If you haven't signed up for it, use the link on the left.Click here to see the last GearChic newsletter of 2010.
Happy New Year!
How do you Park your Motorcycle?
Someone recently gave me a wonderful compliment about my ability to maneuver my motorcycle. Being a short stack (as my husband sometimes refers to me) I can't always maneuver my bike in the same way as others. Sometimes you have to work with what you got. And if I limited myself to just what I could maneuver while seated on a motorcycle, I'd probably still be riding a 200lb scooter right now. But why should you be limited to anything? As long as you have the right tools and techniques, it can be done. A 20 point turn to get it straightened up. It doesn't help that my SV has a very limited turning radius. It always feels like a 10 point turn, no matter how big the parking lot is. And then if there's gravel or sand or an uphill grade, that makes things a little more complicated. It's impossible for me to back my bike up any kind of incline. And if I have to back my bike downhill, it can be even harder, as is the case with my garage.
I could practically do this with my eyes closed!
If you've ever driven around San Francisco, you know how the houses are set back from the street a little bit. Although there is a very flat sidewalk right in front of my garage, the garage itself is sloped downwards right where you pull into the garage and then it's still sloped once you get inside. Unfortunately it's not totally flat and can make in and out a little difficult.
When I get home from work, I pull up to the garage and back it in by walking it in since both of my feet barely touch the ground. I can get away with this on a flat surface, but with a downward slope, I'm sure to tip over. So my strategy is to walk it in backwards. I use this technique every time I need to maneuver my bike in and out of a space that it simply too tight or difficult to turn around in.
First, I always try to wear my Daytonas or other riding boots while doing any manuevering. With the added traction beneath my feet, it actually makes it easier for me to push the bike around. It almost feels like I don't have to push as hard to get the bike to move in the direction I need it to. I have more leverage to push the bike where I need to. Oh and a bonus are my framesliders which are right where my knee can push against the bike as well, if need be. They've come in very handy when I have to push my bike up a slight grade a few feet.
Second, I also am very conscious of my front brake and use it oh so lightly. One hard grab and I'm done. I use 2 fingers to manage the front brake so that I don't grab it too hard. Generally I just drag the brakes a little bit as I walk backwards.
Knee is braced against the slider, or up against the bike
Look Ma, No Hands. The bike is resting solely on my hip, so as long as I stay upright, so will the bike!
As you can see we have a funky slope in our garage, it's not flat, but YAY for having a garage to keep the bikes dry and warm
Last Minute Gift Ideas
(For men And women!) Some of these may be a little too last minute, but maybe they'll give you an idea for what to get someone for an upcoming birthday or other special gift giving event.
Motorcycle tees:
Winter riding accessories:
- BODZ Performance Base Layers. These are ideal for people who ride in chilly winter temps. These act as second skin, managing your body temperature, wicking moisture as needed and insulating when it's cold. Its breathable, comfortable and lightweight. The arms and legs are a little longer on purpose, so if you know someone who may have trouble finding baselayers long enough, these will be ideal.
- Fleece neck warmer. Perfect for those chilly rides home late at night.
- Givi T451 Easy Bag BackPack $58 This bag actually holds a full face helmet! Extremely useful, especially if she doesn't have any secure luggage on the bike to store one.
- Kriega Stash Wallet $18 Such a useful looking wallet. Especially if she's a traveler and doesn't like to carry a purse while riding. I may just have to get this little number myself!
- Kriega R15 (waterproof) Backpack $109 This backpack is fully waterproof, and can be combined with a number of Kriega's other rucksacks to make a larger, more flexible pack. It's also fairly small and well suited for a small person under 5'5" due do its size and compact fit.
IMS San Mateo 2011
This is going to be an amazing show! Finally being in / near my hometown is awesome. I live in San Francisco but I was born just 2.5 miles north of San Mateo. And of course, we all know how kickass it is to live and ride in the Bay Area. Also, the women's center last year was referred to as well, the women's center. But this year, it's called "WE RIDE". Trust me, you don't want to know what the alternatives were.
Here are a couple of updates about the show:
Elena Meyers
On May 15, 2010 at age 16, Elena Myers became the FIRST woman to win an AMA Pro Racing professional motorcycle road race, at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.
She's an inspiration to women riders everywhere. She's going to be at the show THIS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20 AT 2:30PM at the We Ride (women's center) area answering all of our geeky motorcycle questions, signing autographs and taking pictures. You KNOW you want to meet her!
GEAR SEMINARS
Second, I'm going to be talking my ass off this weekend. I'll be giving my 'Gear For Your Ride' seminar (covering all my shopping tips) for everyone who needs a little help when it comes to shopping for technical gear including how to tell if it fits, body armor placement and more. So come see me.
Here's my schedule:
Friday Nov 19: 6pm The Hub
Saturday 20: 12:30 We Ride 1:00 The Hub 4:00 The Hub
Sunday Nov 21 11:00 The Hub 12:30 We Ride
