Tips for riding on the back of a motorcycle

Don’t have your own motorcycle quite yet or prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? Here are some tips on riding 2 up.

Wait to get on and off the motorcycle. Waiting until the driver has a firm standing on the ground will prevent tipping.

Lean with the motorcycle. It’s so natural to want to counteract the turn by leaning the other way, but leaning with the bike will keep it upright.

Let the operator do the driving. It can be tough not to be a back-seat driver, especially if you often ride yourself, however putting faith in the driver is going to be the safest route. It’s important to remember that his view will be much different from yours and it’s his job to be one with the motorcycle.

Do not make any unnecessary noises or movements. Wanting to point out things along the way is a great part of the trip, however, it’s very easy to startle and distract the driver from the road. If possible, wait for a stopping point or come up with a code for communicating.

Don’t ride with an impaired operator. If the rider won’t let you drive, it’s best to find an alternate ride home or convince him to break for the night.

Don’t fall asleep. It’s tempting to be lulled into dreamland, but you will become dead weight which will make the bike unstable, and of course there’s the risk of falling off!

Have any other good tips?

Source: http://www.her-motorcycle.com

Motorcycle Rallies for Women

If you want a rally that has activities designed for women, check out some of these:

May 6, 2011
International Female Ride Day
Location: Anywhere

This is a day to celebrate and highlight the many women who share a passion for motorcycling. The U.S., Canada, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Qatar, Denmark and Russia are just some of the countries that will be participating in the campaign which in endorsed by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Just ride your bike anywhere to participate. You can also join their Facebook group to join the conversation.

May 14, 2011
JUGRZ Womens Motorcycle Conference
Seattle, WA

Just Us Girl RiderZ (JUGRZ) is a conference for Women Bikers who wish to hone their wrenching skills, or to perhaps break into their own mechanic work for the first time. This first time ever-unique event will cover topics from basic repair to custom building.

June 24-25, 2011
Thunder on the Grand at the Springs
Alice Springs Campground, Ionia, MI

This event is all about the ladies this year with a diva bike show and games for ladies. Enjoy bands, tug-a-war, zip line, slippery slide and more. Free primitive camping available and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

July 5-7, 2011
Women on Wheels International Ride-in Rally
San Jose, California

This event in San Jose, California provides a great ride and a chance to renew old friendships, make new ones, and share the unique experiences of the area.

July 5-30, 2011
WIMA (Women’s International Motorcycle Association) International Rally
Cumbria University, England

For members of the Womens International Motorcycle Association, this is a great vacation. With this ride, you’ll get a great view of the coastline and the countryside of England and be close to the Scottish borders.

September 9-11, 2011
6th Annual Women’s Sportbike Rally
Deal’s Gap area of North Carolina/Tennessee (aka The Dragon)

This event was created for the woman sportbiker and rider who wants to enjoy the great scenery and curvy roads of America. The Women’s Sportbike Rally simply brings together those women who are typically just one-of-the-guys to become one-of-the-girls for a weekend.

Various dates
Harley-Davidson Garage Parties
Location: Various Harley-Davidson dealerships

At  this woman-only event, riders get to take test drives, learn about great motorcycle gear and get their personal questions answered by the service department. Great way to talk motorcycles and get free snacks.

Are there any other motorcycle rallies for women? Tell us about them and let us know if you have any feedback on some of these.

Cool Stuff for Biker Chicks

Here’s some cool stuff made just for the ladies.

Rhinestone Head Wraps

Wrap your brain in some bling before you hit the road this spring. Check out the variety of Rhinestone head wraps at RidersHeadWraps.com.

Rain Gear

We’ve all got caught in the rain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ride. Get some good motorycycle rain gear that keeps you dry, warm and keeps your cool gear lookin’ cool.

Heated Apparel

Warm weather riding is right around the corner, but if you want to get out on the road in the cool spring weather, this heated motorcycle gear can keep you warm. Heated items to have on hand include: heated jackets, liners, socks, and pants. Gortex motorcycle boots are also a good choice. Don’t forget the extension cords and adapters to plug your heated items in!

Anti-Vibration Gloves

Here’s another great way to extend the ride, anti-vibration motorcycle gloves. It’s always about making the ride as smooth as possible.

Gear for Gals: One Size Does Not Fit All!

You asked, and designers listened. Now more than ever, the largest selection of women’s textile riding gear in sizes up to 26 is available.

The editors at womenridersnow.com have compiled a comprehensive list of textile jackets and pants in women’s sizes 14 to 26, including tall, with current sizing and prices. Read all the reviews here.

Gel Seat Cushion

We already know stock seats offer a rough ride, but gel cushions can hurt the pocket book. Check out some affordable motorcycle gel seat cushions by Skwoosh.

Gadget Mounts

You always need a good place to hold your stuff. These motorcycle gadget mounts will keep your coffee, iPod, camera, radio and GPS right on hand.

Any other cool motorcycle gadgets for the ladies?

Featured Driver of the Month – March

Check out our Q&A with our Featured Driver of the month for March 2011 – Jim Finney!

What is your route?

I used to be the HaulBikes Northeast driver, but now I deliver all over the country, mostly for our Harley-Davidson dealership deliveries. I also am your Daytona BikeWeek driver!

What’s your favorite place to drive through?

Daytona!! It’s not only where I’m from but it also happens to have my favorite thing to do … Daytona BikeWeek! The best place to be at BikeWeek is Froggy’s on Main Street. There are 700,000 people on Main Street for this event with a 1/2 acre of bikers partying. If you aren’t out there with us this week, make sure to meet us out there next March.

What is the coolest roadside attraction or restaurant you’ve seen?

Captain Kidd’s Seafood in Redondo Beach, California. It’s a seafood market and a restaurant. You just step up and get your seafood at the window. $29 for crablegs and for $3 more they will cook you a dinner. Best seafood in America.

The best truckstop to visit is Iowa 80 – the world’s largest truckstop with over 750 parking spots compared to the usual 50 or so. That place is like a small city with a truck wash, laundromat, hair salon, electronics store, chrome shop, and even an embroidery place that prints up logos on T-shirts.

Want to find out more about Jim?  Has Jim shipped for you? Let us know. Hop on our Facebook page and give our featured driver a note.

Find out more about Jim >>

Thanks so much Jim for going the extra mile!

Want a driver to deliver your “baby”? Visit us at www.haulbikes.com.