With warmer days and everyone being cooped up because of the COVID-19 pandemic it is normal to be excited to get out on the open road.
But don’t forget to use caution and be alert.
Both motorcyclists and motorists need to be aware of their surroundings. Checking blind spots, mirrors and using turn signals are necessary when changing lanes and when passing. Distracted driving has been on the rise the last few years. Being distracted for a few seconds can be the difference of seeing a motorcyclist or not. Don’t let that text message change your life forever!
Riders need to take precautions too, freshen up on your riding skills with a driving course or just practice emergency stopping or figure eights in an empty parking lot. Don’t forget to gear up from head to too, helmet (that fits properly), gloves, Leather/textile jacket, motorcycle pants, and boots.
Don’t trust that the drivers of the other vehicle see you, inattentional blindness, or a person’s failure to notice an unexpected object located in plain sight, the most common type of collision involving motorcycles.
Always have your bike is good riding condition (pre-season checklist) and look out for road hazards such as dirt and potholes.
Both motorists and motorcyclist should recognize driving hazards at all time, be safe and have fun.
When I started riding I didn’t know any women who rode motorcycles, I didn’t have anyone to talk about my concerns or fears or just ask general questions. I started scowering the internet for information, at first it was for different kinds of bikes and gear. After I bought my bike in the winter I was more concerned about my riding skills because I didn’t get to practice after getting my license. I was looking for information about how to ride, what to do as a new rider, riding in wet weather, riding in windy conditions. I was also looking for a connection with other riders like me, Women.
Behind every successful women is herself
Women’s Riders Now/Genevieve Schmitt
The first website I discovered was Women’s Riders Now started by Genevieve Schmitt in 2006. She created WRN as an online source from the female point of view, which was lacking in the motorcycle industry at the time. She is a great spokesperson for the sport. I found the sections for Beginners guide and the safety tips full of useful information. Articles like – Where do I start? What’s it going to cost? Choosing a first motorcycle and Safety. After reviewing the site for this article I still feel it is the best site for beginners. There is tons of information, I knew that I would be on their website a lot.
WRN’s Top 10 Things to Expect for Beginners
You’re going to drop the bike at least once.
You’re going to be nervous for a while.
You’re going to get frustrated.
You’re going to hear “crash” stories from non-riders, whether you like it or not.
You’re going to get advice from others, whether you want it or not.
You’re going to realize at some point that you’re not wearing properly fitting gear (sunglasses that make your eyes water, gloves that are too bulky, etc.).
You’re going to struggle with how to manage a new hairstyle called “helmet hair.”
You’re going to spill gasoline all over the tank at least once.
You’re going to realize riding your own motorcycle is cooler than you ever imagined.
You’re going to find yourself smiling a lot more.
Motoress/Vicki Gray
First Worldwide Women’s Motorcycle Magazine and Community started in 1998, I wasn’t even on the internet then. It started as Racegirl Motorsport in Europe aimed to encourage women in motorsport around the world. After the explosive growth of Racegirl founder Vicki Gray, created a new brand in 2005 Motoress to cover all areas of Motorcycles for women around the world. Vicki Gray is a globally recognized motorcycling instructor, road racer and motorcycling advocate.
She also founded International Female Ride Day May 4, 2007 in Toronto, ON, which is now recognized world wide. “JustRide” promotes and highlights women riders while making a positive difference for women in motorcycling everywhere. Every woman riding on IFRD is a role model for the diverse, unique and common passion women share for motorcycling.
The website has everything you could imagine about riding techniques, just starting out, gear and safety. “Our Story” features in inspiring articles about women and motorcycles from all walks of life.
I follow @Motoress on Instagram and Vicki always amazes me with how much she has accomplished in the motorcycle world, can’t wait to see what will be next.
As we get older we tend to look back and think about what we wanted to do when we grew up. Like most of us I had a lot of expectations; a nice house, a good job, family, and travel. I have meet some of these goals, I have a great husband and daughter. I haven’t achieved as much as I thought I would otherwise, part of the problem is that I never knew how I would achieve these things in life. Looking back I didn’t have any guidance and just winged it. When I went to school I imagined that I would be a successful business women, I took accounting in college and went out in the job force. I started working for small companies with small salaries, barely making above minimum wage for old cheap bosses. After a 6 years of working for a couple of different companies I decided that I didn’t want to be an accountant and went in a different direction. I am grateful for my job now, but I work too many hours and is not very fulfilling. I have always dreamt of having a business of some sort, such as; a highland dancing school, a restaurant/bar, motorcycle repair shop/coffee shop (still might do that). So when I saw the opportunity I jumped at it. Just like my life, no plan, I am making this up as I go.
So that is how I decided that I was going to start an online business, website and blog.
My first business logo – created by Andrew Kilpatrick
Last week we teamed up with Explo Pinstriping & Kustom Art, Andrea “Explo” Sabatini is an Italian pinstriper. He does beautiful work but he is based in Italy, great for him but difficult for us over here in Canada. To make it easier you can order through usto get beautiful mini helmets made to order. They are one of kind….. have a look for yourself on my page.
**On Monday July 6th, 2020 we are happy to announce that we have the latest and greatest for Helmet hair.**
All the way from Australia! HighTail Hair protector!!
This is another great example of a product that women in Canada would love to get but is too expensive after shipping and duties. So we now have limited stock, be the first to order one for you.
What an exciting month it has been, looking forward to some great summer riding.
Ride safe, look great
Tracy at Black Sunshine Moto
(Let us know if that are any items that you see out on the great wide internet that might be something we should carry.)
Well we made it, spring time. I can’t wait to jump on my bike and take if for a quick spin. But don’t forget to inspect your bike thoroughly before hitting the roads. There isn’t a worse feeling than when you are riding and all sudden I remember that I haven’t checked the tire pressure and start thinking something might be wrong with my bike.
So here is a list of things you can do. This is by no means a complete list, but it covers a lot. I did a lot of this in the fall but somethings are worth checking twice.
Walk Around
Look for leaks (I find it difficult to hand tightened my oil filter, it tends to leak a bit)
Check horn and lights
Paperwork, where did I put the new insurance?
Adjust mirrors or anything that might have been moved while getting your bike out of storage.
Battery
Check voltage – min 12.5v fully charged
Check battery age – 5 yrs. max
Clean terminals & re-apply dialectic grease
Check fuses and have a stash on hand
Tires & Wheels (make the bike go around)
Check tire tread depth
Check tire age
Check tire condition (dry rot/cracks)
Check tire pressure
Drive
Clean & Lubricate chain
Inspect sprockets/chain for wear or belt/pulley
Adjust belt/chain tension
Brakes
Check pads for remaining thickness
Inspect rotors for scoring, wearing
Inspect brake line hose for signs of wear
Replace brake fluid every 2 yrs. or if discolored
Fluids
Replace coolant every 2 years or if discolored
Check oil/filter as recommended (change if you didn’t in the fall)
Filters
Inspect air filter
Inspect fuel filters
Controls
Lubricate control cables
Adjust cable for free play
Now just add fresh fuel and go for a ride!!
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