Ladies Who …
Ride Harley-Davidsons Motorcycles aren’t just for men anymore Compiled by Myriam Valdez
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Photos by Jessica Frey
hey overcame accidents, personal struggles as well as financial and physical limitations, yet these brave women never look back on their challenges. With a combined 60-plus years on the road, these women are expert riders. Whether it’s the allure of independence on the road, the romance of riding with a companion, or the thirst for adventure that motivates these lady-riders, each ride their Harleys with a confidence and joy.
Q What kind of Harley do you ride? Amy: I started on a Kawasaki 750 that my husband gave me one year as a Valentine’s Day present. He taught me how to ride. I rode that bike for about eight or nine years while I saved for my dream bike — a Harley. I saved bottles and cans for more than five years to use toward my down payment as I did not want to sacrifice the household budget while the kids were still small. I now ride a purple Harley Fatboy. Charlotte: My first bike was a 1999 Softail Standard and now I ride a 2005 Heritage Softail Classic. My license plate says “MA HOGG” — yep, that’s me! The color is teal and ivory with goldflake pinstriping. My husband David’s plate says “PA HOGG.” We have also bought a starter bike for our girls and the youngest daughter, Sara, rides it. We want the licensce plate to say “LIL HOGG.” June: I have a 2011 apple green 103 Street Glide (the only one in town). His name is Gat (green apple tini). I recently got a helmet painted to match. Stormi: I ride a 2001 Dyna Super Glide Harley Davidson.
Q: What got you into riding Harleys? Amy: I have always loved riding motorcycles and can remember going for rides with my uncle when he would be around with his motorcycle. Charlotte: My husband, David, got me started. He had ridden motorcycles all of his life and we bought the first Harley, a 1999 Softail Standard, in April 2000. We rode it together for a couple of years, and then I decided I wanted to ride my own. June: I was in class and the professor told the class that we need 106
Bakersfield Life
July 2012
to think out of our own self health care. As up-and-coming therapists, we will be hearing other peoples’ issues along with some traumatic events. We need to find a hobby or some type of outlet. I happened to hear a motorcycle go down the street. I thought, “Hey, my brother has a Harley, so why not?” I really don’t need to buy too much equipment, and I can go any time or any day I want.
Stormi: I started riding on the back of a Harley with my boyfriend and soon after, I knew I wanted my own! I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I knew I could do it.
Q How long have you been riding? Amy: I have been riding motorcycles for 23-plus years.
Charlotte: I have been riding for about 10 or 11 years. I did take a break from riding for five to six months while I recuperated from my accident, but I was riding by myself again in August. June: I have been riding for about 26 years off and on. I first started riding motorcycles when I was 19. Stormi: I’ve been riding for three years.
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What have you had to overcome to continue to ride? Amy: The only obstacle is that I am only 5-feet 1-inch tall and most bikes are made for taller people. With the help of the Harley dealer and the parts department, I was able to lower the bike to make it just the right size for me. Charlotte: On the morning of Feb. 9, 2008, my husband and I were riding to Visalia to the Harley shop in Goshen. Just after we took off, a car coming toward us made a left turn in between us, almost catching the back of David’s bike, but hit me. The accident necessitated that my leg be amputated. I now have a store-bought leg. I have a tattoo on it that didn’t hurt, and I can change it as often as I like. I have a little bling on the inside of my ankle that shines in the sunlight. I even have toes with toenail polish and can wear flip-flops if I Velcro them on. I just need to get a toe ring on it still. I have a swimming/shower leg that allows me to get it wet, so I can go to the ocean and boogie board, surf or just dance in the rain if I want. I go to an amputee support group meeting once a month at HealthSouth, and I feel like it has helped me and that maybe I have helped someone else. June: Marriage. He preferred me riding on the back than getting Continued on page 108