I recently met some people who are Harley riding hobbyists. They were talking about going on a group ride for charity and it hit me that was something that would be different, new experience to try, but that I also had some fear about. i mentioned that i would be into checking it out and thusly got a free ride on a "christmas toy drive".

Well, I was very afraid at first... especially the turns. I realized that my fear was largely based on thinking i must outweigh this guy by a ton, how could he possibly keep the bike stable with my weight throwing things outta wack. We kind of talked through the physics of it all and I realized that I am a normal sized person now and no different then the other passengers he has carried. I borrowed chaps and other gear - and they fit, no stress. Wow, I had this mental image that chaps designed for a woman wouldn't zip over my thighs or buckle around my waist, but they fit just fine. I have been at maintainance since Feb 2013, I wear single digit clothing sizes, and I STILL have those thoughts of being too fat for things....

So we get to the starting place and only then do I realize that magnitude of this event (found out later about 110 motercycles riding together) and that the organizers were flying colors so to speak. oh, okay. Anyway, it went fine, it was mellow, everyone was respectful and safe during the ride and it was a good time. It lasted way longer than I expected, but we donated toys, bought raffle tickets and otherwise supported a christmas toy drive for local families. I know big group rides aren't always fun (I have horses, so similiar experience) since you can't do your own thing, but for me this was absolutely thrilling to ride in a big pack where they stopped traffic and all to let the bikes get through and to mostly enjoy beautiful country roads, small towns and even the short stint at interstate speeds (scary again though!)

I am not ready to join a motorcycle gang, but it was a fun event I would have never even dared trying before....

CowgirlJane,

Congratulations!

I know what you're talking about. In my "fat" head, I sometimes forget that I'm now more of a regular size. I keep having to put clothes back on the rack because they're too big and I've forgotten--I don't wear that size anymore .

Kathleen

Harley riding- afraid at first -turns never dared trying before

@@CowgirlJane

wow - you ARE a wild woman!!!!

different/new experiences are great

coming out of your shell/comfort zone

terrific

continue to enjoy your life with many more unexpected future NSV's

kathy

congrats

Edited November 10, 201411 yr by proudgrammy

I find that quite often I will walk around things instead of squeezing through without realizing that I am not as big as I once was and could easily fit through most of the things I walk around. For instance.....As I left work today I parked my truck in front of a bush. Their was about a 2 foot space between the bush and my bumper. I walked around and then realized that I didn't need to because I can now easily fit in a 2 foot space. ( I've gone from a women's size 24 down to a size 6). But when walking in crowds, hallways, doorways, bathroom stalls, etc I find I think I need a lot more space than I really do.

As for the Harley ride.......Good for you! I have my own fatboy and have enjoyed many charity runs.