Women on Wheels
Marcia Green
Who are the Women On Wheels
By Marcia Green
July 07, 2010
Women riding motorcycles is nothing new yet is becoming recognized as an exciting recreation category expanding quickly. In many areas, especially here in North Central Washington regional rides provide us with our privilege to explore life. We plan to share our adventures here in this new column, “Women on Wheels”.
I personally have chosen to ride like the wind, partly for the sake of bragging rights I have discovered, and to overcome personal inner fears associated with things not familiar. I succeeded in acquiring my motorcycle endorsement as of May 2010 thanks to the patient coaxing of my husband who has carefully navigated the two of us for the past 3 years on our Honda Shadow.
My friends ask “Why” incredulously, as I actually ask myself; knowing there is an inner wild card, and fear of what damage I may bring, yet seeking opportunity to rise above my fears with a surprising outcome.
What began 3 years ago, an anniversary joke gone too far, my husband asked if I would consider riding on the back of a motorcycle with him, my answer “yes” made family headlines “ Motorcycle- Anniversary Present for Wife” With humble chuckles, or perhaps triumphant gleam, it appears his motorcycle may actually be mine…and he must now go buy a new one! You have to love the logical reasoning behind his actions.
I think it would be a fun study on how many gifts wives are actually talked into, not from personal need or desire…the gun, boat, computer, tools, but all from the masterful convincing of how our lives would benefit!
Given the history of this project, I found myself contemplating the amazing growth of women on wheels, with full motorcycle endorsement, riding for pure pleasure and empowerment. Office staff at “Legends Harley Davidson” confirm the number is surprisingly high, and rising continuously.
I personally found the process began easily enough with my calendar, check book, and many deep breaths as my resolve wavered. Group classes available through Columbia Motorcycle Training offer a women’s only class, with wonderful attentive instructors. After 3 days of classroom instruction, and multiple hours on the riding range, I actually had control of the basics, and the real work could begin.
Every week, I pledged to ride, practice techniques, and find the many uncomfortable scenarios to best refine my habits. Our North Central area offers so many pleasant back roads, canyon curves, and recreational beauty difficult to match anywhere, thus began the explorations.
So I wonder, exactly who are the “Women on Wheels”? Why do they ride? What are their motivations? Where do they plan to ride? What future goals do they hold for themselves?
Let us hear from you, share your story, and I....well stay tuned, certainly more to come!
