Christian Vera: Rider of the Month May 2016!
Last Updated: November 30th, 2020
This month is Women in Motorcycling Month. We wanted to select someone who embodies the spirit of motorcycling. With this in mind, the choice was easy.
Christian Vera came to TEAM Arizona a little more than a year ago. She was bright eyed and ready to learn. As a co-host of the television show Right This Minute (www.rightthisminute.com), she is used to performing under pressure. And perform she did. Christian quickly grasped the techniques in the course and did it all with a huge smile on her face. With not one, but TWO motorcycles in her stable, we say she has the “motorcycling bug” and is a great choice for our Rider of the Month for May 2016.
NINE THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT MOTORCYCLING
We asked Christian to put into words what she’s discovered about motorcycling. She brilliantly came up with nine (9) elements to motorcycling she learned in her first year of riding. The content was so unbelievably good we couldn’t resist publishing it verbatim.
- Selection of women’s riding gear is very limited: While I don’t consider myself a “fashionista,” I’m definitely style
Christian chilling on cafe racer.
Photo credit: Gisela Prishkerconscious and I’m very specific about what I like and what I opt to wear. It’s taken me a year to find a leather jacket that meets my personal style requirements, my safety goals, and is 100% functional. Most motorcycle gear stores carry only black leather jackets and most of the time they are track leather jackets only. Don’t get me started on boots! Most are just plain UGLY and often times they don’t even provide the ankle/toe protection they should have. What the snappedy snap is that??!!
- Great friends come with two wheels: Motorcycles have brought great friends into my life. We ride, dine, moto-camp, and laugh together. There’s something lovely about checking in with each other to make sure everyone made it home okay after a ride around town as a group. There is a responsibility to each other and no one is ever left behind. I like that a lot. There has never been a single time where I’ve needed help and someone from my group, Blacklist Moto, hasn’t been available AND willing to help. I also consider the crew at TEAM Arizona great friends. From the very first encounter while taking the Basic RiderCourse to post course rides they’ve always been willing to help answer all my questions and help improve my riding skills.
- Better behind the wheel: I have discovered that I am a better driver in the cage than I was before. I’ve learned that there can be very little tolerance for motorcycle riders on the streets as well, but I think that comes from lack of understanding. I’m more likely to turn my head toward my blind spot twice before changing lanes and giving moto riders on the road more space in front of me. I wish every motorist would take the Basic RiderCourse as part of the license requirement. I feel everyone would be more in tune and aware of their surroundings.
- Women as Moto riders: I am in love with the women who ride that I’ve met since I started riding. They are as diverse as you can imagine and they are have incredibly interesting stories. I consider myself super lucky to be able to ride with them and some have become very close friends. That makes me really happy!
- Empowering yet vulnerable: I have discovered that riding builds confidence, but it also keeps me on your toes. You have so much control over the way you ride, but because of that exact reason you are vulnerable to every decision you make on the road. That’s what I find most exciting. Just when you think you’re getting really good something humbling happens and you realize you can never get too comfortable. Its an everlasting challenge that never allows me to get bored.
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Always smiling even as she gets her hands dirty. Get my hands dirty: I learned how to change the oil of my moto with the guys over at HeadKace Cycles. It was a funny endeavor because we were almost covered in oil as it spewed out with full force as we removed the cover. Oops! Oh, and I know how to lube a chain now too!
- Fear is paralyzing: Riding motos is a great exercise on fear management. You will always be faced with challenges on the road and you must keep calm in order to make the right decisions while you ride. If you get scared in a turn, like I’ve done, you tense up when you get scared and tense at the handlebars.
- Cruising to the cafe racer: I learned that I love my cruiser but only on long (100+ miles) other than that I only want to be on a zippy cafe racer or scrambler. Motorcycle diversity is part of the fun!
- I am happy: I can’t tell you how many times I have been on my motorcycle and a smile takes over my face. It’s nice.
WORDS TO LIVE BY FOR MOTORCYCLING NEWBIES
In Christian’s short but experience filled riding career she has some sage advice for those starting on the path to riding motorcycles:
- Before you buy a moto, find a way to ride different styles of motos. I bought a cruiser first, but now all I want is a scrambler/cafe racer. And a dirt bike too!
- Do not ever go without gear and be extra vigilant! Even for a “short” ride to the store around the corner. A rider I know lost a thumb that way when a truck hit him and he wasn’t wearing his protective gear.
- Riding a moto has been such a great challenge for me and it keeps me intrigued every step of the way. There is always room for improvement and something new to address.
We love Christian’s insight and her passion for riding motorcycles. We couldn’t be more happier knowing she is part of the motorcycling community and a loved member of the TEAM Arizona Family!
Riders, we want to honor YOU! Do you know someone who should be TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month? Entering their name is SIMPLE.
- Email Bill (bill@motorcycletraining.com )
- In the subject line, type “Rider of the Month”
- In one paragraph, tell us why this rider deserves the title TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month!
Let’s have some serious FUN with this gang! There are some great stories out there and we don’t want to miss them, so tell us about yourselves!
