My Journey to Riding Motorcycles
I’ve always been the one holding on tight as a passenger on my husband’s motorcycle, ever since he started riding at 14. But during a trip to South Dakota, something shifted. I looked at him and said, “When we get back, I want to ride.” His immediate response? “Absolutely not. I want you safe with me.” I wasn’t backing down, though. “I still want to do it,” I insisted. He relented, but on one condition: “Take the MSF classes—the motorcycle safety courses—and get your license that way.”
So, I did. After completing the classes and earning my license, it was all about practice. I rode, and rode, and rode some more. Those early days were nerve-wracking. Cars zoomed past me on the road, and the sheer intensity of it all felt overwhelming at times. But I kept at it, determined to improve. Now, my husband brags that I ride better than some of his experienced riding friends—a compliment I never expected but wear with pride.
By my second summer of riding, I found myself at Sturgis, one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the world. As part of the mere 2% of women riders there, I felt like I’d earned my place. We cruised through the Black Hills and the mountains of South Dakota, and I can’t even begin to describe the thrill of riding my bike to see Mount Rushmore. The wind, the open road, the sheer freedom—it was unforgettable. Then we rode to Crazy Horse, a place that holds deep meaning for me.
Crazy Horse isn’t just a monument; it’s tied to my family’s history. My dad, a history buff who should’ve been a college professor, has always been fascinated by the Lakota Nation. Growing up, he taught us about their culture and history, and he even became a donor, helping fund education for a few Lakota students. Riding to Crazy Horse felt like a way to honor that connection, blending my newfound love for riding with the stories and values my dad instilled in me.
Riding has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way to feel alive, to connect with the world, and to carry forward the things that matter most to me.