FLH-EBAY wrote:

Thanks for responding Wildthing. [No, I wasn't speaking solely of where you were situated on the motorcycle. Rather the metaphor: in back you're passive, the passenger; in front you're active, the operator. Yes, I was speaking of the issue of control. Control of ones own fate -- to the degree that's possible through ones own actions.

GOT IT!! GUESS THAT'S WHY I'M THE OPERATOR, I'M ACTIVE AND CANNOT SIT STILL, ALWAYS ON THE MOVE. NO WONDER THEY CALL ME THE ENERGIZER BUNNY!

You two fellas forced me to pull out the old dictionary.

I feel safer riding my own then as a passenger, as I do with driving a car. I hate not being in control. My Dad taught me to drive at a very young age, and he taught me right, him being a truck driver and all. I started driving on the streets, way before I was old enough to do so. I trust in the skills I was taught and those I have practiced. And, I am always watching, listening, and willing to learn more. Showboating? I don't think I do that, but I am guilty of pushing the envelope at times.

To anwer your Q Ebay, I feel safer riding my own. Besides, the times I have ridden on the back, I have been known to occasionally swat the rider with exclamations to "watch out".....that alone could be a hazard.

BikerBabe wrote:

Besides, the times I have ridden on the back, I have been known to occasionally swat the rider with exclamations to "watch out"...

Also, your car passenger analogy is apt. I've been known to stomp on the imaginary brakes while a passenger in a car.

FLH-EBAY wrote:

BikerBabe wrote: Besides, the times I have ridden on the back, I have been known to occasionally swat the rider with exclamations to "watch out"... Also, your car passenger analogy is apt. I've been known to stomp on the imaginary brakes while a passenger in a car.

Oh ya, me too. I also have been known to grab the imaginary steering wheel too while flipping off the peeps in the other cars. Nah, I'm kidding around....I just made that last part up.

FLH-EBAY wrote:

WOMEN: ARE YOU SAFER AS A PASSENGER, OR RIDING YOUR OWN?

I think ANYONE is safer riding than being a passenger.

FLH-EBAY wrote:

It's my opinion that, taken as a group, these lady riders are more skilled, more responsible, and safer riders than their male counterparts. (Okay, let the flaming begin.) These women seem to spend more time organizing and attending riding classes and seminars, actively developing riding skills, and mentoring each other. They listen. They watch. They learn from each others mistakes. They aren't vain or ego-centric. They aren't afraid to wear helmets, gloves, and riding jackets. They don't showboat. They are much better group riders -- by far -- then their male counterparts.

My wife and I rode with Women on Wheels for many years and I believe all of the above to be true. My only complaint with many of the women riders and my wife is that at times they are too timid. They will ride at the posted speed and settle in behind cars and trucks when IMHO it is a lot safer to give it some gas go around them and you are then riding out in front of all the traffic. Or just slow down and let all the crazies go around you. I have learned to ride at speeds that are best for the moment and my bike regardless of the posted speeds, and too many riders both women and men are still riding like they are in cages.

Old_Evo wrote:

I have learned to ride at speeds that are best for the moment and my bike regardless of the posted speeds, and too many riders both women and men are still riding like they are in cages.

I totally agree. Speed control is my main consideration for safe driving and sometimes that means going fast.

[quote="Old_Evo"]

FLH-EBAY wrote:

They will ride at the posted speed and settle in behind cars and trucks when IMHO it is a lot safer to give it some gas go around them and you are then riding out in front of all the traffic.

I didn't know that was possible without getting a ticket. hmmmm...

Old_Evo wrote:

My only complaint with many of the women riders and my wife is that at times they are too timid. They will ride at the posted speed and settle in behind cars and trucks when IMHO it is a lot safer to give it some gas go around them and you are then riding out in front of all the traffic. Or just slow down and let all the crazies go around you. I have learned to ride at speeds that are best for the moment and my bike regardless of the posted speeds, and too many riders both women and men are still riding like they are in cages.

I can attest to evo's speed philosophy since he led our little pack through NY state on the way back from speedo's. In fact, that there was my introductory course in passing vehicles on side roads. Thanks evo.

[quote="wildthing"]

FLH-EBAY wrote:

GOT IT!! [/b] . NO WONDER THEY CALL ME THE ENERGIZER BUNNY!

energizer bunny huh....i guess you can go alllllllllllllllllllllll night long then huh

below is a copy/paste of a pm i sent to FLH-EBAY when i first read the thread. there were no replies at the time i sent it. i just felt like i should share it. keep in mind, i'm not knocking anyone's choice on where they sit on a bike and am aware there are many many reasons for it.

just wanted to tell you i enjoyed your post about women riders as operators/passengers.
after about 20 years of riding with about 80% of that being a passenger that safety factor was what prompted me to get my own ride. i always wanted my own (just never got around to it) but when i was run over last year, the safety factor hit me like a ton of bricks. for a brief time my trust in his riding wisdom was gone and i tried but found i couldn't stay off a bike... best solution-get my own.
i was happy to find that many of the things i felt insecure about being on the back, i felt in total control of as the sole rider. even the things that made me crazy solo before (bridges, freeways, etc) that i used to avoid like the plague, i now feel in control of. getting my own ride was a liberating experience for me.. driven by the need to rely on my own abilities as a rider, not someone elses. (for you never know when someone else will shove their head up their ass judgement wise).
another thing i think (imo) is a big factor as far as women riders... not all, but many of us don't have the horsepower lust that most men do. i know there are a lot of women who do, but i think on an average it's less than men.
reasons some women don't ride their own: finances (if income only allows for one bike, face it, the dude gets the bike or rides bitch lol), lack of self confidence in the ability to manuver a bike, they don't feel like they 'fit' a bike well as a rider, or they just like to be able to relax, space out, and watch the scenery go by with no responsibility. been there, done that... not goin back!
either way, as a rider or a passenger... if you're movin down the road with a big shit eatin grin.... it's all good.
anyway.... i wanted to let you know i did enjoy your post.

thanks
gina