Reviews – Page 3

More Cornering Class

May 20, 2013 By Carol Carpenter

Today was WMST’s first Women’s only More Cornering Class and we couldn’t have been more lucky to have mother nature shine on us as we learned techniques to apply to those dreaded corners, turns and twisties. Chris and Oly showed the gals the importance of body positioning to help guide the bike smoothly through turns/corners, looking through a turn and not target fixating, using peripheral vision to process important/non-important information, breathing on the brake to minimally slow the bike (trail braking) and getting comfortable enough to increase your speed around those turns. I was so proud of the gals as the day went on and the light bulbs went on one by one, your speed and confidence increased and I could see that you were going to be testing all those new techniques on the way home.

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This was not only WMST’s first Women’s only More Cornering Class, but it was the first one for MotoVixens as well. Please comment about what you liked, didn’t like and want to see as part of a future class or event. Don’t worry, it will be between just us gals and pipe in even if you didn’t attend the class and there is something you would like to see in the future. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Track day on June 10th and other future events in the near future. Ride on Vixens!

2 Fast Performance School for June 10, 2013

April 5, 2013 By Carol Carpenter

Vixens, for those of you signed up for the track day on June 10th at The Ridge (Women’s Track Event in our Event section), you are in for a jam packed day of information, sweat and adrenaline! Mark DeGross, owner of 2 Fast Motorcycle Track Days and Instruction, fills the day with an immense amount of learning combined with track time and has a staff that are at the top of their game. You will be learning from the best so make sure you are well rested and most importantly hydrated (I typically have a rule of hydrating a few days before a track day and avoid alcohol if you can the day before, it does make a difference). To keep your sanity, make a check list of things you need to bring such as your gear (riding suit of two piece zip togethers), boots (socks too), gloves, helmet and some type of back protector and get it in the car the night before. Also, don’t forget to bring water (they have it, but it’s always good to bring some of your own) and snacks in case you are not able to eat what is being served. I am a vegetarian so most of the time I just bring my own food since they typically serve hot dogs and hamburgers at the track. Note: It is really cold in the morning, wear layers so you can stay comfortable and if you are new to riding suits, wear some type of compression gear underneath or it will be impossible to get your leathers off after you start sweating, getting that suit off to pee will be a challenge.

As some of you may know, I have been writing about my crazy introduction into motorcycle racing. It has been an enlightening experience, scary as crap and also where I’ve felt most accepted into a community than I have ever felt possible. Every individual I’ve come into contact with has been nothing but genuine and open to sharing their knowledge and if asked, provide advice. Mark DeGross, my mentor (in this nutty adventure), has been a wealth of information which is why I chose him to be my guide through this overwhelming process in order to get ready. I am told that eventually this will all be second nature, but for now, I do feel like a minnow in an ocean of sharks. 2 Fast is an amazing performance school which I had the opportunity to attend as part of my Novice Racer curriculum. Everything I learned, you will learn, our class was just more entailed and had simulations of what we would encounter on race days. Before you come, make sure your bike is in good working order, have decent tread on your tires and nothing is leaking or it will be a lousy day sitting in the pits (unless you can bribe one of the Ducati guys to ride one of the demo bikes, then it will be awesome).

Your Schedule will be:

7:00am Registration and Tech Inspection, have bike taped (mirrors, if not removing and lights)
7:40am Complimentary track ride around in trucks (highly recommended)
8:15am Mandatory Rider Meeting (Rules, Flags and Passing)
8:45am Performance School Orientation for students
9:00am Session 1: Body Positioning
10:00am Session 2: Turn 9 Experience
11:00am Session 3: Relaxation & Fear Management (This one is big!)
12:00pm Session 4: Lunch Break
1:00pm Session 5: Scrubbing Speed – The Art of Slowing It All Down
2:00pm Session 6: Powerband Management
3:00pm Session 7: Vision – What You See & Where You Are Looking
4:00pm END OF DAY

Please understand that this day is not about speed, this day is about learning. Sure you can push yourself, it is natural and encouraged, but don’t be a hazard to others because you want to prove something. We all play a part in being responsible and respectful of the other riders on the track. Ask loads of questions, the staff is an invaluable source of information and they are generous with their expertise and advice, listen and learn. Don’t let this be your only track day, sign up for as many as you can and just keep improving. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why try? Also, visit 2-fast.org or ducatibellvue.com for full listings of their track days, prices and videos. If you are still on the fence because you think your cornering isn’t what it should be and want to get some extra instruction before, we have a class that is being offered by WMST on Sunday, May 19 from 9am – 5pm (check the events section for more details). If you can’t make the class, don’t worry, we will all be there to help you at the track. This is about empowering you so take full advantage of it, they want to see more women on the track and no one is going to judge you. Truth is they have respect for any woman that has the balls to come to a track day, so let those bad boys swing Vixens ;)!!!!

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

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

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

California SuperBike School

October 13, 2012 By Carol Carpenter

CA SuperBike School is based on Keith Code’s original idea of breaking down the fundamentals of riding and improving the rider’s ability in a step-by-step training method. His classes offer 2 students to one coach, a little class time and lots of track time, which is what we all want and love. You must do the levels in order, even if you are an advanced rider, this ensures everyone on that track has been trained in the same way. Every level takes a day to complete and I couldn’t believe how much I actually learned on the first day. It is not inexpensive, but as I said to others when they balked at the price, “How much is your life worth?” I would not be the confident, focused and safe rider I am today without this school.

I attended the Street of Willows in Lancaster, CA in April of 2012 and can only say that this is a well-oiled machine. Students are encouraged to push their limits, but maintain a level of safety for the good of all the students on the track. Level I and II teach you so much in the span of 2 days that you will leave with a sense of accomplishment you have never experienced.

In July of 2012 I went back and finished Level III and IV in Shelton, WA at the new racetrack, The Ridge. What I learned in the last two levels challenged my body in ways that I never knew. The way you position your body, hanging off the bike, flicking and hooking your body through turns, etc. required core strength to be turned on all the time. Maybe that explains the lean nature of most sportbike riders and track rats.

I highly recommend this school to anyone who really wants to nail cornering and become a confident rider. There are one day and two day classes, just check the schedule on www.superbikeschool.com for locations and dates near you. If you check the gallery section on my site, you will see pictures from those two racetracks. If you want to learn more about Keith’s techniques, read his books which are available through his school or on line, they will explain the concepts to you. Ride safe ladies and remember Vixens Ride!

Carol T. Carpenter

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