While talking to women motorcycle riders and reading motorcycling blogs written by women, I have found there are all kinds of reasons why we ride, what we ride, where we ride and when we learned to ride.

These days many girls start riding dirt bikes at a young age.  Some women, like school teacher Sarah Kritsch, even race in events like the AMA's National Hare and Hound series, Enduro Cross or WORCS, just to name a few. Some women like Athena "Chickie" Ransom, owner and master bike builder of Vagabond Choppers, first experienced riding on the back of her fathers' bike. Others like professional photographer Christina Shook, author of Chicks on Bikes, first caught the bug on a midnight ride on a quiet college campus.

Today many women are learning to ride at an older age. Some learn in celebration of significant birthdays like 40 or 50. Other go out and buy their first bikes as a way to declare their independence after a divorce, or to celebrate retirement.

One thing is sure, there is a sense of freedom that settles over you when you are on two wheels with the wind blowing in your face. A sense of independence when you set out on your own course along a backroad, highway or byway. A sense of being able to conquer anything as you lean into the twisties or try to outrun a rain shower. When ever it was that you learned to ride, we now carry a symbol of every woman's choice to grab hold of the handlebars of her life and see what the world has to offer.

Our sterling silver compass rose necklace comes on an 18" chain with the words "The journey begins today" engraved on the back. The detailed compass guides us as we set out to attain our goals. The engraved phrase reminds us that where ever we are going, it is an adventure that starts new each morning. This beautiful compass rose necklace is available on our website www.ladybikerstuff.com for $29.99  plus shipping.

Our next post will go over how to measure to ensure a better fit when purchasing new leather motocycle jackets, chaps, leather vests, gloves and more.

There are several things I enjoy about being ridden on the back of my husband’s bikes. 

For one, I have no responsibility, the complete opposite of the rest of my life. I don’t have to watch for traffic or obstacles in the road, I’m not in charge of directions or checking the weather conditions. Having no fear is another major benefit. I have complete faith in my husband’s ability as a rider both on the road and in the dirt. But the thing I enjoy the most is the closeness and the feeling of being protected. It is rare for us to have time to spend together and alone.

As I read stories of women learning to ride their own motorcycles, overcoming obstacles and riding to help benefit good causes, I have seriously considered taking a Motorcycle Saftey Course and riding my own street bike. Enter Harley Davidson Women’s Garage Parties. They sound like fun, attract large numbers of women, have goodie bags and raffles, and food. They offer an opportunity to learn about the different motorcycles, accessories and apparel, plus it is all women so it is a comfortable setting.

I found a Harley dealer near my home, called to let them know I was coming and pulled out my riding boots and leather jacket. I was welcomed by several eager women who work in MotorClothes at the dealer and found myself one of  about 40 women ranging in age from their late teens to late 50’s, including a mother-daughter pair preparing to ride to Sturgis. The owner of the dealership welcomed us and the manager went over the different motorcycle families and then they left us to our girl party.

We were introduced to the women of the dealership, all of whom ride their own motorcycles. We heard their stories and were shown many of their bikes with descriptions of modifications and  custom parts. We were able to sit on the different bikes, learn about available riding gear, and shown how to lift a fallen bike. We also received information about Motorcycle Saftey Courses and the DMV test for a motorcycle driver’s license. So, what did I learn and what were my impressions of Harley Davidson motorcycles?

What were my impressions of Harley Davidson motorcycles?

While the all women idea was meant to put us at ease, I was completely intimidated! I live in a fraternity; husband and two college age sons, who are in charge of all things motorcycle. Secondly, these were women who all ride their own bikes which I do not do well. When we sat on the different bikes we were told that we would “just know” the right bike. After sitting on a V-Rod, a Sportster, Dyna, Softail and Touring Bike what I knew was that they were all BIG, WIDE, HEAVY BIKES! Not only did they not feel “right” to me, I was scared spitless. I also learned that motorcycles have no reverse gear and they all have clutches; I am clutch challenged. While I probably knew these things in the back of my mind I was still disappointed.

Good Impressions…You Bet! 

Harley makes beautiful bikes and the prices didn’t seem unreasonable to me. While they seem huge, I  learned there are many alterations that can be made to a stock bike for a shorter rider, and there are lots of custom parts that can be added to enhance the look and feel of the bike. The employees, especially the manager, were extremely knowledgeable, willing and able to help ensure a new owner will be happy, comfortable and safe on her new motorcycle. Best of all, the food was yummy, the ice chest was full of beer, wine, soda and H-D labeled water bottles, and there were chocolate chip cookies!

Watch for our next post “How to Tailor Your Motorcycle to Fit You”

When I think about the names I've read and heard applied to women on motorcycles, I find myself at a loss concerning who I am. I have neither the riding skill nor the biker confidence to see myself as a Biker Chick. I'm not hip enough to be a Chrome Cowgirl, and while I like the sound of Road Diva, I'm not her. Asphalt Angel, hmm, my halo tends to hang off of one horn. I rejected Motorcycle Mama thinking she's the one who pampers and wrenches on her own bike. And so, Lady Biker was my choice, after all I am a lady even if I don't always act like one. But then I started thinking about my path to the two-wheeled life and had to rethink Motorcycle Mama.

The first time I ever rode a motorcycle was on the back of a street bike, navigated by the first love I thought would never end. An ill-fitting full face helmet was my only claim to proper riding attire unless you counted shorts and a t-shirt; no leather jacket, no biker boots. I later wondered if Prince Charming was hoping I would fall off the back of the bike, never to be seen again. It wasn't until ten years later that I would revisit the two-wheeled world.

I married a man who grew up riding dirt bikes and racing desert. When we first met, he had a Honda street bike he rode to work but it moved out of the garage sometime before the wedding. I don't remember disapproving of the Honda, I think he just got rid of it so he could complain to his friends that he had to give up his toys in order to live in wedded bliss. When our boys came along they were "initiated" on the Harely their dad rode for work. The oldest was 2, the baby only 7 or 8 months old. They never made it farther than the end of the street, but they were grinning from ear to ear. At 5 and 6 years old the boys had their first rides on the dirt bikes of friends we were camping with and they were hooked!

It wasn't long before we bought a YZ85 and a 4-Zinger quad. Dad had an old YZ250 in the garage so new helmets, boots and gear sealed the deal. After a couple of day trips we purchased a Weekend Warrior so our adventures could be extended from Fridays after school until Sunday nights. Under Dad's tutelage two avid and skilled motorcycle riders emerged and the concept of the "Family Ride" was born. Because we were going on "long rides" our youngest son rode with Dad on his bike, older brother rode the quad and Mom got to ride the YZ85. And really, how hard could it be, there was no clutch which was good because I can't even drive a stick shift.  Dad would lead the ride, Mom next and young son number one would ride last "in case you fall down, I can help you get the bike started again." We had a lot of fun in those early days, camping and riding with friends and neighbors, until one day we needed bigger bikes.

My mother-in-law kindly purchased a Honda XR80 that she and I could ride. It was then that I was cruelly introduced to the clutch. By the time I could manage pretty well on that bike the quad was outgrown and a Honda XR100 came to join the party. The boys moved up and I kept falling down.  I just could not manage to turn and down shift at the same time. After more than a few episodes of stalling the XR100, throwing it down, kicking sand on it and cursing at it, I quit riding. The boys were older by then and could ride near camp with their friends so it wasn't an issue. After several years of loading and unloading that bike without me ever riding it again they finally refused to bring it along.

At 12 the boys could race in the desert and my job became Starting Line Photographer, Pit Support (I'm in charge of goggles and GOO), and Finish Line Hydrator. I am the preparer of lunches, maker of motorhome beds, biggest fan of my college aged desert racers. Young son number one has hung up the race numbers while in pursuit of a BA in Accounting but young son number two continues to chase his dreams of winning a #1 National number plate. He won the 1st place AMA National Hare and Hound Amateur 250A class in 2009 and moved up to Expert in 2010.

It was at a national race last weekend that I realized my true identity. I have no wrenching skills and even the pampering of bikes is done by the men in my life. But I am, truely, a Motorcycle Mama and I wouldn't have it any other way. Raising two boys on motorcycles has been a priceless experience and I am constantly reassured that is where I belong. It doesn't matter that I am not a confident rider and prefer to be chauffered on the back of my husband's bike. It is of no consequence that I feel too old to be considered a chick of any kind. My halo is tarnished and I don't shine my own chrome but I am a Motorcycle Mama through and through.

Lady Bikers’ Lessons Learned