The Best Advise Ever Given

by Marty Flowers
(Interior of Alaska)

I rode bikes as a kid, mostly dirt bikes, but gave them up when I was 13. As a young married woman I dreamed of having my own bike but waited in order to raise the family. This is probably a very familiar theme for women! Once the kids were grown and I could finally feel comfortable parting with the cash, I bought an HD Sporty (XL1200C) in 2008. I am in love with the freedom of the ride, the camaraderie of like minded people, and the fact that nothing matters once you hit the pavement. The problems of the day, the jerk at work, and the disagreement with the spouse, all disappear as you accelerate through the gears, your mind and body in tune with the sound and feel of the engine and the road. That said, the one piece of advice that I would have to offer a beginning rider, or even an experienced one, is NEVER RIDE BEYOND YOUR SKILL LEVEL! IT IS NOT A COMPETITION! Too many accidents happen because of riders not paying attention to the changes in the road surface, and upcoming twists and turns not to mention other traffic. Riding in a group is so much fun, not to mention safer for a woman rider and a beginner. But keep in mind that as an experienced rider who has ridden the local roads, I know where the pot holes are, where the turns are, how sharp and long they are, I know where the dogs are that come out to greet me. Keep that in mind and let someone familiar with the road lead the way, if you need to go a little slower to feel in control...GO A LITTLE SLOWER! We'll adjust and not leave anyone behind. Live to ride and ride to live, there's nothing like it!