Helmet manufacturer KBC has brought a new line of Ed Hardy helmets to the market. Typical of Ed Hardy designs, these helmets have awesome tattoo-like graphics and great colors! I’m a big Ed Hardy fan, so I find these helmets exciting and extremely fashionable, especially for us ladies!

The full-face helmets (as in the picture above) are made of a Powercore shell, and include a removable, washable liner. So not only will the helmet keep you safe, but it will also keep you extremely comfortable. In addition, these helmets offer good ventilation, an anti-fog faceshield, and a quick-release visor system.

For those who don’t know, KBC has been around for over 17 years and is the industry leader in private label helmets (such as the Ed Hardy collection). Do a Google search on KBC helmet reviews or ask friend who’s worn one and you’ll find almost all positive reviews. Though KBC may not be a household name, it certainly seems to hold its own against Arai and other big name manufacturers.

I am just excited to finally see a line of helmets that doesn’t compromise fashion for safety (though safety is most important). This line of Ed Hardy helmets definitely brings a more exciting option in headgear to the table.

Check out the new line of Ed Hardy helmets at rockheadbikes.

- Julie

I’ve been hearing a lot of women riders complain about helmet hair. Now that the weather is starting to warm up in the Northeast and in other parts of the country, I thought we’d have a little fun today and talk about helmet hair.

Here are a few ideas I’ve heard from friends about how they prevent or fix helmet hair…

Wear a bandanna or helmet liner
Many of the women I’ve heard from say that wearing a bandanna or helmet liner helps to keep their hair dry and maintain the style

Sport a ponytail
If you have longer hair, wear a low ponytail or braid under your helmet. This simple style will keep your hair from flying around and getting knotty, and looks good in almost any situation.

Carry a hairdryer or curlers
If you ride to work or to an event, bring a hairdryer or curlers along. A quick blast of hot air from the hairdryer can spruce up limp hair and add a little body. Curlers will also add some volume

Use a baseball hat or sunglasses to hide unruly or flat hair
Another option is to have a baseball hat or sunglasses handy. Baseball hats are becoming increasing popular on women and can easily disguise any limp or sweaty hair. Wearing sunglasses on top of your head can help to keep down any flyaways!

Use a wig!
When you take off your helmet, just throw on the wig and no one will know any different! This might be a better idea if wigs were more in style!

Cut your hair
If you have long hair and you just can’t stand it, consider chopping it off. A shorter do will be easier to manage and will be much cooler than having all that hair on your neck and back!

Of course, sometimes there is really no good fix for helmet hair, other than owning up to it and ignoring it.

Share with us how you deal with crazy helmet hair.

-Julie

Earlier this month, Harley Davidson released the following announcement...

Many people wonder why women ride motorcycles. And lets be honest, a woman rider will turn some heads. Women who don’t ride usually don’t get it. “Why would you want to ride a motorcycle when you can be in the comfort of a nice car?” they ask. So today I’m asking, what are some of the reasons why women choose to ride a motorcycle? I’ve come up with a few thoughts of my own…

Some women ride for the sheer excitement of riding. Feeling the wind whip by, the pavement so close, the speed. It can certainly be exhilarating. And riding can be fun, especially if you’re riding with a large group. Being able to tour the country on just a small bike can be very attractive for some women.

A few women I know ride to save money. Though they may not have began riding for this reason, they typically find themselves riding more often, and for more than just a hobby as the economy goes down and costs rise. Motorcycles will get great gas mileage, and aside from some minor tune-ups, they typically cost less than a car to maintain. And insurance for motorcycles is far less than insurance for a car or truck.

Women ride for the challenge, or to “be one of the guys.” Most people immediately associate men with riding, all the more reason for women to prove that notion wrong. Some women really enjoy taking part in things that are typically geared towards men. It empowers them. And riding can definitely be a challenge. Riding takes practice, and getting used to balancing and handling. Riding a bike can make one feel more “in control” then just driving a car.

Of course, women ride for a variety of different reasons, some, which I’m sure they can’t even name. But I often wonder, when it’s pouring or stifling hot, do you think, “What am I doing? Why do I even ride?”

So tell us, why do you ride?

-Julie

With the holiday season upon us, and lots of people heading to the roads to visit friends and family, traffic can become a nightmare. Here are a few simple tips to keep you alert and safe when riding bumper-to-bumper.

Watch other drivers’ movements
Most drivers will at least look to their left or right (even if they don’t look in their mirrors) if they’re planning on switching lanes. Watching for these movements can help you anticipate those who are going to change lanes in front of you.

Be aware of your surroundings
Scan your surroundings so that you are aware of what is going on around you. Remember to glance periodically to your right and left, not just in front and behind. And don’t just rely on your mirrors – they can’t always tell you what’s in your blind spot.

Be prepared to stop suddenly
Keep your hands and feet near the brakes so you can use them at a moments notice. When the guy in the truck cuts you off, you’ll be glad that you were prepared.

Avoid the right lane
Passing on the right is generally not a good idea, though sometimes unavoidable. Just watch out for drivers who decide to exit via an off ramp at the last minute. That being said, don’t put yourself between an exit ramp and another vehicle.

Have escape routes prepared
Be prepared for uncertain situations. Have an escape route. If you’re riding in the left hand lane, stay a little to the left of the car in front of you so you can veer off if necessary. Remember that swerving onto someone’s front lawn or a shoulder is better than getting rammed into.

-Julie

Studies say that fatigue accounts for between one fifth and one sixth of all car accidents. While the numbers for motorcycle riders may be slightly lower, rider fatigue is still an important issue. Whether going on long trips, or short rides to and from work, being prepared is especially important when riding a motorcycle.

Here a few tips for keeping you alert and safe while riding:

1. Be sure to get adequate sleep the nights before a multi-day ride. In addition, during the ride you may want to plan extra time to sleep in. Don’t feel rushed to get out the door and back on the road to make your destination in time. If you feel the need to put off your departure for a few hours, do so. The last thing you want is to fall asleep on the bike. This may be one instance where over-sleeping is actually a good thing!

2. Unless you’ve been on multiple long distance rides on your bike, or you ride very often, your body may not be used to riding for great lengths of time. It’s important to plan in time for breaks every hour or so. If you have enough time before the long distance ride, start taking longer, 3 or 4 hour, rides to get your body accustomed to riding long distances. Before the ride you may also want to make any necessary adjustments to your bike to make the ride more comfortable.

3. Be prepared for different weather conditions. The sunny, 98-degree weather you are experiencing at your house, may turn into rain and wind gusts in the next state. If you are riding in extreme heat, make sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. A few hours in the sun can make just about anybody ready for air conditioning and a nap.

4. Make sure that your vision (glasses, windshield, faceshield, etc) is clear and easy for you to see out of. Anything that distorts your vision or stresses your eyes can give you headaches and make you tired. Besides riding tired, who really feels like riding with a pounding headache?

For all you women riders out there, I’ve compiled a list of some of the pioneers in women’s riding. Those who have paved the way for many organizations, and those who have helped to break stereotypes.

Adeline and Augusta Van Buren: These two sisters set out on a mission to ride across the US in 1916. On July 4th, the sisters left New York City to begin their journey. They arrived in Los Angeles on September 8th, after traveling 5,500 on hazardous roads. The Van Buren sisters were the first women to ride coast-to-coast on separate motorcycles.

Theresa Wallach: Theresa began riding in the 1920s, competing in trials, scrambles and road racing. In 1935, her and riding partner Florence Blenkiron rode from London to Cape Town, South Africa, becoming the first people to cross the Sahara on a motorcycle. In 1939, Theresa won a Brooklands Gold Star for lapping the Brooklands circuit in England at over 100mph. During World War II, Theresa became the first women dispatch rider in the British army, where she spent 7 years in active service. Theresa moved to the US, where she became the first woman to own and run her own motorcycle business.

Louise Scherbyn: In 1932, Louise Scherbyn began riding at the encouragement of her husband. She was initially worried about her reputation, but soon overcame that. Louise claims to be the first American woman to reach the Timagami Forest of Canada in 1937. Louise became involved in many motorcycle clubs, eventually founding the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), which still exists today.

Bessie Stringfield: During the 1930s and 40s, Bessie, and African-American woman, completed eight cross-country journeys, even riding through the South where racial prejudice was everywhere. During World War II, Bessie served as a motorcycle dispatch rider. In the 1950s, Bessie started the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club as she continued to break many stereotypes and prejudices.

Below are some great tips I found at www.motorcyclecruiser.com for how to be a good passenger. As a passenger it’s normal to be nervous, but by taking the proper precautions, your ride will be smooth and memorable.

• Make sure you completely trust the person you’re riding with. During the ride, your life is in their hands. If you're not sure, ask questions: How long have you been riding? How long riding this particular bike? Have you ridden with a passenger before?
• Wear proper gear. This includes boots, jeans (or a heavier fabric pant), good-fitting helmet, gloves and a protective jacket.
• Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about what is expected during the ride. Where are you going? How long will you be riding? What does the route consist of?
• Know how to mount the bike, where to place your feet, how to hold on and how to communicate with your partner.
• Relax on the road. It’s important for you to be in tune with the driver and the bike. During turns, keep your body in line with the bike and don’t make any abrupt moves.
• Never put your feet down at stops.
• Don’t make yourself uncomfortable. If you are, tell your partner how you are feeling so that adjustments can be made.

Remember the safety of you and your partner is of utmost importance. Communication is key to having a great, safe ride.

-Julie

Below are some great tips I found at www.motorcyclecruiser.com for how to ride with a passenger. Even if you are a seasoned rider, there are some tips you may not have thought of before.

• Adjust your bike's rear suspension for the extra load.
• Always make sure your passenger has proper riding gear including boots, jeans (or a heavier fabric pant), good-fitting helmet, gloves and a protective jacket.
• Educate your passenger about the bike. Tell them what parts are hot, where to hold, where to put their feet and also how to mount.
• Before you even get on the bike, tell your passenger how to hold on. Both arms around the waist or on a grab rail?
• Advise your passenger ahead of time not to put their feet down at stops or grab your arms or shoulders while you're riding. Explain that when you corner they need to relax and not lean against the turn, which is the usual impulse.
• Devise a system of communication before you ride away. Maybe it's one tap on the right shoulder to say, "When you get a chance I'd like to stop." Two taps for, "It's urgent."
• Anticipate that your bike will handle differently. It may steer less readily on initial lean, but once in a turn, the addition of weight up high may cause a more abrupt dip. You will also lose some braking efficiency so start stopping sooner.

Safety of both you and your passenger is essential. No matter what, you want to make your passenger feels safe and secure throughout the ride. After all, their life is in your hands.

-Julie