I was recently invited by GirlClutch to write a column for the monthly newsletter. Accepting this honor was a no-brainer because a) I love to write and b) I love to be a voice for women who ride! I’m here for you and I hope that if you have any questions or ideas for topics you’d like to see discussed, you’ll let me know.
Before I introduce myself, let me preface by saying I’m just a girl on a bike. Yes, I’m a devout enthusiast obsessed with a two-wheeled habit, but no, I am by no means above or better than any other human being who rides. I’m not one of those girls. I’m just a girl. I stress this to you before we formally know each other because I remember what it was like to be a new rider trying to talk to one of those girls. For some women, the feeling of empowerment that comes from riding a motorcycle seems to be inflated and overbore to the point of becoming a flaw. I admit, with as much attention as we get, it’s difficult to remain humble. Riding a motorcycle turns you into a celebrity overnight, especially amongst the male population. However, I promised myself early on that I’d never be the intimidating, unapproachable snob. I want other women to feel comfortable talking to me and telling me about riding is like for them. Life is lonely when you think you know everything! That’s not me. I love to hear what you have to say and I love to learn new things!
I think my fervor for motorcycles must be genetic. I’ve been around bikes since I was four years old, and the passion took hold as soon as dad sat me down on the gas tank of his Yamaha V-Max and took me for a ride down the street. I got my first dirt bike when I was nine, and my first street bike when I was 19, which was a Buell Blast (because I could touch the ground). I rode that thundering little beast until I built up my confidence, then I moved up to sport bikes, which I’ve been riding ever since (because all that power always puts a smile on my face!).
I currently work at Kawasaki Motors Corp, U.S.A., in the Technical Services department as an Administrative Assistant. I’m a certified motorcycle technician and an MSF instructor. I also do freelance writing for Accelerate-online, and for Advanstar’s community websites – sportbikeclub.com and community.motorcycleshows.com. I love to do track days, ride in the dirt (when I can borrow a bike) and go on long distance trips. I lvoe girl rides, weekend canyon rides, bike nights, and basically anything that involves riding between two destinations with a big gap in between!
So that’s me – a general lover of all things motorcycle. I look forward to writing more columns and hearing more of your stories! Ride easy ya’ll! Until next time…
