MY CHALLENGE

by Liz

My first ride on a bike was on the back of my uncle's Panhead at the age of 14. I loved the sound and the vibration of the bike. It was a great feeling of the wind in my face and the excitement of it all.

I am now 41 years old, and I still love that feeling. A few years ago, I took a motorcycle course, and although I did get my permit from passing the written test, I didn't finish because I dumped the bike on the course and wouldn't continue. I was scared and very embarrassed. Oh well, I thought; I was still a backseat rider on my husbands' Harley. Then one evening after an ice-cream stop, we were on our way home...less than quarter mile to our driveway and the car ahead of us pulled a u-turn into our path hitting our bike. My husband rode the bike through the ditch as far as he could but eventually we were both thrown off. I was scared to death, but to make a long story short, we were both going to be alright with only a little road rash and minor breaks (his wrist & my leg.) But the emotional crap that I put myself through, the what ifs, etc. was terrible.

Still, I did continue to ride with my husband, watching closely, praying before every ride, and relaxing a bit more each time. Whenever I would see women riding their own motorcycles, I wanted so much to be riding one too. Then, my husband & I found a 250 Honda Rebel for sale. It was real cheap and quite banged up, but rode like a charm. I am 5' 2" and 112 lbs. so it was just right for me. At first, my husband would take it to a parking lot and I would drive my car there, and just practice. It was fun, but I certainly was not ready to take it into real traffic. Well after a few times of doing this my husband who is not a small man (and looked very odd on a little Rebel bike) said it is time Liz. Before each and every time that we would venture out I would take a tablespoon of Pepto-Bismol to calm my stomach nerves...Gods honest truth.

Last year after 300 miles on the Rebel, I bought a new 2002 Harley Hugger...it was beautiful and all mine. I took my time to learn riding it and talking, reading, and most of all practicing to build my confidence level. My husband always rides behind my bike as a cushion or buffer between me and the car behind and we always plan some sort of route of intention so not too many un-expected to rattle me. Well after 2100 miles on my Hugger, I just traded to my 2002 Harley Low Rider® !!! WOW...it fits me perfect, even better than the Hugger (lower center of gravity and lower seat height) I am soooooooooooo happy and I love riding more and more all the time. I am still inexperienced, but I did get my license, and I don't have to take the Pepto anymore, so ladies there is hope for anyone who is determined enough. PS...I also still backseat ride with my husband if I want to just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride:)

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