The very first place to start is the Basic RiderCourse offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Harley-Davidson offers its own version of this course called Rider's Edge. Either course will get you started - even if you have no idea how to operate a motorcycle! Studies have shown that the accident rate is lower for riders who have been trained by a safety class than for those who were taught by friends or family members. These courses offer invaluable information about how to ride safely and use proven methods for teaching new riders. As an added bonus, you won't have to take the DMW riding test to get your license if you pass the class!
Once you've learned the basics you'll still need lots of practice to ride safely and confidently on the street. You may also want some help in choosing your first bike and buying the right gear. OC Spirit Riders can connect you with an experienced riding mentor - contact us for more information. Or, if you're an experienced rider willing to mentor a new rider let us know.
More information for new riders
How to get started in motorcycling by the AMA
Beginner's guide to motorcycling from Total Motorcycle
Tips for motorcycle safety from the Master Strategy Group
Motorcyclesafetyinfo.com
The Beginner Biker's forum
Getting started in motorcycling - a comprehensive guide
Books on riding techniques (link to publisher's website when available, otherwise the link takes you to Amazon)
Motorcycling Excellence by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough
More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride by David L. Hough
Total Control by Lee Parks
A Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code
Sites just for women riders
Women On Wheels(r) - Link
to our national organization
Women Riders Now - An online magazine chock full of information for both beginning and experienced riders
Her-motorcycle.com - Lots of information and advice from a dedicated female rider
I ride my own - Many personal stories of women learning to ride
My own ride - A list of links just for women riders
Gear chic - Women specific gear information and reviews from a rider in San Francisco
V Twin mama - Advice from mama
Women Who Ride - A very active online forum at Delphi (registration required)
Books by and about women riders
Hear Me Roar by Ann Ferrar - a must read history of women riders
The Perfect Vehicle by Melissa Holbrook Pierson - musings from a woman with a passion for riding Moto Guzzis
Bike Lust: Harley's, Women, and American Society by Barbara Jones - by a female anthropologist who also happens to ride Harleys
Lois on the Loose and Red Tape and White Knuckles - amazing global travelogues by Lois Pryce
Breaking the Limit by Karen Larsen - a solo ride from New Jersey to Alaska and back
American Borders by Carla King - around the U.S. on a Ural sidecar motorcycle