Motorcycles and motorcyclists

CherylNYC · 06-30-2013, 06:14 PM

I just woke up from my post celebratory nap. LGBT Pride in NYC was very special today, indeed. Everyone was feeling triumphant about the recent SCOTUS decision on DOMA, and it didn't even rain on our parade. Well, not much, anyway. We led the way on our motorcycles, just as we have for the last 26 years. I wore something spangly and fabulous, including opalescent lavender pink sandals with 4" stiletto heels. Yes, I can ride in them, and they posed no impediment to me standing up on the pegs and waving madly at the happy crowds with my free hand most of the way down the Parade route, as usual.

We had fewer bikes this time, probably due to threats of thunderstorms. As we've done for the last five years, the Sirens sponsored food and drinks for all the riders. A member of our club recently started a food truck business, so we were lucky to have Hot Dog Donna catering our post-Pride ride lunch.

I've heard it said for years that the motorcycle contingent leading the way down 5th Ave. is one of the best things about the Pride Parade. Many women spectators tell us that we're by far their favourite part. The crowd certainly goes wild when they see us. I can't adequately describe the feeling of euphoria. The other riders are equally unable to say why it's always so very special for us.

If you're anywhere near NYC on the last Sunday in June next year I encourage you to join us. The Sirens Women's Motorcycle Club organises the motorcycle contingent which is open to all riders of all genders and all orientations.

Now that I'm recharged and refreshed I'm going to put on some slightly more sensible clothes and ride back out to see our special Pride fireworks display over the Hudson.

Parker · 06-30-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CherylNYC

I've heard it said for years that the motorcycle contingent leading the way down 5th Ave. is one of the best things about the Pride Parade. Many women spectators tell us that we're by far their favourite part. The crowd certainly goes wild when they see us. I can't adequately describe the feeling of euphoria. The other riders are equally unable to say why it's always so very special for us.

I missed it so much this year - it was bittersweet to see friends at Seattle Pride posting pics of the Dykes on Bikes - I was happy to see the pics, but sad that I wasnt there this year.

There is nothing like it for me - all of the screaming and cheers, all of the love ... it's a fantastic feeling.

CherylNYC · 12-01-2013, 07:18 PM

The Motorcycle Show is coming to NYC early this year, Dec. 13th-15th. We all missed the women's booth terribly last year, so we were really happy to hear that the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation hooked up with several other groups including the AMA, WIMA, the Motor Maids, and Women In The Wind to form the Women's Coalition of Motorcyclists. They'll have a booth at the NYC show this year! Many of the NYC Sirens plan to volounteer at the booth. Is anyone else planning to come to the show?

On a selfish, personal note, I just took myself out to Harbor Freight and bought myself the foldable motorcycle trailer I've been wanting. The Trailer In A Bag which I've been over-using for several years doesn't even belong to me, and it went under 5' of salt water during Hurricane Sandy. I've been using it all season anyway, but even I have been nervously concerned about safety lately. My new trailer needs assembly, and I'll feel better if I stiffen up some of the less robust parts, but it was on sale for less than $300!!!!! Yay. I think I like buying myself presents.

Virago · 12-02-2013, 01:24 AM

The Long Beach, Ca Motorcycle show is this weekend, Dec 6, 7, 8. I will be there all weekend, talking with people regarding The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and its Basic Rider Course. Come say hi! I should be with the California Highway Patrol booth on Friday night and with the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation coalition for the rest of the Weekend.

Wish I could come to the NY show too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CherylNYC

The Motorcycle Show is coming to NYC early this year, Dec. 13th-15th. We all missed the women's booth terribly last year, so we were really happy to hear that the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation hooked up with several other groups including the AMA, WIMA, the Motor Maids, and Women In The Wind to form the Women's Coalition of Motorcyclists. They'll have a booth at the NYC show this year! Many of the NYC Sirens plan to volounteer at the booth. Is anyone else planning to come to the show?

On a selfish, personal note, I just took myself out to Harbor Freight and bought myself the foldable motorcycle trailer I've been wanting. The Trailer In A Bag which I've been over-using for several years doesn't even belong to me, and it went under 5' of salt water during Hurricane Sandy. I've been using it all season anyway, but even I have been nervously concerned about safety lately. My new trailer needs assembly, and I'll feel better if I stiffen up some of the less robust parts, but it was on sale for less than $300!!!!! Yay. I think I like buying myself presents.

CherylNYC · 12-16-2013, 04:18 PM

The motorcycle show was seriously under-attended in NYC this year. The weather was dreadful enough to keep many of the usual attendees home, and the early date discouraged some of the usual vendors. It was still fabulous, and it was great to catch up with the riders I only get to see once a year at this event. I bought myself a Condor wheel chock for my not-yet-assembled trailer, plus a few other goodies. I can't wait to get my fabulous new trailer on the road.

A beautiful femme friend who is a really new rider, and who currently owns a bike that's not at all appropriate or comfortable for her, came to sit on bikes. I spent some quality time with her looking at all the new models. I knew I liked her! She has great taste in bikes. She liked all the cool ones that were totally appropriate, and hated all the excessive bikes that were 'all show and no go'. I probably shouldn't admit this, but we bought matching lambskin corsets at one of the cheap leather booths, too.

Virago · 12-16-2013, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CherylNYC

The motorcycle show was seriously under-attended in NYC this year. The weather was dreadful enough to keep many of the usual attendees home, and the early date discouraged some of the usual vendors. It was still fabulous, and it was great to catch up with the riders I only get to see once a year at this event. I bought myself a Condor wheel chock for my not-yet-assembled trailer, plus a few other goodies. I can't wait to get my fabulous new trailer on the road.

A beautiful femme friend who is a really new rider, and who currently owns a bike that's not at all appropriate or comfortable for her, came to sit on bikes. I spent some quality time with her looking at all the new models. I knew I liked her! She has great taste in bikes. She liked all the cool ones that were totally appropriate, and hated all the excessive bikes that were 'all show and no go'. I probably shouldn't admit this, but we bought matching lambskin corsets at one of the cheap leather booths, too.

Cheryl, that's wonderful that you helped her understand the importance of finding the right fitting motorcycle. Hopefully at SOME point I can get back there and we can all ride together!

CherylNYC · 12-16-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virago

Cheryl, that's wonderful that you helped her understand the importance of finding the right fitting motorcycle. Hopefully at SOME point I can get back there and we can all ride together!

Name the time. Except if your visit falls between Jan. 10th and Feb 9th. I'm taking an epic riding vacation in New Zealand and Australia! I'm not planning much except that I'm landing in Aukland and renting an RF900 so I can ride around aimlessly looking for trouble. Then I fly to Melbourne on Jan 30th and pick up a borrowed ZZR600. Luckily for me, I'll be in Melbourne for their Pride celebration. Hopefully I'll be allowed to ride in the parade with the Melbourne Dykes On Bikes, and then I'll ride around some more in Australia. It's going to be epic, and I'll come home flat broke but happy.

I'll be happy to hear from anyone with advice on interesting places or events in NZ and/or Australia!

Cole610 · 05-06-2016, 02:52 AM

Well we just had the warmest April on record, here in Vancouver BC.
Made for some great early season riding. I currently ride a Kawasaki Ninja 650. Its a fun bike and one of the more comfortable bikes Ive had.

SmoothButch · 05-08-2016, 05:56 PM

85 mile ride locally today.

CherylNYC · 07-16-2016, 07:03 PM

Monday will be my 5th track day on my new-to-me dream bike. I'll be venturing outside the comfort of my home group which holds most of their track days at an older, inferior track. It's also a six hour drive from my house. The far better, far newer track is only four and a half hours away, but my home group is so cool that it's totally worth the extra miles. Nobody ever says stupid stuff about women riding at the track, and the aggression level is quite pleasantly low. Every time I take a track day with a different group at the beautiful, new, and relatively close track, and I mean EVERY single time, with every single group, the attendees are overwhelmingly stupid and cursed with testosterone poisoning. They make idiotic comments about gender in general and my gender in particular. They're in some sort of primal competition at all times, and they're just plain irritating to be around. Not to mention that it's not particularly safe to be out on the track with men who are so desperately afraid of a GRRRRRRLLL passing them that they do really stupid stuff when I zip by. I hope this turns out well.

CherylNYC · 07-20-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CherylNYC

Monday will be my 5th track day on my new-to-me dream bike. I'll be venturing outside the comfort of my home group which holds most of their track days at an older, inferior track. It's also a six hour drive from my house. The far better, far newer track is only four and a half hours away, but my home group is so cool that it's totally worth the extra miles. Nobody ever says stupid stuff about women riding at the track, and the aggression level is quite pleasantly low. Every time I take a track day with a different group at the beautiful, new, and relatively close track, and I mean EVERY single time, with every single group, the attendees are overwhelmingly stupid and cursed with testosterone poisoning. They make idiotic comments about gender in general and my gender in particular. They're in some sort of primal competition at all times, and they're just plain irritating to be around. Not to mention that it's not particularly safe to be out on the track with men who are so desperately afraid of a GRRRRRRLLL passing them that they do really stupid stuff when I zip by. I hope this turns out well.

It was fantastic! Idiot quotient was set on low. Very low. Yay! There were at least 6 other women in attendance. I would go back to another track day with the new group in a heartbeat. YAY!!!!!

SmoothButch · 05-16-2017, 04:53 PM

Took Old Girl up to get gas for the first time this riding season. Thursday I'm getting my saddlebags put on.

06-30-2013, 06:14 PM	#1
CherylNYC Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme lesbian Preferred Pronoun?: I'm a woman. Behave accordingly. Relationship Status: Single, not looking. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1,467 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,474 Thanked 7,107 Times in 1,204 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	I just woke up from my post celebratory nap. LGBT Pride in NYC was very special today, indeed. Everyone was feeling triumphant about the recent SCOTUS decision on DOMA, and it didn't even rain on our parade. Well, not much, anyway. We led the way on our motorcycles, just as we have for the last 26 years. I wore something spangly and fabulous, including opalescent lavender pink sandals with 4" stiletto heels. Yes, I can ride in them, and they posed no impediment to me standing up on the pegs and waving madly at the happy crowds with my free hand most of the way down the Parade route, as usual. We had fewer bikes this time, probably due to threats of thunderstorms. As we've done for the last five years, the Sirens sponsored food and drinks for all the riders. A member of our club recently started a food truck business, so we were lucky to have Hot Dog Donna catering our post-Pride ride lunch. I've heard it said for years that the motorcycle contingent leading the way down 5th Ave. is one of the best things about the Pride Parade. Many women spectators tell us that we're by far their favourite part. The crowd certainly goes wild when they see us. I can't adequately describe the feeling of euphoria. The other riders are equally unable to say why it's always so very special for us. If you're anywhere near NYC on the last Sunday in June next year I encourage you to join us. The Sirens Women's Motorcycle Club organises the motorcycle contingent which is open to all riders of all genders and all orientations. Now that I'm recharged and refreshed I'm going to put on some slightly more sensible clothes and ride back out to see our special Pride fireworks display over the Hudson. __________________ Cheryl

12-01-2013, 07:18 PM	#3
CherylNYC Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme lesbian Preferred Pronoun?: I'm a woman. Behave accordingly. Relationship Status: Single, not looking. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1,467 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,474 Thanked 7,107 Times in 1,204 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	The Motorcycle Show is coming to NYC early this year, Dec. 13th-15th. We all missed the women's booth terribly last year, so we were really happy to hear that the Women's Motorcyclist Foundation hooked up with several other groups including the AMA, WIMA, the Motor Maids, and Women In The Wind to form the Women's Coalition of Motorcyclists. They'll have a booth at the NYC show this year! Many of the NYC Sirens plan to volounteer at the booth. Is anyone else planning to come to the show? On a selfish, personal note, I just took myself out to Harbor Freight and bought myself the foldable motorcycle trailer I've been wanting. The Trailer In A Bag which I've been over-using for several years doesn't even belong to me, and it went under 5' of salt water during Hurricane Sandy. I've been using it all season anyway, but even I have been nervously concerned about safety lately. My new trailer needs assembly, and I'll feel better if I stiffen up some of the less robust parts, but it was on sale for less than $300!!!!! Yay. I think I like buying myself presents. __________________ Cheryl

12-16-2013, 04:18 PM	#5
CherylNYC Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme lesbian Preferred Pronoun?: I'm a woman. Behave accordingly. Relationship Status: Single, not looking. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1,467 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,474 Thanked 7,107 Times in 1,204 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	The motorcycle show was seriously under-attended in NYC this year. The weather was dreadful enough to keep many of the usual attendees home, and the early date discouraged some of the usual vendors. It was still fabulous, and it was great to catch up with the riders I only get to see once a year at this event. I bought myself a Condor wheel chock for my not-yet-assembled trailer, plus a few other goodies. I can't wait to get my fabulous new trailer on the road. A beautiful femme friend who is a really new rider, and who currently owns a bike that's not at all appropriate or comfortable for her, came to sit on bikes. I spent some quality time with her looking at all the new models. I knew I liked her! She has great taste in bikes. She liked all the cool ones that were totally appropriate, and hated all the excessive bikes that were 'all show and no go'. I probably shouldn't admit this, but we bought matching lambskin corsets at one of the cheap leather booths, too. __________________ Cheryl

05-08-2016, 05:56 PM	#9
SmoothButch Member How Do You Identify?: human Preferred Pronoun?: X Relationship Status: Happily enjoying my life Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Roaming around the DMV Posts: 617 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 588 Thanked 1,293 Times in 400 Posts Rep Power: 10392616	85 mile ride locally today. __________________ Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

07-16-2016, 07:03 PM	#10
CherylNYC Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme lesbian Preferred Pronoun?: I'm a woman. Behave accordingly. Relationship Status: Single, not looking. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1,467 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,474 Thanked 7,107 Times in 1,204 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	Monday will be my 5th track day on my new-to-me dream bike. I'll be venturing outside the comfort of my home group which holds most of their track days at an older, inferior track. It's also a six hour drive from my house. The far better, far newer track is only four and a half hours away, but my home group is so cool that it's totally worth the extra miles. Nobody ever says stupid stuff about women riding at the track, and the aggression level is quite pleasantly low. Every time I take a track day with a different group at the beautiful, new, and relatively close track, and I mean EVERY single time, with every single group, the attendees are overwhelmingly stupid and cursed with testosterone poisoning. They make idiotic comments about gender in general and my gender in particular. They're in some sort of primal competition at all times, and they're just plain irritating to be around. Not to mention that it's not particularly safe to be out on the track with men who are so desperately afraid of a GRRRRRRLLL passing them that they do really stupid stuff when I zip by. I hope this turns out well. __________________ Cheryl

05-06-2016, 02:52 AM	#8
Cole610 Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Preferred Pronoun?: Hey You, Dude Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: New Westminster BC Canada Posts: 57 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 514 Thanked 197 Times in 44 Posts Rep Power: 2362246	Well we just had the warmest April on record, here in Vancouver BC. Made for some great early season riding. I currently ride a Kawasaki Ninja 650. Its a fun bike and one of the more comfortable bikes Ive had.

05-16-2017, 04:53 PM	#12
SmoothButch Member How Do You Identify?: human Preferred Pronoun?: X Relationship Status: Happily enjoying my life Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Roaming around the DMV Posts: 617 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 588 Thanked 1,293 Times in 400 Posts Rep Power: 10392616	Took Old Girl up to get gas for the first time this riding season. Thursday I'm getting my saddlebags put on. __________________ Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.