1963 Teaching a Girl to Ride a Motorcycle - 1-Page Vintage Article

Description

1963 Teaching a Girl to Ride a Motorcycle - 1-Page Vintage Article
Original, Vintage Magazine article.
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
TEACHING
A GIRL
TO
RIDE
By Diane (Mrs. Dick) Dorresteyn
Photographs by Walt Mahony
Miss Donna Garland, pupil
The first thing to remember in teaching a girl to ride
a motorcycle is that she is a girl, because this job
will take more patience and understanding than or-
dinarily needed for teaching a buddy. One of the most
important steps is to get her relaxed and convinced that
she can do it, if she wants to. The motorcycle will seem
a little heavy and clumsy at first, but this is overcome with
practice. Since she may not be very mechanically minded,
try to give additional explanation and help in understand-
ing the fundamentals. Repeti-
tion is the answer when she does
not catch on right away, and
keep all instructions brief and
simple so she won’t become con-
fused with technicalities. New
riders should always be taught
in a slow, quiet manner that does
not excite them, but if she be-
comes too lense, divide the les-
sons into two parts and let her solo the second day.
Without starting the motorcycle, explain its operation
as simply as possible. Now, start it up and let her work
the throttle (on, off, on, off) and the clutch (in, out, in,
out), to give her the feeling of what you are about to
demonstrate. Ride her around the block or parking lot a
few times, stopping and starting frequently; then let her
explain the operation as you go, correcting her if neces-
sary. Next, put the motorcycle on a stand or blocks so
that the back wheel is not touching the ground. The in-
formation and experience she obtains on the stand is very
important and will give her needed confidence when tak-
ing her first solo
ride. Let her put
the motorcycle
in neutral and
start it; you
can stand beside
her and help if
necessary, as she
makes numerous
gear changes.
She is now
ready to solo
and, theoretical-
ly, should have
no problems. If
she does stall the first time, Explain that it’s okay and ask
her to try again. Let her ride a few feet and stop; you
can walk alongside in case of a bobble. After she has
mastered the starting, clutch engagement and braking,
allow her to make a few laps around the lot in first gear;
then refresh her memory on the higher gears and let her
proceed from there. When she has made numerous up
and down gear changes, starts and stops, she is ready for
a few cautious trips around
the block. Only when satisfied
that she understands everything
should you let her go strictly on
her own, after impressing upon
her the importance of the fol-
lowing suggestions:
1. Do not pass any car (slow or otherwise) in an
intersection. 2. Turn on your headlight one hour before
the cars do. 3. Don’t assume a stopped car or any car
sees you. A motorcycle is a small object and may not
always be seen or given the right of way. 4. Never follow
a car closely. 5. Street riding can be dangerous so always
be cautious and on guard. 6. Obey traffic laws and
remember, the good name of motorcycling depends on
you and how you conduct yourself. •
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