Ladies - Womans Opinion needed..

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CNF2002 · #1 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:36 pm

Any tips from women on getting my wife interested in bikes would be appreciated. I don't expect her to buy her own bike and cruise the country, but it would be nice to go on rides together. We did it once, but she really didn't seem too enthusiastic when we were done. Admittedly, it was just a ride around the neighborhood for 30 minutes, but I jealously read about others who take their wives for rides and they don't want it to end!

I think it comes mostly from her family...who always tell her, in my presence, that they never want her to ride on a bike. Aside from the lectures about her being a grown woman who can make her own decision, how can I combat this prejudice against bikes without alienating myself from the in-laws (LOL), and still enjoy my hobby with my wife!

Nalian · #2 Unread post by **Nalian** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:46 pm

Have you tried saying to her what you just said here? If so - how did it go? What are her objections to it?

If you haven't - I think thats the way to go. Just be open/frank with her and tell her why you'd like her to be into it - to share a hobby and time with you.

CNF2002 · #3 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:50 pm

No absolutely we have had this discussion many times! But regardless of my efforts, she just simply has no interest.

Thats why I'm looking for some suggestions...something to grab her interest.

Nalian · #4 Unread post by **Nalian** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:13 pm

The thing that got my S/O interested (but not riding yet..) is reading other people's accounts of trips, rides, etc - why they liked motorcycles and how it made them feel. Their passion rubbed off a bit on her.

Then we went jet skiing (which was felt to be safer) and driving that was likened to a 'cycle.

I would think the trick (if there is a trick to be had) would be to find out why she doesn't want to - ie afraid for safety, then find a way to present it safely. Maybe an MSF or group ride where the goal is something like a short ride for food somewhere. Keep surrounding it with positive things if safety is the concern.

However if it is just flat out lack of interest, I think you're going to have to dig out why she finds it boring/uninteresting and share that to get more ideas!

Thats all I can think of anyway.

CNF2002 · #5 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:17 pm

She loves jetskiing...go figure!

Can't figure out why she doesnt have interest...she doesn't know either. I think its something to do with her family, but honestly I just think she has no interest and doesn't know why. There's probably something deeper involved that only a psychiatrist can answer.

I need a simpler solution

Loonette · #6 Unread post by **Loonette** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 5:23 pm

Knowing why she isn't interested might help a bit so that you can see if there's a way to help. But if she's not interested in the end, just be glad that she doesn't stand in your way of having a good time on the bike.

I work with this guy, Andy. He's in his late 50's. When he found out that I rode, he says, "I used to have a motorcycle when I was in my 20's. But then I figured, what's the point of just riding in a straight line on two wheels when I can relax in a car to do the same thing?" I looked at him like he was from Mars. And this guy is a hanglider and a snowboarder! My brother, who used to hop out of aircraft for the military and now rides around in Bradleys for the same, can't figure out why I would be so crazy as to ride a motorcycle. He's clueless.

Before I started riding, my biggest obstacle was my husband. When I found out that his big concern was safety issues, I asked him to take the MSF course after me, and he did. Fortunately for me, he fell in love with it all. It doesn't sound like your wife is putting up barriers though. So... try to find out from where her lack of interest stems, but then be prepared to be accepting of her answer. Some folks just don't understand.

Cheers,
Loonette

#7 Unread post by **motogirl** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 5:59 pm

Hi there,

Even if your wife doesn't have an interest in riding (which is a heck of a lot better than having an objection to riding), I'm sure she has an interest in other things that you can get to while riding. I mean, you can take her to fun places on the bike, get great food, ride on beautiful scenic roads that are normally unappreciated in a car but suddenly become alive when on a motorcycle (somewhere that has great smells - the salty ocean air, citrus trees in bloom, countrysides that smell of green pastures).

Also, you might take her to places where she can experience the comraderie with other riders. It's always fun to feel like you are a part of something, one of the gang. It's fun to get the waves and nods from other riders, or a friendly hello at a nearby cafe from a fellow biker that would normally have just been another stranger passing by.

I don't have much else to add, other than if she doesn't get into the ride, that's ok. But you can help her enjoy the destinations and the other aspects of the experience. Of course, I'm sure you already ride conservatively when she is with you, and you instill a feeling of safety and confidence, right?

Good luck. Maybe she just needs a really hot new riding jacket and matching chaps!

Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:57 am

I agree that you have to find out what it is that she dosent like. For me it was safety like Loonette mentioned. I took the MSF course with my husband and the rest is history. Im in love with it and most of my riding isn't even next to my husband. Maybe that's why I love it...

#9 Unread post by **bok** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:28 am

from the pic in your avatar i couldn't tell if you have a backrest on there for her. that might make the ride feel more comfortable than "hanging on" for half an hour.

CNF2002 · #10 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:03 am

Thanks these are all nice tips.

No backrest. Its a fairly small bike for 2-up, no long trips here. What you see in the avatar is just my tailbag and saddlebags.