HH: As you know, Helmet Hair assembled a focus group to review the 15 MotoFemina episodes - with readers overall agreeing that they like the concept of the show. Now that the series has wrapped and is exposed to everyone in YouTube land, how do you feel about the end result of the footage?

Laura: I had fun and met some great people doing it. It did take a lot of time this summer but what a fun way to learn to ride – I wish we could have ridden more and together, but alas, there was only one bike. I read through some of the reviews and felt much of the same way – a lot of things needed to be refined. What came out the most is that Synth, Jess and I were just three normal gals – not actresses or even drama queens. Trying to play up the “competition” aspect was a little challenging – I think we all just genuinely wanted to have a good time and learn to ride and perhaps make a few new friends in the process.

Jess: The format was truly realistic, unlike the popular “reality” shows, and that’s what I liked about it. MotoFemina producer Rick de Saussure helped us to highlight our natural strengths throughout the season, and that boosted my level of comfort under the ever-watchful eye of the camera.  I don’t think we came across as fake -- we were always encouraged to be ourselves.  I hope the genuine nature of the series demonstrates to other women that we’re just ordinary people, too.

Synth: I felt that the episodes captured the essence of our experiences last summer (2006) and the emotions that came with the challenges and rewards of learning to ride. The footage of our individual episodes was truly spectacular. The scenery of Northern New Mexico is reflected in those scenes.

I hope the viewers were able to get a feel for our experience and appreciate the scenery and the events that we experienced (10 bikes, the makeover, the near misses, et cetera).

 

HH: So we all know that Jessica “rode away” with the bike. We heard through the grapevine that both Laura and Synth each have their own now. What kind of bikes did each of you get and why? And Jess, are you still digging the 2006 BMW F650 GS, or are you researching other types of bikes?

Laura: I got a Ducati Monster. It is the bike I’ve wanted for many years. During graduate school I used to visit the Ducati dealership near Lake Union in Seattle and drool over them. So, once I graduated and the competition was over, I found a used one from a woman in Phoenix. I flew down there and rode it back to Santa Fe – my first adventure on the bike.  I’ve had a lot of fun adding a few upgrades to it and learning more about the bike and maintaining it.

 

Jess: A button that says ”I love my F650 GS” would say it all. Right now the GS suits my needs perfectly. While Santa Fe was buried under snow this winter, I was scheming up all sorts of rides for the upcoming spring and summer. I currently have plans for riding to the Gila National Forest and to the Grand Canyon for a backpacking trip. That being said, I’m paying more attention to bikes than I ever have before. I wouldn’t call it research, just general observation. At this point I’m focused on getting the most out of my own little red machine.

Synth:  I bought a Ducati Multistrada 1000 S DS.  The reason I bought this bike was the reputation that Ducati has for a well built bike, the bike fit me well both in height and reach, the position is comfortable for long rides, and it is fast!

 

HH: HH readers really liked all the clips that covered the contest itself. What was your favorite (and least favorite) part of the challenges during the competition and why?

Laura: I really liked the 10 bikes in 5 minutes, and I swear, not because that is the challenge I won - I had the most fun that day because we got to interact with a lot of other bikes and bike enthusiasts. It was also one of the most organized days of filming. I was having a lot of fun - finally, rubber necking at every bike I see on the road and trying to figure out what it is paid off!

Jess:  The challenges were intended to be instructional as well as entertaining, and I think that goal was accomplished.  My favorite challenge was the mechanical challenge, though I’m not particularly inclined to the inner workings of engines.  My desire to head off malfunctions caused by poor maintenance coupled with the relative ease at which I could get to most of the bike’s parts piqued my curiosity. The challenge allowed for one-on-one discussion of not only what parts of the bike should be checked, but why. In my former life as a “backseat” rider, my paranoia would take over and I would always think of what could go wrong. Now that I’m in control of basic maintenance, I have more confidence in my skills and ability to troubleshoot as necessary.

Least fave? That’s an easy one. The bike ID session was a disappointment for me. I don’t normally pay attention to what people drive/ride anyway, so when faced with the task of identifying makes, models, and a multitude of other motorcycle details, I completely bombed!  We were given advance notice to allow for some practice time prior to the challenges, and on many a warm summer’s eve I rounded the plaza in Santa Fe to sharpen my skills amongst a myriad of brightly colored paint and flashy chrome. Obviously, it didn’t help much. I think I would do better now than I did last summer, but I still don’t pay all that much attention to the details. When I see a bike, I can pretty quickly determine if I like it or not. What else really matters anyway?

Synth:  I LOVED the 10 bike challenge!  Seeing the different bikes and trying to figure out the type, the features, and sharing as much information I had and finding out new facts was great fun.  I liked the pace and the friendly competition between Jess, Laura, and me.

 

HH: Helmet Hair readers were very outspoken after reviewing episode three, Makeover. Being a big advocate for "makeup rights" myself, even I found the clip a little comical. In your defense, it did look like you were having a good time. Did we judge too harsh in this case?

Laura:  Hmm, I have to admit this was my least favorite concept. It was kind of fun with all the other people involved and the garage set up but I had a hard time pretending to care about makeup tips and how to make my eyes stand out better under a helmet. Don’t get me wrong, I like feeling feminine on a bike but I don’t normally wear any makeup – except the occasional mascara. Also, I thought the makeup looked pretty bad and can you imagine having all that makeup on under your helmet? I felt like I couldn’t touch my face afterward. This episode and my feelings about it were pretty well known, the director and I often joked back and forth about it afterward.

Jess:  I stopped wearing makeup back in 2002, and I never wore much to begin with. I see the makeover as one of those “girls just wanna have fun” type of things. It was great to be able to indulge in the experience. Who knew it would provide so much comic relief? To all would-be makeup wearers out there -- I highly recommend investing in some good makeup remover. I nearly scrubbed my skin off trying to remove layers of concealer, foundation, bronzer, highlighter, blush, eye shadow, lip liner, lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara after each shoot! Perhaps future MotoFemina cast members will be afforded the luxury of a spa treatment after a long day of riding (to help steam away the makeup?). Now that would be nice! 

Synth:  Being someone that did not use to wear make up at all, it was a bit weird to see myself as well as Jess and Laura (also not big fans of make up) with so much color on our faces.  What I did like was the way our eyes stood out in the helmets.  I thought we all looked great and I really liked the scene with the three of us coming out of the garage with our helmets under our arms.

I have continued to wear some make up (not quite as much) and use the techniques that we learned.

Watch the Makeover Clip to see what all the HH reader hub bub was about:

 

 

 

HH: Even though only one person walked away with the prize, it seems like you all won. Any female who rides her own motorcycle could attest to that. Looking ahead, what advice (the real scoop) would you share with a person who would like to experience MotoFemina?  

Laura: To anyone wanting to learn to ride – with MotoFemina or not – I would suggest finding a community of riders you can talk to and learn from, and perhaps occasionally ride with. It was great to have a group of other women (and men) to talk to about the experience and to learn from each other’s experiences and get tips. I have spent a lot of time in the Ducati Monster forums learning all kinds of things about my bike and riding. I would also say, if riding is something you want to do, don’t be afraid to start the experience on your own. It is something I like to do alone (short rides anyway) and if you don’t know a lot of other people who ride – you soon will.

Jess:  First, you have to want the bike. I spent several weeks at the beginning of last summer asking myself “Do I really want to ride a motorcycle?”  Once I made that decision, I could focus on the moment, not the end result. The question then became, “Do I want this bike?”  Second, keep your mind open to the experience. Listen to gut instinct, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Finally, be patient. MotoFemina put me on the fast track to motorcycling, but I found that I only understood what I was being taught after experiencing it for myself, good or bad. It made all the difference. Now that I’m on my own I can progress at my own pace. Without the genuine MotoFemina experience, however, I might never have taken the steps to motorcycling on my own.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Synth: My biggest fear was being vulnerable on a bike out with the cars at high speeds.  Once I became comfortable with riding; braking, changing gears, remembering to turn on and off the turn signals, I was not afraid of riding in traffic. I was better able to focus on the potential risks, as MSF covered so well in our initial training, posed by pedestrians, debris, blind alleys, et cetera. 

Having two other women to ride with, sharing fears and successes, was an experience that I wouldn’t have had were it not for the opportunity afforded to us through MotoFemina.

I encourage women to go through MSF, learn to ride, and become part of MotoFemina. You too can enjoy the freedom and independence that a motorcycle offers. It is a wonderful way to travel and enjoy the back roads and scenery across America!

MotoFemina Web site