and so it begins

It's been a week since I picked up my motorcycle and I've gone through quite a whirlwind of emotions and events.

I've now surpassed the miles my dad put on the bike on the way home, meaning most of the miles are now all mine!

I'm slowly but surely mastering shifting (up is great, down is so-so), braking, hazard avoidance, and having fun! The last part has been the hardest — the more I ride the more frustrated I was becoming with my skills and flub-ups. I went on a ride earlier, however, with what I would consider no real mishaps and enjoyed myself immensely. It's all in learning to pace myself and appreciate the scenery (while still looking a few seconds and several seconds ahead, duh).

Today was my first opportunity to avoid a crash. I've done the same ride now four times and each time I've been incredibly careful throughout the whole ride but one intersection has garnered more of my attention than any other because it's fairly uncontrolled with limited visibility and a lot of idiots. Today I saw someone waiting to turn left, in front of me, and while I didn't have to stop I slowed way down because something told me this person was going to pull right out in front of me — and she did just that! I flipped her off in a fit of rage (sorry grandma!) as she waved at me apologizing profusely. I honestly was more excited I had judged the situation correctly than mad at her making that mistake. It encourages me to know that I'm learning from my experiences what to watch for and making judgement calls accordingly.

Now for some fun stuff. As those who know me will understand buying and sorting out my gear has been one of my favorite parts of becoming a real rider. While I already had the basics from scootering/the motorcycle safety course I have now collected a great set of gear with some surprising items that have made an immediate and immense difference in my riding.

1. My helmet. I've been using an hand-me-down black Arai helmet for the last... who knows how long. It was becoming loose which is not something a helmet should be and my dad was kind enough to give me another extra helmet from their collection. Being that I am a lunatic I bought reflective tape and put my own personal touch on it. Wu Tang Clan comin' atcha.

2. This was huge for me, getting my bike in front of my car and near a latticed parking area to avoid being doored. I don't want to be doored. To say that safety off my bike is as big a concern as when I'm riding it would be about fair. I don't live in the best area and with college students/their drunk friends plowing in and out of our parking lot at break-neck speeds I wanted to ensure my bike is in a fairly protected area where it's difficult to hit. Right now the only people who could possibly hit it are me (hah!) and if someone parks on the left. I purchased a middle-of-the-road u-lock at REI that I'm using a frame/disc lock. I also made myself a lock-out tag that says "DON'T FORGET YA LOCK" on a magnet so I don't, ya know, roll forward and break everything.  I also, of course, have a cover.

 







3. Would it shock you to know they don't make affordable, attractive women's motorcycle gear? Because they don't really. I mean sure if you can afford a Dainese jacket at $500 you can get something sleek and saucy (ahem, Christmas anyone?), but if you're on a budget you're kind of out of luck.

I went with a very reasonably priced leather jacket with some vents. It doesn't have armor, something I will eventually want, but for $170 and without it fitting like I was a linebacker I was thrilled. I also bought myself a turtle fur neck warmer thing, which while hideous does the trick and keeps my chicken neck from getting hives. I also bought myself a 3-pack of earplugs on STRINGS because I lose things, and am forgetful (see: aforementioned lock-out tag). They have already made a great difference in that I don't go deaf from wind or think I hear music all the time because that's kind of creepy and distracting when you know there isn't music playing.

4. The actually most helpful thing has been this Platypus water thing. I can successfully drink while my helmet is on (which looks ridiculous but I do not care) and it's kind of fun so I am more excited about hydrating. It also looks like some sort of IV bag when I lug it around while I'm taking a break. The biggest lesson from my first longer ride (hahaha 20 miles long ride hahah) was I didn't actually put the kickstand down and walk around for a minute in the middle of it so by the end I had crab-claws for hands and was really jumpy. Gotta relax! Gotta enjoy the nice Bellingham summer weather man.

5. The last thing is books my dad sent me about sport riding technique and smooooth riding. Both things I'm trying to work on quite a bit. He even put helpful stickie notes all over them including instructions to wait a week before attempting a stopie — THANKS SO MUCH DAD!





Overall buying gear and figuring out what I need has been a wondrous adventure. I enjoy suiting up and preparing for my ride, filling my weird bladder with water and packing myself a snack and hitting the trail, err road.

I would like to mention, as a fairly small (5'3" size 6ish) female rider it's been hard to find gear that isn't: a) overall too huge, b) clearly cut for a man but smaller, c) uggggly. Granted I've only been in three shops looking for gear and each of them wasn't super large. I understand some shops will have more options than others but in general it has sucked to be faced with choices of white and hot pink everything or too short/too long sleeves and too wide shoulders. If anyone has interest in starting a female-focused gear company with affordable, well-fitting, appropriate stuff you let me know. I would be all over it. #Idon'tlikepink