STN's Pool of Knowledge for Women Riders

[November]

I ride to work on occassion and haven't had any problems. I work with mostly men and they all are cool about it. A couple of them are Harley riders so I don't think they "get" all my gear and choice of bike, but to each their own.

I think I make more of an issue of it then anyone else (at least in my head). I feel a bit self-conscious walking in with all my gear on and try to get out of it asap in my office. Going to buy a topbox soon and de-gear in the parking lot once I have it.

[Southern Belle]

Thanks for the idea about the Buffs y'all.  Looks like another item needs to be added to my shopping list!  

[LicketySplat]

- re: soy foods to balance estrogen - everyone's different, but personally, my PMS symptoms mostly had to do with estrogen being high in balance with progesterone, and a lot of soy foods would make it worse. So try it (foods not pills or refined soy protein) but be aware that it could backfire.

- re: riding to work - back in the day I used to ride to administrative hearings out of town and it was okay. It was definitely less formal than actual court appearances, and as a "regular" I had established relationships with the judges, but I still had to look professional. Pack a skirt, jacket and shoes; wear your riding gear over blouse and pantyhose. Be prepared to do your hair, and makeup if you wear makeup, when you arrive. The judges were intrigued or amused more than anything. I inspired one of them to get a scooter  

[Veda]

Mmm, I thought when soy broke down in the body it basically mimic'd estrogen?  Sorry, I know next to nothing about biology - just going off what I've read on some weight lifting forums.

[Southern Belle]

My husband (Tyronneous) and I are planning on having more children to add to our happy home   and I was wondering what you ladies thought about riding pregnant.  We have tickets to Indy for the MotoGP races in September and it's his dream that we ride from Mississippi to Indy on two wheels.    

I am just not too sure what we should do with our family planning-- my youngest is 2 1/2 and I don't want to wait too much longer to get pregnant.  Plus I also just got a new SV650 and am not quite ready to let it sit in the garage for the next 9 months!    Any thoughts on this?

[bluepoof]

My husband (Tyronneous) and I are planning on having more children to add to our happy home   and I was wondering what you ladies thought about riding pregnant.  We have tickets to Indy for the MotoGP races in September and it's his dream that we ride from Mississippi to Indy on two wheels.    

I don't have any direct experience with pregnancy (yet ) but it's always been my plan to "do what feels right".  I know women who've stopped riding as soon as they discovered they were pregnant, and I know women who've ridden up until their bellies were too big for their gear.

I figure I'll wait until it happens and then just do whatever feels comfortable (same with playing hockey, though I imagine that I'll stop playing hockey before I stop riding).  If it's your dream to ride to Indy and you aren't sick or sore, hey, go for it!

[katego]

Now my question:

For those of you who commute to work regularly by motorcycle--how is that received?

My boss teases that I am not allowed to pursue this "dangerous" hobby. Other than that it is not a problem. When I rode the 650 regularly my luggage was big enough to hold all of my gear.  I would undress downstairs and no one knew. With the 800 all my gear comes upstairs with me - not an issue where I work. Sometimes leads to interesting conversations with folks that I might not normally talk with.

Sorry to hear about your injury. Seems like those things always happen at the most embarrassing moment possible. Get well soon.

-k

[stromgal]

I rode to my birthing classes.  Continued to ride until it got too uncomfortable, which happened earlier with son #2 than son #1.

I've never had a problem commuting to work, but I've always worked places where it didn't matter, like a motorcycle shop.

bj

[bluepoof]

OK, my turn with a question.  Any advice for shaving as little as possible during a six-week trip?? I should have tried Nair or waxing months ago to see if I had an allergic reaction or anything, but as it stands, I leave in less than 2 weeks.  Am I doomed to shaving whenever I can find a friend's house or hotel room?  

[stromgal]

Not sure I'm understanding the question. Even if you're camping, there will be showers, so can you explain the problem?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

hee - do what I do and just don't shave    Other than pits I just leave my (thankfully light-colored) hair wherever it ends up on my legs. Seriously Carolyn, who's going to see your legs on this trip anyway?  

[bluepoof]

Not sure I'm understanding the question. Even if you're camping, there will be showers, so can you explain the problem?

I don't want to have to deal with shaving, but I hate being hairy. I, um, sweat a lot and when I get hairy, it gets sticky and stinky and sweaty and...well, you get the idea.  

I guess I just don't want to have to bring a razor and blades and have it take up room in my toiletries bag.

[katego]

hee - do what I do and just don't shave    Other than pits I just leave my (thankfully light-colored hair) wherever it ends up on my legs. Seriously Carolyn, who's going to see your legs on this trip anyway?  

+1

Shaving is overrated.  

-k

[Sea Dog]

I guess I just don't want to have to bring a razor and blades and have it take up room in my toiletries bag.

For traveling, I buy the cheapo disposable razors and toss them as I go.  I usually get the men's razors because for some reason women's cost way more just becuse they are pink or have a fancy handle  

[Stargzrgrl]

For traveling, I buy the cheapo disposable razors and toss them as I go.  I usually get the men's razors because for some reason women's cost way more just becuse they are pink or have a fancy handle  

+1

I usually don't bother with bringing any razors on a trip.  If I find that I absolutely can't handle going another day without shaving I'll go out and buy pack of disposables and use whatever soap is available.

To help keep the stinky factor down I tend to apply liberally (Bluepoof, you've seen me use this stuff, so you know how crazy I can get with it   ) Gold Bond's Ultimate Comfort™ powder:



This stuff ROCKS!  

[November]

hee - do what I do and just don't shave    Other than pits I just leave my (thankfully light-colored) hair wherever it ends up on my legs. Seriously Carolyn, who's going to see your legs on this trip anyway?  

+1

I just wouldn't shave.  

[VIVID1]

I can get away with one shave per week during cold months.  Two per week in warmer months if I'm planning on wearing shorts. I bring one disposable razor on the trip, it would last me up to 2-3 months.

[Mrs.BMW-K]

On long trips I also use the disposable razors... and if you don't have a shower available, but must shave, try using body lotion - helps the razor glide... (even though I usually dry shave the pits, on camping trips)

As for any other shaveable parts... I wouldn't bother unless the hubby were along.  

[bluepoof]

As for any other shaveable parts... I wouldn't bother unless the hubby were along.  

That's the part I'm fretting about!  I swear, I must be the only yeti on this site.  

[HipGnosis]

On long trips I also use the disposable razors... and if you don't have a shower available, but must shave, try using body lotion - helps the razor glide...

Conditioner (for hair) make a nice, economical replacement for shaving cream and water - though some do leave a 'film' on the skin if you can't wash it off.