So I joined a women's riders group..

[mzdagrl]

The first one to get a bike in the relationship is probably the true rider. The second is not a true rider until they've ditched the significant other and kept the bike.

wait a second.....

April, my point was that having an all-female place to talk about things like that is not only acceptable to some, but also a safe haven. If I posted up asking about makeup tips, I would get laughed out of here (mostly cause these guys can probably count on one hand the number of times they've seen me in make-up - including my wedding and Halloween). You can't assume someone is not a "true rider" because they wore high heel (ankle-covering) boots to work on a 5 minute commute through town unless you also exclude every single guy on this forum for riding to the local ice cream shop in jeans once or twice. There are people on this forum that could ride circles around a lot of us that don't wear ATGATT but I still consider them true riders. Their priorities are different. That takes nothing away from their love of the sport.

[Jaynnus]

Unfortunately, to many women that seems to be if they ONLY talk about riding and nothing OT. I happen to know a few women who are very much girlie girls and can ride circles around most of us on this forum (yes, guys included). I have gotten pretty and gone somewhere on the bike. I used to work in high heels and a suit, and would ride to work. I didn't always wear riding boots, either. Which one of us is perfect? I can see how having ONLY that to talk about would be annoying, but that doesn't mean any of those women are not "true" riders, maybe they have NESR-type forums to discuss the gritty stuff, and like having other girls to do girlie things with.

Don't get me wrong, I would shake my head too, but I wouldn't automatically assume that they can't ride because they talk about how to keep from getting helmet hair (one reason I keep my hair short) or what makeup doesn't run (I don't wear makeup, but if I did, I'd want to know and I certainly wouldn't ask here).

I am not sure people are equating skill to being a true rider, certainly there are those who think they are a 'true rider' that have little skill, and vise versa. I am so confused now, I am not sure if I am a 'true rider' or not, I talk about other stuff often. :shrug:

Oh wait a minute, like you Keira, I don't care if I am one or not and I don't care trying to figure it out.

[rolker]

If I posted up asking about makeup tips, I would get laughed out of here...

I'm disappointed you don't start such a thread just for the potential entertainment value of the responses!

[nt650hawk]

don't wear ATGATT but I still consider them true riders.

Shit. she saw me out with my boat shoes on. Busted.......

true riders don't talk about being true riders...

[SRTie4k]

Well if definition by exclusion is now a thing of the past here on NESR, I take it we will no longer hear jokes about people riding in flip flops, shorts and t-shirts? And all group rides will now cease requiring helmets, jackets, gloves and boots?

[SteveM]

I never said definition by exclusion was a thing of the past.

It was the word "true" that got me going.

Just because someone prefers to ride with riders of similar attitude about pace and gear does not make those who think differently "untrue."

[SRTie4k]

So exclusion is back in style again. Gotcha.

[Chippertheripper]

Some of you men like to argue too much. I'm sticking with the ladies on this one.

[aprilb]

As I said, there is no one single definition of a true rider. Each person has his/her own opinion as to what determines a true rider and all are entitled to those opinions. But I truly believe it comes down to a mutual respect between machine and rider. If that respect is missing then one cannot be a true rider because he/she is placing himself/herself in danger as well as those around. Respect of the power is necessary no matter if you are the worst rider on the planet on the best rider on the planet. Perpetual learning, consistent respect, and love for riding because you want to ride is my thought of who a true rider is. And criticism, disagreement, and agreement are all welcome because we are all entitled to our opinions.

[gixxer72]

I have disrespected my bikes many times. I have wheelied a gsxr in nothing more than flip flops and shorts. And I loved it.
Being a true rider is overrated.

[Jaynnus]

As I said, there is no one single definition of a true rider. Each person has his/her own opinion as to what determines a true rider.

And some of us think this 'true rider' term is made up by those who have the need to be superior. If you ride something that does not have cage, you're a rider, true, false, untrue, green, blue...whatever!

[PinHead]

All of you STFU. Now, get in that kitchen and make me a sammitch.

[Jaynnus]

Ham and cheese or a Turkey BLT?

[PinHead]

Ham and cheese is fine. Little mayo and mustard too!

[oVTo]

OK, for those of you who don't know what a True Rider is, I found the True Rider video that explains it all for you. Apparently it has nothing to do with ATGATT, HD, or Gixxers, sandals and wife beaters.

[Mustang]

Wait, why has no one told me how to avoid helmet hair yet?

[mzdagrl]

Wait, why has no one told me how to avoid helmet hair yet?

because yours is always luxurious. we should be asking YOU for tips, Fabio.

[nt650hawk]

OK, for those of you who don't know what a True Rider is

you might get a different description if you ask

[davemon]

My wife started riding last year and is a solid street rider. If you ever want to start your own group for ladies who don't worry about makeup on the bikes... let me know and I'll connect you.

As for impacting that group, you can spend your time if you wish. If folks are new they might change their minds but in my efforts I've never converted a cruiser rider who wears a vest and takes their helmet off once they reach the NH border. Close one time but nothing lasting. I think riding might be a better use of time.

Dave

[luukasama]

Duh - Icon Bombshell.



I thought the answer to all such questions begins with "Icon."

I joined some rider group and they required a training class before going on a group ride, because they "wanted everyone to keep in formation." I unjoined. Cruiser mentality is something special: special in a short-bus kind of way....

Lol, I don't know how far you'd have to lower your rear brake and shift levers in order to actually be able to ride with those. I once rode with platform style tribal type boots (can't explain it any better than them looking like native america footwear), which had like a 3~4" heel, and that was hell. My foot was too high off the levers, which made it hard to shift and I had to consciously and methodically use my feet. The only reason I did is because I rode through some rain before and my real boots were still wet.

Never again, man. The boots I have now are lined and have a 1" heel like normal boots. No heels. I don't understand women who feel the need to wear super high heels, especially on a bike. Not functional and you will probably kill yourself trying to shift. Sure, if you want to strut like a peacock in heat, all the power to you, but it's just not practical.

I'm pretty simple. A functional t-shirt, jeans, and sandals is what you will usually find me in. I don't do make up, and luckily, I was blessed with enough beauty to not need it. I hate dresses and skirts, and you will be hard pressed to find me in one. Can't run or ride in a skirt, now can you? Also, considering how tight fitting helmets are supposed to be in order to protect your head, how can you not have helmet hair?

Kudos to you for lasting as long as you did, Jane. I would probably be kicked out within minutes, seeing as I would have nothing in common with these women except for the fact that I too, ride.

[davemon]

Why did I look at this thread?

[carsick]

Why did I look at this thread?

To get more posts? Or you thought there would be pictures...

[golden chicken]

Can't run or ride in a skirt, now can you?

Sidesaddle, of course.

[RyanNicholson]

The entire concept of a "true rider" kind of annoys me. Esp after taking a job where I talk to people about motorcycles from all walks of life, I found myself in the VERY small majority that none of them can relate to being a track rat and sport bike guy that cares more about riding ability than parking a GSXR on the curb. I do like talking about bikes though, so they're all cool in my book

Hell I'd even consider a street glide if it didn't cost as much as a new truck.

[OreoGaborio]

I was just about to say but you HAD to add in that little bit about the Street Glide, didn't ya?