Learn The Skills.
The most important step you can make is to
call Rebecca Grela at Ride with
P.R.I.D.E., 716-542-3808. She is the owner (and certified
motorcycle training instructor) of our local NYS approved motorcycle rider
training school. Mention that you are interested in the Basic Course
and she'll talk you through the rest of the way. When you start by
learning all the right methods, you'll ride with confidence and enjoy the
sport for many years to come!Choose Your Bike.
When deciding which motorcycle to buy, make sure it is comfortable when
you are sitting on and riding it. Everyone's confidence level and
stature is different, so browse the 2007 model page and come to
Gowanda Harley-Davidson to try out a few
different models before making your final decision. A variety of
Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories are available to help
the bike fit you better, such as lowering kits, different handlebars or footpegs.
Easy to Own
The Sportster® 883 starts at just $6,595 (U.S.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price). Harley-Davidson Financial
Services makes purchasing a new or pre-owned Harley-Davidson easy.
With a variety of options, it's simple to arrange financing with low
monthly payments at Gowanda Harley-Davidson.
Financing options can also include Harley-Davidson
parts, clothing and accessories, as well as an extended service option.
Get In The Right
Gear.
Many veteran riders stress how important it is for new riders to buy the
right protective gear to wear. Every motorcyclist should at least
wear the basics.
Long pants help provide protection from the elements, road debris
and motorcycle exhaust pipes that may be hot.
Boots that cover the ankles and have a quality, non-slip sole are
important protection and provide secure footing during stops and starts.
Many people consider a helmet to be important for safety, but also
to help shield your face from the elements.
A jacket made for riding is important for protection and comfort in
all types of weather.
Gloves give you a better grip on the handlebars and help protect your
hands as well.
Goggles are the best defense to keep wind and rain out of your
eyes.
Look For These Key Features When Buying Riding Gear.
Comfort: The item should fit properly and feel comfortable in a
riding position. Sit on a bike and reach for the handlebars when
trying on a jacket. Some jackets have precurved arms for more
comfort while riding.
Functionality: The quality, weight and fabric of the apparel are
important to consider. Think about where, and for how long, you'll
be riding.
Versatility: Jackets with zip-out liners and venting help keep you
warm, or cool, depending on the weather.
Visibility: Riding gear is available in a variety of colors, so make
sure you're visible to other riders and drivers on the road.
Preparation: Don't forget to buy a good rain suit. You may say
you'll never ride in the rain, but you'll realize the value of a quality
rain suit after that first unexpected shower.
Discuss your personal riding needs and style with Monica, Jayne or Melanie
in our MotorClothes Department at Gowanda Harley-Davidson.
Join The Club.
As a woman motorcyclist, you are not alone. Women
are the fastest growing group of riders on the road today. With such
a welcoming network of friends, riding a motorcycle is one of
the best social interaction around.
Once you own a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, be sure to
ask about your Ladies of Harley® affiliation with the
Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.)
On the local scene, the Ladies of Harley who belong to the Southern Tier,
NY Chapter of the Harley Owners Group organize events, raise funds for
charities, act as goodwill ambassadors to the public and of course, ride! |
Real Stories
Laurie McGorry
Hamburg, NY
It all started when I was
18. I saw a girl, back then, riding a beautiful Harley® and from that
point on I wanted a Harley. I thought that was the coolest thing. She
had parked by me and I said to her, "can I sit on it?" She let me sit on
it. I said to myself, if she can ride one I can ride too. I was hooked.
I learned a lesson that day though. Don’t put your leg near the muffler
with shorts on as you will get burned. Ouch that hurt.
I bugged my husband for many
years and I finally broke him down. He surprised me one day when I came
home from a trip to Florida with a Sportster. I thought I was dreaming
when the garage door opened and saw this Harley sitting there. It took me
about 5 minutes to really realize that it was “ours.” Then I told him,
there is no way I am riding on the back of that thing and he said there
was no way he was riding on the back either, so we got another Sporty two
weeks later. As our first season of riding passed, we decided that we
needed bigger bikes. So we ordered a 2006 Street Bob® for my hubby and a
2006 Dyna® Super Glide® for me at the end of 2005.
I am 42 now and am so glad that I have my motorcycle.
It is one of my dreams that have come true. There is nothing like hopping
on your motorcycle and just going wherever. Sometimes I don’t map
anything out, I just go. I love the smells, even the bad ones, the wind,
the bugs flying at your face, and the sound of that bike. Oh it is a
great sound that gives me chills and other things too. But we will not go
there. I have done a lot of motorcycle runs in the last two years too.
This will be my third season of riding. Words cannot explain how it feels
getting out there and seeing other people out there too. I have met a lot
of new people that love riding just as much as I do. I have met a few
women that ride but not a lot. It is so nice to see more and more women
riding motorcycles. The camaraderie is great out there. I love the good
ole biker wave as we pass each other. My 8-year-old daughter is even
digging it. She keeps on telling me, “Mom I cannot wait to get out there
with you when the weather breaks. I miss riding on the bike.” She
definitely has my wild spirit.
Girls, if you
think you cannot do it, stop that thought, you can, and you will if you
just put your mind to it. It is not as hard as you think. HAPPY TRAILS
TO ALL!!! SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!!!
Laurie McGorry |
