Women Riders Speak is an interview series with female motorcyclists which appears every Monday. Through their stories, they illustrate the transformative role motorcycling has played in their life. In this interview, Kim Harrington of Toronto,Ontario, reflects on her experience as a rider.  

What prompted you to get into motorcycling?  

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the strong desire to ride. I am a single parent and that role been my primary focus for most of my life. It was only later in life I was able to take time for myself to nurture life long passions. Riding was one of them.

I didn’t get the opportunity to pursue this sport until my 40’s.  I’ve been riding a few years now.

What was your biggest challenge when you were learning to ride?

Getting into riding on my own initially seemed overwhelming. The Humber rider course taught me the fundamentals, but I found myself questioning my abilities and my choice of bike {Kawasaki Vulcan 500}.  Initially, my riding experience, although exhilarating, was slightly anxiety provoking. I was on a bike I wasn’t overly comfortable with and wasn’t sure if it was the bike or my ability.  I believe it was a bit of both and I changed from the cruiser, to a sport bike, {Buell Blast}.  I found myself hitting the road more frequently with a new sense of confidence and enjoyment. With the experience I’ve gained thus far, I’m ready to move to a third bike to suit my growing desire to travel.

Where have you travelled on your motorcycle?

So far, I’m a day-tripper exploring the country roads North West of Toronto.  I’m planning on riding across Canada in 2012.

What impresses you most about another woman rider?

Their inner strength, confidence and skill.

What is your greatest joy from riding?

Embracing the profound feelings I experience from the second I sit on it.   There is nothing I can liken to the thrill of traveling down an open road on my bike. The independence, strength, peace, and control.  I try to live my life in the moment. On my bike, this is an absolute. I'm very mindful of the ride and am fully aware of my surroundings; the smells, the temperature changes and the grounded feeling I have with the bike.  Thoughts of past and future don't exist. Only the present, only the ride. It is a very satisfying and peaceful state of being and it lasts long after the bike is parked.

How do you look back on yourself as a beginner rider now?

Looking back, I doubted my ability. Over time, I’ve taken myself out on the roads and increased my ride time to a point where I can now confidently spend the whole day on the bike. Even at the beginning, I felt great excitement and pride in myself for getting into the sport. I still feel that way.

Women Riders Speak is an interview series with female motorcyclists which appears every Monday. Through their stories, they illustrate the transformative role motorcycling has played in their life. In this first interview, Bridget Greer, from Burlington,Ontario, reflects on her experience as a rider. If you are interested in sharing your story, email Liz.

What prompted you to get into motorcycling?

I first started buzzing around cottage roads on a variety of mini or dirt bikes during the summer of ’68 or ’69. We rode in bathing suits and wrapped a piece of cloth around the shifter so it didn’t dig into our bare feet. In the evenings we sat around the campfire and picked the gravel out of our knees, and sprayed on some Bactine so we would be good to go the next day. The old photo is from the summer of ’72. At least we graduated to wearing pants and shoes, but still no helmets!

Changing circumstances and priorities in my late teens led to a hiatus in riding which came to an end thanks to my son. At 16, he went toParison an exchange and fell in love with the Vespa scooter. After working and saving madly all summer, he bought himself an ’85 200cc retired Italian Postal Service Vespa. He was just having way too much fun, and both my husband and I got the bug to get back into riding.

We now own a variety of BMW’s, including two classic 70’s bikes, and three dual-sports. Most days I ride a 2002 F650GS, but I also ride a two-stroke Vespa scooter on occasion. It’s very stylish!

What was your biggest challenge when you were learning to ride?

Learning to deal with traffic. Riding on the road is very different from being on private dirt roads and properties. I took the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) rider’s course to relearn how to ride, and to drop some bad habits. Once I got back in the groove, I was comfortable on the road quite quickly.

I’m a very focused rider and that carries over to driving too. I’ve avoided some serious rear-enders in my car because I’m constantly checking mirrors.

Where have you travelled on your motorcycle?

I commute on my bike for about 10 months of the year. Otherwise, I’ve been west to Wyoming, the entire east coast from Meat Cove,Cape Breton to Florida, primarily riding dual sports. I like to play in the dirt too.

Although I ride in groups to rallies and events on occasion, most of my traveling is just with my husband, and our son joining us on occasion. I like riding on my own and keeping my own time and schedule and groups can be too much work. It’s fun to go out and get lost somewhere.

The next step is to ship a bike to Europe. My son works and studies there, so it would be ideal for him to use it and then I could pick it up to tour on when I visit.

What impresses you most about another woman rider?

I love the courage than some women have to quit their jobs, sell everything, and travel the country, continent or world until they run out of funds. I keep telling my kids not to plan to come home after I retire, because there won’t be a home to come to. I’m buying a good tent and leaving! I also love the spunk of the senior riders who keep on riding well into their 80’s. That’s something I aspire to.

What is your greatest joy from riding?

Riding is very cathartic. I can totally let go of everything in my mind and just focus on the ride. All of the daily troubles disappear. I “see” so much more too, like a caterpillar trying to cross the road; things you would miss in a car.

How do you look back on yourself as a beginner rider now?

All the gear, all the time! I shudder to think how we made it through back then!

Finding the right mechanic can be a challenge.   You don't want to had your bike over to just anyone.  Over and above the value you receive for your money, you need to be confident that your safety is not jeopardized.  Look for a mechanic before you actually need one.   Start with something simple to get to know him/her, e.g. an oil change.   Here are more recommendations:

1. Remember that at some point you will almost certainly need to leave your bike so make sure that the location is convenient and secure.
2. Get credible information on the service level.  Make sure you understand their Customer Satisfaction Policy.  Word of mouth can be good - ask other riders about their experience.  Use advice from forums cautiously;   you don’t know who you’re talking to and some people can sound very good and be very inaccurate. 
3. Base your decision on the complete service package rather than on price alone. Cheaper service doesn’t always mean better service.
4. Visit the shop.  Look for proof of certification and licenses.  The shop and maintenance bays should be neat and organized and carry up-to-date equipment that can accurately diagnose your bike.
5. Ask for references from previous customers; ask customers that are already in the shop.   Be objective.
6. Ask what types of parts  they use when repairing your bike and if they are brand name, used or refurbished.
7. Talk to the service representative.  Look for staff that are helpful, courteous and explain the procedure in a manner that you understand.
8. Inspect the bike before paying the bill. Take a test drive to see that all is working well.
9. Since most repair shops highly value customer satisfaction, give them objective and constructive feedback.   Let them know what excelled about their service and what opportunities there are for improvement.

Bonus:   Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events offers DIY Maintenance courses where you can ride in and learn on your own bike – including oil changes.  These are extremely cost effective and even if you decide not to do the service yourself, you can save valuable time and money by knowing what to look for and catching potential problems before they become debilitating – for you or your bike!

Melissa Holbrook Pierson is a pioneer and role model for women - and men - riders.   Her book The Perfect Vehicle, published in 1997, brilliantly,pragmatically and beautifully articulated the allure of the motorcycle.  If you haven't yet read it, you owe it to yourself to do so.

Her blog Girls on Motorcycles provides an eloquent snapshot of her perspective.  

Thank you Melissa.

Every ride is an adventure. We just don’t know what the nature of that adventure will be. While being broken down in the middle of nowhere can add excitement and intrigue, it can also be annoying and dangerous. The Boy Scout’s motto: “Be Prepared” is always a good adage to follow.

Even the smallest bikes have a few nooks and crannies to store essentials. All bikes come with a spartan tool kit. They’ll get you by in a pinch but it’s good to carry a few extras. These items don’t take a lot of space and you can usually find enough under the seat or behind a side panel. In addition to having your owner’s manual is on board, here are the top ten others.

1. Multi-headed screwdriver
2. LED Flashlight
3. Motorcycle jumper cables
4. Assorted allen keys
5. Assorted box and crescent wrenches
6. Fuel line or siphoning hose
7. Versatool
8. Fasteners - tie-wraps, electrical tape, duct tape
9. Spare fuses
10. Replacement brake light and headlights

BONUS: It’s a good idea to carry an affinity card – like AAA/CAA Plus, AMA -- that will cover you and your bike for emergency towing.

Beyond carrying these tools and your manual, it’s a good idea to know how to use them and be familiar with your bike’s basic maintenance requirements. Taking Maintenance 101 builds confidence, awareness and independence. It increases safety, motorcycle performance and longevity. It reduces costs.

Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events is offering their final DIY Maintenance Workshop for 2011 on September 10th. Learn the basics on your own bike and be prepared when the unexpected occurs.   Details and Registration.