Volunteers, IMS 2010

Well, it looks like I'll be coming to a major city near you. A new feature of the IMS this year is the Women's Center, which is to promote women and motorcycling, socializing with fellow female riders and chatting with other women about riding.  For some women, asking what can be perceived as 'dumb' questions  can be intimidating and difficult.  Learning to ride is an amazing thing, and should be met with excitement, curiosity and without hesitation.  I'll be giving my Gear Seminars at every Women's Center on the tour between Jan 1 and Feb 22 in 2010.  So if you're planning on attending any of the shows in these cities, I hope to meet you in person:

Novi, MI Jan 1-3 Greenville, SC Jan 8-10 Washington, DC Jan 15-17 New York, NY Jan 22-24 Cleveland, OH Jan 29-31 Minneapolis, MN Feb 5-7 Chicago, IL  Feb 19-21 (There's a Daytona, FL show, but not sure if I'll be there yet!)

I'm looking for volunteers to work the women's center and basically talk to other women about riding! Whether you're from a club, organization or just a fanatic rider, I want to hear from you and would love for you to hang out at the Women's Center with me and a few other volunteers.  Ideally you'll be available for at least 2-3 hours for the show in your area.  We'll also be able to get you into the show for the day you volunteer. You don't have to be an experienced rider with more than XXXX miles under your belt.  If you've just taken your MSF class and you're looking to meet other women riders, or simply talk about your experience as a (new) rider, we want you at the show!

Please email me with questions and I'll fill you in from there.

Seatbelt Bags

Harveys SeatBelt Bags Messenger Black, $138

• Made of durable automotive seatbelt
• Overall bag size 15" (L) x 13" (H) x 4" (W)
• Adjustable strap- goes from 26" with 12" drop up to 54" with 24" drop
• Brushed nickel hardware
• Metal feet for protection
• Smooth zip-top closure
• Fully lined with Harveys classic monogram print
• Five internal slip pockets (3) 4.5"X1", (1) 4.5"X8.5" & (1) 4.5"X3"
• One internal zip pocket 5"X7"
• D-ring for accessory or key ring

Hipsters, Baguettes, Totes, Messengers, wallets, and many more sizes and designs/colors.

Everywhere I go,  I'm often stopped and asked about this bag. I have a slightly older version of this one (6 years, thanks baby!), but it still looks brand spanking new.  I've also ridden with this on my SV and it works quite well as a small messenger. It's fairly water resistant since it's made from seat belts. It also sits securely across my back and shoulders when the straps are tightened.

I wouldn't ride with it in a downpour, but would trust it in a light rainshower.  There's not enough room for my 13" Macbook, but if you had an older 12" Powerbook, it might fit!  Sometimes I'll just stick it in (without a sleeve) and let it stick out while I walk around with it (never riding, if I carry my laptop).  There are 6 internal pockets, which is a huge upgrade from the one pocket in my version. Too bad I'm not due for an upgrade just yet.  Like your typical woman, I tend to carry too many things in my purse and end up using my iPhone as a light to find my keys in the dark.

They also make a manlier version of this bag called The Slim Messenger for $104. It looks a little narrower, but basically the same style. There's even a camouflage version!

If you're looking for a cute, stylish purse, wallet or messenger, check out the Harveys website for their line of bags.

Helimot, San Jose

Check out this post from my interwebs friend Bolty.net about her recent visit to Helimot, the only US distributor of Daytona boots, and a fantastic place to get custom leathers done in the Bay Area. http://bolty.net/2009/11/30/new-kicks-and-helimot-pics/

Women's Event Dec.12

If you're going to be anywhere in the vicinity of Scotts Valley, CA this weekend (Santa Cruz County), go to Scotts Valley Motorcycle Center for a special Women's Event and Open House!