IG: rabbit_catcher
How did you become interested in riding?
Riding a motorcycle is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I never gave myself permission to do it. Then, when I married my wife, she empowered me to finally do it. She gave me a helmet (a downpayment on the promise that someday I would be riding) and my first motorcycle lesson. It took a couple more years for me to believe this was something I could do, but finally, I just went for it.
How long have you been riding?
1 month!
What kind of bike(s) do you have?
1999 Suzuki Savage LS650
Advice for new riders or women who want to get into riding?
There is no time like the present. If you want to do it, just do it! I think the desire to ride a motorcycle in and of itself qualifies you. Don’t think that you’re too small, too weak, too poor, too anything. It’s not easy at first, but it’s the challenge that makes it so worthwhile.
Favorite moto adventure / dream moto adventure?
Right now, every ride, even if it’s just around the block, is an adventure, since I’m so new to this whole thing. It’s all a thrill!
Favorite piece(s) of gear and why?
I love my white Biltwell Gringo helmet because it was first thing my wife gave me that made the dream start to become a reality. Then, a couple years later when I finally got my license, she gave me a Roland Sands leather jacket for my birthday, and it feels better than any superhero cape ever could.
What is the best part of being woman who rides?
I think it’s one of the most empowering things a woman can do. It breaks down stereotypes, it fosters self-sufficiency, it builds courage and shows a woman how strong and daring she really can be.
And what is the worst part of being woman who rides?
There are many disadvantages like finding woman’s gear, having to compensate for perhaps having less physical strength or height, and sometimes being condescended to by male riders, but overcoming all these things is what makes being a woman motorcyclist even more rewarding and empowering.
Besides riding motorcycles, what other hobbies or passions do you have?
I love riding my bicycle around town and writing. You can read a personal piece I wrote that was published in The New York Times here.
themissfires.com 
Being condescended by male riders is the worst. Seriously, I’ve been riding a long time and work on my own bikes, and to have some knucklehead call me honey or sweetie and ask if I even own one just pisses me off. Welcome to riding!! And the jacket does rock!