IG: @heyemilieschwenk // photo by @gracerosellistudio
How did you become interested in riding?
Started on the back of my boyfriend’s bike. After just a few months, I decided he wasn’t going fast enough for me!
How long have you been riding?
3 years
What kind of bike(s) do you have?
Two Harleys- a ’91 sportster & a ’79 Ironhead sportster
Advice for new riders or women who want to get into riding?
You’re going to have to leave your comfort zone, there is no way around it. In fact, you’re going to have to get really freaking uncomfortable if you want to be a part of this world. The best thing about the Miss-Fires, is that you have a huge group of awesome women who have your back and will help you through that discomfort. You have to face those fears if you want to overcome them!
Favorite moto adventure / dream moto adventure?
Riding through the California desert with the MFs crew to Babes Ride Out. The rides were so much better than the event itself! We spent so many hours on the road together and got so close. I had never been to California (or experienced California highways) before, by the end of the trip, we were doing 85mph in perfect formation and reading each others cues and signals like we had been doing it for years!
Favorite piece(s) of gear and why?
My white striped Biltwell Gringo helmet. It saved my jaw and teeth when I went down and hit my face on the pavement in November.
What is the best part of being woman who rides?
Nothing has ever made me feel more powerful, or strong, or confident than riding motorcycles.
And what is the worst part of being woman who rides?
There is still a lot of misogyny and sexism in the motorcycle community. I think we are making progress every day, but there is still this idea of “women as property”. There are men who will still say inappropriate things or make gestures to a women on a bike. I think it’s made my skin a lot thicker to have to deal with things like that. Every time I have to give someone the finger, I feel just a little stronger. 🙂
Besides riding motorcycles, what other hobbies or passions do you have?
I have a vintage shop on Etsy! Check it out on instagram.com/ironheadhoney!
Bonus question! Add anything else you’d like our community to know about you or women riders in general.
If you are a woman and you have an interest in motorcycles, we are soul sisters, and I already love you. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out to any one of the Miss-Fires to ask questions, we will have your back!
themissfires.com 