Memoir of a "Motorcycle Mama"

I had never been much into motorcycles until I met my husband. Although I found Arthur Fonzerelli and Pinky Tuscadero on the famous sitcom "Happy Days" to be pretty captivating when they hopped on and off their bikes in those awesome leather outfits, the motorcycle was not my vehicle of choice while growing up in Chicago, Illinois. I never fantasized about riding on the back of a Harley while my hair blew in the wind. Nor did I have visions of myself speeding down the interstate at amazing speeds on a Ninja. I was perfectly content with limiting my aspirations to one day getting my license and driving a car - complete with four wheels, windows I could let up or down, and power locks on the doors.

When I met my husband Reggie, life suddenly changed. He was the proud owner of a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle - a massive but sleek touring bike - and there was nothing he wanted more than for me to develop the same passion for riding. He didn't care if I learned how to drive a motorcycle; he just wanted me to be a willing and enthusiastic co-rider. He envisioned us traveling to motorcycle rallies together and mingling with fellow bikers everywhere we went.

I had to get over a few misconceptions that I had about bikers and bike rallies before I could begin to appreciate motorcycling and all that it had to offer. With the help of stereotypical images portrayed in movies and on TV, I had developed the notion that most bikers were rebels - forever living life on the edge and indulging in vices that would make Satan blush. Since I am more of the warm-fuzzy, girl-next-door type, I just didn't think that I would fit in well with this crowd. However, I didn't think my husband fit either, so I surmised that when all else failed, at least we'd have each other.

I also didn't know what a motorcycle rally consisted of. Images cropped up in my mind of guys walking around in black leather vests, chaps and cowboy boots, showing off their tattoos and guzzling down six packs. Needless to say, that made me a wee bit apprehensive.

Reggie developed a strategic plan for breaking me in to the whole biking experience. He used two things that I love to help coax me into joining him on the Gold Wing for our first weekend excursion: traveling and photography. I'm a sucker for a road trip, especially one that contains beautiful scenery. I love to stop along the road and take photos, and so after a few short trips around the neighborhood to get me used to riding, Reggie took me on a weekend road trip through the mountains in Helen and Hiawassee, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The beautiful combination of mountains, trees and lakes created a scene so picturesque it was surreal. And throughout the ride, I was able to sit comfortably in my seat against a backrest, communicate with Reggie through headsets that were built into our helmets, listen to music and sip a beverage from a giant cup that was made especially for the cup holder that was attached to my armrest. I discovered that weekend that I loved traveling on the Gold Wing, and I looked forward to future trips on the bike.

The first bike rally that Reggie and I attended together was an eye-opening experience for me. It was a rally sponsored by the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and it took place in Hiawassee, GA. There were several things that I noticed immediately once we arrived at the rally. First, there were couples everywhere, with his-and-her helmets (complete with names airbrushed on the back) and matching bike outfits. That instantly relieved the anxiety I had over potentially being among the minority as a female rider.

Second, Reggie and I were somewhat younger than the average participant in the rally. Most of the riders were middle aged and we were just in our mid 30's. We met several couples who took us under their wing (no pun intended) and welcomed us into what soon felt like a biker family.

Third, there were many women who proudly drove their own bikes alongside their significant others. To me they appeared fearless. While speaking with them, some indicated to me that they had been riding for years. I was completely in awe of them, their confidence, and their incredible riding skills.

The rally was packed with excitement. During the day we had an opportunity to view and purchase bike accessories, clothes and jewelry from a number of vendors. At night there were fun games and activities for everyone. On our own time, we connected with the other couples we had met and went for rides to places I had never even heard of, such as the "Fields of the Wood" biblical theme park near Murphy, NC, and the much talked about "Deal's Gap" motorcycle resort, also in North Carolina.

The feeling I had as we rode in formation with other couples through the mountains was nothing short of euphoric. It was an entirely new experience for me, and I was hooked on the thrill of riding. I was also greatly touched by the camaraderie that formed between bikers as we looked for opportunities to ride, dine and fellowship with one another.

In the years since that initial rally, my husband and I have purchased and customized a new bike, entered and won several bike shows, and traveled to many cities and states with other bikers. I have been content to remain a co-rider rather than join the ranks of women who have mastered the skill of driving their own bikes, but life on the Gold Wing has been no less fulfilling for me. In fact, I have been dubbed a "Motorcycle Mama" by several coworkers, some of whom have the same misconceptions about motorcycle riders and rallies that I once did.

When I speak of the trips that Reggie and I have taken on the bike, most non-riders instantly think about the dangers of riding on a motorcycle. However, there are endless opportunities to become educated on how to drive a motorcycle safely and defensively, as well as the role that a co-rider can play in helping to reduce the likelihood that an accident will occur. As with any form of driving, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings, use good judgment at all times and proceed with caution or pull over in inclement weather. And yes, accidents can occur, but that is the case with any form of travel, be it car, bus, plane, train or motorcycle.

While it's hard to convey to people who haven't traveled by motorcycle just how exhilarating a great bike trip is (you really have to go on one to understand), I am grateful for the opportunity to have had such memorable experiences that I will be telling stories about for years to come. I am also eagerly anticipating the future trips that Reggie and I will take and the bonds that we will continue to form as we meet other couples who share our love for riding.