[CherylNYC]

I recently had some VERY expensive work done on the suspension for my street bike. I matter-of-factly told the owner and technicians, "I'm 51 years old, and I know what I like. I like 'em BIG. My passengers will likely outweigh me by double.", I said. This was not a normal request, so I continued on to make sure I was fully understood. "I need a rear shock with a remote pre-load adjuster that will accommodate a passenger that's significantly larger than me. Because I like 'em big."

The regular straight dudes who work there likely hadn't heard a woman say anything like that before. They did a great job being professional, but I know they were having trouble figuring out how to react. My money is green, so they dutifully provided me with an Ohlins shock which they set up as requested. There's now a whole room full of mechanics who will see big, butch women just a little differently now.

I don't just accept big butches, I WANT one. It's OK if she doesn't want to ride on the back of my bike, but if she does she can consider it service.