Women Rider just Cool Biker Stuff
My First Motorcycle Story
By Karla Deneen aka (La La)
And let me tell you that was the longest wait of my entire life. I had started looking at buying a Harley. My class was scheduled for Nov 1st and 2nd. To my surprise, I showed great restraint in not buying a motorcycle until I took my lessons. I also got a call from the school to say they had a cancellation and could move up my lesson. Let me tell you I was excited to no end and could not stand it.
Motorcycle School Day One Oct 26 2005 Perfect Las Vegas Weather:
I reported to Nellis Air Force Base Main Gate at 0630. (Too damn early) But I was excited and was there early. We got our gate pass and proceed onto the base. Base directions can be kind of scary. Surprisingly, I did not have any problems. Must have been all the years being late and lost on the bus. Day one started out with break the ice fun and games. But we proceeded to business quick enough and I was surprised they had us on motorcycle within a couple hours. Any time I had tried to ride in the past, I was always on too much bike I had no business being on. So needless to say I dumped a motorcycle or two and always got the worst end of it. The first hour was about the rules of the road. They were trying to making you familiar with your motorcycle.
Once outside we were able to pick out our motorcycle and I was so happy to have found a little Kawasaki 250 street bike. There was a love hate relationship going on there. Our class had 10 students and 3 where actually ladies to my great relief. And we actually had a lady instructor (Storm). You know how it is safety in numbers. We then rowed the thing around awhile I was starting to think I would never be able to start it up. But once we did start them up we never killed them. They had us doing so many different maneuvers that I was weak and it did not help I had not worn long sleeves, so I was wearing a jacket and was roasting. Thankful one of the guys had a light weight denim jacket I was able to borrow. I did okay that day but some of the low speed maneuvers were really hard for me especially the crazy 8's. Needless to say I went home exhausted my clutch hand was so sore I was not sure if I would be able to close my hand for the next day lesson. That was a good way to teach you, to use the neutral gear. I was exhausted but over all I had a good day.
Motorcycle School Day 2 Oct 27 2005
Now this was my day! It was full of highs and lows and I was exhausted. I was not doing the maneuvering with any precision or consistency. It had seemed as if I would not pass the class. I was not sure so I asked Storm if I was wasting my time. Did I have any hopes of passing the class? She said yes, but it was obvious she had more faith in me today. I really think she wants her lady rider to shine out there. The other instructor (Frog) had lost all patients with me today. Going thru the gears and the different courses was getting easier, but the crazy 8's were hard. Always remember to look the way you want the bike to go. The sudden stops where giving me a hard time. I kept anticipating them and had not done one right since we had started practicing. We had taken the written test earlier and I had missed 3. We had started the skills test and I happen to be 2nd in line. And of course, my worst skill was first, sudden stopping. That just great! And of course I did the same thing, I was doing all day. But you got one more chance and they made me circle around and do it again. This time I was determined if it killed me. I was more aggressive and nailed it! I even had my back brake locking up. You see I was still afraid of my bike and didn’t want to lay it down. I was really mad at myself and was determined to fail in blaze of glory with at least a fight. That gave me the courage to do the crazy 8's and I did it the best that I had done all day. I only put a foot down once but I was looking better. But it was good enough to pass and I had passed with flying colors. Needless to say it was a pretty happy moment for me. I was in the saddle all day but it was a nice reward. I really want to rave about my instructor. They cautioned us that by no means where we experts. And we should not buy too much motorcycle. And to practice what we learned with our motorcycles.
My new Motorcycle Oct 30 2005
I think I showed good sense buying my first motorcycle. You see that Harley was still dancing around my head. But one thing school did was to teach me to have a little respect for my motorcycle. I had gone out riding with a friend and I think he was not sure I could ride. He took me out into a parking lot and he let me ride his bike. (Honda Magna) A special thanks to him for all the help. But I found my bike that day and got a few more lessons under my belt. I bought 03 Kawasaki Vulcan 800cc.
Picking up my new motorcycle Oct 31 2005
I took my friend with me to pick up my new motorcycle but I was a little afraid to drive it home. I wanted to take it slow and get my feel of the motorcycle. And it was across town from my house and the freeway still scared the hell out of me. So we got my new motorcycle home and I had to still get David back home so we took my bike and off we went. He thought me riding on back would give me more confidence and a feel for my motorcycle. He promised to get it home if I did not feel I could.
But we picked up his bike and off we went riding the neighborhoods. And boy let me tell you I was pretty scary and I know it did not look good. You see the bike I rode for school was a toy compared to what I bought and heck I bought a little one. I needed more parking lot time. He kept me out there for a good hour and by the time we left I felt a lot better about my motorcycle. I drove my motorcycle home and with no freeways. He pushed me to get up to speed and I thank him.
Nov 1 - 4 2005 Just To Ride
I try to ride my motorcycle most every day at least an hour a day and I venture out further and further each time. As I ride and gain a lot more comfort and confidence with my motorcycle. I still have a lot of respect and a lot to learn. And I seem to get more comfortable on my motorcycle the further I ride each time.
Nov 2005 First Real Ride
Across town to meet some friends, we rode up to the Red Rock Scenic Loop. And I got more lessons on curves and speed. Oh shit! It did not help I had cars riding my butt. I managed to get it over to the side of the road so they could pass. And my friends keep saying I have to get up to speed or I was going to get run over. But I did much better coming down than up and I went to friend house for dinner. And for some reason I got spooked and would not ride my motorcycle home.
I got a ride to pick up my motorcycle. We got side tracked and ended up at Mt Springs Bar. (A biker bar outside of Vegas) granted I did not ride my bike up the Mtn. I did have to get it home that night. My first ride across town all by myself was a confidence builder.
Nov 7 - 11 2005 I am determine to get up to speed this week:
Further and further out this week. I have got to come to terms with highway speeds especially those curvy roads. I had to spread my wings and learn to fly. Sure would not want to get run over. So bigger roadway here I come, so I rode out by Lake Mead. That's a great road to master some curves and came back up through Boulder City NV. Wow playing with the semi can only be described as interesting. Spreading my wings this week has been fun. I will have to master this lesson. How the heck, am I going to ever get out of Vegas?
Nov 14 2005 not the damn dam:
David and I went out for a ride. I wanted to show him how well I was doing. So we headed out towards The Hoover Dam. More curve practice for me. That the fun of riding. You just want to keep right on riding. Next thing I know we are heading towards Willow Beach AZ. Once in AZ there is a no helmet law. So when we got to the exit, I thought I would take off my helmet. It's a nice little slow road for that. And I guess I thought I had a dirt bike, because I found out how gravel and motorcycle don’t mix. I laid my motorcycle down for the first time, and I still don’t know exactly what happen. It really happened so fast there was no fish tailing, nothing, just boom!!! Thankful I was ok, motorcycle too. I chalk it up to a lesson well learned. Kept my lid on too…
Nov 15 - 18 2005:
My motto this week was to just ride every day. Wow!! I have put close to 600 miles on my motorcycle.
Nov 19 2005 Longest ride yet
Rode out towards Lake Mead again but we took the north shore road this time and ended up a Calville Bay Marina and then proceeded on to Echo Bay. And let me tell you that is one ruff road. So yes I have come to terms with road grooves. And wow all those curves through Red Stones made for one beautiful ride. Especially at dusk, night fell before we made it home so one more lesson for me night, curves and speed. Wow I am starting to get all big in the head with all my new skills at riding.
I am quite addicted and I do believe I will always be in the Wind!!!!!
I would like to refer you to the site that gave me the inspiration to do this page and invite any one to submit their stories. Love to read them and share them.
http://ridemyown.com/articles/personal/index.shtml
Well I guess the story never ends as long as you still have the wind in your hair. I have gotten more skill and feel more comfortable on motorcycle. I have ridden passengers and on all road condition and even rode in the rain.
The first passenger I rode up to Mountain Springs the wind picked up the bike and moved it two places. So needless to say I could not have fun up on the Mtn. (One thing to kill self but) I also took my bike to Laughlin River Run April 06. We had a booth there and it is the first time I had my bike at an event. Dropped my bike, I had my saddle bag packed with soda. I guess the different weight threw me off, but the bike was going down and I could not hold it up. But I'll have you know I picked it up all by myself. Not going to get caught on first bike run, with my bike on the ground. But it was nice to have my own bike on a run.
My longest ride was from Henderson NV down to Kingman AZ. We took old route 66, over to Oatman AZ then to Laughlin NV and home. (280 miles in one day) Oatman AZ is the coolest old western town with burro running wild. It a must see town. I have gone up the Mountain several times by myself and don’t hesitate to take the bike. Put 4000 miles on my bike in less than a year and that with no real road trips. I stay close to town, since I don’t know a whole lot of people that ride. But I am meeting all kinds of people that ride and even considering joining a riding group. So I do hope to get further out of Las Vegas. But I will keep you posted on my adventures.
June 2 2007
Well I figured I should check in. We have been busy with the internet business. We did our third Laughlin River Run. We seat up at the Edgewater Casino. We are moving up in the world with our shows and selling biker jewelry. But Memorial Day weekend I went to the Prescott area with my guy Rider. He rides with the VNV MC club. You can really have the wind in your hair in AZ. I must admit I kind of like the no helmet laws there. We then took off for the Grand Canyon. First time I have gotten to see the big whole, in the ground. What a shame to have waited this long. But with my babies raised, my mid life joy of being a motorcycle momma. I have all intention of spreading my wings a lot more. We ended up at the Grand Canyon Caverns off the Route 66.
I had my duffle bag strapped to my bike and we did over 1000 miles over the long weekend. And I am proud to say that riding is in my soul. And yes I still have my little bitty Vulcan. But I can see why the bigger touring bikes are better for the road trips. And yes I would love to have a Harley. But I am going to wait until I am ready.
We met some guys all the way out of North Carolina. They had hit the 66 all the way from Chicago and we ran into them when in Seligman AZ.
Here's their site: www.playinghookyonroute66.com
The site documents their adventures. They had a helmet cam and got some footage of us all rolling down the 66. What a grand adventure. Special thanks to my guy at the time for a wonderful adventure. And for taking the time to smell the roses with me and to letting me keep up.
July 17 2007
I went up to the Pioneer Saloon, in Goodsprings NV about 3 weeks ago. Talk about not getting out. And I had heard there was a dirt road that connected over to Mountain Springs. I end up on what appeared to be a road that turned out to be a goat trail. I will tell you going up, was far easier than coming down. And I did manage to get my little bitty Vulcan down the trail, without dropping it.
I went back up for the Grand Opening Party. And even shook the mayor hand. (Oscar Goodman)
Here there info www.pioneersaloon.info what a neat place.
And wow what a successful reopening party. Sure would like to have my own Biker Bar some day. A girl can only dream. I am going up to Thunder on the Mountain this weekend another first for me. And I am really looking forward to the cooler climate Brain Head UT, it is too dam hot here. Even for a smoking hot motorcycle momma, I will keep you posted on all my adventures.
Well Thunder on the Mountain was great. Talk about god's country. I was in hog heaven with 160 mile run thru some of the most beautiful country I have seen. Just makes me realize how much I want out of Vegas. I did almost 750 miles and loved every second.
Here there info www.thunder-rallys.com
Nov 11 2007
Over 2 yrs of riding and I have put 9000 miles on my Vulcan. We have mild fall season, so it's been wonderful riding weather here. Oh rode double again with Trish. And we rode up to Bonnie Springs, for lunch. Kat took the ride up there with us and we walked thru the petting zoo. The Wallaby were the best! I have just got to get myself to Australia. But she thought I was showing more confidence with my riding, and I still don't like riding double
I will keep you posted, but you can tell just from this picture. Just how much I like to ride. I got to do my first, helped a biker that was pushing his bike. It was a 73 Shovelhead and he needed a jump. And I was glad to been able to help, you never know I may need that favor returned. And being it’s Veterans’ Day. I will say a thank you to all the men and women that have served our country.
God Bless, Go USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 2008
Well I have certainly been riding more and maybe that's why I have not updated my story. And I know I am a giant goof ball, but if you have made it this far into my story you have to love me. I have been busy doing my other career, real estate. I have been at www.knappsales.com for over 3 yrs. And with the websites business doing well, and buying another house. I have been swamped. But I have put close to 13000 miles on my Baby Vulcan and starting to want a bigger bike especially with the fact that I am venturing further from home. I also dream about going to Sturgis and riding my motorcycle to Louisiana my home state. But I will let it go for now with the real estate market what it is. But I seem to think I need a Road King. But I am a practical lady. But a girl can only dream and hopefully someday achieve. I have gone so many places on my scoot that I can't name them all. I did not take my scoot to Laughlin River Run this year. We work from sun up to sun down with the show. I just got back from my 2nd annual Thunder on the Mtn. in Brian head, UT and we had a lot of excitment. This year I won the grand prize, A 1000.00 dollar travel voucher. Woo Hoo!!!
I stayed on the Mountain this year so it made the party. And I got my first taste of riding in weather. Since I live in hell and we don't get much rain. Rain isn't exactly refreshing, it hurts! I am starting to ride with more confidence. That please me, too know end. I have always loved motorcycles and know in my heart that I will ride for ever.
Oct 2009
I have had my four year anniversary of riding, that it was time to update my story. I am still riding my lala saki which is a 03 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 800 cc. What a great bike she has been, when I bought her she had 8500 miles on her now she has almost 28000 miles. So I have been out there riding some. And knock on wood. I have kept the shiny side up. Heck since I put my engine guards on I have not even dropped her, which has been two and half yrs ago. But I am sure glad I started on her, she was small enough for me to have the confidence to just ride. I am starting to feel the confidence enough with my riding ability to want a bigger bike. So you never know what life will bring you. A girl can dream of road kings.
Well l made it to Sturgis this year, a Sturgis virgin for the sixty ninth annual. What a quick ass time I had. We put 500 miles on the bikes while riding the beautiful Black Hills. I stayed at the Glencoe Campground and it gets pretty crazy there. WOW!! And I did have a fantasy come true, got a guy to ride bitch with me around the campground. It was just too funny, he held on to my little girls and at the first stop we got to he put his feet down also. And every time he waived at the other campers the bike would go that direction. Sure wish I had a video of that. We didn’t ride there, but I am okay with that. Rather than wear myself out getting there, I did my riding in god country. But I will say that, I had never been to a real motorcycle rally till now. Would have gotten some more miles in but the weather turned stormy. They had tennis ball size hell and there were reports of funnel clouds. Shit I am just glad we were back at the camp. I have a couple of pings on my bike, which I think are great. And I even flashed my girls. I saw the hill climb racing that created the Sturgis Rally.
Here a link for the history. http://www.jackpine-gypsies.com/history.html
I will post some pictures also. And a big thank you to friends that invited me to tag along. Like anyone would turn down such a thing.
I just got back from riding to Bullhead City AZ. And there no helmet law rocks. I attended bikers for babies and did the bike games. The slow race and riding a two by four piece of lumber. It’s was nice to see how many lady rider in the games. I did well in both games I was one of the last ladies standing in both races. I still have not taken the experienced riders course. I will make it a point to get that done in the next year. I do think that kind of stuff is designed to save your life. We took the internet business to Laughlin again this year. We don’t have to do as many shows anymore, since the site has a better internet presents. Which has been terrific, and I would rather go to the motorcycle rally for fun. But if we could go full time, on the road that could be really cool. Get paid to go to the biker rallies, and the opportunity to see the country.
April 2010
I relocated to Shreveport, LA to take care of my grandma. And of course I brought my scoot, and I have done 400 miles in the wind since getting here. And I am wondering about the southern hospitality. Kind of feeling like a duck out of water. So I will try to use this as an opportunity to see my state of my birth. Put GPS on the scoot so the back country roads have been great. Spring flower are everywhere. I rode to Jefferson, TX and Marshall, LA. Down on the Cane River in Natchitoches, LA, that was sure pretty. The old plantation with their rich history, are really cool to see. The first year we did not take the show to Laughlin and I have been kind of sad about it. But I think I just miss home a little. But I will be focused on the site, I will keep yawl posted.
May 2010
I went to my first motorcycle rally in the south. The Rally in the Crater, it was a kick ass time. The rallies out here have a Sturgis feel, with the campgrounds. I do think I prefer that type of rally over the city rallies. But it was at Durango Canyon and when I arrived I was blessed. I had some folks take sympathy on a girl. I was bouncing around the field, looking for a camping spot, tent about to fall off. They invited me to join them and really made the rally great for me. I was doing it old school and didn’t even have a chair to sit on. Helped me with my tent offered me cold water. And even a ride in a cage to pick up stuff.
So I owe a big thank you to my new friends. Feeling better about the move, I am starting to meet some folks. I participated in the event to start a 1950 Pan head. You could wear yourself out before you could even ride. I wasn’t able to start it, but my friends tell me the other ladies wouldn’t have been able to start it. If I didn’t warm it up. That made me feel better, I think of myself as strongest lady I know.
Here there Info www.rallyinthecrater.com
I will see you in the Wind
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