unexpected call

[volksdragon]

As we were getting ready to go out today, widget yelled down to me that my cell phone was ringing. I got to it just in time to MISS the call, but saw that it was a friend of mine I didn't see very often, so I called her back.

Side story: This friend had learned to ride a motorcycle a few years ago, and at one July 4th party, she rode it over to a friend's house where we were all celebrating and partying. Since I used to ride, we talked about the bike a little, and she confessed that since she was a physically small person, she was concerned that if the bike ever fell over, she wouldn't be able to lift it up again herself, and could be stranded somewhere.

I explained that lifting a motorcycle isn't about arm strength. Unless you're a body-builder, there's almost no way you're going to lift a 600+lb touring motorcycle back up to a standing position just using your arms, but that I'd learned a technique at the motorcycle course I'd taken.

They had us lay the bikes down (GENTLY!) on their sides, which isn't how most motorcycles end up on their sides, but that's a moot point for the demonstration. If you go around to the side of the motorcyle, and SIT down with your back against the seat, grab the left handlebar with your right hand, and the motorcycle frame with your left hand (or reverse that if you're on the other side of the bike), you can essentially push back and up with your LEGS while your arms and back are holding/supporting the motorcycle, and with little steps, walk the motorcycle upright again. The only trick is to not chuck the bike past upright onto its other side. :)

Main story: I called her back, and she said, "Hey, remember how you taught me how to get my motorcycle back upright by myself?" As soon as she said that, I started laughing quietly, and she said, "Yeah, I dropped it. Luckily in my driveway, so no one else saw me, but I remembered the lesson, and I got it back up myself! Thanks for teaching me that!"

I'm glad she called, and I'm glad I helped. :)

Comments

[metalliman502.livejournal.com]

i should ask my friend Wookie if they taught him that when he went to his class. he's a new Harley rider.

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

It's a scientific fact that Harleys only ever fall over when they're parked in a long line of other Harleys, after being pushed over by a nerd. This means that you'll always have a gang of large, tattooed men to help you pick it back up.

[noodlefan.livejournal.com]

LOL... Especially the tattoos are helpful here ;-)

[scirocco.livejournal.com]

It's an invaluable lesson. :)

[liddle-oldman.livejournal.com]

I like this story. And now I know how to get a bike back up.

[white-and-nrdy.livejournal.com]

Been there. Done that.

It works. :)

[asmodel.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, and do not forget that girly hips and girly thighs are extremely strong, being designed for childbirth and all.

(I like to reclaim the word 'girly' in such circumstances)