Need some womenly advice

[outlawtorn]

Greetings ladies,

I ask you this now from your point of view. My wife is not really enjoying me riding on a bike and seems pretty anti the whole thing, of course with me having 2 minor wipeouts it hasn't helped my cause. What do you suggest I do to warm her up to the whole bike thing? I can't take her out on the bike yet as I am still on a learners.

Suggestions? Comments?

[Hitcher]

Well, if it doesn't involve/excludes her from time she thinks she's like to spend with you. Sounds like taking up golf or cricket as an alternative isn't a goer either.

Try synchronising your diaries so that you have time together and for yourself.

I hope that advice is sufficiently "womanly" for you...

[mikey]

take that skirt off an put some pants on! lay down the law

[vifferman]

Well, (hang on, while I adjust my undies to give a more womanly, squeaky voice...)

Well, I was in a similar position to you, so I spent as much of my time doing stuff that my wife wanted me to do, so she wouldn't resent my bike time.
Quite frankly, it didn't work that well. It took a major blow-up and some potentially life-threatening (non bike-related stuff) to force a re-evaluation of priorities, our relationship, etc., and then my wife decided to take an interest in my interests. Now she goes riding with me on occasion. In fact, generally, I don't do any recreational riding now, except when she wants to go too, and now the rides aren't just for the sake of going for a ride, but with some destination in mind, and something to do when we get there.

[White trash]

take that skirt off an put some pants on! lay down the law

Bwahahaha!

That's not fucken funny man, the guy has a serious query.

*snigger* *cough* *splutter*

[Riff Raff]

Is it the issue of "danger", or the time you spend on your bike? If it is the amount of time you spend apart then you may need to make some compromises. If she is against bikes in general then it gets a bit tricky. Do you know anyone who is a good rider who would be willing to take her as a pillion so that she can come on occassional rides with you. Being included in your motorbiking activities might be all it takes for her to get the bug!

[Mongoose]

take that skirt off an put some pants on! lay down the law

Is that so the wifey one shoots thru therefore cures the percieved problem?
me thinks perhaps learning to stay up right would be a good start, lessens the danger aspect a tad, huh?

[outlawtorn]

Is it the issue of "danger", or the time you spend on your bike? If it is the amount of time you spend apart then you may need to make some compromises. If she is against bikes in general then it gets a bit tricky. Do you know anyone who is a good rider who would be willing to take her as a pillion so that she can come on occassional rides with you. Being included in your motorbiking activities might be all it takes for her to get the bug!

It is the issue of danger and an issue of time in general, plus we've got two kids so I feel like a selfish bastard if I want to go out on a Sunday cruise.

BTW Mikey, it's called compromise....

Thanks Vifferman, you made a lot of sense.

[outlawtorn]

Is that so the wifey one shoots thru therefore cures the percieved problem?
me thinks perhaps learning to stay up right would be a good start, lessens the danger aspect a tad, huh?

well my first wipeout was on the day I got the bike, my fault for not taking a corner slow enough just after it had rained and my bike slid, and more recently (last week) some dippy fucker pulled out in front of me without looking. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8477)

[MSTRS:Me]

well my first wipeout was on the day I got the bike, my fault for not taking a corner slow enough just after it had rained and my bike slid, and more recently (last week) some dippy fucker pulled out in front of me without looking. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8477)

Tricky situation. Mrs M wanted me to buy the Gixxer so that was cool. But for you, perhaps you need to introduce your dear one to some of us, thereby showing her the social side of our activities.

[toads]

Greetings ladies,

I ask you this now from your point of view. My wife is not really enjoying me riding on a bike and seems pretty anti the whole thing, of course with me having 2 minor wipeouts it hasn't helped my cause. What do you suggest I do to warm her up to the whole bike thing? I can't take her out on the bike yet as I am still on a learners.

Suggestions? Comments?

buy her a nice little bike of her own, a real pretty one. Then she can join kiwibikers and meet other biker ladies!!

[toads]

I have just read some of the other posts, the having kids is a major, you need to consider them and the impact both of you being on the same bike could have if things do go pear shaped, one of the main reason I have my own bike, and he has his. Like everything in life there is an element of risk but to minimise it, by being careful, having good riding gear and spreading the risks etc it's a chance we are happy to take.

[MadDuck]

When I first read the thread I thought - DUMP HER! Then I saw the kids part.

I agree with Toads. Maybe get her out on a bike of her own. This may be rather difficult seeing as you have just demonstrated to her what can happen when one falls off!

It will just take time to build up her trust in bikes again I guess - bring her along to the next Waikato rally to meet the crew (even if it means the cage). If she sees you riding with such a safe bunch of riders (yes no bins on last Waikato Ride IN THE RAIN) she may relax a bit. Dunno just a thought.

[Will]

Lotsa good advice there.
Show her the social side of riding. Come along in your cage to Friday night at the CAB.
From my experience, it is the Family that is taking up the time, especially if they are young. This is your highest priority (I hope). Patience and as the kids are flying from the nest, you can fly on your bike more.
This is what has happened with us. We have far more time for riding now and we don't regret the time that we have spent with our kids.
And you are talking about it. You'll get it resolved.

[outlawtorn]

Thanks for all the advice guys and gals, much appreciated.

I reckon I'll just have to take it slowly, I rekcon once I've got my full license I'll take her on a morning run and see how she likes it. But I do also reckon we'll come along to the next group meetings/rally's if everything permits us to do so. She is the best wife in the world and I do understand her fear but she must also realise I'm not a freaking maniac nor do I like to socialise with maniacs either, I ride a bike because I love the feeling of being on a bike.

Thanks again guys, cheers