I need help for my Sociology research paper

[CJ Rider]

Uh HUH; so THAT's what happened! It's so hard sometimes to keep your own bias out of the experiment! I can't TELL you how many teachers/professors have docked me points for doing that; LOL!

Well, if that is the case and you really ARE interested in hearing from more of us including those who don't race, then maybe THIS question set better represents what you are trying to learn from us:

1) What was your first/current bike?
2) What prompted you to start riding?
3) What are your riding strengths/weaknesses?
4) What do you like most/least about riding?
5) How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
6) If you have ever raced:
6.1) What prompted you to first think about racing?
6.2) What type/what class/how long ago was your first race?
6.4) What prompted you to continue racing?
6.3) What type/what class do you currently race?
7) Do you plan to continue riding/racing? For how long?
8) Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?

I just threw that last one in there 'cause it might be interesting. Sociology is SUCH a cool subject and there is a real science to assembling and interpreting questionairs. Are you writing a paper with these results or giving a presentation? Doing any statistics?

 

[ADS]

I'll probably get docked too. A copy of this forum is going to be the majority of my field notes, which will be turned in with the paper. The paper will begin with some summarized articles about female athletes and begin to drift into this topic that will include a fair amount of the responses from this forum. I will also have to explain my findings by using one of the sociological perspectives that we have covered, but I am still unsure about which one I will attempt to use. My papers usually start off with high expectations, but I usually "lose something" when I sit down and write it :ugg:

Your set of questions are better than mine, I just wish that they could have came sooner, as I think the interest in my post is waning.

 

[blackhawk468]

Most of those questions are the same just worded differently, I'll answer the ones I haven't already.

2) What prompted you to start riding?
>>>> it Always looked like something I wanted to do. It just looked SOOOOOO fun. (and it is)

6.1) What prompted you to first think about racing?
>>>> Soon as I got on a bike, I wanted to race, I'm just a competative person, and I want to be the best I can be.

6.2) What type/what class/how long ago was your first race?
>>>>Women's and 125 Beginner. 3rd in womens and 9th in Beginner, about 10 months ago.

6.4) What prompted you to continue racing?
>>>>The rush I get, the fun, the atmosphere, the desire to be on top, self perfection.

6.3) What type/what class do you currently race?
>>>> Women's and 125 C

7) Do you plan to continue riding/racing? For how long?
>>>> I will contiune racing as long as I can ride a bike.

8) Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?
>>>> an injury that won't allow me to ride anymore and even then I would still continue to be part of the sport. I would temporarily quit riding/racing if I was pregnate, but would start back up asap.

 

[CJ Rider]

Originally posted by ADS
... I think the interest in my post is waning.

Ooops! I forgot to post answers too:

1) What was your first/current bike?
First bike: 1974 Kawi 175cc 2-stroke enduro.
Current bikes: Kawi KX100, Gas Gas P250, Suzi DR200, Duc Monster M600.

2) What prompted you to start riding?
Friends were riding dual-sports on the jeep passes between Ouray-Telluride-Silverton. ‘Wanted to join in on the fun.

3) What are your riding strengths/weaknesses?
Strength: Competent riding many different types of terrain/weather. I’ve also learned to ride bikes that are a bit too tall (except for Henk’s maniac TM).
Weakness: Lack of throttle/clutch control when negotiating large obstacles or steeps. (My weaknesses used to be cornering and whoops, but Ray and Nicole got me on track with those issues.)

4) What do you like most/least about riding?
Most: It’s all about the fun of riding and sharing that fun with others who understand.
Least: When yer bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and the tool you need is in your pickup truck.

5) How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
Hmmm. The only down side to this is that it’s hard to find a bike/gear that fits. However, I’m coming from a male-dominated career with a LOT more issues to face.

6) If you have ever raced:
No.

6.1) What prompted you to first think about racing?
I have been thinking about racing and I’m trying to understand why myself. I’m highly non-competitive and feel no great need to race to prove anything, but I’m also social and intrigued with riding in large groups. It’s fun when a bunch of folks work together and overcome an obstacle in the terrain. However, it’s not fun when the same folks push you, say, over a cliff so that they can get to the finish line first. It’s a dilemma. (I like bbbom’s reasoning for doing small local fun races. She has the right idea to me.)

6.2) What type/what class/how long ago was your first race? NA
6.4) What prompted you to continue racing? NA
6.3) What type/what class do you currently race? NA

7) Do you plan to continue riding/racing? For how long?
I’ll prolly get too old to ride like a crazy woman at the track, but I met up with a retired couple riding dual-sports over a pass a couple of summers ago. I hope that’s Will and me someday. It's all good!

8) Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?
Hmmm. Caving stopped being fun because I was cold most of the time. ‘Same with Kayaking. Climbing stopped being fun because I blew out my knee. I assume an injury would do it for dirt biking too, but then I’d just move to another sport. Ya gotta just enjoy life no matter what yer doing!

Katie, Motololo, FireLily, Pegasus, GoSpeedRacer? What's the scoop with ya'll? Inquiring minds wanna know... and it's for a worthy cause: an acceptable grade point average!

 

[Dirtygirly]

1. What was your first bike?
'84 XR100

2. What is your current bike?
'99 KX100

3. Your racing classification? (I am asking this question to see if any of you all race a class other than the womens' class)
Women's or lightweight class

4. Where and when was your first race?
October 22, 2000 Airway Heights Spokane WA

5. What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?
It was a Harescramble I raced by myself I do harescrambles now, every now and then :)

6. What or who got you started racing?
I've always liked motorcycles, the hardest part was convincing my parents to let me ride my brothers old XR100, the agreement was that I could ride it as long as I wouldn't race....that didn't last very long, when I got 1st place in my first race I wanted to keep doing it, I'd been riding for less than a year

7. Your racing strengths?
Persistant, Always try my hardest

8. Your racing weaknesses?
jumps, and steep downhills

9. What do you like the most about racing?
Its fun, I enjoy the comraderie, and just plain having fun on my bike

10. What do you like the least about racing?
Getting hurt, and not being able to ride for awhile

11. How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
Riding gear is limited although it is now getting better.
From my experience Most of the time the males think its cool that you ride and want to help you become a better rider. :)

12. Reactions from my peers.
Mostly along the you are crazy and completely nuts. After I end up in the ER, its why do you still want to ride dirtbikes?

 

[Michelle]

1) What was your first/current bike?
1979 DT125 (pos, throttle stuck, no suspension, but started every time, got stolen), current is a 1999 KDX200 (lowered using longer dogbones - I'm 5'3")

2) What prompted you to start riding?
Sitting in the carpark while the guys going out trailriding isn't any fun, even though I love being around trees & nature & read lots

3) What are your riding strengths/weaknesses?
Strengths - stubbornness
Weaknesses - I think too much so become timid (any tips on switching the noggin off while riding would be mucho appreciated)
I hate downhills
I sit too much (I'm lazy)
I'm too much of a perfectionist with some things, so failures aren't so easy to handle
Oops forgot the most important one -
I struggle with the weight/height of the bike, so if I bury it, have a hell of a time getting it back out. I have to dump the bike, drag it around & then pick it up and hopefully it's then in the right place to carry on. It would be much easier to be able to pick the back end up & move it, but haven't perfected that technique yet.
4) What do you like most/least about riding?
I love seeing new sights, being with friends with a common interest, watching people
Least - failing to do something (usually due to target fixation)

5) How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
I don't think about it, but when I'm the only female at a ride, I wonder what the hell the others know that I don't and wish there was someone else to ride with as I hate making guys wait for me and so would rather ride on my own

6) If you have ever raced:
6.1) What prompted you to first think about racing?
I got dragged into it
6.2) What type/what class/how long ago was your first race?
Harescramble - mixed class (two-man)
6.4) What prompted you to continue racing?
I haven't, I hated the whole experience and shouldn't have been on a bike to start with but got forced into it (I'd had surgery about a month prior and didn't realise how much that had affected me)
6.3) What type/what class do you currently race?
I don't

7) Do you plan to continue riding/racing? For how long?
I hope to carry on riding for many years, but time will tell as to whether my body can handle it. As for racing, again, time will tell whether I'll give it another go

8) Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?
Pregnancy would do it, but that's not wanted/planned, other than that, nope

Now all you other women, come on, it's a good cause (it does make interesting reading).
Michelle

 

[Humai]

Originally posted by Michelle
I sit too much (I'm lazy)

Ahh.. Michelle, that's not true. Every time I saw you riding the other day at Woodhill, you were on the pegs in the attack position exhibiting really good form.

Don't be too hard on yourself!

 

[bbbom]

BUSTED!!!!! ;) :)

 

[gospeedracer]

I was under the impression you were only looking for answers from “racers” and since I didn’t feel I fell into that category I just stayed out of it, but since it appears this project has taken a different turn I guess I’ll pipe up.


What was your first bike?
>> RM125

What is your current bike?
>> KTM200mxc

Your racing classification?
>> C, Women’s class but would consider entering in the 200cc class

Where and when was your first race?
>> Clear Creek, CA in March 2002

What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?
>> It was an Enduro and I haven’t raced since but would. I would also like to try some Harescrambles

What or who got you started racing/riding?
>> I started riding when I was 16 and my Dad handed me a RM125, I didn’t have anything better to do living out in the sticks at the time so I gave it a go.
I got back into it when I was 25 because of friends. Funny thing was this “friend” was super supportive of my interest to ride and was happy to loan me her bike but the second I came home with my own she stopped talking to me.
I tried my first race mostly because of peer pressure from friends, ;) but also to try something new.

Your racing/riding strengths?
>> Hmmm, I don’t know about strengths but I’m pretty good about keeping it all in perspective. For me it’s just about having fun and enjoying myself.

Your racing/riding weaknesses?
>>Turning, steep down hills and fear

What do you like the most about racing/riding?
>> When it comes to riding I really enjoy just getting out, doing something active, checking out new places, meeting new people, and being with friends. I didn’t think I’d like racing since I’ve always avoided anything competitive but once I was into it I was really enjoying it and learned it’s really only what you make it. It can be as competitive as you want it to be or it can be a glorified trail ride for fun. It doesn’t really matter.

What do you like the least about racing/riding?
>> The possibility of injury looming over me when I ride. The huge knot in my stomach before the race. People with big heads and big attitudes. I wanted to avoid the racing “scene” because I had encountered a few people who were of the “you’re only cool if you race” school and that just didn’t interest me. I’ve got nothing to prove. But fortunately I met some really cool people who made me feel better about it.

How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
>> At first I was worried. I thought for sure that men weren’t going to like seeing women turn up in “their” sport but was really surprised to find quite the opposite. I’ve encountered nothing but positive reactions from men with regards to riding, it’s only some women I’ve had problems with.

What kind of reactions do you get from people, when they find out you ride/race dirt bikes?
>> I’m assuming you mean from non-riding people. While not against it, my family doesn’t seem terribly supportive of the fact that I like to ride. My old boss thought I was crazy, but other than that I haven’t gotten a really negative reaction from anybody and most people think it’s great.

Give a few examples of negative reactions you have encountered from people that are looking at female motorcyclists from a stereotypical point of view.
>> I haven’t encountered any negative reactions from people in this nature.
Surprise maybe, but never what I would call a negative reaction.

Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?
>> If it wasn’t fun anymore and if I could no longer afford it. A major injury might do it as well but I don’t know.

 

[2001yz250]

Great thread! I would be interested in knowing about where the ladies are from currently and where they were when they first started riding.(I need to know where to move to)

 

[CJ Rider]

Originally posted by 2001yz250
... I need to know where to move....

Hmmm. Have you thought about Colorado?

 

[blackhawk468]

TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have lots of tracks in the DFW area

 

[2001yz250]

I have not considered any place seriously yet, but it's comming real soon and Colorado and Texas would both be considered. But I am interested to know in what part of the country is the mentality of women more oriented to dirt biking than other parts of the country.(not sure if I'm stating this correctly) This may also help ADS with his project.

 

[dragonmx]

Ok, I've been lurking mostly hunting out info for my daughters bike. But this thread makes me feel the need to post. I'm glad it got started.

I'm a mid 40's mom who has gotten her daughter into riding. She is 7 and is starting to show up on MX tracks. I'm working on getting her into one of Debbie Mathews classes (she'll be in NH on June 1) becuase I don't want her to just learn from me.

I don't race even when I'm racing. My skills just aren't up to that. I never even check the final positions at the end. Once a trophy was mailed to me because it never occured to me that I would place :silly:

1. What was your first bike?

1984ish KX 200

2. What is your current bike?

1992 KTM 125 EXC

3. Your racing classification? (I am asking this question to see if any of you all race a class other than the womens' class)

Womens or novice (I try to ride late so I don't get run over/ in the way

4. Where and when was your first race?

1987 Pine Hill Enduro, New Jersey

5. What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?

Enduro at the time. Every once in awhile I still ride enduros. Tend more to trail rides with my 7 year old daughter now.

6. What or who got you started racing?

Always liked motorcycles but parents refused to let me near them. Friends rode off road and when I was 27 got me on a dirt bike then to a beginners enduro. I learned under a womens rider in the ECEA who could only reach the ground on tip toes if most of the seat foam was cut out. It didn't stop her winning though. Her husband also raced and he helped too.

7. Your racing strengths?

Sandy whoops. When I'm in shape. :ugg: Maintaining bikes so they are always ready to go at their best.

8. Your racing weaknesses?

rocky uphills (kinda hurts to now live in New Hampshire)

9. What do you like the most about racing?

Finishing before I hour out. Working on the bike.

10. What do you like the least about racing?

loading and driving home

11. How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?

Don't think about it. As a professional field service eng (now taking time for kids) I always have worked more with men than women

12. What kind of reactions do you get from people, when they find out that you ride/race dirt bikes?

I tend not to talk about it to much since very few non-riding people can relate. Most assume it's easy; the bike does all the work. Bosses tend to frown as they assume I won't make work the next day.

13. Give a few examples of negative reactions you have encountered from people that are looking at female motorcyclists from a stereotypical point of view.

I can't really think of one. My worst experiences are to be ignored and my husband is addressed when I go buy parts or something. Unfortunately, he doesn't ride and has no idea about anything to do with servicing a dirt bike (much less his car!). I typically walk out and take my business elsewhere if this happens (not just with bikes)

 

[Hot4Teacher]

I know that this is a little old, but I just joined a few weeks ago. Hope this helps. I know how research projects can go.

1. '84 XR250
2. see #1
3. only women's class
4. January 1, 2001; Carnigie
5. It was a hare scramble, but the women only did the MX track.
That was my first and only race. I've been too busy.
6. My husband and his friends
7. I love to go fast!! ;)
8. Jumps, but I'm learning more and more each time I go riding.
9. The competition
10. The start and first lap
11. I love it! It's one of the reasons why I got started and enjoy it so much!
12. They say, "Oh, your husband has a bike?" I like replying, "Yes, but I also ride!" Their response, "OH?!" Most men however have always reacted very positively, like, "That's really cool! Good for you!..."
13. "She must be a dyke."

 

[Yamaholley]

sorry, just saw the thread...here goes:

Originally posted by ADS




1. What was your first bike?

1998 KX 100

2. What is your current bike?

2001 KTM 200 E/XC
3. Your racing classification? (I am asking this question to see if any of you all race a class other than the womens' class)

women (so far)

4. Where and when was your first race?

just last month, Goldendale WA...GP

5. What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?

GP seems to be my style. I love to ride moto and super X tracks, but am hesitant about actually racing them


6. What or who got you started racing?

wanted to see how good or bad I actually ride!
7. Your racing strengths?

giving it my all, speed, nasty muddy stuff

8. Your racing weaknesses?


cornering, and more cornering! and arm pump

9. What do you like the most about racing?

the adrenaline rush

10. What do you like the least about racing?

worrying about ending up in the hospital (again!)

11. How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?

I've always been athletic, and interested in predominately male hobbies. It doesn't bother me

Andrew Stanfill [/B]

 

[Yamaholley]

and now for the rest of the questions!

Originally posted by CJ Rider

2) What prompted you to start riding?

rode as a kid, wanted a fun family hobby that you needed to be in shape for



6.4) What prompted you to continue racing?

I won 2nd place in my first GP...well..there were only 3 of us in the women's class, but it felt really good!

6.3) What type/what class do you currently race?

women only so far

7) Do you plan to continue riding/racing? For how long?


as long as I don't end up with emergency surgery for the 3rd time. If so, I have promised to quit racing

8) Do you foresee anything that would make you quit riding/racing?

see above :)

 

[Michelle]

Thanks for the compliment Humai, however, I know that as soon as it gets technical or I'm unsure, my butt refuses to leave the seat. This is a problem & it's stupid, but I'm working to overcome that.

Cutting/making trails today, I was making myself stand the entire time (almost worked), mainly because they were unridden (I got the holeshot, okay, the guys stayed at the cars) and I had no idea where the heck the trails were going (funny how different they are riding & walking - heck, I got lost a couple of times - but they'll be run in next weekend along with new trails cut).

Hot4teacher, welcome to DRN, and the thread's not old, I think Andrew's hoping for more replies (sorry for going off-topic), so keep posting girls :)
Michelle

 

[Fe_princess]

I go to the races because it's an opportunity to increase my skills by riding new terrain

orignally posted by LoriKTM.

If anything, this is an excellent reason to even try racing. You always have the luxury/time to think when you're on the trail about how you will tackle the obstacle, but in a race you do what is instinctual. Your insticnts are always the best and it forces you to just go through with the speed you're carrying. Speed always seems to be the best through. You gotta know you're always a better rider than you think you are!

My most negitive reaction I ever had to racing was when my mom came to see me up at Sear's Point and I met her at the gate and she was already crying before she ever saw me on the track.

 

[E-Ticket]

Another good reason to race.... or just as good ... to "practice" on a race course... is the chance to do a specific corner or jump or whatever.... over and over and over.

This gives you the opporunity to try different lines, to stand rather than sit, to brake later or earlier, to try just a *litttle* more gas the next time around. Also to have a more experienced rider to give you a riding tip and offer encouragement.

I highly recommend trying to ride on a "practice day" on an mx, indoor, or cross-country course. Without having to race (that is, no pressure) and the chance to do or try something repeatedly, will be a huge boost to your confidence and riding ability.

Do I race? Yes, occasionally. Am I any good. naw... my survival instinct is pretty high so I'm fairly mediocre at "racing." But, do I enjoy it. You bet I do. 'cause I'm racing myself as much as the other riders.

So ridin' or racin' .... being out there and having fun is the bottom line. And remember --- ALL of the good riders were once novices as well. And when they honest (or really drunk) -- you'll hear the same novice stories.

and dat's da' troof. "...pppbbbll--t-t--t"

<g> -- E-Ticket

 

[The Ant]

Feel I should amend my original reply to the survey in that I gave my first dirtbike as the answer to question #1, but my first motorcycle was a 1976 BMW R60/6...in 1976. I didn't know anyone who rode, had never ridden a motorcycle, didn't want a car, just knew it was for me. Went to the library to research them, made a book decision, spent my life savings (which at 23 wasn't much) and bought one. Then set about learning to ride and making new friends! As I mentioned before, male friends who didn't ride were extremely unsupportive, the general populace was usually just amazed way back then...pulled into a reststop once, took off my helmet, heard this little voice "Look Mommy, that motorcycle man's a lady!"
-Susan
BBR200
ZX6E Ninja

 

[BUK0138]

Hey.... had some time on my hands at work ...saw your post and thought I would reply, hope its not to late to help you out!!!!!!!
1. What was your first bike?
99 yz 125
2. What is your current bike?
02 cr 125
3. Your racing classification? (I am asking this question to see if any of you all race a class other than the womens' class)
womens and 125c
4. Where and when was your first race?
last year Casey IL :scream:
5. What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?
MX....just MX
6. What or who got you started racing?
Boyfriend.... :)
7. Your racing strengths?
ability to walk away from mega crashes..... for real...just the ability to go out and give it a shot and have fun and learn somthing new everytime I race....I belive is my racing strength!
8. Your racing weaknesses?
Riding over my head because I am to competitive..... my riding ability has not yet caught up with my desire to win :debil:
9. What do you like the most about racing?
All of the people you meet!!!!!!
10. What do you like the least about racing?
CRASHING :confused:
11. How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
Really have never thought about it....
I am a firefighter/paramedic so I work in a perdominately male career, I am use to being in a predominately male enviroment...they just have to get use to me :D

Hope this helps!!!

 

[ADS]

I appreciate all the help. The writing has begun, but unfortunately, I can't include all the replies. A printout of this thread will be included when I turn this in; this thread will be used as my field notes. I will try to post the paper in its entirety as an attachment file, I really hate typing and I do not want to have to do it twice if I can just simply attach it. When I post it, I will do so in a new thread titled "My Sociology Paper". I will try to get it up soon.
Thanks again.

Andrew S.

 

[phirechick]

Hey ladies, can you help me?
I am doing my research project on women that race hare scrambles, but I have found that this is a very narrow topic, so my topic is now women that race dirtbikes, MX, woods, anything.
If you would like to help me out, please answer the following questions:
1. What was your first bike?
1975 XR 75

2. What is your current bike?
02 KLX 300

3. Your racing classification? (I am asking this question to see if any of you all race a class other than the womens' class)
Womens C

4. Where and when was your first race?
Westwood, Ca 1983 Motocross

5. What kind of race was it and what kind of racing do you do now?
I currently race HS

6. What or who got you started racing?
My 7th grade boyfriend, because he raced

7. Your racing strengths?
Whoops

8. Your racing weaknesses?
Endurance and sometimes riding beyond my means.

9. What do you like the most about racing?
The competition!!

10. What do you like the least about racing?
Dust!

11. How do you feel about being a female in a predominately male sport?
I work with nothing but men, so why not play with them.

I know that I asked a lot of questions, but this is a lengthy project that is asking for a lot of specifics. If you wish to include your name, feel free to do so, if not, that's OK, you will be an anonymous subject.
I appreciate your participation, look me up sometime.
Andrew Stanfill

 

[E-Ticket]

"cool beans" reply on # 11, PHChick. ROFL...... <g> - ET