Women Rider just Cool Biker Stuff
My First Motorcycle Story
By Karla Deneen aka (La La)
Well here is a little background : I drove a school bus for 13 yrs and when I left that job it saved my life. I am trying to launch our website www.glitterjewelry4u.com. We carry cool biker stuff and biker jewelry for women riders. We started doing biker events to keep the business bills paid. The internet is a tough business to succeed in. And I have always been interested in motorcycles and figured what a great opportunity to get to see all the men and their motorcycles. And oh let me tell you it is a pleasure. The biker community is really a wonderful family. I was looking for a nice guy to give me rides once in awhile. Who knows maybe more, but that's another story. So I said what the heck, I want my own motorcycle. A Harley is what I really wanted a nice Fatboy or a Lowrider. So you know us girls, we want it now. So I signed up for the MSF safety course.
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:
We had to report 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 kinda 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. But the first hours where about the rules of the road and making you familiar with a motorcycle, Knowing where everything is and knowing how it works.
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 lite 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. But that was a good way to teach your self 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. But they will both be happy that I am now using all my fingers on the hand brake. Going thru the gears and the solom courses were getting easier, but the crazy 8's were hard going. ( that slow turning your head so far into the turns). But 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 started the skills test and I happen to be 2nd in line. When we started , my worst skill was first : sudden stopping. Oh great ! 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 much 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. You see these had been some long exhausting days for me. I was in the saddle all day but it was a nice reward. I really wanted to rave about my instructor. They cautioned us that by no means where we expert, and that we should not buy too much motorcycle. And by all means practice what we learned with our motorcycles. And I would love to recommend the school I attended.
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. So David took me out into a parking lot and he let me ride his bike. ( a Honda Magna). A special thanks to him for all the help. I just had to drag him out bike shopping. You know how guys are about shopping but at least it was a motorcycle I was looking for. It had to make it a little easier for him. But I found my bike that day and got a few more lesson under my belt. I bought 03 Kawasaki Vulcan 800.
Picking up my new motorcycle Oct 31 2005 :
I took David 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. Plus I had not taken my certificate to DMV to get my endorsement. 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 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 neighborhood. 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 class was a toy compared to what I bought. It is a motorcycle you have to muscle to turn until you get comfortable leaning and using body language. Needless to say I needed more parking lot time so off we went. I did turns more crazy 8's and just starting and stopping the bike. He kept me out there for a good hour and by the time we left I felt a lot better about my motorcycle. And he took me out for a ride and dinner. And needless to say I drove my motorcycle home and with no freeway, it was a long way. David keeps saying I have to get up to speed and pushes me a little. So I relented on my no freeway and picked a nice straight on ramp and I got on the freeway at night. Talk about scary as hell ! It is a little rough at the speed I want to ride at. And then we ran into construction and I got my first lesson in road grooves. You've just got to go with it. I got off at the next exit and made it home safe with a few more hours under my belt.
Nov 1 - 4 2005 Just To Ride :
I try to ride my motorcycle most every day at least a 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 5 2005 First Real Ride :
My first real ride across town to hook up with friends and to take a ride 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. The scenic loop was good for my confidence with curves. And my friends keep saying I have to get up to speed or I am gonna get run over. But I did much better coming down than up and I went to friends house for dinner. And for some reason I got spooked and would not ride my motorcycle home. (maybe it was just too cold that night).
Nov 6 2005 Well had to pick up my motorcycle :
Got a ride to pick up my motorcycle. We got side tracked and ended up at Mt Springs Bar. ( a popular biker bar outside of Vegas ) and granted I did not ride my bike up the Mtn. I did have to get it home that night and I can’t let a little spook keep me out of the saddle. My first ride across town all by my self was a confidence builder.
Nov 7 - 11 2005 I am determine to get up to speed this week :
I am venturing out further and further this week. I have got to come to terms with highway speeds especially those curvy roads. So therefore I had to spread my wings and learn to fly. Wouldn’t want to get run over. So bigger roadway here I come. Took a ride out to 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. And you know something, I have to master this lesson. How the heck, am I gonna ever get out of Vegas?
Nov 12 2005 Nellis Air Force Base Air Show:
Looking for an excuse to ride so I figured I would check out the Air Show. Hey, I think I have come to terms with road grooves. It was after dark when we got home so I think I am okay with night rides. Got to see the Thunder Bird fly and got in a good ride. What better way to spend a Saturday.
Nov 14 2005 Not the damn dam:
David and I went for a ride. I wanted to show him how well I was doing. So we headed back out towards Lake Mead. We decided to head out towards The Hoover Dam. More curve practice for me. It's funny when you ride 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 turn off I thought I would take off my helmet and see what it felt like. 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 me and my motorcycle are okay. I chalk it up to a lesson well learned.
Nov 15 - 18 2005:
Stuck with my motto this week to just ride every day. Got a few more miles under my belt. And 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 when you ride home 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 will close my story with : 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. So I will tell you of some more. I am still just in love with my bike and riding. I have gotten more skill and feel comfortable on it. I have ridden passengers and on all road condition and even rode in the rain. 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). I met wonderful new people on that ride. And Oatman Az is the coolest old western town with burro running wild. That definitely is a must see town. I have gone up the Mtn 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. You see I like to 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. Just wanted to give all a little update. I am still riding and love every second of it. And I like my motorcycle I am feeling comfortable in the saddle and can turn with my body. Had the cycle even get a little side ways on me, and it was good to feel. But the most important thing was that I kept it on two wheels. We have had a cold winter so have not been doing much riding. But it warming up and I am in the wind. Hope to see you at one of the shows or maybe on the road. And I will keep all posted on my adventures.
June 2 2007
Well guys I figured I should check in. We have been doing alot of work on the internet bussiness. Did our 3rd annual Laughlin at the Edgewater Casino. We are moving up in the world with our shows selling biker jewelry. But I took Memorial Day weekend off. And 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 kinda like the no helment laws there.
We stayed there for awhile and 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 and my mid life joy of being a motorcycle momma, I have all intention of spreading my wings alot more. We ended up at the Grand Canyon Caverns off the Route 66. Rider had a annual run there.
I had my duffle bag strapped to my bike and we did over a 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 Where they are documenting their adventure. They had a helmet cam and got some footage of us all rolling down the 66. What a grand adventure and I can wait to see the site and pics. And a special thanks to my guy for a wonderful adventure. And for taking the time to smell the roses with me and to letting me keep up.
July 17 2007
Flying solo again in life, but I am not letting that stop me. And I have another first for me. 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 Mtn Springs. I end up on what appeared to be a road that turned out to be a billy goat trail. I will tell you going up is 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 got to shake the mayor (Oscar Goodman) hand. 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 Mtn this weekend another first for me. And I am really looking forward to the cooler climate Brain Head Ut to ride in, its too damm hot here. Even for a smokin hot motorcycle momma, I will keep you posted on all my adventures.
Well Thunder On The Mtn 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. www.thunder-rallys.com Nov 11 2007 Just wanted to check in with all. It past my 2 yrs of riding and I have put 9000 miles on my Vulcan. I joined a riding group thru meetup.com. I will post a pic of the group. And I have done several runs with the group. We did a ride up to Rachal NV, and I had the wind unzip one of my chaps. I have always had a great time with the group. And I have met several lady riders. Hey I just had a great idea, maybe I can talk them into doing a quick story about their riding history and post there pics. I just want to share I am still riding and we have had such a mild fall season. It's been wonderful riding weather here. Oh rode double again with Trish. (She's the friend I took up to Mtn Spring a year ago) We had a nice ride 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 gotta get myself to Australia. Where the men are really men, Ha that's too funny. I know I know you hate my daydreams. 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 pic. Just how much I like to ride. This was taken with the group in Indian Spring NV.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 help, you never know I may need that favor returned. And being it happen to be Vetrans Day. I will say a thank you to all the men and women that have served our country. And a God Bless to all whom have served and all that or serving us now. 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 between our website taking off and buying another house. I have been swamped. But I have put close too 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 women. 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. at Brianhead UT and we had a lot of excitement.This year I won the grand price : a 1000.00 travel voucher.Woo hoo!!!! I stayed on the Mtn 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 around here, that rain isn't exactly freshing, it hurts! I am starting to ride with more confidence. And that please me too know end. I have always loved motorcycles and know in my heart that I will ride for ever. I will see you in the Wind .
