | | and ear buds. A digital camera is a must if you want |
| strongly recommend a motorcycle safety course, | | | | to remember the ride and the great people you met, |
| available around the country, as opposed to learning | | | | and if you just can’t get away from cyberspace, |
| from a friend, and here’s why: | | | | a laptop and Wi-Fi signal detector are really handy. |
| 1. Everyone in the class is a new rider, so nobody | | | | So, ladies, there you have it. If you think |
| laughs. | | | | you’re too short, or too old, or too whatever, |
| 2. The instructors are experts. | | | | remember this; I’m 5’2”, I got my first |
| 3. It’s a huge confidence builder before riding | | | | real motorcycle at 43, and I’m nowhere near |
| with friends or relatives. | | | | ready to quit riding. |
| After I took my safety course I could hold up that | | | | I’m not stuck on the back anymore! |