The BS File #3

One of the most asked questions I get is “How did you get into riding?”  It wasn’t because of my husband like most people think. He started riding because of me.

My oldest son rode. He’s always loved motorcycles. Honestly, I wasn’t a fan most of my life. I worried about him when he was on his bike.

It was August and he showed up with my birthday present. My oldest son (Brandt) and my daughter (Bree) bought me a class. They said they wanted to buy me an experience for my birthday. I was so fucking confused. I think my response was “What?”  He responded, it’s a class to learn to ride a motorcycle. You will either learn to ride one and hate it or who knows, you may love it.

I think everyone thought I’d go take the class and never ride again honestly.

I was excited and scared all at once. I haven’t been on a bike since I was in my 20s, when I played around on dirt bikes occasionally. I grew up on three wheelers and go carts. My stepdad was a motorcycle fanatic. He even raced them and had a closet full of trophies. Unfortunately, he always said “motorcycles are for boys.” That still pisses me off too. I often wonder how badass I’d be if he had taught me when I was young. He was a bad muthafckr. His nickname was Egghead because he wasn’t scared of anything. He was still riding wheelies at 140 on the highway in his 60s. He was the man I really never knew but admired. We weren’t close but I wish we were.

Ok, back to the class. Brandt registered me for the class (in Houston because it was near his house at the time) at a Harley Davidson store. It was 3 days, Friday evening and all-day Saturday and Sunday. The cost was right under $300. They teach you to ride and at the end of the class they give you an endorsement so you can get your motorcycle license.

I was so fucking nervous. There were probably 12 of us in the class. I think 5 didn’t finish. It was hot as hell, so I wouldn’t recommend taking it in the heat of summer in TX. You’re out on the steaming concrete all damn day.

I passed the class. I fucking LOVED it. I knew by the end of Sunday that I had found my passion. I came home and told my husband “I want a motorcycle.”  He started looking and within a month and a half we found my 2017 Softail Slim which I still have. It was around 13k.

We decided on that model because I’m only 5’2” and the slim was the lowest seat Harley makes. I wanted to be able to flat foot the bike.

Hindsight, I should have gotten a lighter bike for my first bike. Mine weighs around 700 pounds and there are definitely lighter bikes for beginners. They provide bikes in the class and theirs are around 500 pounds for reference.

When I got my slim, I went to our local high school and started practicing in the parking lot. Then I practiced in my neighborhood. Then side streets and feeder roads. I probably rode for a month before I got on the highway. Granted, all of this was by myself because Mike hadn’t bought a bike yet.

My son would drive in at least every couple of weeks and ride with me to teach me things as well. He was always so patient with me.

Fast forward to 3 years later and I’m like a fckn professional. Just kidding, but I can keep up with the boys. I am still obsessed with riding. I own 3 bikes now.

I learned something new at 49 years old. It changed my life really. I’m looking to finally trade up this year. I’m thinking I want an Indian, but I’m not absolutely positive. I own a dirt bike that I practice wheelies on and a KTM naked sports bike. I just love 2 wheels. All of them.

All of this to say that we can do hard things. We can learn new things at any age. We just have to be willing and ready to put in the work. To be good at anything takes practice and it takes time to put in the practice.

Motorcycles changed my life. They give me precious time with my son, my husband, and with friends. So, call your local motorcycle dealership and book a class. I promise you will never regret it.

xoxo,

B