My Journey to Motorcycling

A few weeks ago my friend posted an article on Facebook about women riding motorcycles. This article was so inspiring because it spoke so closely to my experience: motorcycles as an opening for life-change, the reasons more women are riding, and I am in the age/life stage demographic chronicled .

The momentum to obtaining my endorsement began with a string of significant losses which inspired a life-evaluation: what have I accomplished and what do I still want to do? Grateful Dead tour, Fire fighting, Horses, College, motorcycles…Check, check, check, check.. check? …Motorcycles? Hummm…..Little did I now how much I would learn about myself during this venture…

I am a women of knowledge so naturally I sought the wisdom of those who have gone before me. I stopped in motorcycle shops at very opportunity and talked with anyone who would entertain my questions. (As it happens, riders love to talk motorcycles and share knowledge and experience.) I talked with people I know, read magazines and did computer research. Answers begat questions, questions begat more intrigue. Taking this time, and cogitating on the information bestowed upon me allowed for introspection of my purpose and intentions with riding. Despite my plethora of query, and vast knowledge of my forebears there are some things that may only be learned through experience and self-(re)discovery.

As an experienced bicycle commuter, I was quite shocked at how un-nerved I was, myself motorized, to be between the cars (and very big trucks). I was also surprised at how scary the highway was! When I dreamed of my motorcycle adventures, I envisioned adventures and road trips up and down the West Coast and beyond. I was disheartened by my initial response to riding a motor bike. The inward contemplation that ensued brought to my conscientious the realization that I had learned to predict and control my environment. Riding motorcycles was new and I had no reference point from which to draw information.

At this point, my dreams vacillated from imploding to transforming, as did my self confidence. I soon learned that I preferred country roads. The only draw back of that was it will either take forever to get anywhere or my sphere of travel had been limited; I suppose I could live with that. I want to camp and hike anyway. I’d just do it closer to home. My biker brother and my husband both told me to just keep riding; I’d get more comfortable.

The turning point for me was soon after I met The Headlights. I shared my trepidation with these riding women. Some had similar experiences, some didn’t. No matter, I felt encouraged. I keep riding. Instead of always riding alone, I rode with these women as well as my husband. This seemed to help me gain confidence. The Headlights encouraged me to ride in my comfort zone and my husband not-so-gently nudged me to test those parameters. As the miles continue to role on my odometer, so goes my confidence and comfort on the road.

As I layer up for winter, or enjoy the warmth of summer riding I think about how I considered selling by motorcycle and abandoning my dream. It sounds so cliche to say but I’ll say it anyway- I understand what people mean about the freedom of a motorcycle. It certainly is freeing, empowering, and fun! So, if you’re new to motorcycling, or contemplating it, keep riding. Or start riding. There’s nothing like it. Oh, the places you will go…!