Carol Carpenter – Page 13

Winter Weather Clothing

October 23, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

It is that time of year, where the wonderful weather we were having has changed into the weather we’ve been dreading. It is time to put those mesh and textile jackets and pants into storage and bring out the warmer winter gear. Hopefully you have already prepared for the change in seasons and either purchased appropriate gear or nik waxed your gear from last year before storing it.

I have a few tricks I like and hope you will use them to keep you warm this winter. I don’t like bulky boot socks so I wear wool socks that are sold in most ski stores, locally there is Sturtevant’s and Ski Mart. I particularly like smart wool as they are thin and warm when worn under those waterproof riding boots you should be wearing now. I also like to wear a thin layer of warm long underwear, top and bottom, followed by my riding gear over that. If it is really cold that morning, then I will charge my Ansai heated vest and have it ready to go to wear as the layer between my top and my jacket. If you are unfamiliar with this vest, it is fantastic. You don’t need to plug it into your bike, it is a small battery pack you charge the night before and fits in a pocket of the vest. You pick the setting you want and off you go, it stays charged for several hours, but turn it off to reserve battery power for when you actually need it while riding. This eliminates the cost of having to purchase heated gear if you want a quick fix. Get nice fitted glove liners to help retain heat and also get proper winter riding gloves, trust me there is nothing worse than not being able to feel your fingers.

My new favorite is the Diva-do, not only does it keep your hair from the all too common helmet head, but it also keeps your head and ears warm, an added plus. I also love the Neck-it, I use this in place of the vest on days when it is not so cold outside. It is fashionable, cute and very warm for those more moderate days.

Stay warm and look fabulous…

Vixens Ride!
Carol T. Carpenter

Ducati Bellevue Services

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

Did you know Ducati Bellevue offers services on bikes other than Ducati’s? Well, they do and their prices are better than you may think. For example, if you purchase tires through Ducati Bellevue they will mount those tires for $30, if you bring in tires you have bought the fee would be $50. I encourage you to shop tire prices elsewhere then call them for a quote, I believe you may be surprised.

Ducati Bellevue will also service all models of bikes for:

Brakes: Front – $50 + parts
Rear – $35 + parts

Chain & Sprockets: $150 + parts

Brake Flush All: $50

Coolant Flush All: $50

Take care of your ride, your ride takes care of you…

Visit www.DucatiBellevue.com

Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Adventuress Skin Care Collection

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

Ladies, we love our beauty products, but one specifically designed for a woman rider? So awesome! I just had to give it a try. Michele Carter, the founder of Adventuress, is a highly active woman and developed a skincare line to fit her lifestyle. Her skincare line is naturally derived and perfect for those with skin sensitivities or allergies. Michele sent me a trial size sampler pack that included the cleanser, skin purifier, moisturizer, a sunscreen wipe and facial wipes. As this is October, I have yet to use the sunscreen wipe and facial wipes, but immediately opened the other items to try.

I placed a small portion of the cleanser on my Clarisonic (I just love that thing) and went to town. Then I used my own toner (I suppose I could’ve used the facial wipe, but am saving it for a particularly sweaty day to freshen up with) and applied the skin purifier, which is this silky gel that glides on to your face and makes it feel so smooth. I then followed up with the moisturizer, which was nice and creamy, absorbed quickly and was not at all greasy.

I am on the third day and my skin feels smoother and I have to admit that I do see a difference in my skin’s texture. Despite the fact I cram my face in and out of helmets daily, subject my poor face to the bitter cold running and riding and basically living an active lifestyle, my skin looks remarkably hydrated. My hands down favorite of all the products, and mind you this will and can change at any given moment, is the skin purifier (which is actually more like a serum). I love how it feels going on and how it feels as it absorbs into my skin.

A sunscreen wipe is a great idea. Not having to worry about your hands being dirty as you swipe it on, brilliant! Anyone at a track day with nothing but port-a-potty’s knows what I mean, yeah, ick! Just a side note off the subject, wet wipes are a girl’s best friend, carry a pack with you in your backpack or luggage.

I am coming close to the end of the products and while the trial sample pack is great to get your feet wet, it would also be great for a weekend get away, around 3-4 days, 4 days if you are really frugal. I highly recommend you try her products, I honestly think you will see a difference in texture on the first day and it only gets better each day after. I am placing my order in for a lifetime supply of that serum though so if she runs out, chances are it was me! Go to our resource page and link to her store directly.

Ladies should always put their best face forward before shaming those boys…Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Acupuncture

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

My introduction to acupuncture was when I was little and saw my mother getting tiny needles strategically placed all over her body, horrified I asked if it hurt and she said, “no.” I honestly thought she was being stoic and just sat there thinking she was insane. It is part of my culture, I should know all about it, right? Wrong, I chose not to identify with my culture growing up, I wanted to be completely Americanized.

It wasn’t until I had children and was having pain so debilitating (female problems) and my option was to have surgery or deal with the pain with the help of some very strong drugs. Against surgery and (gasp! Drugs), I started researching other methods and discovered that acupuncture was an option. I spoke to several acupuncturists and decided to start treatment. Remarkably, I started to feel relief, then my health improved and next thing I knew I started to feel normal (well, as normal as can be) again, no surgery needed. Acupuncture is the philosophy that your body has an energy flow and if it is blocked it can’t flow causing pain, discomfort, disease, etc. The needles are placed on points corresponding to organs requiring treatment and meridians in order to reopen that energy flow and allow your body to heal itself. My female issues are basically gone, but I still get pain from riding and putting stress on my body as I ride over rough terrain and perched high on my bike in a full tuck. I find that a “tune up” when I start to feel pain keeps me feeling great, helps me sleep and allows me the energy to be a mom and entrepreneur.

Please visit our resources page for a listing of companies in our area that are a part of our endeavor to help women be the best they can be. Be well and Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Window Cleaning and More

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

Window Cleaning and More is a local company that cleans windows, gutters and seasonally puts up Christmas lights. They are located at 14238 Bear Creek Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98077 and can be contacted at (425)285-9517. I have personally been using them since they first started, been happy with their services and referred them out to neighbors and friends. Dave, the owner, has been so kind to extend 5% off labor on any service if you mention “Carol Carpenter.” Visit his website for a list of services: www.windowcleaningandmore.com

Let’s delegate some chores so we can get out there before the frost…Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Diva-do and Neck-it Review

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

Vixens, we all love to look good when we ride and we also consider comfort and style when choosing our products, this is why when I came across the Diva-do and Neck-it I had to give it a try. The Diva-do is a hybrid between a do rag and a hair net that was designed to keep long hair protected from the elements while keeping your hair from the dreaded helmet head. The Neck-it is a polar fleece turtleneck that has a flap that extends down the front of your chest to keep out the biting wind in fall/winter.

The Diva-do was extremely easy to use and once I got the hang of it, I was able to put it on again in seconds. It sits fairly low on the forehead and over the ears, I particularly liked that since in the winter my ears tend to get quite cold. The Diva-do also made getting my helmet on and off easier, which was a definite plus. It does however make the helmet just slightly tighter, but not at all uncomfortable. I have a lot of breakage from the constant rubbing from taking my helmet on and off and have noticed lots of shorter hairs in the front of my hairline. The Diva do is made to keep hair from breakage by protecting it from the friction of those actions. There are many different patterns to choose from, so go to www.raci-babi.com and see what appeals to you. BTW-There is a Wick-it for shorter hair too!

The Neck-it looks like a turtleneck with a dickie, for those of us that are old enough to know that word. I ride year round and fall/winter is trying for me when the weather gets cold and my concentration on getting to my destination to get warm consumes my thoughts and detracts from the road. Nothing in the world is worse than being cold to the point you are shivering on your bike. The Neck-it is worn under your jacket and while I couldn’t snap the collar on my jacket, it kept the wind out completely. It wasn’t until I rode home without it on that I realized what a difference it made. There are many different patterns to choose from so you can coordinate with your gear, I plan on getting another one to do just that!

Ladies, riding is a statement, riding in style makes an impact…Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Letter From Mary McGee

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

The following is a letter from the legendary Mary McGee, who I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with at the Ride West Event on October 11, 2012. She has led an incredible life and done things that I could’ve only dreamed of. She was so down to earth and gracious, not at all what you would expect from someone who is so accomplished. She is an inspiration to all women, she paved the way for women race car drivers and motorcyclists alike, being the first woman to race in both. I am honored that I was on a panel with her and look forward to working with her in the future to encourage more women to ride.

Hi Carol,

It was terrific meeting you and everyone at the RideWest event. I think you have a great idea going with your web site. I admire your abilities and knowledge to get into this project, and by the way it is a great name, motovixens.com. Thank you for your wonderful words on the adventures in my life. It was kinda stuffed with a lot of fun and excitement, I was lucky. You will have a lot of opportunities for many adventures in your life, and I know you will say yes when something/anything is offered.

I think the kind of women oriented plans that you, Tracy & Deb are doing is really fantastic. It is women like you that will bring more women into the wonderful world of motorcycles, and we know that many women need a lot of encouragement to get started. It is marvelous that more women are interested in bikes and people like you will draw them in. As we all know motorcycle people are the BEST.

Cheers,

Mary

Carol T. Carpenter

Massage Envy

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

For those of you unfamiliar (you’d have to be living under a rock, but OK) with Massage Envy, it is a chain of massage centers that make it easy and more cost effective for you to get pain relief. I joined many years ago at the Redmond location in Bear Creek when I was plagued with debilitating upper back pain and migraines. Unable to function, I started receiving massages to alleviate the pain. It is widely documented that massage is beneficial in not only alleviating pain, but helping you lead a better quality of life. As riders, we all have times when our bodies tell us that it is time for a “tune up” and it is up to us to listen to what our bodies need. We would never skip a tune up or ignore an issue on our bike, why should we ignore our well being? We are the pilots of our machines, if we aren’t 100% then our riding will reflect that.

Massage Envy has a few deals going, check out our special offers page and print out the flyer, take it in to a location near you and get the relief you need. Be well and Ride C.H.I.C! Needless to say…Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

Any Lab Test Now

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

Any Lab Test Now is a facility that I came across when I was really feeling fatigued. I had always heard of B-12 shots and with my lifestyle as hectic as it is, I knew that something was missing and wanted to give it a try. I walked into the facility in Redmond, WA (across from the old post office) and met Laurie, who administered the B-12 shot. She discussed why I may be feeling run down (I am vegetarian) and said that it would be good to come in weekly to the shot. That day, I found a renewed energy and actually cleaned the whole house before I finally crashed. This was after I had run 3 miles that morning and spent all day on the motorcycle going to my appointments. I started to feel that fade where I knew I needed another shot in a few weeks, but my schedule did not permit it and I walked in the week later to get my “tune up” shot. If you have never had a B-12 shot here is your opportunity to give it a try:

Any Lab Test Now is offering MotoVixens a free (Yes, Free) B-12 shot. The only catch is that you can only receive the free one every 90 days. I personally believe once you try it, you will just buy a package, like I do. There is no appointment necessary, you just walk in, get your shot and move on with your day. You can visit www.anylabtestnow.com for locations and hours near you. Check out their other programs too, they do all kinds of tests pertaining to your health and they do it at a fraction of the cost the doctors will charge you for. They also have an InShape MD program, should you be interested. Just mention MotoVixens and get your free shot today! Vixens Ride!

This offer is limited to four Seattle area locations, Redmond, Renton, Seattle and Vancouver. In Oregon, this offer is available in Portland and Gresham.

Carol T. Carpenter

Sales of ‘girl’ motorcycles rev up

October 19, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

I recently came across this article in the LA Times and I am stunned that women are being relegated to “girl” bikes, what an absolute insult to our intelligence and abilities. Those of us that have chosen to ride, ride on guy bikes, plain and simple. There are no bikes scaled down for women, so why put us on the less powerful 250cc – 350cc bikes? What a complete put down. Sure 9 out of 10 motorcyclists is a male, but does that mean that we can’t or shouldn’t ride? NO! If anything, as women we have always had to overcome these prejudices, it is just a fact. What we can do is empower women to become better riders, give them the information they need to make decisions, educate and give them options, encourage them and remind them they can do whatever they want.

Read the LA Times article here

Many women want to ride, yet they always tell me that bikes are too tall, too heavy, too scary, etc… So let me tell you that I am what they term “vertically challenged”. I am 5’4″ tall and I have found solutions to my “shortcomings” because for me there was never any question what types of motorcycles I wanted to ride. I presently ride a 2012 Ducati Monster 696, I have ridden the BMW S1000RR’s mostly on my tiptoes and a Ducati 848 EVO that was equipped with lowering links (on the balls of my feet). I don’t look at these challenges as problems, it just requires more creative tweaking. The desire to learn just has to be there and the mindset to overcome these minor challenges. Don’t let others put doubt into your mind (i.e. that bike is too heavy too powerful for you, etc.), educate yourself, practice, persevere. I knew I wasn’t a confident rider when I started so I fixed that, I researched and then attended a track school (track schools are not just for people who want to race, they are for everyone). It was the best investment I ever made, I made that investment in me, I am a mother, sister and aunt, I want to enjoy my sport without fear. Fear comes from being uneducated, so educate yourself and be a confident rider, you are worth that investment.

Read the LA Times article here

As for the motorcycle world, we can’t change Rome in a day. It will require many more years before manufacturers will listen, but they will if we express our grievances in numbers. When 9 out of 10 riders is male, we are small potatoes even though we are growing in number every year. Be patient things will change, we can be part of that change and pave the way for future women riders everywhere. I love liter bikes, I love the raw power, but I have yet to find one that fits me perfectly (I’d give to touch the ground on the balls of my feet). Maybe that will happen someday, but for now it forces me to be a better rider than a male counterpart who does not even have to consider all the issues I must overcome just to ride that same bike. Women riders are a special group of people, we don’t complain, we do. It is up to us to speak out and tell the industry what women want because I don’t know about you, but I would like to see more adjustability in suspension, more dealerships offer free setup, more knowledge in helping women enjoy their rides. Let’s make them start thinking for us, that is how we can get the ball rolling. But in the meantime, Vixens, let’s ride!

Read the LA Times article here

Carol T. Carpenter