Allstate Rider News: Women agents who ride

Women Allstate Agents who ride dish on
"riding with the girls"

Allstate Agent - Barbara Grimaldi We asked three female agents to share their stories (and some advice) with us. Take a minute to visit with Susan Bernosky of Oakland, CA; Barbara Grimaldi of New York, NY; and Claudia DeMaranville of Aptos, CA. Find out how each learned to ride, their favorite trips and suggestions they have for new riders.

Kick start the fun—how did you learn to ride?

Grimaldi (New York, NY): I’ve been riding 21 years. I love the freedom and peace it gives you, how the elements surround you. I learned to ride on the streets and, only later, realized that I should learn the correct way. So I took a two-day safety class. Looking back, I’d have to say—don’t learn from your relatives because they might not know the right way!

Bernosky (Oakland, CA): I started riding in 1990, as a way to do something new and adventurous. I started on a Yamaha Virago 750 and have owned nine other bikes since then! At first, I just followed other riders and took it slow. In fact, I did a lot of riding in parking lots!

DeMaranville (Aptos, CA): I started riding four years ago—one ride with friends and I was “hooked”. I ran out and got a used Honda Shadow—the perfect bike for learning because of its height and ease of handling. I took the MSF Learn to Ride course, got hold of some training DVDs from ex cop riders, set up a course on an abandoned street and just practiced. It didn’t take long.

Favorite Trips and Tips

Bernosky (Oakland, CA): Cinnamon Pass in the San Juans south of the Rockies. It’s a 4WD Jeep trail and I was on the BMW GS1200. Rocks, switchbacks and awesome views. Remember to keep your wheel pointed in the right direction and open up the throttle. A good bike will get you through!

Grimaldi (New York, NY): Saratoga Springs (New York) to Lake George. You can’t beat it! But don’t leave without a tool sack, instant air for flats, fuses, baby flares, etc. Ask your mechanic if you don’t know what to bring. And remember to bring a buddy…or a well-charged cell phone…or both!

DeMaranville (Aptos, CA): I love to cruise in and out of redwoods on those curving coastal roads. But I can't do it if I'm not comfortable, and it can swing 20-30 degrees in a day here! So I pack my heated vest and plug it in—it's like having heated seats in the car.

Advice to Newbies

Bernosky (Oakland, CA): If I had it to do over, I’d learn on a dirt bike first. I rode one after ten years and it taught me a lot about control, balance and that it’s OK to drop your bike—one of the best things you can know because it IS going to happen.

DeMaranville (Aptos, CA): Practice! It’s all about the slow stuff: being able to manage your bike in traffic, mastering the friction zone and making U-turns. Get good at this and you become a confident rider, which makes you a better-reacting rider every time.

Grimaldi (New York, NY): If you fear the ride, don’t do it. You’re an accident waiting to happen!

Source: This content was provided by Susan Bernosky, Barbara Grimaldi and Claudia DeMaranville.