How do I get my girlfriend into biking?!

[allantheboss]

Beautiful girlfriend, she is amazing and means the world to me..

but..

she's not into biking.. She doesn't dislike it, but if it's nice and I offer to go for a ride, she's not so intrigued. She'd always rather take the car. If I go on the internet and show her bikes, or talk about them, or ask what would look good, or what she thinks looks cool, she shrugs, and doesn't seem to care. No thrill or interest.

HELP! She must turn to the light side

[dizzyblonde]

If she don't like, you'll never get her to.

And if she ain't into bikes at all, after gentle persuasion, find another bird that will ;-)

[Specialone]

Change her for another model ;)
My wife hated bikes but is slowly warming too them, it was either participate or dont see me most sundays.
Aint seen her in ages ;)

[yorkie_chris]

Otfp

[allantheboss]

Otfp

What does that mean?

[yorkie_chris]

What does that mean?

clicky (http://forums.sv650.org/album.php?albumid=563&pictureid=4041)

[philbut]

My mrs is exactly the same mate. she will go on the back but I know she doesn't really like it at all. She puts up with me going on about bikes but has little or no interest. much prefers to be driven about in the car (and I don't have a car unfortunatly).

I think if you push it too much she will start to resent them. I have just resigned myself to the fact that I can't share my passion for bikes with her, which is a shame as it means I get to ride far les than I'd like - but you can't force someone to like it :-(

[fenjer]

what Dizzy Blonde said really.

she might tolerate it, but she'll never "love it".
Although if she is around bikes long enough they might begin to grow on her. But it will be a very long process.

good luck.

[allantheboss]

Hahah amusement ensued.. But she doesn't like speed.. she cares a lot about safety..

[thulfi]

meh, my gf can barely drive well so I wouldn't wanna see her on a bike tbh.

A lot of people think its dangerous and not worth the risk, for others it's just does nothing for them. My gf wishes I didn't have a bike cos she always worries, so tries not to complement anything of mine that's bike related as she see's it as 'encouragement'. Not that she tries to stop me, she just doesn't condone it.

The bike is one thing. The gf is another. I'd see as added concern for her safety if the two mix, so if she's not into it, meh, don't try and make her, some ppl dont and will never get it I suppose.

[kwak zzr]

Dont worry about it its better on ya own and you are the BOSS :)

[squirrel_hunter]

Have you taken her for a pillion ride?

[allantheboss]

Awwww maaaaan... I got into bikes the first time I hit 30 on a Van-Van..

Looks like it's going to have to be another hobby I just keep to myself and never get to include her in.. Massive :( 's....... Damn it...

:( :( :(

[missyburd]

Tbh you can't make someone like something, and although I understand biking is no doubt a huge part of your life, to try make someone see it that way could perhaps be viewed as a wee bit selfish. I doubt you are mind and you just want to be able to enjoy this great hobby with the woman you love most, but sometimes things just aren't meant to happen that way.

If she's been on the bike how did she feel when on it? Was she scared? intimidated? bored? Does she think that bikes are dangerous and hence worries when you're on it? Quiz her a bit, perhaps find out what tiny thing she might like about it and build on that. If she likes the freedom/speed/the fact it's just the two of you etc etc then you're onto a good start. Maybe she's scared, if so then look into the many options of making her feel safer.

If she loves you she'll make an effort, if not then sorry mate but there mightn't be much hope, harsh as that sounds. But you can't teach a dog to suck eggs :P

what Dizzy Blinde said really.


She might wear glasses but I don't think she's that bad :-P

[yorkie_chris]

Have you tried actually opening the throttle with her on the back on a nice road? Your only chance is getting her to see the adrenaline side of it. Or maybe a ride out, see if she likes the camaraderie/p*sstaking.

[allantheboss]

Yeah.. I will just have to keep biking to biking and girlfriend to girlfriend it seems.. No mixing!

Have you taken her for a pillion ride?

Yeah, a few small journey's, on both the SV and the more comfortable and quiet 125 Shadow, so she's has a rumble on some quite different bikes..

I'll give it one last try with a long sunny warm ride, and if not that.. then..
I will buy her a bike and make her feels so guilty for not riding that she will force herself to get into it :P

[yorkie_chris]

Kill or cure... set off flat out right through to redline 2nd, 3rd... Wide open whenever you can. She will either love it or leave you :-D

[missyburd]

Have you tried actually opening the throttle with her on the back on a nice road? Your only chance is getting her to see the adrenaline side of it.
I disagree! That could be the worst thing! Apart from which (and no I'm not being sexist) but the adrenaline bit tends to be the appeal for the blokes not the women.

All i can suggest is talk with her, tell her how you feel, don't just make her go on the back if she's against the idea and doesn't like the weather, and don't jabba on about technical stuff when you know she's probably bored to tears. If you talk to her and let her know how much you want her to be a part of this then I bet she'll see it differently :-)

[allantheboss]

Tbh you can't make someone like something, and although I understand biking is no doubt a huge part of your life, to try make someone see it that way could perhaps be viewed as a wee bit selfish. I doubt you are mind and you just want to be able to enjoy this great hobby with the woman you love most, but sometimes things just aren't meant to happen that way.

If she's been on the bike how did she feel when on it? Was she scared? intimidated? bored? Does she think that bikes are dangerous and hence worries when you're on it? Quiz her a bit, perhaps find out what tiny thing she might like about it and build on that. If she likes the freedom/speed/the fact it's just the two of you etc etc then you're onto a good start. Maybe she's scared, if so then look into the many options of making her feel safer.

If she loves you she'll make an effort, if not then sorry mate but there mightn't be much hope, harsh as that sounds. But you can't teach a dog to suck eggs :P



She might wear glasses but I don't think she's that bad :-P

Yeah, it's not like, major dislike, it would just be nice for my 2 greatest loves to mix.. maybe I will kill her and revive her as a bike-android.. She was fine with it, no kicks but no fear really, and she trusts me as a driver very much so... No problems, it'd just be nice y'know!

[missyburd]

The rideout thing is a good idea though, to meet other WAGs that ride pillion might really boost things, having a good chinwag with people in similar situations over a brew always helps :)

[Jayneflakes]

Why not be direct? Ask the poor girl.

"Darling beautiful girlfriend, would you like to come for a ride on my nice comfortable motorcycle?"

Likely responses are as follows...

a, Yes please, darling handsome boy friend.
b, No thank you darling handsome boyfriend.
c, I don't know, is it safe?
d, I would rather suck pee off a nettle!
e, Kiethd

I she says a or c or a combination of them, you are on to a winner. If she says b or d, you need a new bird who will.

If she says e, just worry!

One question for you though, are you a bike nerd? If you are a bike nerd and bore her silly with your bike knowledge, she would probably rather chew her own foot off than listen to you burble on about the latest bike thing! Trust me here, I have been there... :D

[beabert]

I dont particularly like bikes either, people think because i have one im into them but im not. I cannot think of anything more boring than going to the nec bike show or watching motogp on the tv lol.

So i think the only way you will get her to talk any interest at all is if she has a go at riding one (pillion is crap). Thats the only aspect i half like, otherwise i cant see what there is to be interested in either.

[yorkie_chris]

I disagree! That could be the worst thing! Apart from which (and no I'm not being sexist) but the adrenaline bit tends to be the appeal for the blokes not the women.

Says the woman who gets bored when I ride slow :-P

[allantheboss]

Have you tried actually opening the throttle with her on the back on a nice road? Your only chance is getting her to see the adrenaline side of it. Or maybe a ride out, see if she likes the camaraderie/p*sstaking.

Yeah, I have on long town roads, I just get a kidney jab. I will implore the nice-long-sunny-ride technique and open up proper good then..

[yorkie_chris]

Her poking you is telling you to go faster :)

But town roads, WTF you going on those for? Take her out somewhere nice to ride!

[allantheboss]

Why not be direct? Ask the poor girl.


Of course I have!!! Haha.. I just get a shrug. She doesn't get the kick, so the safety and comfort aspect put a downer on it..

(BTW, what is "Keith'd"?)

[missyburd]

Says the woman who gets bored when I ride slow :-P

8-[

[allantheboss]

I dont particularly like bikes either, people think because i have one im into them but im not. I cannot think of anything more boring than going to the nec bike show or watching motogp on the tv lol.

So i think the only way you will get her to talk any interest at all is if she has a go at riding one (pillion is crap). Thats the only aspect i half like, otherwise i cant see what there is to be interested in either.

I asked her to get on my 125 and I could teach her a bit, and she could go up and down the street, but with no luck..

[yorkie_chris]

(BTW, what is "Keith'd"?)

Option commonly put on polls on here generally taken to mean "dunno" "meh" "whatever" "DILLIGAF" etc.

[ceeshaw]

Find her a biking friend... perhaps another biker mates wife or gf. Then get her to sell your Mrs on biking. That way it'll be more social than biking. And it won't be you doing the hard sell.

I've seen this work. Good luck, but do persevere... I've tried many things not expecting to enjoy them... and have - to my surprise. Nothing gay though!!

[Seggons]

Allan simple tip. Hold it at 8 thousands revs for a bit in each gear, she'll soon like it. ;)

[Jayneflakes]

I've tried many things not expecting to enjoy them... and have - to my surprise. Nothing gay though!!

Spoilsport! :rolleyes:

[squirrel_hunter]

Take her out again when the weather is nicer on a group ride so she can see what its like. If after that she still has no interest then thats down to her. It would be great if she were involved but if she doesn't want to be then theres not a lot you can really do about it.

So long as she doesn't stop you from riding then its not a huge problem, though I know its better if the other half is involved. Give her a bit of time and she might show more interest. However you can't make someone like something they don't.


Now on to subjects more important... Has she got a sister?

[fizzwheel]

Why force her or make her do something she quite obviously she doesnt want to or have no interest in.

[Jayneflakes]

Allan simple tip. Hold it at 8 thousands revs for a bit in each gear, she'll soon like it. ;)

Dirty, but true. For me, the magic spot is about eight and a half thousand, which is about 105 on my bike in top gear I think, but it hard to tell when one is cross-eyed and groaning like that. :smt040

[missyburd]

Allan simple tip. Hold it at 8 thousands revs for a bit in each gear, she'll soon like it. ;)
Heeheeehee, the man has a valid point :-D


who'd have thought it eh? haha

[allantheboss]

Allan simple tip. Hold it at 8 thousands revs for a bit in each gear, she'll soon like it. ;)

Yeaaah.. I did this with another girl, she loves biking now. I'm really tempted to "modify" the rear seat with something else, for the extra effect when I rev up... Muahaha

But this is what I mean, I've had 3 girls on the back, one got frikkin' scared, but still loved it and being scared, one frikkin' loves it and says she would buy one if her parents let her, and the other is the galfriend..

[missyburd]

But this is what I mean, I've had 3 girls on the back, one got frikkin' scared, but still loved it and being scared, one frikkin' loves it and says she would buy one if her parents let her, and the other is the galfriend..
Get another one on the back then, let the gf know and if she's the jealous type then she'll soon learn.....

just kidding....could work though!

[allantheboss]

Now on to subjects more important... Has she got a sister?

Hahahah!!! I LOL'd massiv' like

She says "No.. but I have two brothers ;)"

[gruntygiggles]

Allan......When me and Stretchie are in the new place, Get Squirrel_Hunter to bring you guys over for a BBQ or something. Tell her that you'd like to go on the bike as you'll be seeing biker friends and Squirrel will be on a bike, but you won't go fast or stupid and she won't be the only girl as I'll be there.

You could also mention to her that I used to hate bikes with a passion. I just gradually got curious at my exes bikes and eventually let him take me out. Took a while not to be scared stupid, especially with his riding, but I've noe just gone through my DAS I fell in love with it so much.

I think the best way to go is to not aske her at all to like bikes. Just ask her to join you in meeting some friends and the bike is a just a way to get there. Also, tell her you would not be able to live with yourself if she got hurt while you took her out, so you will always ride carefully. After a while, enjoying the social side of it might rub off on the actual bike side of things :-)

[allantheboss]

Why force her or make her do something she quite obviously she doesnt want to or have no interest in.

I'm not forcing her, I was wondering if there was something which people have done or shown which makes others interested in biking.

[allantheboss]

Get another one on the back then, let the gf know and if she's the jealous type then she'll soon learn.....

just kidding....could work though!

Muahahaha.... feeling manipulation... Last resort; noted.

[gruntygiggles]

I'm not forcing her, I was wondering if there was something which people have done or shown which makes others interested in biking.

I think they've all been mentioned here, but yes, there's always the possibility that no matter how much you want her to enjoy it with you, it will just have to be something in your life that she'll never be involved in.

Just don't give her your credit card on the days you're off on the bike :smt040

[fenjer]

I hate to say it, but if your gf isnt a fan of the bike getting her on the back of it and red-lining at every chance is only going to make her more determined to dig her heels in and refuse to have anything to do with the hobby.

She's clearly not an "adrenaline junkie" so why terrify her. Thats just stupid.

[allantheboss]

Allan.....

....After a while, enjoying the social side of it might rub off on the actual bike side of things :-)

YES! Excellent, this is what I'm talking about! Thank you!
Ok, no more googling "MV Agusta" and showing her pics
Sorted, like a chav in a filing cabinet

[ceeshaw]

Spoilsport! :rolleyes:

ha ha... touche ;)

[allantheboss]

Thanks all. I plan to keep my bike mind to when I'm alone.

I'll take it easy and safe, and crank it open some day in the future on some safe straight.
And take her on a ride-out sometime maybe.

Thanks, I knew I could rely on the .org

[yorkie_chris]

While you're on the bike just for comfort, try to be as smooth as possible.

Smooth is fast without feeling fast, if you wally the throttle full open she'll feel like she's going to fall off.... if you smoothly exit a corner and progressively open it up before you know it you are accelerating hard and she is going "woohoo" without the BANG and subsequent prod in the kidneys.

[gruntygiggles]

YES! Excellent, this is what I'm talking about! Thank you!
Ok, no more googling "MV Agusta" and showing her pics
Sorted, like a chav in a filing cabinet


Hahaha, yeah, don't go showing her bike related things or take her to bike shops with you, she'll just be bored. You've vocally tried to make her a part of something you enjoy, now you just have to go enjoy it for yourself.

I like MYC's idea...lol

[EssexDave]

Brainwash.

[BanannaMan]

If she don't like, you'll never get her to.

And if she ain't into bikes at all, after gentle persuasion, find another bird that will ;-)




+1
Biking is not for everyone.
If having someone to share that with you is that important, best be finding a new GF that does.

My wife really isn't into bikes either. Same reason, safety.
For some people the rewards are simply not worth the risk.
But lucky for me she's an understanding lass and lets me ride as much I like. :-D
And that's a compromise I'm willing to accept.

[squirrel_hunter]

Hahahah!!! I LOL'd massiv' like

She says "No.. but I have two brothers ;)"

Well thats the best offer I've had this year, I'll take 'em.

[Lozzo]

Dirty, but true. For me, the magic spot is about eight and a half thousand, which is about 105 on my bike in top gear I think, but it hard to tell when one is cross-eyed and groaning like that. :smt040

I once had a girlfriend who owned a Moto Guzzi V50 Monza, and she never rode above 55mph. She was an American and I always put it down to the fact that the speed limit in California, where she came from, was 55. That was until I had to ride her bike one day, and discovered that at 55mph in top gear the thing was more potent than a Rampant Rabbit.

I miss her - RIP

[speedplay]

Don't get her into it and enjoy the freedom of one up on a bike :D

[Ed]

I think you have an oil and water problem - they simply don't mix. My wife hates my bike, she is always expecting a call from the police, and if the bike melted in the rain she would be delighted. She asks where I've been, and who I've met, but would never get on the back - she says that our daughter needs at least one parent. So I've given up asking, and I just do my own thing. Like Bill, the compromise works well. You can't force someone to be something that they're not.

[5hort5]

When ever my wife asked me how it went on a ride, I just tell her that I did 120 and was playing chicken with trucks, she stops asking for about 3 months and I can go on my way :-) (by the way I don't do that speed or the other), she hates biking and all that comes with it, when I said to my 10 year old that if she wanted I would take her on the back when she can ride her push bike as fast as I can mine you should have seen the dagger look i got lol. If someone is so set against it then you'll have a hard job, just hope you have an understanding wife or girlfriend like mine where it's a case of live and let live.

[ian505050]

I Bought my GF loads of very expensive tight fitting stylish gear and she looks amazing in it and she knows it. She wants to go on the bike just to show here gear off. Just and idea, but if your GF is a bit of a burger muncher probably not the best idea.

[yorkie_chris]

Thread worthless without pics :P

[missyburd]

I Bought my GF loads of very expensive tight fitting stylish gear and she looks amazing in it and she knows it. She wants to go on the bike just to show here gear off. Just and idea, but if your GF is a bit of a burger muncher probably not the best idea.

Thread worthless without pics :P

Just to make sure you read it again.....and take hints ;-)





Aaaah who am I kidding #sniff# :rolleyes:

[ian505050]

i do have a few but...................

[Ed]

i do have a few but...................


.........but she has no clothes on?

[ian505050]

got this one without the biker gear on

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/ian505050/DSC01714.jpg

and this one but cant find the good ones

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/ian505050/DSC00551.jpg

[5hort5]

Nice pic, I see no bits I need unless u have a canyon undertray, mmm, maybe the sun glasses, that's the trouble with these younger models, they age to damn quick ;-)

[carternd]

Who cares? Gets you out the way while she pushes the hoover round!

In seriousness, as long as you have things you enjoy doing together (not just that ;-)) it doesn't really matter. If she lets you ride and doesn't drop hints about jogging in the bike I'd live and let live. Don't talk bikes at her though, it is really boring!

[missyburd]

do you have both a pointy and curvy?

And where did she get those buffalo gloves from, quite like them ***


*** i.e. code for if she's not planning on giving the biking a shot can I have first dibs? :-P

[ian505050]

I did at one point, but now i have 2 x pointy heres the other
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/ian505050/DSC03538-2.jpg

The golves are crap, fell apart after 500 miles pillion use.

[missyburd]

The golves are crap, fell apart after 500 miles pillion use.
Fair enough, worth a shot :-)

....she's done 500 miles pillion? And she's supposedly not that into it? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick? Does she just ride on the back because its something you want her to do then?

[ian505050]

shes probably been on various bikes as pillion 6 or 7 times probably 80 miles approx. each time.

She like going on the back of the 125 as it only manage 65mph with 2 people on.

Think she does it because she wants to spend time with me and i spend a lot of time on bikes

[missyburd]

Think she does it because she wants to spend time with me and i spend a lot of time on bikes

Then you really need to get her out meeting other ladies on rideouts. It will do her the world of good. She clearly isn't daft and readily accepts that biking is a part of your life she can't take away from you (like so many lasses try to do) so you need to make the effort and introduce her to other bikers. Once she's made a few friends and, as people have said, it turns into more of a social event she will have something to look forward to and will see that she can get something out of it without actually having to do anything ;)

[Bri w]

Like BanannaMan & Ed, sometimes it just doesn't happen.

As long as I let Mrs B knows when I'm going to be home, or I ring her if I'm gonna be late, thats as far as her interest goes.

Every so often she come down the local bike shops, in the car, but to be honest it spoils it for me - "ooo look, nice shiny bikes." "Yeh, *yawn*"

[Bibio]

strap a dildo to the seat....

[Jabba]

strap a dildo to the seat....

Good idea....... easier to hold on to than the SV's hand-rails :thumbsup:

[allantheboss]

strap a dildo to the seat....

Done.



We've been on the bike all day...

[Bibio]

bet she loves it now...

good show there getting her out on the bike.. well done. hope you know its a slippery slope from here on.. next it will be .. can i have one all to myself...

[Davadvice]

sorry if it's already been said, if you get her into biking then you do realise that when you say i'm going out for a run seh will say so am I. i have to admit i love my wife almost as much as i do my kids and we are soul mates but, i do need something for myself.

[Bibio]

i have to admit i love my wife almost as much as i do my kids and we are soul mates but, i do need something for myself.

yup a kick in the stains for that comment m8......:smt040

[Messie]

Umm. am I being thick here or what? No-one has asked whether you like to do the things your girlfriend likes to do. Do you appreciate and join in her hobbies? If yes, then, fairs fair and she should have a go at liking yours. If no, you've either not tried or tried and hated it, then I think the answer is clear.
I seem to remember relationships work best if the interest etc goes both ways

[gruntygiggles]

Umm. am I being thick here or what? No-one has asked whether you like to do the things your girlfriend likes to do. Do you appreciate and join in her hobbies? If yes, then, fairs fair and she should have a go at liking yours. If no, you've either not tried or tried and hated it, then I think the answer is clear.
I seem to remember relationships work best if the interest etc goes both ways

Good point well made :smt040

[allantheboss]

bet she loves it now...

good show there getting her out on the bike.. well done. hope you know its a slippery slope from here on.. next it will be .. can i have one all to myself...

Haha.. I haven't ACTUALLY taken her out for a dildo-ride yet.. but some day... (Muahahah)


Alright guys, let's not get too formal and intimate here, this is just banter, my gal has been reading all this too (don't worry, she's found all the comments hilarious), it's not something I think is going to be a serious issue if it's not resolved! But thank you all none the less!

[Ed]

My wife likes knitting, Newsnight, and Radio 4. No I don't share;)

[allantheboss]

My wife likes knitting, Newsnight, and Radio 4. No I don't share;)

Haha.. Dun dun DUUUUUN! (makes crucifix with fingers)

[gruntygiggles]

I got lucky....Dan hates football and is not a fan of watching sports so the TV is always something we pretty much agree on, most of the time, unless I'm watching Desperate Housewives or he's watching the 37th episode of two and a half men.....all of which I've already seen.

Yeah, TV is great in our house....lol

[Sally]

Two and a Half Men is amazing...

Good choice Dan :)

[gruntygiggles]

It is....I love it. Especially when Rose in involved and Bertas one liners are the best. I just like seeing different episodes once in a while...lol

[Richie]

Was looking forward to taking my wife ( not you Quiff) out on the Aprilia tomorrow.......
but this evening the latest and most anoying excuse.... "I've forgotern my contact lenses..."
ok she got expencive new glasses that she cannot use with her helmet.....( she brought all the other biking kit..)
She she is ****ed off as she has never been on the back of the Aprillia Mille and was looking forward to it ( and so am I as I was going to ask her for a week away down in Itaily next year just her and me....) as Kids with grand parents so we have a full day in the lakes to do everything... :0)

Bloody hell.........

Not a happy Bunny...


So I'll be out in the lakes for a ride out with my self, a mug of tea and a bacon butty some where......