On a hot June day in late 2010, we were in North Carolina camping at Stone Mountain and spending our days exploring the many beautiful miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I remember driving the twisting and turning roads, the amazing views from the overlooks and the at least 75 year-old woman on a bright yellow Harley Davidson 3-wheel trike motorcycle possessing with the biggest smile I've ever seen. Her white hair was peeking out from under her matching yellow helmet and blowing in the wind. No she wasn't on the back of the bike in the "B" seat. She was driving this machine all on her own.
I wish now I could have snapped a photo of her to blow up and put on my refrigerator for inspiration. Empowering for women and also empowering for those of us gaining in age. Granted our reflexes and motor skills decline as we age which is why Harley Davidson was genius to add the three-wheel trike back to their repertoire in 2009. All I could think the rest of our trip was I want to be just like that woman when I get her age. Brave and adventurous. The body might slow down but there are work arounds that can keep you out there. You just have to look for them.
Twenty years ago a woman having her own motorcycle was rare. Though I knew one or two, now it's much more common place. They now estimate that 1 out of 10 motorcycle owners are women. Women-only riding clubs have been in place for 30 years but have seen an increase in growth of members and new clubs joining their ranks.
Harley Davidson has now been offering training and safety tips for women and provides a "No Doubts, No Cages" campaign directed for them. Motorcycle equipment and clothing manufacturers are quickly jumping on the bandwagon with items tailored to women.
An exciting change, one I hope to join in the ranks in the next few years. As much as I love to ride on the back of a bike, I get excited when I see women riding alone on a big Harley (or other motorcycle) with their hair whipping in the wind. Plus, I won't be dependent on my husband to be home so we can ride together. Two wheels have always meant freedom for me. At first as a bicycle and later I found it on the back of a motorcycle. I imagine being in the driver's seat of a bike is even better.
From my cycling groups, I have found the power of women in groups such as this to be amazingly supportive and fun. Like-minded gals all out for a great time and help each other out. Sometimes, us girls need to just stick together.
Plus, There is nothing quite like a warm summer evening where you are roaring down a road into the sunset with the wind in your hair (from under your helmet!). Pure and utter freedom at that moment.
For me, it's my own Zen.
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