Everyone laughed when I told them I was getting my motorcycle permit and was taking motorcycle training. I suppose I understand how people were surprised by my excitement in motorcycling. Everyday I arrive to work or class in my heels or flats with a bow across the front accompanied with a flowy sundress or skirt. They must all believe in the motorcyclist stereotypes to be riding Harleys, wear nothing but leather, and if not a male, be a tomboy. How could someone so girly be interested in riding motorcycles? HA! Little do they know it's in my blood.
I grew up on the back of motorcycles. I have pictures from when I am a little toddler with a toothy smile and sitting in front of my dad on his motorcycle. One of my favorite pastimes growing up was the one-on-one time I spent with my dad on the motorcycle. We would take gorgeous rides along the Mississippi River, out on back roads and to an ice cream shop for a treat. Not only have many of my early memories and cherished times with my dad been out on the open road sitting on the passenger seat of the motorcycle, but my family has always shared the passion. My dad, grandpa, uncle and brother all ride together. My dad has even taken trips with my grandpa, such as to the Black Hills, around Lake Michigan, and through the National Saguaro Desert. They are able to experience the country in such a unique way, and I've been determined to join them on their adventures someday.
My dad has a bigger influence on me than he probably thinks. I remember him once telling me as we rode past a woman motorcyclist that I could be like her someday. I could be the one driving the motorcycle, not just the stereotypical girl on the back of one. I could break the stereotype of males predominantly on motorcycles. Ever since that day I have had my mind set on getting my motorcycle license. It wasn't a fact of whether or not I would get it but when I would. My idea was to surprise him one day, pulling up into my parents' driveway on the motorcycle without them even knowing I had my permit. In effort to fulfill my idea, I read the Minnesota Motorcycle Manual and went to the DMV to take my written test. My boyfriend taught me the mechanics and basics on his 650 motorcycle, so I went up and down on his street to practice. It then got too late in the summer where I didn't have a good opportunity to surprisingly arrive at my parents. This summer I completed motorcycle course at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and passed my licensing test, so now my parents know that I can ride a motorcycle and have the confidence to ride.
To my surprise, there were many women who took the motorcycle course with me. The class had a wide range of ages, from high schoolers to grandparents. I was hoping not to be the only woman in the class, not only because I go to and appreciate St. Kate’s, an all women’s university, but I did not want to feel like I was the only person who did not really know how to control a motorcycle. I too stereotyped that the men know how to operate the motorcycles provided by the college. However, I was glad to know that along with a wide range of ages, there was a wide range of knowledge and experience. Some of the people own and have ridden their motorcycle for years, while there were others who had not even sat on a motorcycle before. It was refreshing to know we all came from different standpoints. The women were on the same playing field as the men.
Although I am a girly girl and wear dresses all the time, that doesn’t mean I do not enjoy motorcycling. Obviously if the opportunity to ride arises, I wear the appropriate attire of jeans, boots, long sleeves, helmet, gloves and eye protection. But when you see me in a dress in a different setting like work or school, don’t assume that somehow being a girl restricts me from being the person I am or from reaching my goals, regardless of stereotypes. Don’t expect to see me on the back of a motorcycle. HA! You will see me driving it. I will be the prettiest biker chick out there.
