Last Day of 2006

Let me first start by wishing you a happy and healthy 2007. This the last day of 2006, the first time I’ve celebrated the turning of the New Year in Canada since 1989. Where’s the snow? Waiting…waiting…Toronto is having one of its' warmest winter seasons ever—as are most winter climate countries. Motorcyclists have saved on winter storage fees as the unseasonable warm weather continues to allow December riding. I recall during years past we all competed to see who would be the brave one and endure the cold as the latest rider of the year usually that was in the month of October! This season many had the pleasure of a ride even on the day before Christmas--sunny, bright, warm dry--the 24th of December!

So the New Year awaits and for me the new Ducati 1098S --anticipating that experience! Then they'll be track days, training weekends, workshops and the MOTORESS Natinal Female Ride day. Yet before spring arrives I remain hopeful for some ice racing --when the temperatures change. Now off for some ice-skating on this sunny last 2006 day.

Green Christmas

Last night I was the fortunate guest of Robert Calwell, Kawasaki's district sales manager and my long time motorcycle friend for Canadian Kawasaki Motors Christmas party --what fun it was!

The “green team” not only celebrated camaraderie and the seasons cheer but their 2 Canadian championship titles where Jordan Szoke brought them first place winnings for the year in two classes! Jordan continues with Kawa in 2007 riding to defend his championship(s) --supported by the great team that assisted him in getting there. Should be another fun year.

Kawasaki’s humble group portray a real sense of family --I met people who’d been working with the company for over 20 years! Always a good sign. Their original and successful slogan still used today—“let the good times roll” was the final word of the new president as the party kicked off.

During the night I had the chance to ask Jordan about ice racing, as since my return to Canada, I'm determined to give it a go. Jordan’s been doing it for 22 years! Right next door on his own pond. So as soon as the temperature changes—nearer to the freezing point, Bob and I are invited to try it out—coaching tips by Jordan. He says we can wear usual bike gear but layers of ‘thermal underwear’ are a good idea. He’s got some special experiences in that regard—yeah, inside joke you ask him next time you see him.

Toronto Motorcycle Show

The Toronto Motorcycle show last week was my first in Canada. As a booth (stand) holder, as MOTORESS and as celebrity guest--European racer. Had the advantage to meet some fantastic people. The best part for me was most assuredly conversing with future and current female riders. No it wasn’t sharing the stage with Charley Boorman (no idea who he is-of course I know now. Actually happy I didn’t have any idea, helped me see him as he is) doesn’t even come close. So much excitement in the words of these riders’ and pride for their individual accomplishments and goals! One female particular, a mom visiting the show with her 4 year old son. Her motive to view and sit on some bikes to get an idea of which one would be her future motorcycle—she planned to take the rider training course this spring. A career woman, wife and mom around 30 years young who told me this dream, the dream of riding and owning a motorcycle has been with her all her life and was now getting close to realizing it. We discussed the various things to consider when a new first time rider buys a bike—and she informed me that the sales guys were not too patient with her concerns and even spoke to her in a condescending manner –being female, being new.

Shame on those sales men! Anyway, we chatted, she showed me a picture of the cruiser she thought was “the one” and I provided good logic and things to consider. Don’t invest too much money as your riding style preferences might change after you get out there—a 2nd hand bike as a first bike is a good thing. Additionally, buy small (cc size)—most new riders make the mistake of buying far beyond their skills, thinking they’ll work up to it . This in fact usually fails and will only make you frustrated and worse case totally turned off from riding. I know many a male who’ve made the same mistake. Big super bikes they seldom ride, parked in a garage, yet profess to own—hmm, maybe that’s the deal--saying you own one is impressive enough? No, the idea is to grow skills and have years ahead of thrills and riding adventure. Okay, you might be saying yeah heard it before—why are new riders still making this very mistake then? Sales personnel? Even in racing it was so difficult to guide new racers to the sport—they’d often quit after first season if they weren’t on the podium—frustrated and too much challenge for their egos.

Every sport or activity has it grace-of-learning period—some longer than others--steps and stages to becoming better and good. There’ll always be other bikes to trade up to or try—hopefully in the beginning we can find sincere good advise from those who want our first experiences to be the best—and lasting.

Clothes + Education

Here’s a great one regarding females —“less clothes, less education”.
Reading a piece of writing the other day where Ms. Tanya Haithcock a black female motorcycle rider contributing to the articles topic regarding black motorcycle clubs and culture, I believe in Chicago--stated this good observation. The article explored the culture and “stunnin” by way of a black stunt riders club or “stunna’s” as they’re known (on ONE Wheel Boyz) who promote safe riding-- even though it's a stunt club.

Tanya shared views regarding the black rider community and also how things have moved ahead for females—positive change. She mentioned usually females ride on the back but have now taken to riding their own set of wheels resulting in them having more control and respect (I agree the respect factor is such a tough one to gain). Yet she mentioned that the female groupies of the motorcycle “stunna’s” –half clothed young ladies who pretty much offer their bodies for the chance to be seen on the back of (or sleep with) one the group’s top riders are not helping.

Tanya said this causes a 100 year set back for [black] women and female development –totally agree, in fact I relate as a white female. And then the article mentioned one of Tanya’s measurements regarding these groupies and others — “the less clothes the less education” —not a bad association. And being on a motorcycle, rider or passenger without the right gear-- Gump said it best “stupid is as stupid does”.