Sensing a theme here? Pink is my favorite color and I have been Googling pink motorcycles to see if there are any nice ones out there. I like this one. 
I am a Black American Woman, 43 yrs old, I am kind, patient, smart, have a great sense of humor. Unfortunately, I am also a paradoxical anomaly. Why? Because I ski, swim, make awesome baked ziti, love classic rock and pop music, old country, and of course 70’s disco. Apparently I missed the memo that says black girls aren’t supposed to swim, ski, ride motorcycles, or date white guys.
LMAO I also enjoy: museums, antiqueing, going down the shore, walking, shopping, plus the usual stuff that everyone likes such as; movies, theater, dining out etc. I root for the NY Giants and the NY Mets.
I am currently disabled due to Meniere's Disease and I am the sole caregiver to my 81 year old father who has Parkinson's Disease, and my 79 year old mom who is in the early stages of dementia. The worst part of being a live-in caregiver for my parents is that my mom is so afraid of my having another nervous breakdown, she can be a bit clingy. My mom can't tell me being depressed from me being lazy. Sometimes I just want to lie on the sofa, eat junk food, and watch tv in my jammies. That doesn't mean I'm depressed, I just don't have anything better to do. There are times when being lazy actually makes me happy. :)
I should probably clarify that Tex (the guy on the blue Honda Shadow) and I are friends, but no longer dating. Yes, I do have his permission to use those pictures. I told him about the site and as soon as he gets his laptop fixed he'll probably become a member here as well.
I blog on Google too, so I may just add some of those blogs here, if y'all don't mind
Sunday 1 November 2009
Day 1: Road Trip - Werribee to Albury
Our bags pre-packed from the night before, we strapped them onto the bikes in the morning and headed off to fuel up on day one of our riding adventure. 
We're ready!!
We headed off towards Hurstbridge on a typical Melbourne spring morning - lovely drizzling misty rain which started just as we got on the bikes! Stuck on the freeway until we got out of Hursbridge, where the road started to improve. But as we headed up to Kinglake, we rode into a massive fog bank so thick that it engulfed us and you couldn't see the bike in front of you. We crawled up the hill averaging 15-20km the whole way. It was very spooky with blackened trees looming through the fog like burned match sticks standing on either side of the road.
Scariest ride I've ever had (at this stage of the trip), with hairpin bends and steep cliffs dropping away on one
side of the road, the road was barely two lanes wide and because of the fires there earlier this year, there were no armco or marker posts showing the edge of the road.
Stopped at Kinglake for breakfast (or really to change underpants), and met some other riders out front and had a chat.
As we headed out of Kinglake, through Kinglake West and towards Flowerdale, the fog got thicker and thicker. As we passed through Flowerdale, the weather changed. All of a sudden we were looking into massive sunshine and incredibly hot weather! The ride through to Yea was beautiful fast flowing roads and let us make up some time from our slow trip up the hill earlier.
Stopped in Yea for lunch and caught up with Adam's (aka "Rent-A-Hubby's") parents (pic right), then headed up the Maroondah Highway through Merton & Eildon. Crossed over Lake Eildon, but it's almost nonexistent (no water to be seen), then on to Mansfield. Found a brilliant road from Mansfield through Tolmie to Whitfield. That put a smile on the dial. Up and down the mountain, very twisty & enjoyable riding. Dozens of "high risk area for motorcycles" signs to put the fear into you. But we did good.
Continued on through King Valley to Wangaratta (pic of King Valley on left). Stopped for drink and to check out a local street festival, and within 5 minutes of being there, the heavens opened, a massive heavy thunderstorm downpour hit us and drenched everything. Talk about 4 seasons in one day! After this weather, not much could surprise us now.
Found another brilliant riding road, hilly and twisty, through Beechworth and then on to Albury where we stayed for the night (actually two nights).
After breakfast we cruised out to the Ettamogah Pub (Table Top, NSW). It was a nice, warm 32c day. Didn't realise we were there so early, and nothing was open yet, so we got to look around outside the place with no distractions. The Ettamogah Pub is based on an Aussie cartoon strip, by Aussie artist Ken Maynard. It's basically the comic come to life, with lots of Aussie outback humour.
After enjoying a drink at the pub (when it finally opened), we headed back to Albury and found a nice park on the banks of the Murray River and relaxed on the grass in the shade of a Coolabah tree. (singing...)Then down came a Jumbuck to drink at the Billabong... (oh wait, that's another story)
Well Adam relaxed, because I was being stalked by a pack of vicious killer ducks. One of which was faking a limp to try and get close to me with sympathy. It didn't work! (My fear of ducks is a LOONNNGGG story!!!)
Had a late lunch in Albury at The Burger Bar (on Dean Street) and the burgers were great, highly recommended (and the best crunchy beer battered chips we've had anywhere). Took a walk around Albury after lunch and explored the Albury Art Gallery (quite interesting & it was free).
Stay tuned for the next episode in our travels... Will Dimitra make it down the mountain to the Janolan Caves? Only one way to find out... LOL
Dim & Adam

Tuesday May 19, 2009, a day that shall live in infamy. My beau Tex, purchased a 1994 Honda Shadow VLX 600. He had been mentioning to me for months about needing to get another motorcycle. I, never having been into the biker scene said, "no one needs a motorcycle." 

I had to apologize to him the next day for not showing the proper amount of enthusiasm when he called. Though to be fair it was 1:30 AM and I had been asleep for 2 hours already. Wednesday night I surprised him by meeting him outside the local Target, and he was still smiling. He gave me a ride around the parking lot and I have to say I liked it. I'm not sure what I was expecting; but it was a pleasurable experience that reminded me a little bit of the freedom I feel when skiing, added bonus: being close to my man. So there we sat, in the Waffle House, grinning at each other like fools because we had fallen in love with a motorcycle. I can honestly say I felt blissful even the next day, he could hear it in my voice on the phone twelve hours later. 
Just what is it about motorcycles that produces that blissed out feeling?
FWIW: Never tell your beau that his dimples make him look too cute to be a bad a## biker dude. LOL
How to Lift a Fallen Motorcycle
CAUTION
Picking up a motorcycle can be dangerous and cause serious injury if done incorrectly or under poor footing. A simple back injury could wreck your life! Always, always, always try to get help first—and remember, you don't want anybody else to get hurt, either. You need to think clearly, use common sense, and be in good physical condition. Keep your body and back straight, and lift only with your legs. Maintain control of the motorcycle and never twist your body while lifting. Check the motorcycle for damage prior to riding it again.
The majority of picking up a motorcycle is mental: Work smarter, not harder. Motorcycles are heavy machines. Think about how you want to do it first—if you were going to lift a 300-pound refrigerator, would you just run up and grab it and start muscling it around, or would you plan your attack? What would you do if you were going to lift an 800-pound refrigerator?
The ideal situation for lifting a motorcycle would be:
1. Have the lifting technique demonstrated by a qualified professional.
2. Practice with a qualified professional.
3. Have the qualified professional evaluate and coach your lifting technique.
Step 1: Assess Yourself
Take a few minutes to calm down. Seeing your bike lying on its side can be a traumatic experience, but it happens to everyone at one time or another. Your bike's not going anywhere without you. Spend a few minutes asking yourself questions and talking yourself through it: are you hurt? Are you able to pick up your motorcycle in a normal situation? Do you want to pick up your motorcycle? Is it safe to pick up your motorcycle? Etc., etc. You have the rest of your life to pick up your bike; take a few minutes to relax and assess the situation. It's best if you get help. And remember: if someone helps you, don't forget to warn them not to touch the hot exhaust pipe, not to lift by the turn signals, etc. Also make sure they lift correctly. You don't want someone else getting hurt.
Step 2: Assess the Environment
If you are in danger from other traffic, get away from your motorcycle and seek a place of safety. Let law enforcement respond and take control of the scene before picking up your motorcycle. Take a look at the ground: do you have a solid surface to lift from? Is there gravel? Is the pavement wet? Are you right next to a ditch? You don't want to slip and get pinned under your bike.
Step 3: Assess the Motorcycle
Turn it off using the engine cut-off switch or the ignition switch. Turn off the fuel using the fuel supply valve. Spilled fuel is common, so use caution (though usually you need sparks, flame, or an ignition source to have a fire or explosion.) If the motorcycle is lying on its right side, put the sidestand down and put the motorcycle in gear. If the motorcycle is on its left side, you can't put the side stand down and can't put the motorcycle in gear. Make a mental note of these facts. You don't want to pick up your motorcycle and then immediately drop it onto its other side! Techniques to Lift the Motorcycle—Preferred and Regular Methods
Technique I: Facing Away from the Motorcycle - For Large Motorcycles Preferred Method for any Size
1. Turn the handlebars to full-lock position with front of tire pointed downward.
2. Find the "balance point" of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. "Sit" down with your butt/lower back against the motorcycle seat. Be very careful to keep your back straight and your head up. Put your feet solidly on the ground about 12 inches apart, with your knees bent slightly.
4. With one hand, grasp the handgrip (underhand, preferably), keeping your wrist straight.
5. With your other hand, grip the motorcycle framework (or any solid part of the motorcycle), being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe, turn signals, etc.
6. Lift with your legs by taking small steps backwards, pressing against the seat with your butt and keeping your back straight. On slippery or gravelly surfaces this technique probably won't work. On inclined surfaces this can be very dangerous.
7. Be careful not to lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side! If possible, put the sidestand down and the bike in gear.
8. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
Technique II: Facing the Motorcycle - For Small and Medium-Sized Motorcycles Regular Method
1. Turn the handlebars to the full-lock position with the front of the tire pointed skyward.
2. Find the balance point of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. Stand very close to the handlebars. Plant your feet about shoulder-width apart with the lower handgrip in between them. Use both hands to lift. Keeping your back straight and your head up, lift carefully, keeping the handgrip close to your body. Use your leg muscles for power, and not your back muscles.
4. Be careful you don't lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side.
5. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
The information given by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, its instructors, and volunteers is offered as a benefit for those with an interest in riding motorcycles. Our intention is to further discussion and enhance individual safety and skills. Although the MMSC will continue to research, field test, and publish viewpoints on the subject of motorcycle safety, it disclaims any liability for the views expressed. Every motorcyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and that of their passengers. We do not accept any duty or responsibility toward any individuals. We urge all those using the information and views presented on this site to use their own critical judgment. When you may have any doubt about a safety or skill issue, we urge you to seek clarification and information from sources you trust, and to proceed with caution to ensure your safety.
ok i need some advice and opinions from ya'll. i am planning a trip in the spring with my wife and 2 kids on motorcycles. we are planning to ride from here in colorado up to mount rushmore , the badlands and to sturgis and back home. i have an opportunity to purchase a small trailer from a friend for well lets just say any less and i would be stealing it lol. anyway my question is does a trailer take away from the riding experience? i have never pulled a trailer behind a motorcycle before. i would like input from anyone who has as to the pro's and cons and any advice i could get. we will be taking 3 of our 4 motorcycles, i with my wife on the back of mine and the kids on their own. should i just pack our stuff on in a trailer or should we just pack it on our bikes? we plan to stay in tents every other nite to and motels the other nites. plus i would like any info from any of ya'll that live up in that area or have traveled up there as to camp grounds and must see places or roads that are a must ride.
thanks in advance,
andy, a.k.a. cougar
When riding in a group, you can ride in one of three formations:
1. Staggered Formation. In this formation, the motorcycles line up on both sides of the lane, with one bike on the left side, the next bike on the right side, the following bike back on the left side, and so on, with each bike maintaining a two-second interval between the next bike. This formation keeps the group close together while maintaining the maximum amount of safe space around each bike.
2. Single-File Formation. When you are out riding with your friends on a winding road, you will all need to use your entire lane to safely negotiate each corner. On such roads, ride in a single-file formation. Remember not to follow each other too closely, because if one person goes down, he or she might take down other riders too.
3. Side-By-Side Formation. When bikes ride side-by-side, they reduce the amount of safe space between each bike, so this type of formation is discouraged. Sometimes an escort may require you to ride in such a formation to make to group as compact as possible, but otherwise, avoid riding two motorcycles side-by-side.
When riding with other people, let your ability determine your speed-not theirs. I’ve got a friend that can ride circles around me. I just let him go and I’ll catch up with him later. If I try to keep up, I’ll go down. I’ve seen it happen to other riders.
Keep it upright and ride it like you mean it!
Legislation designed to shut down motorcycle gangs was rushed through parliament in April following a surge of violent incidents involving gangs in NSW, including a fatal brawl between gang members at Sydney Airport in March.
"About that time we were receiving reports from riders saying they had been bullied at service stations by people shouting at them, and accusing them of being criminals because they rode motorcycles," Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Guy Stanford told AAP on Sunday.
He believes young motorists aged between 18 and 24 in particular are unwilling to recognise motorcyclists as individuals.
"If you have a full face helmet on, they can't see the face, and so, people tend to think of them as targets in a computer game," he said.
"All road users, especially those new to our roads, have to realise that motorcyclists are from all walks of life, and the next rider you see could be your father, sister, boss or partner."
Despite his concerns, Mr Stanford said roads were safer for motorcyclists than they were nine years ago, when other motorists caused half the number of crashes they were involved in.
Now that figure is 38 per cent, Mr Stanford said.
The number of motorcyclists on NSW roads has increased by 50 per cent in the past five years, Mr Stanford said, with casualty rates increasing by only about 3 per cent.